Last additions
018-IMG_5849.jpg
Kichijoji Falls 吉祥寺滝Feb 16, 2007
017-IMG_5810.jpg
Kichijoji Falls 吉祥寺滝Feb 16, 2007
015-IMG_5808.jpg
Downstream of fallsFeb 16, 2007
014-IMG_5789.jpg
GorgeFeb 16, 2007
016-IMG_5815.jpg
Akikawa River below Kichijoji Falls, Hinohara, TokyoFeb 16, 2007
013-IMG_5860.jpg
Down to Kichijoji Falls, right next to the highway.Feb 16, 2007
010-IMG_5772.jpg
Bus stop for Kichijoji Falls near central Hinohara.Feb 16, 2007
012-IMG_5859.jpg
Explanation signFeb 16, 2007
011-IMG_5858.jpg
To Kichijoji FallsFeb 16, 2007
046-IMG_5749.jpg
Honshuku, center of HinoharaFeb 16, 2007
042-IMG_5757.jpg
Akikawa RiverFeb 16, 2007
043-IMG_5758.jpg
Akikawa RiverFeb 16, 2007
044-IMG_5765.jpg
Akikawa RiverFeb 16, 2007
038-IMG_5730.jpg
Trail back to the entranceFeb 16, 2007
039-IMG_5733.jpg
Made in Hinohara, konnyakuFeb 16, 2007
040-IMG_5736.jpg
Bridge with waterfall motifFeb 16, 2007
045-IMG_5766.jpg
Feb 16, 2007
035-IMG_5713.jpg
The waterfall is actually a series of four falls, only two of which can be seen.Feb 16, 2007
034-IMG_5711.jpg
Hossawa Falls is one of Japan's 100 Famous Falls. 日本の滝百選Feb 16, 2007
036-IMG_5715.jpg
Total height of the falls is 60 meters, from the top falls not visible.Feb 16, 2007
041-IMG_5739.jpg
Akikawa River near the waterfall entranceFeb 16, 2007
031-IMG_5691.jpg
Ice crystals on rocksFeb 16, 2007
030-IMG_5699.jpg
Ice crystals and running water. Normally, the Hossawa waterfall freezes over in winter.Feb 16, 2007
032-IMG_5707.jpg
Hossawa Falls, Hinohara, TokyoFeb 16, 2007
037-IMG_5680.jpg
Monument saying "Thanks you for the pure water."Feb 16, 2007
028-IMG_5685.jpg
Hossawa FallsFeb 16, 2007
026-IMG_5684.jpg
Hossawa Falls, Hinohara, TokyoFeb 16, 2007
029-IMG_5689.jpg
Hossawa FallsFeb 16, 2007
033-IMG_5709.jpg
Also see the video at YouTube.Feb 16, 2007
024-IMG_5674.jpg
Finally, a sign of the waterfall.Feb 16, 2007
020-IMG_5664.jpg
MonumentsFeb 16, 2007
025-IMG_5677.jpg
There it is. Notice the smaller falls at the top.Feb 16, 2007
022-IMG_5673.jpg
Picnic pavilion near the waterfall.Feb 16, 2007
027-IMG_5686.jpg
Base of Hossawa FallsFeb 16, 2007
023-IMG_5672.jpg
Sign in English explaining the rules (take home your trash, don't dirty the water, etc.)Feb 16, 2007
021-IMG_5669.jpg
This is not the waterfall.Feb 16, 2007
018-IMG_5723.jpg
Feb 16, 2007
019-IMG_5727.jpg
Small river below, fed by the waterfallFeb 16, 2007
016-IMG_5663.jpg
Beware of falling rocksFeb 16, 2007
017-IMG_5721.jpg
It's a short trail, but very nature-richFeb 16, 2007
015-IMG_5660.jpg
Trail to Hossawa Falls is very lushFeb 16, 2007
014-IMG_5654.jpg
Trail to Hossawa FallsFeb 16, 2007
012-IMG_5650.jpg
Signboard showing Hinohara's waterfallsFeb 16, 2007
010-IMG_5641.jpg
Area around entrance to Hossawa FallsFeb 16, 2007
013-IMG_5652.jpg
Trail to Hossawa FallsFeb 16, 2007
011-IMG_5642.jpg
Entrance to Hossawa Falls (free admission)Feb 16, 2007
nk442-IMG_1248.jpg
Tokonoma alcove and scroll in Ando HouseJan 29, 2007
nk444-IMG_1250.jpg
Jan 29, 2007
nk443-IMG_1249.jpg
Tokonoma alcove in Ando HouseJan 29, 2007
nk445-IMG_1252.jpg
2nd floor of Ando HouseJan 29, 2007
nk438-IMG_1242.jpg
Tokonoma alcove in Ando HouseJan 29, 2007
nk439-IMG_1243.jpg
Signboard in Ando HouseJan 29, 2007
nk440-IMG_1245.jpg
Ando House also has a uniquely-designed room painted by Kitaoji Rosanjin who once lodged in the house while designing the room around 1912. Sometimes the room is opened to the public, but photography is not allowed.Jan 29, 2007
nk441-IMG_1247.jpg
Room in Ando HouseJan 29, 2007
nk436-IMG_1229.jpg
Room with Hama Chirimen display. Ando House MAPJan 29, 2007
nk434-IMG_1226.jpg
Inside Ando House. This house was rented from the Ando family by Nagahama and used as a tourist attraction for 10 years until March 31, 2008 when it was closed. It reopened in April 2012.Jan 29, 2007
nk435-IMG_1228.jpg
Room inside Ando House. The city operated the house in the red, the main reason it closed the house in 2008. Reopened in April 2012.Jan 29, 2007
nk437-IMG_1231.jpg
Hama Chirimen 浜ちりめんJan 29, 2007
yo402-IMG_0347.jpg
Inside Yokaichi Library. Giant kite with the words for "Knowledge" is written.Jan 29, 2007
yo403-IMG_0350.jpg
2nd floor gallery area.Jan 29, 2007
yo401-IMG_0345.jpg
Yokaichi LibraryJan 29, 2007
yo400-IMG_0344.jpg
Kite sculptureJan 29, 2007
yo251-IMG_0358.jpg
Honmachi Shopping Arcade's shuttered doors.Jan 29, 2007
yo250-IMG_0360.jpg
Honmachi Shopping Arcade, now almost devoid of people.Jan 29, 2007
yo217-9703.jpg
The Yokaichi Station building was replaced by a new building in 1998. March 1, 1997 was the last day when the old station building was used before it was torn down. Omi Railways issued this commemorative ticket to mark the occasion.The drawing of the station and my photograph look almost exactly the same. The same advertising and billboards are on the building. Even the vending machines on the left are pictured in both.Jan 29, 2007
yo216-9111-9.jpg
Old Yokaichi Station. My first picture of Yokaichi, before this old station was torn down in 1997. I had to change trains at Yokaichi Station on the Omi Railway Line and had time to step out and take this picture. 旧八日市駅It was a small station, but the wooden building looked quite charming. There was nothing in front of the station, just a large paved area. A far cry from what it looks like today. Power/telephone lines are also underground, making the streets look clean and attractive. Jan 29, 2007
yo214-IMG_3501.jpg
Kite decoration on mailbox outside the station.Jan 29, 2007
yo210-IMG_3500.jpg
Large kite in Yokaichi Station.Jan 29, 2007
yo212-IMG_3397.jpg
View from station window. The area in front of the station is now lined with shops like Heiwado department store.Jan 29, 2007
yo211-IMG_3396.jpg
A kite hangs inside the airy pyramid roof of the station building.Jan 29, 2007
yo206-IMG_3393.jpg
Ohmi Railways Yokaichi Station. A modern ferro-concrete building was completed in June 1998 to replace the old wooden building.Jan 29, 2007
IMG_3935.jpg
Jan 29, 2007
IMG_3933.jpg
Jan 29, 2007
84mar12-23.jpg
Jan 29, 2007
84mar12-22.jpg
Jan 29, 2007
84mar12-16.jpg
An awesome sight in Minabe, Wakayama.Jan 29, 2007
84mar12-21.jpg
Jan 29, 2007
84mar12-17.jpg
Plum blossomsJan 29, 2007
84mar12-20.jpg
Jan 29, 2007
84mar12-11.jpg
Minabe boasts Japan's largest plum tree groves. The trees cover the mountain slopes and a sweet aroma prevails. JR Minabe StationJan 29, 2007
84mar12-14.jpg
Plum blossomsJan 29, 2007
84mar12-12.jpg
Entrance to Minabe Plum Grove. The best time is around mid-Feb. 南部梅林Jan 29, 2007
84mar12-13.jpg
Slopes covered with plum trees.Jan 29, 2007
103-IMG_0451.jpg
Okaya City Hall 岡谷市役所Jan 29, 2007
102-IMG_3653.jpg
Onbashira manhole in Okaya, Nagano.Jan 29, 2007
101-IMG_3540.jpg
Bridge with a mountain design, over Tenryu River.Jan 29, 2007
054-IMG_3812.jpg
Ilf Douga Museum, works by Takei Takeo 武井武雄余技作品展示室Jan 29, 2007
055-IMG_3813.jpg
Ilf Doga MuseumJan 29, 2007
056-IMG_3814.jpg
Ramu-ramu Coffee Shop in Ilf Doga Museum 喫茶ラムラムJan 29, 2007
100-IMG_3535.jpg
Along Tenryu River in winter.Jan 29, 2007
050-IMG_3806.jpg
Doga-kan-dori street leading to Ilf Plaza.Jan 29, 2007
053-IMG_3811.jpg
Ilf Doga Museum, works by Takei Takeo 武井武雄作品展示室Jan 29, 2007
051-IMG_3808.jpg
Ilf Plaza, with shops and a culture center. イルフプラザJan 29, 2007
052-IMG_3810.jpg
Ilf Doga Museum イルフ童画館Jan 29, 2007
013-IMG_3804.jpg
Lala store in front of Okaya Station. A small city hall office inside might be able to give tourist info.Jan 29, 2007
010-IMG_3532.jpg
JR Okaya Station platform. JR岡谷駅Jan 29, 2007
012-IMG_3534.jpg
View from train station overpassJan 29, 2007
011-IMG_3905.jpg
JR Okaya Station platformJan 29, 2007
62-127_2781.jpg
Oguchi Taro song monumentJan 28, 2007
095-97-127_2784.jpg
Tenryu River at sunsetJan 28, 2007
091-IMG_3657.jpg
Jan 28, 2007
094-96-127_2751.jpg
Map of lake shore areaJan 28, 2007
090-IMG_3668.jpg
Lakeside parkJan 28, 2007
093-94-127_2766.jpg
Water fountain and azaleas in springJan 28, 2007
092-93-127_2759.jpg
Water fountain and azaleas in springJan 28, 2007
087-IMG_3640.jpg
Jan 28, 2007
086-IMG_3638.jpg
Mother and child sculptureJan 28, 2007
089-IMG_3669.jpg
PlaygroundJan 28, 2007
082-IMG_3646.jpg
DucksJan 28, 2007
083-IMG_3649.jpg
Ducks fly away on Lake Suwa.Jan 28, 2007
088-IMG_3641.jpg
Lakeside parkJan 28, 2007
084-IMG_3650.jpg
Ducks fly to safety.Jan 28, 2007
078-92-127_2761.jpg
Jan 28, 2007
085-IMG_3634.jpg
SculptureJan 28, 2007
079-91-127_2754.jpg
Water fountainJan 28, 2007
080-IMG_3686.jpg
Jan 28, 2007
081-IMG_3632.jpg
Lakeside parkJan 28, 2007
075-IMG_3822.jpg
Jan 28, 2007
074-IMG_3624.jpg
Oguchi Taro monumentJan 28, 2007
076-IMG_3821.jpg
Locomotive from Ohio, USA used in the 1930s.Jan 28, 2007
077-IMG_3631.jpg
Sculpture in lakeside parkJan 28, 2007
070-IMG_3608.jpg
Lake Suwa during a warm winter.Jan 28, 2007
072-IMG_3621.jpg
Jan 28, 2007
071-IMG_3619.jpg
Jan 28, 2007
073-IMG_3666.jpg
Jan 28, 2007
069-IMG_3826.jpg
Carp caught from Lake SuwaJan 28, 2007
067-IMG_3570.jpg
Jan 28, 2007
068-95-127_2735.jpg
Kamaguchi FloodgateJan 28, 2007
066-IMG_3569.jpg
Bridge across Kamaguchi FloodgateJan 28, 2007
062-IMG_3831.jpg
Lake SuwaJan 28, 2007
065-IMG_3548.jpg
Bridge across Kamaguchi FloodgateJan 28, 2007
063-IMG_3547.jpg
Lake Suwa and bridgeJan 28, 2007
064-IMG_3573.jpg
Jan 28, 2007
061-IMG_3830.jpg
Lake SuwaJan 28, 2007
060-IMG_3829.jpg
Lakeside parkJan 28, 2007
058-IMG_3552.jpg
Lakeside parkJan 28, 2007
059-IMG_3555.jpg
Lakeside parkJan 28, 2007
057-IMG_3662.jpg
Jan 28, 2007
054-IMG_3562.jpg
Lake Suwa and mountainsJan 28, 2007
056-IMG_3660.jpg
Jan 28, 2007
055-IMG_3561.jpg
Jan 28, 2007
053-IMG_3557.jpg
Lake Suwa and mountainsJan 28, 2007
050-IMG_3549.jpg
Lake SuwaJan 28, 2007
052-IMG_3565.jpg
Lake Suwa and mountainsJan 28, 2007
051-IMG_3828.jpg
Lake SuwaJan 28, 2007
018-IMG_3993.jpg
Live orchestra playing swing jazz. 有川新二&ザ・グレイ・ラスカルズオーケストラ「なつかしのスウイングジャズ」Jan 28, 2007
027-IMG_4016.jpg
Everyone got to take home a gift bag of negi green onions, mochi, and other goodies.Jan 28, 2007
022-IMG_4002.jpg
Consolation prize for people who didn't win anything. 当たらなかった人にも残り少々の景品Jan 28, 2007
026-IMG_4014.jpg
BanzaiJan 28, 2007
028-IMG_3977.jpg
Gift bags.Jan 28, 2007
023-IMG_4003.jpg
Singing "Biwako Shuko no Uta" 琵琶湖周航の歌Jan 28, 2007
025-IMG_4007.jpg
Singing "Biwako Shuko no Uta" in a large circle.Jan 28, 2007
024-IMG_4009.jpg
Singing "Biwako Shuko no Uta"Jan 28, 2007
021-IMG_3996.jpg
People come to claim their prizes. 景品を受けるJan 28, 2007
020-IMG_3975.jpg
Prizes. 抽選会の景品Jan 28, 2007
019-IMG_3995.jpg
Drawing for prizes donated by Shiga businesses. 抽選会Jan 28, 2007
017-IMG_3986.jpg
Mochi for all, dressing was grated daikon and dried bonito shavings.Jan 28, 2007
015-IMG_3979.jpg
BuffetJan 28, 2007
014-IMG_3973.jpg
Buffet dinner in Providence Hall, Tokyo Prince HotelJan 28, 2007
016-IMG_3987.jpg
Mochi-tsuki 餅つき大会Jan 28, 2007
011-IMG_3941.jpg
National Diet members in Tokyo representing Shiga Prefecture. 滋賀の議員Jan 28, 2007
012-IMG_3953.jpg
Each Diet member gave a short speech.Jan 28, 2007
013-IMG_3963.jpg
Jan 28, 2007
010-IMG_3936.jpg
Tokyo Shiga Kenjinkai New Year's Party 2007 平成19年 東京滋賀県人会 新年賀詞交歓会Party fee was 7,000 yen.Jan 28, 2007
041-IMG_4260.jpg
Making candles.Jan 27, 2007
038-IMG_4234.jpg
Entrance to crafts booths. 工芸展Jan 27, 2007
040-IMG_4261.jpg
Kimono in the middle costs 1,995,000 yen. However the most expensive thing I saw was a Buddhist altar selling for 40 million yen (lots of gold leaf).Jan 27, 2007
039-IMG_4233.jpg
Omi crafts boothsJan 27, 2007
037-IMG_4235.jpg
Jan 27, 2007
034-IMG_4257.jpg
MochiJan 27, 2007
036-IMG_4259.jpg
Adoberry sweets, from Adogawa, Takashima.Jan 27, 2007
035-IMG_4258.jpg
Adoberry sweets, from Adogawa, Takashima.Jan 27, 2007
033-IMG_4256.jpg
Mochi makingJan 27, 2007
030-IMG_4252.jpg
Omi beef, each pack here cost over 2,000 yen. 近江牛Jan 27, 2007
031-IMG_4254.jpg
Jan 27, 2007
029-IMG_4251.jpg
Vegetable jamJan 27, 2007
032-IMG_4255.jpg
Stamp of Approval from ShigaJan 27, 2007
028-IMG_4250.jpg
Ibuki HamJan 27, 2007
026-IMG_4248.jpg
Fish and shellfish from Lake BiwaJan 27, 2007
025-IMG_4246.jpg
Jan 27, 2007
027-IMG_4249.jpg
Ibuki HamJan 27, 2007
024-IMG_4244.jpg
Funa-zushi 鮒寿しJan 27, 2007
023-IMG_4243.jpg
Jan 27, 2007
021-IMG_4239.jpg
Grand Omi Fair on 8th floorJan 27, 2007
019-IMG_4264.jpg
Jan 27, 2007
022-IMG_4242.jpg
Tourist corner with samurai armor of Hikone's Ii Clan.Jan 27, 2007
020-IMG_4265.jpg
1st floor of Takashimaya Dept. Store.Jan 27, 2007
018-IMG_4232.jpg
PR exhibit for the Grand Omi Fair on the 8th floor.Jan 27, 2007
015-IMG_4228.jpg
Exhibit of Nagahama bonsai plum trees and folding screen from Hikone, 1st floor of Takashimaya Dept. Store during the Grand Omi Fair.Jan 27, 2007
017-IMG_4229.jpg
Folding screen from Hikone (National Treasure).Jan 27, 2007
014-IMG_4222.jpg
1st floor of Takashimaya Dept. Store.Jan 27, 2007
016-IMG_4225.jpg
Jan 27, 2007
013-IMG_4221.jpg
Takashimaya got its name from Takashima, Shiga Prefecture.Jan 27, 2007
011-IMG_4271.jpg
Way to Takashimaya Dept. Store in Nihombashi subway station.Jan 27, 2007
012-IMG_4217.jpg
Takashimaya Department Store in Nihombashi, Tokyo. Takashimaya got its name from Takashima, Shiga Prefecture.Jan 27, 2007
010-IMG_4266.jpg
Way to Takashimaya Dept. Store in Nihonbashi subway station.Jan 27, 2007
008-IMG_4195.jpg
Chuo-dori avenue looking toward Nihonbashi Bridge.Jan 27, 2007
009-IMG_4196.jpg
Nihonbashi Bridge ahead, with the expressway over it.Jan 27, 2007
039-IMG_4084.jpg
Distances from the Zero Milestone to major cities such as Chiba, Mito, and Sapporo.Jan 27, 2007
040-IMG_4118.jpg
Distances from the Zero Milestone to major cities such as Yokohama, Kyoto, and Kagoshima.Jan 27, 2007
038-IMG_4094.jpg
Japan's Zero Milestone 日本国道路元標Jan 27, 2007
035-IMG_4096.jpg
Memorial square for the Zero Milestone for the Five Major RoadsJan 27, 2007
036-IMG_4091.jpg
Jan 27, 2007
034-IMG_4121.jpg
Jan 27, 2007
030-IMG_4077.jpg
Jan 27, 2007
031-IMG_4075.jpg
Jan 27, 2007
041-IMG_4122.jpg
Jan 27, 2007
037-IMG_4092.jpg
Japan's Zero Milestone for Roads 日本国道路元標Jan 27, 2007
032-IMG_4102.jpg
Jan 27, 2007
026-IMG_4053.jpg
Looking toward Nihonbashi on Chuo-doriJan 27, 2007
033-IMG_4105.jpg
Nihonbashi as seen from Mitsukoshi Dept. Store.Jan 27, 2007
027-IMG_4062.jpg
Bridge lampsJan 27, 2007
029-IMG_4046.jpg
Jan 27, 2007
023-IMG_4045.jpg
Expressway above the bridge.Jan 27, 2007
022-IMG_4041.jpg
Sky roofJan 27, 2007
025-IMG_4125.jpg
Nihonbashi RiverJan 27, 2007
028-IMG_4069.jpg
Gargoyles on bridgeJan 27, 2007
024-IMG_4050.jpg
One of the worse urban-planning decisions of the 1960s.Jan 27, 2007
021-IMG_4174.jpg
The double-arched bridge was built in 1911, made of granite.Jan 27, 2007
018-IMG_4161.jpg
Nihonbashi Bridge side viewJan 27, 2007
019-IMG_4148.jpg
Nihonbashi Bridge monumentJan 27, 2007
020-IMG_4146.jpg
The local neighborhood association wants this expressway to go underground.Jan 27, 2007
015-IMG_4156.jpg
Jan 27, 2007
017-IMG_4166.jpg
Bridge ornamentsJan 27, 2007
014-IMG_4036.jpg
Jan 27, 2007
016-IMG_4163.jpg
Jan 27, 2007
010-IMG_4025.jpg
Jan 27, 2007
013-IMG_4032.jpg
Nihonbashi Bridge today is the 19th reconstructed Nihonbashi Bridge since 1603. 日本橋Jan 27, 2007
011-IMG_4026.jpg
The original Nihonbashi Bridge was built in 1603, out of wood.Jan 27, 2007
012-IMG_4171.jpg
Nihonbashi Bridge and the ugly expressway above.Jan 27, 2007
032-IMG_2936.jpg
Memorial marking Itoh Chobe'e's house, right near Itoh Chube'e's house. Chobe'e was Chube'e's older brother and co-founder of Marubeni Corporation.Jan 27, 2007
032-18.jpg
Jan 27, 2007
032-19.jpg
Jan 27, 2007
015-IMG_2926.jpg
Jan 27, 2007
016-IMG_3021.jpg
Toyosato Station platform.Jan 27, 2007
017-IMG_2923.jpg
Jan 27, 2007
014-032-15.jpg
Jan 27, 2007
013-IMG_3013.jpg
Jan 27, 2007
012-IMG_3015.jpg
Jan 27, 2007
011-IMG_3012.jpg
Inside Toyosato Station.Jan 27, 2007
010-IMG_2928.jpg
Ohmi Railways Toyosato Station. MAPJan 27, 2007
031-IMG_2931.jpg
Built in 1935, a memorial for Itoh Chube'e in Kurenai Park. くれない園Jan 27, 2007
030-IMG_2975.jpg
Bathroom sinkJan 27, 2007
029-IMG_2974.jpg
Western-style bath from the early 20th century. Very unusual at the time. 西洋風バスルームJan 27, 2007
027-IMG_2969.jpg
KitchenJan 27, 2007
026-IMG_2966.jpg
Jan 27, 2007
025-IMG_2968.jpg
KitchenJan 27, 2007
028-IMG_2970.jpg
Stove 炊事場Jan 27, 2007
022-IMG_2978.jpg
In 1998, the house was donated to a local foundation. In 2002, the house was opened to the public.Jan 27, 2007
023-IMG_2979.jpg
Exhibits of Itoh Chube'e II, the son of the founder Chube'e (1842-1903).Jan 27, 2007
021-IMG_2973.jpg
Tokonoma alcove and scroll. 奥の間Jan 27, 2007
024-IMG_2980.jpg
Bust of Itoh Chube'e II (1886-1973), his walking sticks, bag, and shoes.Jan 27, 2007
71466 files on 284 page(s) 247