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Rest area inside Gosho-no-yu (御所の湯).Dec 25, 2018
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Very nice outdoor bath. Large entrance hall or lobby of Gosho-no-yu (御所の湯).Dec 25, 2018
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Entrnce hall of Gosho-no-yu (御所の湯). Men's entrance on the right. The outdoor bath faced a waterfall. Very nice. I got no bath photos because a few naked men were there.Dec 25, 2018
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Gosho-no-yu (御所の湯).Dec 25, 2018
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Gosho-no-yu public bath in Kinosaki Onsen, Toyooka, Hyogo. Looks palatial. (御所の湯).Dec 25, 2018
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Next public bath looks like a Buddhist temple or palace. It's Gosho-no-yu (御所の湯). Dec 25, 2018
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Gosho-no-yu (御所の湯). It means "Imperial Palace Hot Spring." Open 7:00 am–11:00 pm, closed on the first and third Thursdays of the month.Dec 25, 2018
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Kiyamachi Koji shopping complex.Dec 25, 2018
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Walking further along the mian drag.Dec 25, 2018
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Main drag outside Ichinoyu.Dec 25, 2018
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Near Ichinoyu is this fountain for drinkable hot spring water.Dec 25, 2018
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View from the cavern bath.Dec 25, 2018
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Ichinoyu's outdoor bath is in a small cavern.Dec 25, 2018
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Men's indoor bath at Ichinoyu.Dec 25, 2018
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The building is right next to a rock wall.Dec 25, 2018
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Inside Ichinoyu public bath. Men's bath entrance on the left. 一の湯Dec 25, 2018
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Ichinoyu public bath. 一の湯Dec 25, 2018
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Ichinoyu public bath. Went in this one. 一の湯Dec 25, 2018
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Ichinoyu, perhaps the most famous public bath in Kinosaki Onsen. Looks like a kabuki theater. 一の湯Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture.Dec 25, 2018
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Foot bath next to Ichinoyu public bath. 海内第一泉Dec 25, 2018
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Foot bath next to Ichinoyu public bath. 海内第一泉Dec 25, 2018
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Kinosaki Onsen's roadside shrines for Kishimojin goddess and Life-prolonging Jizo for the protection of children. 鬼子母善神Dec 25, 2018
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Otani River has four stone bridges and each one has a name.Dec 25, 2018
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People are encouraged to stroll around Kinosaki Onsen while wearing yukata. You can see more of them in the evening.Dec 25, 2018
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About Yanagi-yu public bath. 柳湯Dec 25, 2018
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It says "Kinosaki Onsen well matches people in yukata."Dec 25, 2018
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Yanagi-yu public bath in Kinosaki Onsen, Toyooka, Hyogo. "Yanagi" means willow tree. The third public bath I've seen (but didn't enter). Open 3:00 pm–11:00 pm, closed. Thu. 柳湯Dec 25, 2018
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The hot spring water came from the bottom of a willow tree for this public bath. Wooden interior.Dec 25, 2018
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The traditional building is Yanagi-yu. 柳湯Dec 25, 2018
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Willow trees along the river at Kinosaki Onsen spa.Dec 25, 2018
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Willow trees along the river at Kinosaki Onsen hot spring. Dec 25, 2018
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Willow trees along the river at Kinosaki Onsen hot spring. 柳の木Dec 25, 2018
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About Jizo-yu. 地蔵湯Dec 25, 2018
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Walking further along the picturesque river.Dec 25, 2018
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Dressing and locker room for men at Jizo-yu.Dec 25, 2018
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Entrance hall of Jizo-yu. Entrance for the men's bath on the left, and women on the right. Jizo-yu also has private baths. 地蔵湯All the public baths are segregated for men and women. A few of the public baths also have private baths that families or couples can rent.Dec 25, 2018
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Guests who stay at a ryokan in Kinosaki Onsen can visit all seven public baths for free. But daytrippers like me have to pay admission for each one, costing ¥600 or ¥700. However, they have a public bath day pass for only ¥1,200 (外湯めぐり券). Use it to enter all seven. Great deal! Definitely one of the best bargains in Japan!Dec 25, 2018
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Jizo statue at Jizo-yu public bath.Dec 25, 2018
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Jizo-yu public bath in Kinosaki Onsen, Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture. Open 7:00 am–11:00 pm, closed Fri. 地蔵湯Dec 25, 2018
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The second public bath I came across is Jizo-yu.Dec 25, 2018
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Even the convenience stores were designed to blend in with the local townscape. Dec 25, 2018
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The main drag of Kinosaki Onsen goes along the Otani River (Otanigawa) lined with pretty willow trees. 大谿川Dec 25, 2018
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Walking further along the main drag, some pictureque buildings. Kinosaki Onsen is a compact hot spring town, most things are within walking distance.Dec 25, 2018
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Entrance to Sato-no-Yu Onsen. I didn't go in this one though. さとの湯Dec 25, 2018
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Free foot bath at Sato-no-Yu Onsen さとの湯. Great to relax your feet before getting on the train.Dec 25, 2018
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Sato-no-Yu Onsen さとの湯Dec 25, 2018
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Next to JR Kinosaki Onsen Station is one of the seven celebrated public baths. This one is named Sato-no-Yu Onsen. Chinese-style building that includes a cold bath. Open 1:00 pm–9:00 pm, closed Mon. さとの湯Dec 25, 2018
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Drinkabke hot spring water in front of JR Kinosaki Onsen Station.Dec 25, 2018
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In front of JR Kinosaki Onsen Station.Dec 25, 2018
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Inside JR Kinosaki Onsen Station.Dec 25, 2018
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Next to the station is this collection of donated geta wooden clogs from local inns.Dec 25, 2018
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JR Kinosaki Onsen Station on the JR San'in Line.Dec 25, 2018
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Scenic train ride from Toyooka to Kinosaki Onsen.Dec 25, 2018
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Kinosaki Onsen's main highlight are its seven public hot spring baths (sotoyu 外湯). Some of them look palatial, and they are all distinctly different, the baths, decor, etc.Kinosaki Onsen has a long history of 1,300 years. A favorite hot spring for centuries.Dec 25, 2018
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Toyooka also has Kinosaki Onsen (城崎温泉), a hot spring only 10 min. away by train from Toyooka Station. It's one of the best onsen I've ever visited in Japan.Dec 25, 2018
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Lots of soba restaurants in Izushi. This lunch cost ¥870. You can also order more plates of noodles. The history of Izushi soba goes way back to the early 18th century when the local lord brought it from Nagano (Shinano soba). 出石そばDec 25, 2018
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These five plates are not much for the average stomach. It was a good snack. 出石そばDec 25, 2018
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About the Samurai residence.Dec 25, 2018
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Izushi soba is famous for having cold soba served on five small plates. Dip the noodles in the broth while adding different garnishes like grated yam, onions, and raw egg. 出石そばDec 25, 2018
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Samurai residence.Dec 25, 2018
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Gift shop in Izushi.Dec 25, 2018
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Izushi Town HallDec 25, 2018
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Gift shop in Izushi.Dec 25, 2018
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On Nov. 3, Izushi holds the Oshiro Matsuri to reenact the daimyo procession.Dec 25, 2018
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Going back down through the torii gates.Dec 25, 2018
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Japanese pine tree.Dec 25, 2018
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Shinkoro Clock Tower as seen from Izushi Castle.Dec 25, 2018
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Views of Izushi from Izushi Castle.Dec 25, 2018
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Views of Izushi from Izushi Castle.Dec 25, 2018
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Views of Izushi.Dec 25, 2018
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Atop Izushi Castle's main foundation also gives great views of Izushi.Dec 25, 2018
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Ariko-yama Inari Jinja Shrine atop Izushi Castle's main foundation. 有子山稲荷神社 Dec 25, 2018
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Ariko-yama Inari Jinja Shrine atop Izushi Castle's main foundation. 有子山稲荷神社 Dec 25, 2018
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Ariko-yama Inari Jinja Shrine atop Izushi Castle's main foundation. 有子山稲荷神社 Dec 25, 2018
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Ferns and trees make the place solemn.Dec 25, 2018
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The torii gate path goes along the east side of Izushi Castle.Dec 25, 2018
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There are over 30 torii gates to the shrine.Dec 25, 2018
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Torii gates to Ariko-yama Inari Jinja Shrine atop Izushi Castle's main foundation. 有子山稲荷神社Dec 25, 2018
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Entrance to the path of torii gates to Ariko-yama Inari Jinja Shrine atop Izushi Castle's main foundation. 有子山稲荷神社Dec 25, 2018
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Izushi Castle's West Corner Turret.Dec 25, 2018
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Izushi Castle's Honmaru has a large stone foundation for the main tower,Dec 25, 2018
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Izushi Castle's Honmaru has a large stone foundation for the main tower,Dec 25, 2018
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Izushi Castle's HonmaruDec 25, 2018
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Izushi Castle's Honmaru has a large stone foundation for the main tower,Dec 25, 2018
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East Corner Turret.Dec 25, 2018
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East Corner Turret.Dec 25, 2018
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East Corner Turret.Dec 25, 2018
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Reconstructed West Corner Turret is not open to the public. 西隅櫓Dec 25, 2018
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Castle wall.Dec 25, 2018
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Reconstructed West Corner Turret. 西隅櫓Dec 25, 2018
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Reconstructed West Corner Turret. 西隅櫓Dec 25, 2018
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Reconstructed West Corner Turret. 西隅櫓Dec 25, 2018
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Pulling out weeds from the stone wall.Dec 25, 2018
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Stone work on Izushi Castle.Dec 25, 2018
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Some stone walls and foundations still remain.Dec 25, 2018
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Izushi Castle is on a low hill. Only some steps to climb.Dec 25, 2018
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Castle moat.Dec 25, 2018
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Tojobashi Bridge to Izushi Castle's Tojomon Gate. 出石城 登城門・登城橋Dec 25, 2018
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Izushi Castle in Toyooka was built in the early 17th century. No original structures remain except for the stone walls and foundations. Reconstructed turrets and a small shrine are on the castle grounds. 出石城Dec 25, 2018
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Manhole with Shinkoro Clock Tower design in Izushi, Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture.Dec 25, 2018
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Manhole with Shinkoro Clock Tower design in Izushi, Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture.Dec 25, 2018
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About the Shinkoro Clock Tower. 辰鼓楼Dec 25, 2018
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Shinkoro Clock Tower was orignally used to beat taiko drums from 7 am to 9 am to notify people that the castle lord arrived at the castle. A mechanical clock from the Netherlands was later donated by a local doctor to make it a clock tower in 1881. 辰鼓Dec 25, 2018
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Shinkoro Clock Tower was first built in 1871 without any clock. 辰鼓楼Dec 25, 2018
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Shinkoro Clock Tower in Izushi, Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture is one of Japan's oldest clock towers along with the Sapporo Clock Tower also built in 1881. 辰鼓楼Dec 25, 2018
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Shinkoro Clock Tower in Izushi, Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture is one of Japan's oldest clock towers along with the Sapporo Clock Tower also built in 1881. 辰鼓楼Dec 25, 2018
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Izushi's symbol is the Shinkoro Clock Tower. This area is also a National Important Traditional Townscape Preservation District (重要伝統的建造物群保存地区). 辰鼓楼Dec 25, 2018
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The Izushi bus stop is conveniently located near Izushi Castle.Dec 25, 2018
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Way to Izushi Castle and Shinkoro Clock Tower.Dec 25, 2018
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In Japanese, Izushi is written as 出石 which we may normally pronounce in other ways. So even the local bus makes its clear with hiranaga on how it's pronounced. Very unusual pronunciation.Dec 25, 2018
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When visiting Toyooka, visiting Izushi is also highly recommended. Short bus ride from JR Toyooka Station to the Izushi bus stop here.Dec 25, 2018
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Other stairway.Dec 25, 2018
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Basement passage to the other end of the theater.Dec 25, 2018
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Stage wheels on a rail.Dec 25, 2018
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They turn the rotating stage by hand.Dec 25, 2018
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You can also go underneath the stage and see the revolving stage. It's rotated by hand. Wow neat, how often can you see something like this?Dec 25, 2018
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Go downstairs to the basement too.Dec 25, 2018
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Dressing room.Dec 25, 2018
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Bathtub for actors.Dec 25, 2018
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Dressing room.Dec 25, 2018
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Dressing room.Dec 25, 2018
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Dressing room.Dec 25, 2018
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Backstage has the dressing rooms for actors. Normally hidden by a curtain.Dec 25, 2018
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Inside a booth for instrument players.Dec 25, 2018
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Booth for instrument players.Dec 25, 2018
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Stage curtains.Dec 25, 2018
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View from the stage.Dec 25, 2018
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Rotating kabuki stage.Dec 25, 2018
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The revolving stage (mawari-butai). Above the stage in the back are dressing rooms for the performers. Normally hidden by a curtain.Dec 25, 2018
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Eirakukan's rotating kabuki stage.Dec 25, 2018
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Very retro.Dec 25, 2018
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Advertising posters on the walls.Dec 25, 2018
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Side seats.Dec 25, 2018
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Stage as seen from the back row.Dec 25, 2018
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Eirakukan Theater in Izushi, Toyooka, Hyogo.Dec 25, 2018
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The hanamichi on the left. You can walk on it too.Dec 25, 2018
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The hanamichi on the left. You can walk on it too and feel like a kabuki actor...Dec 25, 2018
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Inside Eirakukan. You can freely tour inside the theater. Very impressive and rare glimpse of a Meiji Period theater. That's the hanamichi on the left. You can walk on it too.Dec 25, 2018
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Theater lobby.Dec 25, 2018
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Theater lobby.Dec 25, 2018
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You have to take off your shoes.Dec 25, 2018
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Theater entrance on the side. The theater is a short walk from the Izushi bus stop and Izushi Castle.Dec 25, 2018
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The theater's original front entrance that is not used anymore because of the road right in front. They now use a side entrance.Dec 25, 2018
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The theater is in Izushi's National Important Traditional Townscape Preservation District (重要伝統的建造物群保存地区).Dec 25, 2018
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Izushi also has Eirakukan (永楽館), the Kansai Region's oldest kabuki theater built in 1901. It closed in 1964 due to the spread of television and other diversions.Years later, the theater was renovated and reopened in 2008. The theater puts on performances occasionally. Dec 25, 2018
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Eirakukan (永楽館), the Kansai Region's oldest kabuki theater built in 1901. Toward the left was the theater's front entrance that is not used anymore because of the road right in front. They now use a side entrance.Dec 25, 2018
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Even the mail box on Caban Street is designed like a bag...Their official website: http://cabanst.com/Dec 25, 2018
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Caban Street also had this place to repair or clean your bag.Dec 25, 2018
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On Caban Street, this drink vending machine designed like a bag. Toyooka, Hyogo.Dec 25, 2018
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On the left is a cloth bag vending machine.Dec 25, 2018
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Caban Street also had this place to repair or clean your bag.Dec 25, 2018
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Another bag shop on Caban Street.Dec 25, 2018
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Insde Artisan Avenue.Dec 25, 2018
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There are many bag companies here, most are high-end bags costing tens of thousands of yen. Some of them supply materials to world-famous bag makers.Dec 25, 2018
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Nice bags at Artisan Avenue.Dec 25, 2018
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Artisan Avenue sells high-end bags of all kinds made in Toyooka. These ones are similar to the ones that were first made in Toyooka.Dec 25, 2018
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How Toyooka became a bag-producing city. Dec 25, 2018
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Caban Street's most prominent bag shop is this one called Artisan Avenue. The front has a woven basket motif. Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture.Dec 25, 2018
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Caban Street in Toyooka, Hyogo. カバンストリートDec 25, 2018
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Toyobra bag shop on Caban Street.Dec 25, 2018
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Toyobra bag shop on Caban Street.Dec 25, 2018
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Caban Street is lined with several bag shops. カバンストリートDec 25, 2018
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Walk until you reach Caban Street. "Caban" or "kaban" means "bag." Not shopping bag, but ladies' bags, briefcases, etc.カバンストリートDec 25, 2018
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Toyooka's bag bus.Dec 25, 2018
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Toyooka in Hyogo Prefecture is a major producer of bags. Thier local bus even has a bag design.Dec 25, 2018
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Tobacco shop selling cigarettes. This kind of shop will likely become obsolete in Japan.Dec 25, 2018
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Vintage building housing a restaurant.Dec 25, 2018
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Toyooka City HallDec 25, 2018
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Toyooka City HallDec 25, 2018
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The sidewalk lined with shops have a roof so we're okay even on rainy days.Dec 25, 2018
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Kimono shop.Dec 25, 2018
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Always a reminder of what this city is famous for. Oriental white stork tiles on the sidealk.Dec 25, 2018
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The area near JR Toyooka Station is also nice for walking around. In front of the station is Aity, a shopping complex. Where I went for groceries and dinner.Dec 25, 2018
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The street in front of Toyooka Station is lined with shops too. Sun Stork Avenue.Dec 25, 2018
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The crowd going home. Most went to Sannomiya Station.Dec 19, 2018
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People lined up to donate money and ring this bell.Dec 19, 2018
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Promoting Rugby World Cup in 2019. Kobe is one of the venues.Dec 19, 2018
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Booth promoting Rugby World Cup in 2019. Kobe is one of the venues.Dec 19, 2018
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Souvenir boothDec 19, 2018
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There were also souvenir booths in the park.Dec 19, 2018
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Back of the lights.Dec 19, 2018
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Kobe Luminarie's Cassa Armonica (カッサ・アルモニカ). People gave donations.Dec 19, 2018
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Kobe Luminarie's Cassa Armonica (カッサ・アルモニカ). People lined up for the Cassa Armonica like a shrine.Dec 19, 2018
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Roof above Cassa Armonica.Dec 19, 2018
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Kobe Luminarie's Cassa Armonica (カッサ・アルモニカ).Dec 19, 2018
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Kobe Luminarie's Cassa Armonica (カッサ・アルモニカ).Dec 19, 2018
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Flanked by twin Pisa-like towers, the center had the Cassa Armonica (カッサ・アルモニカ), a bandstand used as a place where people could toss money.Dec 19, 2018
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Flanked by twin Pisa-like towers, the center had the Cassa Armonica (カッサ・アルモニカ).Dec 19, 2018
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This park has twin walls of lights called "Spalliera" (スパッリエーラ). It's like a decorated backboard.Dec 19, 2018
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After the Galleria, you end up at a large park called Higashi Yuenchi (東遊園地). The park has more lights. Very impressive. Dec 19, 2018
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Kobe Luminarie is made possible by many corporate sponsors and donations from the public. When you put in a coin, etc., into the front slot, the box lights up and I think the doll inside dances or something.Dec 19, 2018
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The Galleria has another corridor of lights.Dec 19, 2018
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Side of the Galleria.Dec 19, 2018
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Kobe Luminarie's Galleria Coperta (ガレリアコペルタ) in Dec. 2018. Reminds me of the Galleria in Milan. Distinctly Italian. Dec 19, 2018
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Galleria Coperta (ガレリアコペルタ).Dec 19, 2018
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Kobe Luminarie's Galleria Coperta (ガレリアコペルタ). This road is lined with luxury brand shops. Dec 19, 2018
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Galleria Coperta (ガレリアコペルタ).Dec 19, 2018
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Tunnel of lights called the Galleria Coperta (ガレリアコペルタ). It goes on for 50 meters. They are all LED lights, 510,000 of them.Dec 19, 2018
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Kobe Luminarie's Frontone (フロントーネ) in Dec. 2018.Dec 19, 2018
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Kobe Luminarie's Frontone (フロントーネ) in Dec. 2018.Dec 19, 2018
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Entrance called the Frontone (フロントーネ). It looks like a cathedral. Very impressive.Dec 19, 2018
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Kobe Luminarie finally in sight. Everybody was amazed and thrilled as we got closer and closer...Dec 19, 2018
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Some lights on trees next to Daimaru. The line proceeded pretty quickly after the lights turned on at 5 pm on Sat.Dec 19, 2018
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Near Daimaru Dept. Store at around 5 pm. We were to turn left before Daimaru. This area used to be Kobe's foreigner settlement in the late 19th century.Dec 19, 2018
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The line was long and crowded, but it moved along quite well.Dec 19, 2018
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The line formed along these wide roads that were blocked off from traffic. Dec 19, 2018
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Passing by Ikuta Shrine's torii.Dec 19, 2018
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Well before 5 pm, people already lined up and waited to see Kobe Luminarie. "Luminarie" means "illuminations" in Italian.Dec 19, 2018
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Kobe Motomachi shopping arcade across from Daimaru Dept. Store.Dec 19, 2018
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Joined the line at about 4:45 pm. The lights were to turn on at 5 pm.Dec 19, 2018
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