 Most viewed - Chuo-ku 中央区 |
The chigo parade of bygone days was much longer with a lot more kids. 昔の築地本願寺の花まつり: かなり長い行列でした。1179 views
|
|
Baton-twirling club, Tsukiji Hongwanji, Tokyo 千代田女学院 バトン部1055 views千代田女学院
|
|
667 views
|
|
Baton-twirling club from the Chiyoda Jogakuin Junior/Senior High School followed by the elephant573 views千代田女学院
|
|
Established in 1617, Tsukiji Hongwanji temple is the Tokyo headquarters of the Nishi Hongwanji Jodo Shinshu sect. The present temple, based on Indian architecture, was built in the 1930s.539 viewsThe temple is the only one in Japan which is under the direct control of the sect. Its head priest is the Monshu Abbot himself. April 8 is observed as Buddha's birthday, called Hana Matsuri ("Flower Festival) in Japan.
|
|
Map of Hama-rikyu Gardens. Main entrance is on the upper left corner.509 views
|
|
Female schoolmates of the baton twirlers block the cameras of unrelated photographers when the baton twirlers passed. カメラ小僧を妨害するバトン部の先輩たち。477 viewsThis was the first time for me in Japan to see people blocking photographers from taking pictures at a festival. They did it to me as well. If they don't want to be photographed, why do they appear in this public festival??
妨害しても無駄だと思いますが。撮られるのがいやでしたら、まつりに出ない方がいいですよ。
|
|
The parade was over after 30 min. (11:30 - 12 pm).477 views
|
|
Cold-water ablutions is not unusual in ascetic Buddhism, but to see it at a Shinto shrine is unusual.464 views
|
|
Baby Buddha statue451 viewsLadles are provided for pouring the sweet tea over the Buddha. Sweet tea is also provided to worshippers. It symbolizes the sweet rain that fell when the Buddha was born.
|
|
Oedo Sukeroku Taiko troupe. They were all girls and super good!435 views大江戸助六太鼓
|
|
Children dressed for the chigo parade (photo session), Tsukiji Hongwanji, Tokyo433 views
|
|
Oedo Sukeroku Taiko troupe393 views
|
|
Hama-rikyu Onshi Teien Gardens is a waterfront garden built by the Tokugawa shoguns in the 17th century. 374 viewsDuring the Meiji Period, it became a Detached Palace for the Imperial family who gave the garden to the Tokyo in 1945. It used to have duck-hunting grounds. It was also the site of the Enryokan State Guesthouse where foreign dignitaries stayed such as former US president Ulysses Grant and Hawaii's King David Kalakaua.
|
|
Children dressed for the chigo parade, Tsukiji Hongwanji, Tokyo356 viewsIt took a long time before they could get all the kids to settle down for the picture and to get all the mothers out of the picture.
|
|
昔の築地本願寺の花まつり: 日大のバトン部か355 views
|
|
Chigo children. They have two black dots on the forehead and a white stripe on the nose. They don't paint the white stripe today. 昔の築地本願寺の花まつり: 鼻に白い線が塗っている。今は、塗らない。352 views
|
|
Look at all those Cub Scouts. They don't participate today. 昔の築地本願寺の花まつり343 views
|
|
Officially called the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market, this sprawling complex handles mainly fish, but also fruits and vegetables. This is outside the market building.341 viewsUpdate: Tsukiji Fish Market closed on Oct. 6, 2018 since it moved to Toyosu. These pictures were taken when toursts were still free to roam around the auction area and inner market. Now a blast from the past. Sorry you missed it.
|
|
Hanamatsuri celebrates the Buddha's birthday on April 8. This is Tsukiji Honganji in Tokyo.329 viewsThe flowers symbolize Lumbini Garden where the Buddha was born in present-day Nepal.
|
|
昔の築地本願寺の花まつり325 views
|
|
Buddhist flag. 昔の築地本願寺の花まつり298 views
|
|
Entering the temple gate295 views
|
|
Side view of 300-year-old pine tree284 views
|
|
Teppozu Inari Shrine, near Hatchobori Station on the Hibiya subway line.283 views
|
|
Tsukiji Hongwanji temple gate with wisteria crest.279 viewsThe emblem is a wisteria flower and symbol of the Jodo Shinshu sect.
|
|
Statue of St. Shinran (1173-1263), founder of the Jodo Shinshu (Pure Land) Buddhist Sect.269 views
|
|
Nakajima-no-Ochaya Tea House265 views
|
|
Band from the Chiyoda Jogakuin Girls Junior/Senior High School264 viewsNo problem photographing them.
|
|
Plum blossoms252 views
|
|
Chigo children. 昔の築地本願寺の花まつり244 views
|
|
300-year-old pine tree243 views
|
|
Chigo children. 昔の築地本願寺の花まつり240 views
|
|
On the road in front of the temple233 views
|
|
Many little kids held a long rope to pull the white elephant. 昔の築地本願寺の花まつり233 views
|
|
Moat232 views
|
|
Plum blossoms229 views
|
|
Final performance227 views
|
|
Moat with Tsukijigawa River222 views
|
|
Bridge to Hama-rikyu Gardens. Guests staying at the Enryokan State Guesthouse during the 19th century would cross this bridge.217 viewsShort walk from JR Shimbashi Station and Shiodome Station on the Oedo Subway Line and the Yurikamome line.
|
|
Nihonbashi Bridge side view215 views
|
|
Huge 300-year-old pine tree212 views
|
|
Site of the Enryokan State Guesthouse. Built in May 1869, it was Japan's first Western-style building made of stone. It served as an office of the Japanese navy before it was refitted as guest house. 延遼館212 views
|
|
The double-arched bridge was built in 1911, made of granite.209 views
|
|
A small garden and little stream which was behind the Enryokan State Guesthouse.209 views
|
|
Entrance to Hama-rikyu Onshi Gardens205 views
|
|
Nakajima-no-Ochaya Tea House on the small island in the pond.204 views
|
|
Hanamatsuri service inside the Tsukiji Hongwanji temple203 views
|
|
Nakajima-no-Ochaya Tea House203 views
|
|
Hiroshige's woodblock print of Nihonbashi from his "Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido Road" series.202 views
|
|
The elephant follows the band.201 views
|
|
昔の築地本願寺の花まつり200 views
|
|
Camellia199 views
|
|
Chigo children195 views
|
|
194 views
|
|
Frozen crab193 views
|
|
Nihon University college band was part of the parade. 昔の築地本願寺の花まつり191 views
|
|
Start of the Hanamatsuri parade which also promotes traffic safety.189 viewsThe starting point was a nearby park.
|
|
Nihonbashi Bridge ahead, with the expressway over it.189 views
|
|
White elephant to anchor the parade. Notice the Buddha altar riding on the top. Before she gave birth to the Buddha, Queen Maya dreamed of a white elephant.185 views
|
|
|
|
Gingko tree and pine tree in autumn184 views
|
|
180 views
|
|
Site of the Enryokan State Guesthouse. Former U.S. President Ulysses Grant and his wife stayed there for two months in 1879 during their world tour. Hawaii's King Kalakaua also stayed here in 1881. He traveled by horse carriage to meet Emperor Meiji.178 views
|
|
177 views
|
|
Site of the Enryokan State Guesthouse. Under former Tokyo Governor Masuzoe, Tokyo had plans to faithfully reconstruct the Enryokan in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Plan has been shelved.174 views
|
|
Sightseeing boat pier173 views
|
|
172 views
|
|
Chuo-dori avenue looking toward Nihonbashi Bridge.170 views
|
|
These fish can be huge, bigger and heavier than a sumo wrestler.170 views
|
|
Parade starts...168 views
|
|
Marker indicating the garden as a sightseeing spot and Special Historic Site.168 views
|
|
168 views
|
|
There is no map of the place so you may or may not find the tuna auctions. It's also easy to get lost in the market. This is the fresh fish tuna storage area.167 views
|
|
The U-shaped Enryokan was used as a guest house until 1883 when the new Rokumeikan 鹿鳴館 guest house was completed. Due to old age, the Enryokan was torn down in 1889. Many new Shiodome skyscrapers loom over the site.166 views
|
|
The garden would look better without all these skyscrapers in the background.166 views
|
|
English explanation for yuki-zuri which are those strings propping up the pine tree branches as a countermeasure against snow.165 views
|
|
300-year-old pine tree164 views
|
|
Tea house, pond, and pine tree163 views
|
|
Gingko tree and pine tree in autumn162 views
|
|
Former boat landing for the shogun162 views
|
|
The market is near Tsukijishijō Station on the Toei Ōedo Line and Tsukiji Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. The first subway arrives at around 5:20 am. First you walk through the fruit section..162 views
|
|
Tails are cut off to show the flesh color.161 views
|
|
The priest is all smiles after the bath.161 views
|
|
Nihonbashi Bridge and the ugly expressway above.160 views
|
|
Tako160 views
|
|
The original Nihonbashi Bridge was built in 1603, out of wood.158 views
|
|
Never saw this much tuna in my life.157 views
|
|
Shiori-no-Ike Pond with ducks. This is a tidal pond.155 views
|
|
Prawns155 views
|
|
154 views
|
|
Duck hunting gutter154 views
|
|
Otsutaibashi Bridge over the pond.153 views
|
|
153 views
|
|
First they give a few prayers led by the shrine priest.153 views
|
|
Another entrance151 views
|
|
151 views
|
|
151 views
|
|
149 views
|
|
Shiodome skyscrapers overwhelm the little tea house148 views
|
|
Buyers check the color of the flesh to determine how fatty the fish is.148 views
|
|
Walking through the Enryokan site, now dotted with pine trees.147 views
|
|
The shrine priest was followed by some 15 or so people ready for their freezin-cold water ablution bath.147 views
|
|
Everyone followed the priest's lead.146 views
|
|
145 views
|
|
145 views
|
|
Gingko tree in autumn144 views
|
|
144 views
|
|
All the fish are labeled. They might indicate where the fish was caught (or raised).144 views
|
|
Gargoyles on bridge143 views
|
|
Falconry demonstrations held at Hama-Rikyu Gardens on Jan. 3 in Tokyo.143 views
|
|
Nihonbashi Bridge today is the 19th reconstructed Nihonbashi Bridge since 1603. 日本橋142 views
|
|
This was the entrance and bridge which the Emperor passed through when visiting the garden.142 views
|
|
They allowed a few people from the audience to try falconry. This is an Italian who was lucky enough to be chosen to hold and release this hawk.142 views
|
|
昔の築地本願寺の花まつり141 views
|
|
Camellias141 views
|
|
Where the head was attached.141 views
|
|
After the aikido, falconry demonstrations were held at Hama-Rikyu Gardens on Jan. 3 as a New Year's event. (放鷹術実演) 141 viewsHama-Rikyu Garden used to be where the Tokugawa shoguns and the Imperial family practiced falconry.
|
|
Duck-hunting wall140 views
|
|
Fresh tuna140 views
|
|
Straw band wrapped around the pine tree trunk to catch bugs crawling on the trunk.139 views
|
|
This size is easy to sell to mom and pop sushi restaurants.139 views
|
|
They don't use the same type of falconry birds that were used by Tokugawa shoguns. They now use Harris' hawks or red-tailed hawks imported to Japan. 139 viewsThey are highly intelligent birds and can recognize human faces.
|
|
After the demo, they showed off the hawks for photos.139 views
|
|
139 views
|
|
Without flinching, he took a dip. This is quite tame compared to what he does every Feb: Swim in the icy Sea of Okhotsk off Abashiri, Hokkaido.138 views
|
|
Hanamatsuri altar137 views
|
|
Nihonbashi as seen from Mitsukoshi Dept. Store.137 views
|
|
Tiny slits to look at the ducks137 views
|
|
Watch out for these speeding trolleys. They are almost everywhere.137 views
|
|
Cut-off tails137 views
|
|
First the shrine priest came out.137 views
|
|
Falconry demonstrations held at Hama-Rikyu Gardens on Jan. 3 in Tokyo.137 views
|
|
Otsutaibashi Bridge136 views
|
|
Tuna head136 views
|
|
136 views
|
|
One of the worse urban-planning decisions of the 1960s.135 views
|
|
135 views
|
|
135 views
|
|
Prawns135 views
|
|
Camellias134 views
|
|
Fruit section.134 views
|
|
Looks good to me.134 views
|
|
The rest of the people also jump in the tub.134 views
|
|
The shrine priest had charisma and spunk.134 views
|
|
Pine trees along the shore133 views
|
|
The tuna flesh between the rib-like bones is also choice meat. It is scraped off with a spoon.133 views
|
|
|
Chigo kids enter the temple132 views
|
|
Tuna knives132 views
|
|
Caught in the Pacific Ocean.132 views
|
|
132 views
|
|
The shrine priest is Nakagawa Masamitsu, still looking youthful in his 80s. This freezing water bath event started at a health club in Ichikawa, Chiba in 1956. But 4 years later, it could not be held any longer so it moved here.132 views
|
|
The shrine priest was then the first to enter the bath. 131 views
|
|
Headless tuna carcasses130 views
|
|
Then the shrine priest, who was in his 80s, started some warm-up exercises.130 views
|
|
In 2007, the water tub was replaced with a much larger pool able to fit 60 people. But I like this smaller tub.129 views
|
|
128 views
|
|
128 views
|
|
Tuna belly, the fatty part of the fish for toro sashimi.128 views
|
|
Cutting up a fresh fish. They use a long, sharp knife, and not a band saw.128 views
|
|
The man on the lower right kept hugging this big block of ice.128 views
|
|
Play room for kids on Hanamatsuri127 views
|
|
Shiori-no-Ike Pond127 views
|
|
127 views
|
|
127 views
|
|
Hanamatsuri service inside the temple126 viewsNotice the Hanamatsuri altar at the center.
|
|
Nihonbashi Bridge monument126 views
|
|
Nihonbashi River126 views
|
|
Packaged to sell.126 views
|
|
Fish waiting to be decapitated.126 views
|
|
Sky roof124 views
|
|
I wonder how long it takes to be able to cut up a giant tuna.124 views
|
|
Japan's Zero Milestone for Roads 日本国道路元標123 views
|
|
123 views
|
|
This shrine priest does not appear in recent photos of this ritual, so he might have passed away. This festival won't be the same without him.123 views
|
|
Hanamatsuri in the old days (lot more children and people). 昔の築地本願寺の花まつり: 子供の数が大多かった。122 views
|
|
Many pine trees in the garden122 views
|
|
The man is still hugging his ice.122 views
|
|
Beating backward: Oedo Sukeroku Taiko drummers121 views大江戸助六太鼓
|
|
The market building has many signs of its old age.121 views
|
|
There were no musicians on stage like they have now. It was a pretty quiet ritual, and the crowd was quite small.121 views
|
|
Going to the chigo parade's starting point120 views
|
|
The local neighborhood association wants this expressway to go underground.120 views
|
|
120 views
|
|
Memorial square for the Zero Milestone for the Five Major Roads119 views
|
|
119 views
|
|
Shrimp119 views
|
|
For about 5-10 min. they all sat in the frigid water and chanted while praying. They prayed for good health for themselves and their families.119 views
|
|
This was the second time I saw this, and each time there was one woman.119 views
|
|
118 views
|
|
Expressway above the bridge.118 views
|
|
118 views
|
|
Distances from the Zero Milestone to major cities such as Yokohama, Kyoto, and Kagoshima.117 views
|
|
117 views
|
|
117 views
|
|
Frozen tuna anyone?117 views
|
|
Each fish is worth thousands or tens of thousands of US dollars.117 views
|
|
Puffer fish swim happily, ignorant of their ultimate fate.117 views
|
|
117 views
|
|
Eisen's woodblock print of Nihonbashi from his Kisokaido series.117 views
|
|
A very long hanamatsuri parade leaves the temple. 昔の築地本願寺の花まつり: 集合は別院内、これは出発。116 views
|
|
116 views
|
|
Frozen tuna auctions at Tsukiji Fish Market.116 views
|
|
Sea urchin (uni), one of my favorites.116 views
|
|
Bridge ornaments115 views
|
|
115 views
|
|
115 views
|
|
115 views
|
|
Frozen tuna head115 views
|
|
Pouring sweet tea over the Buddha114 viewsWhen the Buddha was born in Lumbini Garden in Nepal, sweet rain is said to have fallen. Thus, sweet tea is poured over the baby Buddha statue in the Hanamatsuri altar.
|
|
114 views
|
|
Japan's Zero Milestone 日本国道路元標114 views
|
|
114 views
|
|
In front of the shrine were two large tubs of freezing-cold water with a few large blocks of ice await. The Kanchu Suiyoku (Mid-winter Cold Water Bath) is held on the second Sunday of Jan.114 views
|
|
Another entrance113 views
|
|
113 views
|
|
Headless frozen tuna.113 views
|
|
113 views
|
|
112 views
|
|
These frozen fish did not show any signs of melting. Wonder how long it takes for them to defrost.112 views
|
|
After the auctions are over, they haul out the fish using a variety methods.112 views
|
|
|
The frozen tuna is cut up into quarters lengthwise by a band saw.111 views
|
|
The huge fish market consists of rows and rows of fish monger stalls, divided by narrow aisles.111 views
|
|
111 views
|
|
111 views
|
|
Fish and more fish...111 views
|
|
111 views
|
|
These photos were taken in the 1997.111 views
|
|
111 views
|
|
Looks yummy.110 views
|
|
All full and ready to go. Gee, how much is all that tuna worth??110 views
|
|
Hand-drawn cart, good for four fish.110 views
|
|
|
The fresh tuna is cut up into smaller blocks.110 views
|
|
Thank you banners in Tokyu Dept. Store in Nihonbashi on Jan. 31, 1999, last day.110 views
|
|
Temple gate and flag109 views
|
|
Chigo children. 昔の築地本願寺の花まつり109 views
|
|
Bridge lamps109 views
|
|
Octopi109 views
|
|
Then they ran around the shrine.109 views
|
|
109 views
|
|
The white elephant108 views
|
|
Crowd in Tokyu Dept. Store in Nihonbashi on Jan. 31, 1999.108 views
|
|
To this man, ice water is a healthy thing. I know I would never do this.108 views
|
|
107 views
|
|
Taiko drum performance by Oedo Sukeroku Taiko troupe. 大江戸助六太鼓106 viewsTheir Web site: http://www.oedosukerokutaiko.com/
大江戸助六太鼓
|
|
106 views
|
|
|
Outdoor food court105 views
|
|
Good exercise in the morning.105 views
|
|
|
|
