Last additions
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In the Samurai Training Institute, we tried yabusame horseback archery.Feb 26, 2022
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Samurai Training InstituteFeb 26, 2022
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Entering the Samurai District.Feb 26, 2022
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Wakamatsu-ya Theater Feb 26, 2022
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Women at Wakamatsu-ya Theater in Edo Wonderland in Nikko, Tochigi. Too bad we didn't have time to catch the show. There's also the Oiran Courtesan Procession. but we didn't see it.Feb 26, 2022
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Wakamatsu-ya Theater is the park's most eye-catching building. 若松屋Feb 26, 2022
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At Edo Wonderland in Nikko, Tochigi, Wakamatsu-ya Theater in a Yoshiwara brothel style building. It holds oiran shows, one of the park's major attractions. 若松屋Feb 26, 2022
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Namijiya gift shop.Feb 26, 2022
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Woodblock print workshop.Feb 26, 2022
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Photo studio for kimono people.Feb 26, 2022
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Senbei cracker-making activity.Feb 26, 2022
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Restaurants here.Feb 26, 2022
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Fire towerFeb 26, 2022
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Soba noodle restaurant.Feb 26, 2022
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Echigoya gift shop.Feb 26, 2022
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Walking through the commercial district (shops, etc.). On the right is a Cosmetics makeup studio. 化粧体験Feb 26, 2022
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Echigoya gift shop.Feb 26, 2022
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Daruma painting activity.Feb 26, 2022
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View from Ryogoku Bridge.Feb 26, 2022
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Ryogoku Bridge replica over a canal. 両国橋Feb 26, 2022
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Pretty Edo Period Japanese woman who was sweeping the path. At Edo Wonderland in Nikko, Tochigi.Feb 26, 2022
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Small horse (live). Pay ¥200 to get carrots to feed the horse.Feb 26, 2022
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O-Edo Tenmangu Shrine for Michizane. 大江戸天満宮Feb 26, 2022
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Rattan and straw products.Feb 26, 2022
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Edo Period policemen. They are always on patrol. (Note that photos on this page were taken in Jan. 2020 before the pandemic started.)Feb 26, 2022
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Koike-ya, gift shop for traditional paper prints. 絵草紙・小池屋Feb 26, 2022
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Goods for travelers.Feb 26, 2022
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Traditional-looking townscape. Mostly dirt paths. No cars allowed.Feb 26, 2022
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About shukuba-machi post towns on the five Kaido main roads of Japan all starting from Nihonbashi in Edo/Tokyo. Edo to Nikko had the Nikko-kaido Road.Feb 26, 2022
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To get to Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura, take a bus from Kinugawa Onsen Station (bus stop 3). Buses run three times an hour from 9 am to 3:50 pm.Feb 26, 2022
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The park has many samurai elements and costumed people wearing topknots or geisha hairstyles. The park is quite big with many attractions (theaters and hands-on activities), full-scale traditional buildings, gift shops, and eateries. This is the Sekisho Gate where they checked everyone entering and leaving the town during the samurai days. 関所Feb 26, 2022
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Edo Wonderland, called "Nikko Edomura" in Japanese, is a theme park featuring Japan's Edo Period (1603–1867) architecture and culture.For admission prices, see the official website: edowonderland.net/en/
Besides the general admission fee, some attractions charge an extra fee.
Feb 26, 2022
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Kinugawa Onsen Station.Feb 24, 2022
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Kinugawa Onsen Station platform.Feb 24, 2022
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Kinugawa Onsen Station.Feb 24, 2022
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Kinugawa Onsen Station.Feb 24, 2022
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An old rotating track for trains.Feb 24, 2022
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Tourists at a foot bath at Kinugawa Onsen Station.Feb 24, 2022
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Foot bath at Kinugawa Onsen Station.Feb 24, 2022
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Kinugawa Onsen Station.Feb 24, 2022
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From Asakusa Station in Tokyo, take the Tobu Kinugawa Line to Kinugawa Onsen Station. By express train, it takes about 2 hr. 10 min.Feb 24, 2022
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While we were meditating for 15 min. or so with eyes open in a yoga sitting position, this priest walked around with a long stick and whacked us on the shoulder. It was pretty hard and it stung too. Fun to hear the girls' reactions... (Ouch!!) I successfully suppressed my burst of laughter during the meditation.Feb 24, 2022
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The priest explaining about Zen meditation.Feb 24, 2022
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At Kotokuji Temple, we tried Zen meditation. Feb 24, 2022
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Kotokuji Temple priest explaining about the temple. 高徳寺(日光市)Feb 24, 2022
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Kotokuji Temple altar in Nikko. 高徳寺(日光市)Feb 24, 2022
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Kotokuji Temple altar in Nikko. 高徳寺(日光市)Feb 24, 2022
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Kotokuji Temple altar in Nikko. 高徳寺(日光市)Feb 24, 2022
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After dinner, we went to Kotokuji, a Soto Zen Buddhist temple in Nikko. 高徳寺Feb 24, 2022
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Breakfast at Kinugawa Park Hotels.Feb 24, 2022
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Breakfast at Kinugawa Park Hotels in Kinugawa Onsen, Tochigi.Feb 24, 2022
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Hair dryers, etc.Feb 24, 2022
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Soaping area.Feb 24, 2022
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Round, barrel bath.Feb 24, 2022
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Indoor hot spring bath at Kinugawa Park Hotels in Kinugawa Onsen. Large rectangular bath and round, barrel baths.Feb 24, 2022
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View from the outdoor bath.Feb 24, 2022
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Outdoor hot spring bath at Kinugawa Park Hotels in Kinugawa Onsen.Feb 24, 2022
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Outdoor hot spring bath at Kinugawa Park Hotels in Kinugawa Onsen.Feb 24, 2022
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Outdoor hot spring bath at Kinugawa Park Hotels (Kirakukan) in Kinugawa Onsen, in the morning. 鬼怒川パークホテルズFeb 24, 2022
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Changing room at the Kinugawa Park Hotels hot spring bath.Feb 24, 2022
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The hotel president also greeted us during dinner and gave us the VIP treatment.Feb 24, 2022
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Fruits for dessert.Feb 24, 2022
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PicklesFeb 24, 2022
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VegetablesFeb 24, 2022
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EggplantFeb 24, 2022
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The start of our aesthetic and delicious kaiseki dinner at Kinugawa Park Hotels in Kinugawa Onsen, Nikko. 鬼怒川パークホテルズFeb 24, 2022
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Hina dolls at Kinugawa Park Hotels.Feb 24, 2022
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Kinugawa CiderFeb 24, 2022
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Horse oil products like shampoo.Feb 24, 2022
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Hotel gift shop.Feb 24, 2022
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View from my room on the top floor (9th floor).Feb 24, 2022
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Refrigerator with paid drinks.Feb 24, 2022
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Bathtub.Feb 24, 2022
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Bathroom sink made of pottery.Feb 24, 2022
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Bathroom.Feb 24, 2022
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SofaFeb 24, 2022
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Twin beds in my room. Unless it's a double bed, a futon is always more comfortable.Feb 24, 2022
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Window-side of the room had twin beds.Feb 24, 2022
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Welcome confection and room key.Feb 24, 2022
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Low table in my room.Feb 24, 2022
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My nice room at Kinugawa Park Hotels (Kirakukan 9th floor). Ten tatami mats plus twin beds. This room can normally sleep six people or so. 鬼怒川パークホテルズFeb 24, 2022
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Kinugawa Park Hotels, where we stayed overnight in Kinugawa Onsen hot spring. Very nice hotel. 鬼怒川パークホテルズFeb 24, 2022
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Along Kinugawa River, Kinugawa Park Hotels. It has multiple hotel buildings. I stayed in the Kirakukan tower in the center. 鬼怒川パークホテルズFeb 24, 2022
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Sunset clouds in Kinugawa Onsen.Feb 24, 2022
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Cherry blossom road in Kinugawa Onsen.Feb 24, 2022
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Kinugawa Onsen town.Feb 24, 2022
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Kinugawa River as seen from Kinutateiwa Bridge.Feb 24, 2022
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Kinugawa River as seen from Kinutateiwa Bridge.Feb 24, 2022
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Walking back across Kinutateiwa Bridge over Kinugawa River.Feb 24, 2022
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Kinutateiwa Bridge over Kinugawa River.Feb 24, 2022
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Kinutateiwa BridgeFeb 24, 2022
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Directions back.Feb 24, 2022
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On Tateiwa Scenic Point, Matchmaking Bell for people looking for a mate. Ring the bell to find marital happiness.Feb 24, 2022
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From Tateiwa Scenic Point, fine views of Kinugawa Onsen spa (downstream). 楯岩展望台Feb 24, 2022
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From Tateiwa Scenic Point, fine views of Kinugawa Onsen spa. 楯岩展望台Feb 24, 2022
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From Tateiwa Scenic Point, fine views of Kinugawa Onsen spa (uprstream). 楯岩展望台Feb 24, 2022
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From Tateiwa Scenic Point, fine views of Kinugawa Onsen spa. 楯岩展望台Feb 24, 2022
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Tateiwa Scenic Point is a small lookout deck on a small hill 104 meters above the river. 楯岩展望台Feb 24, 2022
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Steps up to Tateiwa Scenic Point.Feb 24, 2022
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Ogre Birth Monument memorializes the birth of all Seven Ogres of Good Fortune from the Tateiwa rock. "Tateiwa" means "protective rock." 楯岩Feb 24, 2022
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Ogre Birth Monument. Looks like a baby Buddha.Feb 24, 2022
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Tateiwa Kinuhime Shrine. Pray here to find a good mate, have a child, long life, and business prosperity. 楯岩鬼怒姫神社Feb 24, 2022
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Next to Tateiwa Scenic Point is Tateiwa Kinuhime Shrine. Feb 24, 2022
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Tateiwa Scenic Point is on this small, pointy hill. 楯岩展望台Feb 24, 2022
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Tateiwa Scenic Point is on this small, pointy hill. 楯岩展望台Feb 24, 2022
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Tateiwa Tunnel is 72 meters long.Feb 24, 2022
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So Tateiwa Tunnel is like being inside a mother's womb. It goes to the Tateiwa Scenic Point.Feb 24, 2022
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Tateiwa Tunnel. This Tateiwa Rock is considered to be female.Feb 24, 2022
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Back on the Tateiwa Promenade walking path. It's not a long path.Feb 24, 2022
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Furukama Falls and Suehiro Pond. 古釜の滝Feb 24, 2022
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Suehiro Pond is in an auspicious fan shape.. 末広池Feb 24, 2022
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Furukama Falls in Kinugawa Onsen, Tochigi. 古釜の滝Feb 24, 2022
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After crossing the bridge, go left and you will soon see Furukama Falls. 古釜の滝Feb 24, 2022
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Tateki ogre statue. One of the Seven Ogres of Good Fortune at Kinugawa Onsen. 楯鬼「七福邪鬼めぐり」Feb 24, 2022
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Other side of the bridge has the Tateiwa Promenade is a walking path.Feb 24, 2022
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Cables holding the bridge up.Feb 24, 2022
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Kinugawa OnsenFeb 24, 2022
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Kinugawa River as seen from Kinutateiwa Bridge in Kinugawa Onsen.Feb 24, 2022
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Kinugawa River as seen from Kinutateiwa Bridge.Feb 24, 2022
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Great views of the river below. Nicknamed "Matchmaking Bridge."Feb 24, 2022
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These photos were taken in January, so it's not so colorful.Feb 24, 2022
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Kinutateiwa Bridge is for pedestrians only. Spans 140 meters long, and 37 meters above the river. 鬼怒楯岩大吊橋Feb 24, 2022
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Kinutateiwa Bridge goes over Kinugawa River. There's a riverside walking path to a few sights like small waterfalls and scenic points.Feb 24, 2022
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Near most major hot spring hotels is Tateiwa Promenade, a walking path along Kinugawa River. Something to do during the day. 楯岩遊歩道Feb 24, 2022
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Stone lantern in Kunigawa Onsen. "Onsen" means hot spring.Feb 24, 2022
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Kinugawa Onsen spa is a hot spring resort along the Kinugawa River. It is also adjacent to Kawaji Onsen spa. It's not a crowded place. Large hotels, some nature walks, and theme parks (Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura, etc.) nearby.Feb 24, 2022
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After a 130-min. train ride from Asakusa, Tokyo, we are greeted by this ogre statue at Kinugawa Onsen Station. The Japanese word for "ogre" (oni) is included in the name "Kinugawa." So you'll see lots of ogres (also called demonsFeb 24, 2022
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Yogo Station has rental bicycles. Great for cycling around the lake. On foot, it takes at least an hour to walk all around.Feb 24, 2022
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Inside JR Yogo Station.Feb 24, 2022
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JR Yogo Station on the Hokuriku Line in 2018. You can rent bicycles inside the station.Feb 24, 2022
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Yokaichi Station always has a large kite decoration.Feb 24, 2022
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Overpass to station building.Feb 24, 2022
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Rental bicycles at Shigaraki Station.Feb 24, 2022
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Gift shop inside Shigaraki Station. In case you forgot buy someting for someone before you leave Shigaraki.Feb 24, 2022
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Display case in the corner shows a few pieces from the wrecked train in the 1991 accident.On the morning of May 14, 1991, a Shigaraki Kogen Railway train bound for Kibukawa collided head on with a special JR West train traveling from Kyoto to Shigaraki. It left 42 people, including five SKR employees, dead and 614 injured. Also see photos below of the monument near the accident site.Feb 24, 2022
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Inside Shigaraki Station waiting area. There's a display case in the corner.Feb 24, 2022
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Inside Shigaraki Station.Feb 24, 2022
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By now, you will notice that the tanuki (racoon dog) is the symbol of Shigaraki. This giant tanuki greets you at Shigaraki Station. Wish they removed that pay phone.Feb 24, 2022
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Shigaraki Kogen Railways Shigaraki Station. You can take a bus to reach Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park in 5 min., or walk for 20 min. 信楽駅Feb 24, 2022
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Local sights.Feb 24, 2022
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Tanuki greet you at Shigaraki Station.Feb 24, 2022
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More tanuki greet you at Shigaraki Station.Feb 24, 2022
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Shigaraki Kogen Railway train.Feb 24, 2022
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Shigaraki Station platform decorated with tanuki raccoon dogs.Feb 24, 2022
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Shigaraki Station platform decorated with tanuki raccoon dogs.Feb 24, 2022
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Shigaraki Station on the Shigaraki Kogen Railway Line. One-car train, diesel powered.To reach Shigaraki by train, first get on the JR Kusatsu Line, get off at Kibukawa Station where you transfer to the Shigaraki Kogen Railway Line.Feb 24, 2022
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On the Shigaraki Kogen Railway Line, get off here at Shigaraki Station at the end of the line. 信楽駅 MAPFeb 24, 2022
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Ninja statue in front of JR Koka Station, Shiga Prefecture.Feb 24, 2022
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JR Koka Station on the JR Kusatsu Line opened its new station building in Nov. 2005. Resembling a farmer's warehouse on the outside, the inside has a number of surprises. MAPNorth sideFeb 24, 2022
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Rice field in autumn.Feb 24, 2022
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Mt. Ryosen in the distance.Feb 24, 2022
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Rice fields in autumn.Feb 24, 2022
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Kashiwabara-juku Ichirizuka distance marker.Feb 24, 2022
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Kashiwabara Ichirizuka distance marker.Feb 24, 2022
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Kashiwabara Ichirizuka distance marker or milestone used by travelers to gauge how far they have traveled. This is a reconstruction in the approximate location.Feb 24, 2022
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Kashiwabara Ichirizuka distance marker or milestone used by travelers to gauge how far they have traveled. Feb 24, 2022
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Sunset at Tivoli in Okayama. After the park closed, the site saw connstruction of Ario Kurashiki (Ito Yokado) shopping mall and Mitsui Outlet Park Kurashiki.Feb 09, 2022
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Danish street.Feb 09, 2022
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Cobblestones, just like in Europe.Feb 09, 2022
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オーディンエクスプレスFeb 09, 2022
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On Mukaishima island, the ferry to Onomichi. Feb 04, 2022
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On Mukaishima island, the ferry to Onomichi. Onomichi Castle can be seen across the water.Feb 04, 2022
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Tokkoji Temple near Onomichi Station. 持光寺 Feb 04, 2022
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Onomichi Castle overlooking Onomichi Station. It was built in 1964 solely as a local museum and tourist attraction. Feb 04, 2022
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View from Onomichi Castle.Feb 04, 2022
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Hino Station in 1974.Jan 27, 2022
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Ad for a shipping company in front of Hino Station.Jan 27, 2022
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On the left are old flyers advertising local businesses in Hino while mentioning Hino Station. Lower right is a roof ornament that has the old crest of Ohmi Railways.Jan 27, 2022
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Magneto telephone with a crank (磁石式電話機), signal light, and red signal flag to signal the train.Jan 27, 2022
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Implements used by Hino Station staff. Lower left is a paper ticket holder. Preprinted tickets were organized according to the destination.Jan 27, 2022
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L-R: Holder for rubber date stamps used to stamp the date on the ticket. Dating machine to imprint the date on the ticket. Clippers to cutout a small square on the ticket when boarding the train. Magneto telephone with a crank.Jan 27, 2022
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The red instruments are signalling block instruments for preventing collisions between trains. (タブレット閉塞器)Jan 27, 2022
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Old Hino Station signage.Jan 27, 2022
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Many of the old artifacts on display can only be recognized or understood by hardcore train fans and people who worked at a train station. It's quite specialized.Jan 27, 2022
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During the renovation, the entire train station building was jacked up to reinforce the foundation against earthquakes.Jan 27, 2022
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Remnants of the old days still remaining in the renovated Hino Station.Jan 27, 2022
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Upper left is a photo of Hino Station's opening day. The back of the station building can be seen. The building was rebuilt in 1916.Jan 27, 2022
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Chronology of the history of Ohmi Railways (founded in 1896) and Hino Station (first built in 1900).Jan 27, 2022
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Inside Hino Station Railway Museum. History of the station on panels, and old train and station-related artifacts. No English captions.Jan 27, 2022
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About the entire Hino Station being a "Railway Museum."Jan 27, 2022
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Hino Station Railway Museum. 日野駅鉄道資料展示室Jan 27, 2022
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Hino Station (left) and the smaller building on the right used to be the tourist information office. It's now the Hino Station Railway Museum. 日野駅と日野駅鉄道資料展示室Jan 27, 2022
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Outside the station is the bus stop for Omi-Hachiman Station.Jan 27, 2022
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Old ticket window.Jan 27, 2022
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Old ticket window and counter have been retained.Jan 27, 2022
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My teishoku lunch.Jan 27, 2022
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Cafe menu. Low prices. Udon, soba, and teishoku complete meals.Jan 27, 2022
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Counter seating has a view of the train platform.Jan 27, 2022
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Friendly ladies wait on you for the food or drink. The clock seen on the right was actually used in the train station office.Jan 27, 2022
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Nanairo cafe has a Western-style truss ceiling from the Taisho Period.Jan 27, 2022
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Also see my blog post about Hino Station and Nanairo here. 日野町観光案内交流施設「なないろ」Jan 27, 2022
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Hino Station now has a nice community space named "Nanairo" that serves as a cafe, tourist information space, and waiting room for passengers. Tourist pamphlets are on the left.Jan 27, 2022
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Nanairo cafe menu.Jan 27, 2022
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Entering the train building from the platform. Exit ahead.Jan 27, 2022
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Hino Station has three sets of railway tracks, very rare. The unused middle track is vintage, made by Barrow Steel from the UK. Train platform No. 2 (for Yokaichi/Maibara) across the tracks has a roofed benches also renovated.Jan 27, 2022
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On Hino Station's train platform No. 1. Original wooden columns still usable are retained.Jan 27, 2022
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Hino Station train platform.Jan 27, 2022
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Old Hino Station sign has been in use since the Showa Period (ended in 1989). Displayed on train platform No. 1.Jan 27, 2022
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Jan 27, 2022
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TurnstileJan 27, 2022
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Ticket window (closed). This is new.Jan 27, 2022
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Ticket window on the right (closed).Jan 27, 2022
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The ticket window used to be on the left corner. Now it's in the right corner. The exit goes to the train platform. The latticed ceiling came from the station's VIP room which was on the right side of the building.Jan 27, 2022
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Hino Station's entrance hall. Not so many seats here, but there are benches on the platform. You can also wait inside the cafe on the left.Jan 27, 2022
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The canopy over the entrance was also renovated. It is supported by entasis columns.Jan 27, 2022
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The building is now earthquake-resistant and painted dark brown. It now has a community space for a cafe, tourist information, and waiting room for passengers.Jan 27, 2022
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The renovated train station building looks very nice with major improvements. More details in my blog post.Jan 27, 2022
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Ohmi Railways Hino Station building was completey renovated in 2017. Very impressive job. Other structures were also renovated including a small railway museum. Renovations were completed by May 2020. 近江鉄道 日野駅Jan 27, 2022
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At Mieji Station, train back to Ogaki. These rural train lines are struggling financially, so support them by riding their trains.Jan 27, 2022
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Back to Mieji Station.Jan 27, 2022
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Bust stop at Mieji Station. Buses very infrequent.Jan 27, 2022
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Mizuho is a major producer of Fuyu-gaki persimmons. Jan 27, 2022
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This is the spot depicted by Hiroshige's woodblock print of Mieji-juku. Saikawa River.Jan 27, 2022
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Hiroshige's woodblock print for Mieji-juku showing Saikawa River and two farmers giving directions to a priest. It was a low-lying area near three rivers and prone to flooding. 犀川Jan 27, 2022
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Next to Kanzeon-do Hall is Saikawa River depicted in Hiroshige's woodblock print. 犀川Jan 27, 2022
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Kanzeon-do Hall in Mieji-juku. 美江寺宿 千手観世音堂Jan 27, 2022
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Fancy stone lantern next to Kanzeon-do Hall in Mieji-juku.Jan 27, 2022
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Thousand-Arm Kannon inside the Kanzeon-do Hall in Mieji-juku. 美江寺宿 千手観世音堂Jan 27, 2022
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In Mieji-juku, a roadside Thousand-Arm Kanzeon-do Hall. 美江寺宿 千手観世音堂Jan 27, 2022
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Walk further to see the small Kannon-do Hall.Jan 27, 2022
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Map of Mieji-juku sights.Jan 27, 2022
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Looks like a rest place for travelers. Not a bus stop.Jan 27, 2022
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Stone marker showing the way to Ogaki and Akasaka-juku.Jan 27, 2022
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Turn right here.Jan 27, 2022
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Site of a local school. There's also the site of Mieji Castle nearby, but it is inaccessible (private property it seems).Jan 27, 2022
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Site of Mieji-juku's Honjin (VIP lodging). Jan 27, 2022
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Site of Mieji-juku's Honjin (VIP lodging). The building no longer exists. This was Mieji-juku's highest elevation at only 10 meters. 本陣跡Jan 27, 2022
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Jan 27, 2022
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