Last additions
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The Saio-dai Princess in 2005 was Saito Ayako, a 21-year-old Kyoto native and student at Doshisha Univ. Her 12-layer juni-hitoe kimono weighs 30 kg. 斎王代、齋藤彩子さん(21)The Saio-dai Princess is selected every year in April and a press conference is held to announce who was chosen. She is always a native of Kyoto, single, and in her early 20s. The Saio-dai was first incorporated in the festival in 1956. In 2005, she is the 50th Saio-dai.

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Apr 20, 2006
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Court ladies called uneme. Their kimono have a blue wave design. 釆女釆女Apr 20, 2006
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Apr 20, 2006
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斎王代Apr 20, 2006
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Saio-dai Princess riding on a special palanquin called Oyoyo. 斎王代 腰輿(およよ)腰輿(およよ)Apr 20, 2006
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Court lady called myobu. 命婦Apr 20, 2006
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Court lady called myobu. 命婦Apr 20, 2006
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Court ladies called myobu. 命婦Apr 20, 2006
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Apr 20, 2006
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Saio-dai Princess procession. 斎王代Apr 20, 2006
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High-ranking lady of the courtApr 20, 2006
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The Saio-dai Retsu column begins. Consists of all women, highlighted by the Saio-dai Princess.Apr 20, 2006
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Saio-dai Princess procession. 斎王代Apr 20, 2006
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Apr 20, 2006
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Flower umbrellaApr 20, 2006
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Flower umbrella called furyu-gasa. 風流傘Flowers are artificial.Apr 20, 2006
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Over 500 people in the procession walk along the 8-kilometer route.There's a lunch break at around noon at Shimogamo Shrine.Apr 20, 2006
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May 15, the day of the procession, is the festival's climax. However, there are other festival-related ceremonies and events before this day.Apr 20, 2006
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The Aoi Matsuri started in the early Heian Period in the 8th century as a national or state-sponsored event.Apr 20, 2006
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The procession's highest-ranking official called Chokushi. An Imperial Messenger. The horse is highly decorated. 勅使Apr 20, 2006
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The Aoi Matsuri (Festival) used to be called Kamo-sai, after the name of the two shrines which hold the festival.賀茂祭Apr 20, 2006
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The Heian Period was when Kyoto was the capital of Japan where the Emperor resided.Apr 20, 2006
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"Heian" comes from "Heian-kyo," the former name of Kyoto city.Apr 20, 2006
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The procession basically consists of two columns: The Hon-retsu which includes the procession's highest-ranking official called Chokushi. It consists of men. The second and longer column is the Saio-dai-retsu consisting of women.Apr 20, 2006
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10:30 am: Starting point at Kyoto Gosho Imperial Palace 京都御所 出発The procession is ready to depart.Apr 20, 2006
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One of Kyoto's Big Three Festivals held on May 15. The Aoi Matsuri's colorful procession of over 500 people in Heian-Period costumes start off at the Kyoto Gosho Imperial Palace and head for the Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines. Kyoto Gosho Imperial Palace 京都御所: The first ox carriage waits for the procession to start. The ox carriage is called a gissha. 牛車Apr 20, 2006
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The bull was mooing all the time and was very restless.Do bulls moo or do they snort? This was making a loud noise.Apr 20, 2006
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Norijiri horseman leads the procession. 乗尻The procession, called Roto-no-Gi (路頭の儀), is actually one of three rites performed during the festival.Apr 20, 2006
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Flower arrangement lessonApr 18, 2006
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Shodo calligraphy lessonApr 18, 2006
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Kimono demonstrationApr 18, 2006
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Kimono demonstration attracted the most attention. Many people could not enter the auditorium to see this.Apr 18, 2006
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Kimono demonstrationApr 18, 2006
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Japan Day Opening Ceremony with the Japanese ambassador to Finland and his wife sitting front and center.On Ambassador Kondo's left is Mrs. Johanna Lindstedt, the director of Annantalo, and next to her is Ronny Rönnqvist, the chairman of the Friends of Japanese Culture Society which was the co-organizer of the Japan Day event.Apr 18, 2006
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A total of 10 local Finnish women modeled the kimono.Apr 18, 2006
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A steady stream of people came to see the exhibition of about 30 pictures.Apr 17, 2006
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One wall also showed photos of Japanese temples by Elina Moriya, a Helsinki-based Japanese-Finnish photographer.So it was actually a joint photo exhibition by Philbert and Elina. How about that... When I first met Elina, I never dreamed something like this would happen.Apr 17, 2006
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My video clips of Japanese festivals were also shown by a monitor.Apr 17, 2006
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Photo exhibition room with "Japanese Costume" photos by Philbert Ono.Apr 17, 2006
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People crowding the photo exhibition room with "Japanese Costume" photos by Philbert Ono.Apr 17, 2006
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Annantalo Arts Centre, Helsinki. Their Japan Day event was held on April 9, 2006.A former primary school built in 1886, this distinguished-looking building is now an arts center for children and young people. They held a Japan Day event on April 9, 2006 when they presented Budo demonstrations, kimono show, workshops, Japanese food, lectures, and a photo exhibition featuring my pictures of Japanese costumes. My friend Elina Moriya also showed a few of her pictures of temples.

Annantalo Web site: [url=http://www.kulttuuri.hel.fi/annantalo/index_en.html[/url]
Apr 17, 2006
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Front of Kokugikan. The wide stairs make it quick for many people to exit the building. It is a sleek, modern building with a spacious interior. The roof collects rainwater for use in the toilets.Apr 17, 2006
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Sumo scoreboard. The names of all the wrestlers are displayed in the order of the sumo matches (from right to left). The winner is indicated with a red lamp. Names of sumo wrestlers absent from the tournament (due to injury, etc.) are listed on the far leApr 17, 2006
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Giant portrait of Yokozuna AsashoryuApr 17, 2006
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Giant portrait of Yokozuna TakanohanaApr 17, 2006
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Giant portrait of Yokozuna AkebonoThese are B/W photographs painted over with oil.Apr 17, 2006
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Upper level and giant sumo portraits of 32 past tournament winners. As of Jan. 2012, there are no portraits of Japanese sumo wrestlers. Only foreigners.Apr 17, 2006
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VIP booth or "Royal Box" where the Emperor and Empress (or Crown Prince and Princess) or head of state watch sumo.Apr 17, 2006
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Upper level and VIP booth.Apr 17, 2006
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Giant portrait of Yokozuna MusashimaruApr 17, 2006
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Upper level seats.Apr 17, 2006
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Box seat for two.Apr 17, 2006
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Sumo ring (dohyo). A new sumo ring is constructed for every tournament. See sumo tournament photos here.Apr 17, 2006
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Sumo ring and suspended roof (no pillars).Apr 17, 2006
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Box seats. Cramped space for four people.Apr 17, 2006
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Panorama shot of sumo arena during a sumo tournament. There are two levels.Apr 17, 2006
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Shinto-style roof. If the house is full, the "Full House" banners are rolled down above the roof. (Now rolled up.)Apr 17, 2006
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Door to arena.Apr 17, 2006
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This is the lower level with zabuton box seats costing over 10,000 yen.Apr 17, 2006
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The sign reads "Physical body, Technique, Heart." What you need to succeed in sumo.Apr 17, 2006
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Next to the chanko dining room is a sumo ring for practice and deliberation exhibition matches.Apr 17, 2006
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It is really good! Different flavors are offered during different days of the tournament. Top is shoyu (soy sauce) flavor, and bottom is salt flavor. Miso flavor is also offered.Apr 17, 2006
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Apr 17, 2006
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The bios and pictures are categorized according to prefecture. All wrestlers who were/are active in the modern era are introduced. Two wrestlers from Shiga Prefecture: Kurama and Misugisato.Apr 17, 2006
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Lecture classroom (previously used as a dining room for chanko-nabe during tournaments). 相撲教習所Apr 17, 2006
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Bios and pictures of all sumo wrestlers in top Makunouchi division.Apr 17, 2006
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Non-Japanese sumo wrestlers who made it to Makunouchi Division. Four from USA (Hawaii), four from Mongolia, and one from Bulgaria (Kotooshu) as of 2006.Apr 17, 2006
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Bulgaria (Kotooshu)Apr 17, 2006
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Corridor and souvenir shops.A corridor encircles the arena. Apr 17, 2006
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Sumo Museum. Open only during tournament days. Free admission.The wall on the left show portraits of all the yokozuna in the modern era.Apr 17, 2006
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The tournament winner receives numerous prizes from various organizations and companies.Apr 17, 2006
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Sumo figurines.Apr 17, 2006
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Kokugikan Cafe snack barApr 17, 2006
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Prize from the United Arab Emirates.Apr 17, 2006
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In the back on the left is a prize from Mexico and one from Hungary on the right. In the front on the left is a prize from Mongolia, middle is from NHK, and right is from China.Apr 17, 2006
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Nameplates of tournament winners on Emperor's CupApr 17, 2006
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Apr 17, 2006
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Prime Minister's Cup on left, the middle is the President Chirac Award from France, and the glass on the right is a prize from the Czech Republic.President Chirac is a sumo fan. There is also a Czech wrestler in the lower division.Apr 17, 2006
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Sumo mural in lobby.Apr 17, 2006
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Emperor's Cup. This is what all sumo wrestlers dream about.Apr 17, 2006
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Trophy case in lobby. This is the Emperor's Cup awarded to the tournament winner.Apr 17, 2006
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Side of lobby. (Passing out free calendar posters during Jan. tourney.)Apr 17, 2006
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Entrance lobby. At the end of the lobby is a trophy showcase. On the last day of the tournament, the tournament winner will walk through here to his car for a victory parade amid a large crowd.Apr 17, 2006
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Sumo wrestlers enter through a side entrance. Fans wait for their favorite wrestlers.Apr 17, 2006
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Kokugikan ticket office. Cheap tickets costing 2,100 yen are sold every day of the tournament, but sell out fast by noon or so.Apr 17, 2006
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Gate to enter Kokugikan.Apr 17, 2006
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Front of Kokugikan. The wide stairs make it quick for many people to exit the building. It is a sleek, modern building with a spacious interior. The roof collects rainwater for use in the toilets.Apr 17, 2006
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At the gate, you might see a famous former wrestler (like former Takamiyama from Hawaii, now Stablemaster Azumazeki) taking your ticket.Apr 17, 2006
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Kokugikan ticket office (right). Ticket prices range from 2,100 yen to 14,300 yen.Apr 17, 2006
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KokugikanApr 17, 2006
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Sumo wrestler bannersApr 17, 2006
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Sumo wrestler and sumo stable bannersApr 17, 2006
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Taiko drum towerApr 17, 2006
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Taiko drum towerApr 17, 2006
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Way to Kokugikan. The guarded side gate on the right is for sumo wrestlers.Apr 17, 2006
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The Kokugikan as seen from JR Ryogoku Station platform.Apr 17, 2006
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Apr 16, 2006
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Near park entranceApr 16, 2006
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Flower pairApr 16, 2006
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Weeping plum blossomsApr 16, 2006
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Stone monument for "Haru no Tsuki" haiku poem by Nakamura Teijo. 「春の月」中村汀女Apr 16, 2006
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Stone monument for "Haru no Tsuki" haiku poem by Nakamura Teijo. 「春の月」中村汀女Apr 16, 2006
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Picnic areaApr 16, 2006
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Hanegi Park is near Odakyu Umegaoka Station ("Umegaoka" means plum hill). 小田急梅ヶ丘駅Apr 16, 2006
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The plum trees are on a small hill.Apr 16, 2006
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Entrance to Hanegi Park's plum groveApr 16, 2006
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Hanegi Park has plum blossoms in mid-Feb. to early Mar. It has about 700 plum trees and also sports facilities and public library.Apr 16, 2006
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Different daruma from all over Japan. Very interesting.Apr 16, 2006
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Entrance to Daruma Museum (one room only)Apr 16, 2006
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Daruma exhibits (the giant daruma on the left is for the late Fukuda Takeo, former prime minister from Gunma.Apr 16, 2006
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The giant daruma on the left is for Nakasone Yasuhiro, and the right is for the late Obuchi Keizo, both former prime ministers from Gunma.Apr 16, 2006
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Daruma Museum (next to temple)Apr 16, 2006
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Left balcony of temple.Apr 16, 2006
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Daruma dolls can never be knocked over since they always stand upright.Apr 16, 2006
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Daruma closeupApr 16, 2006
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Right balcony of Daruma temple, TakasakiApr 16, 2006
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Right balcony of temple.Apr 16, 2006
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Right balcony of temple.Apr 16, 2006
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Right balcony of Daruma temple, Takasaki.Apr 16, 2006
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Inside the Daruma temple, Takasaki.Apr 16, 2006
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Right balcony of temple.Apr 16, 2006
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Right balcony of temple.Apr 16, 2006
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An Australian praying at the templeApr 16, 2006
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GardenApr 16, 2006
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Garden (photos taken in early May)Apr 16, 2006
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Shorinzan Daruma Temple 少林山達磨寺Daruma offerings on both sides of the temple.Apr 16, 2006
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Entrance and stairs going up to Shorinzan, a small hill. 少林山Apr 16, 2006
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Takasaki Museum of Art 高崎市立美術館Apr 16, 2006
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JR Takasaki StationApr 16, 2006
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JR Takasaki Station 高崎駅As seen from my hotel.Apr 16, 2006
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View from JR Takasaki Station's East Exit. 高崎駅東口Takasaki Tower Museum of Art is the tall building on the left.

高崎市タワー美術館
Apr 16, 2006
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JR Takasaki Station, West Exit 高崎駅西口Apr 16, 2006
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To Kannon-yamaApr 16, 2006
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WisteriaApr 16, 2006
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Kannon and bridge, Takasaki, GunmaApr 16, 2006
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View of Takasaki. The tall building is Takasaki City Hall.Apr 16, 2006
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View from Kannon-yama.Apr 16, 2006
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One of 20 Buddha figures inside the Kannon.During New Year's, many people visit the Kannon.Apr 16, 2006
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Made of concrete.Apr 16, 2006
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Built in 1936.Apr 16, 2006
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Standing 41.8 meters high, equivalent to a 9-story building.Apr 16, 2006
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The Kannon statue peers over the trees.Apr 16, 2006
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Octagonal 5-story pagoda 八角五重塔 (中興塔)Apr 16, 2006
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Road marker related to Kobo Daishi.Apr 16, 2006
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Entrance to octagonal 5-story pagoda (Photos not allowed inside). It's a ferro-concrete building with no windows nor observation deck or balcony.Apr 16, 2006
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Fudo-mon Gate and Prayer and Peace Monument 不動門 「祈りと平和」の像Apr 16, 2006
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Inside Dai-hondo main hall at Kawasaki Daishi. Kobo Daishi (Kukai 774-835), the founder of the Shingon Buddhism is enshrined. The Goma kito fire prayer is held here a few times every morning and afternoon. 大本堂Apr 16, 2006
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Hanamatsuri, pouring sweet tea over the baby Buddha.Apr 16, 2006
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Serving sweet tea for free for all.Apr 16, 2006
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Hanamatsuri at Kawasaki Daishi.Apr 16, 2006
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Hanamatsuri, Buddha's Birthday (April 8). This small baby Buddha statue was placed inside the main hall at Kawasaki Daishi.Apr 16, 2006
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Kawasaki Daishi Temple, Dai-hondo main worship hall 大本堂Apr 16, 2006
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Path to main worship hall 大本堂Apr 16, 2006
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Daishi Nakamise is famous for rock-candy cutting (Tontoko Ame). They use a knive to cut the long sliver of candy on a wooden cutting board to make a loud chopping noise.op, always banging the knifeApr 16, 2006
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Daruma and maneki nekoApr 16, 2006
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DarumaApr 16, 2006
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Lots of daruma shopsApr 16, 2006
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Daruma shopApr 16, 2006
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Daishi Nakamise shopping arcade leads to the temple.Apr 16, 2006
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"Does Tachikawa have strength?"Apr 16, 2006
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SculpturesApr 16, 2006
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50th anniversary parkApr 16, 2006
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SidewalkApr 16, 2006
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StreetApr 16, 2006
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MonorailApr 16, 2006
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JR Tachikawa Station entranceApr 16, 2006
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JR Tachikawa StationApr 16, 2006
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JR Tachikawa Station walkwaysApr 16, 2006
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Walkway sculptureApr 16, 2006
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Katarai Promenade and canalApr 16, 2006
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Hana-midori Bunka CenterApr 16, 2006
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Emperor Showa Memorial Museum within Hana-midori Bunka Center. One-room museum with various exhibits on Emperor Showa (Hirohito). His marine biology lab is reproduced, a horse-drawn carriage, videos, etc., are shown. 昭和天皇記念館Apr 16, 2006
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Inside Hana-midori Bunka CenterApr 16, 2006
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Water FountainApr 16, 2006
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Bonsai exhibitionApr 16, 2006
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Cherry blossomsApr 16, 2006
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Bonsai exhibitionApr 16, 2006
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Japanese Garden 日本庭園Apr 16, 2006
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Cherry blossomsApr 16, 2006
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Cherry blossoms bloom from late March to mid-April.Apr 16, 2006
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Cherry blossomsApr 16, 2006
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TransportationApr 16, 2006
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Putter golf courseApr 16, 2006
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Oiutdoor cafe near the boat house.Apr 16, 2006
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The large field named "Minna no Harappa" or Field for All. みんなの原っぱApr 16, 2006
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JR Nishi-Tachikawa Station, the closest train station to the park. A bridge connects the station to the park entrance.Apr 16, 2006
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Nishi Tachikawa park entrance (admission charged). The following photos were taken during cherry blossom season.Apr 16, 2006
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Waterfowl Pond and boats. Grass is still dry and not green in April.Apr 16, 2006
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Boat pierApr 16, 2006
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Sleeping cat 眠り猫Apr 16, 2006
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Tokugawa Ieyasu's mausoleumApr 16, 2006
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KaramonApr 16, 2006
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Tokugawa Ieyasu's mausoleumApr 16, 2006
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Yomeimon GateApr 16, 2006
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Karamon close-upApr 16, 2006
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Sleeping cat 眠り猫Apr 16, 2006
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Sleeping catApr 16, 2006
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Yomeimon Gate, National Treasure, Nikko 陽明門Apr 16, 2006
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Rear of Yomeimon GateApr 16, 2006
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Portable shrine storehouseApr 16, 2006
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Yomeimon GateApr 16, 2006
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Yomeimon Gate, National Treasure 陽明門Apr 16, 2006
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Rear of Yomeimon GateApr 16, 2006
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Oriental zodiac (tiger) carving on five-story pagodaApr 16, 2006
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Dragon on ceiling that squeaks when you clap.Apr 16, 2006
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Group photoApr 16, 2006
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NiomonApr 16, 2006
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Oriental zodiac (dragon) carving on five-story pagodaApr 16, 2006
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Hear, speak, and see no evilWood carving on the horse stableApr 16, 2006
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Five-story pagoda 五重塔Apr 16, 2006
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Oriental zodiac (hare) carving on five-story pagodaApr 16, 2006
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Kids on school trip along Omotesando 表参道Apr 16, 2006
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Horse stableApr 16, 2006
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A National Treasure and World Heritage Site, Nikko's magnificent shrines and temples overshadow any other attractions Tochigi has. The Toshogu Shrine is especially famous and also serves as Tokugawa Ieyasu's mausoleum. Omotesando 表参道Apr 16, 2006
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Horse stableApr 16, 2006
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Shinkyo Sacred Bridge, Nikko 神橋Apr 16, 2006
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Tobu Line train to Nikko. It takes about 2 hours from Asakusa, Tokyo.Apr 16, 2006
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Tobu Nikko Station 東武日光駅Apr 16, 2006
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Inside Tobu Line trainApr 16, 2006
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Apr 15, 2006
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Mikoshi going up to Omote-mon GateApr 15, 2006
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Ichino-toriiApr 15, 2006
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1:30 pm: The end (path to Futarasan Shrine). A similar festival is held in Oct., but on a smaller scale and with only one mikoshi.After the festival ends, there's enough time to see the shrine.Apr 15, 2006
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Apr 15, 2006
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Mikoshi coming through Ichino-toriiApr 15, 2006
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