Most viewed
024-IMG_5942.jpg
Trophy case in lobby. This is the Emperor's Cup awarded to the tournament winner.224 views
028-IMG_5948.jpg
The tournament winner receives numerous prizes from various organizations and companies.224 views
004-IMG_0728.jpg
Everyone is dressed in Heian-Period (794-1185) costumes.224 views
hi563-IMG_1613.jpg
Special viewing window called "sajiki-mado" at Hino Matsuri. They view the Hino Festival procession from this special window. 桟敷窓224 views
IMG_4433.jpg
Toro and oyster (kaki) Sushi224 views
ls204f-8921-25.jpg
Yomegashima island and Jizo statues, Lake Shinji, Matsue, Shimane Pref.224 views
101-IMG_1489.jpg
Site of Todo Takatora and Kyogoku Takatomo's position.224 views
050-IMG_5362.jpg
Mitake-san Youth Hostel. The mountain has many lodges and inns.224 views
ke234-IMG_4580.jpg
Plum tree blossom bonsai with white plum blossoms.224 views
210-IMG_3603.jpg
Closeup of Taro Oguchi statue224 viewsHe graduated in 1919 and furthered his studies at Tokyo Imperial University (now University of Tokyo) in the science department. In 1921, he invented the wired and wireless multiplex telegraph and telephone system which was patented in eight countries. He was an extremely bright young man with a promising future.

In 1922, he entered the university's aeronautical research institute as a researcher. However, his life soon took a downturn from 1923 when he received a military conscription notice. A love interest for marriage also did not work out as desired. His physical health deteriorated and he terminated his own life the following year in 1924 at age 26.
032-IMG_9216.jpg
There it is. The female rock. 女性器をかたどった石224 views
to301-IMG_6955.jpg
Tokyo Station Yaesu Entrance (Daimaru Dept. Store) and North Tower 東京駅八重洲224 views
to325-IMG_6868.jpg
Coin-operated lockers コインロッカー224 views
025-IMG_2278.jpg
Bamboo forest, Higashikurume, Tokyo224 views
076-IMG_2716.jpg
Grounds of Koganji temple as seen from the Hondo hall.224 views
034-9018-19.jpg
The shimenawa rope actually consists of five smaller ropes. They cut the ropes one by one.224 views
015-ha2-copy.jpg
Shrine priest on horseback. The start of one of Tokyo's Big Three Festivals. These photos show the festival's climax on the last day of the festival when over 50 portable shrines are paraded along the streets amid splashing water. It is the Rengo 224 views
040-IMG_1337.jpg
Large and small electronics shops line the main drag on both sides.224 views
h012-IMG_1881.jpg
Asakusa Hagoita-ichi Battledore Fair, Dec. 17-19224 views
tm114-IMG_4136.jpg
Goodbye Tokyo Big Sight. Also see photos of the 2007 Tokyo Marathon.224 views
b070-IMG_2191.jpg
Mannequin of Lady Murasaki Shikibu writing Tale of Genji. 紫式部源氏の間224 views
ka051-20080806_8044.jpg
224 views
sj116-IMG_3389.jpg
White Heron Dance (Shirasagi no Mai).224 views
lr031-20081123_0034.jpg
The Chevrolet Impala was by far the most common or popular lowrider car at the show.224 views
lr030-20081123_0263.jpg
Chevy Impalas. I'd never seen so many Impalas in my life.224 views
oc061-20090120_1679.jpg
Obama Castle stone foundation for the main castle tower. No structure remain. No moats remain either, except for the two rivers which served as a natural moat.224 views
ts030-20090203_2454.jpg
The shrine priests continued their bean attack on the oni.224 views
on034-20090213_2525.jpg
224 views
104e_20090409_8444.jpg
Lake Biwa Canal (Biwako Sosui) and cherry blossoms. This is one of two canals which supply water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto. National Historic Site224 views
ko054-20090615_1513.jpg
JR Koiwa Station has this statue of Yokozuna Tochinishiki, a famous sumo wrestler who was from Koiwa.224 views
ht050-20090413_1891.jpg
Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine at the foot of Mt. Hie in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture is the head shrine for all Hiyoshi, Hie, and Sanno Shrines in Japan (around 2,000). Hiezan Sakamoto Station on the JR Kosei Line and Keihan Line's Sakamoto Station are nearest.224 views
nh204-20090415_2615.jpg
The kabuki boys for each hikiyama float proceed to the shrine, headed by a boy holding a sacred staff with zigzag paper.224 views
sg032-IMG_0673.jpg
The boar's mane is made of tiny fish. You can smell the seafood. I'm surprised that crows never swooped down on the floats to feast on them.224 views
sg066-IMG_0356.jpg
Honmachi float leaving Himure Hachimangu Shrine. Sagicho Festival, Omi-Hachiman, Shiga. 本町のだし224 views
hs103-20090613_0794.jpg
Dubbed Mt. Fuji, this pile of colorful hydrangea is stacked like a mountain. Capped by white flowers for snow. Hakusan Shrine in Bunkyo, Tokyo224 views
se235-20090806_1276.jpg
If you look closely, you can that see one of his eyes is blind.224 views
ty140-032-34.jpg
Protest signs.224 views
sa320-20100209_0138.jpg
Snow leopard, very impressive.224 views
hb371-20110414_7712.jpg
Omi-Hachiman's manhole depicts Hachiman-bori moat adorned with cherry blossoms. Shiga Prefecture.224 views
sj430-20120318_4204.jpg
New building for Asakusa Tourist Information Center.224 views
ty129b-P1060832.jpg
K-ON stands for kei-ongaku (軽音楽) meaning light music or casual/informal music. The manga/anime is about a group of five junior high school girls in the Light Music Club.224 views
tm624-P1050476.jpg
Olympic gold medalist marathon runner Naoko Takahashi at Tokyo Marathon Expo on Feb. 2012.224 views
007_0221-16.jpg
223 views
050_9577.jpg
Poster223 views
IMG_3677.jpg
Former horseback riding grounds223 views
IMG_1856.jpg
Inside main worship hall, meeting room223 views
om281-IMG_3123.jpg
Monument for Lake Biwa Rowing Song (Biwako Shuko no Uta)223 viewsThe song became a national hit in 1971 when singer Tokiko Kato recorded it. Numerous famous Japanese singers and groups have since released cover versions of the song. The town of Imazu even holds an annual song contest in June when choir groups from around Japan sing the song in a competition. The town even has a museum dedicated to the song.

One of the verses mentions Omatsu (now called Omi-Maiko). This monument commemorates the song and that verse.
58-IMG_9731.jpg
Volkswagen Golf223 views
ei402h-IMG_1031.jpg
223 views
10-IMG_2798.jpg
Benten-do223 views
003-IMG_4423.jpg
Minami-mon (South) Gate 南門223 views
na202b-IMG_4103.jpg
As you walk toward the castle entrance, you see this Sotobori outer moat.223 views
na552g-IMG_4186.jpg
This photo was taken in 2006, showing an empty lot where the Hommaru Goten Palace is being reconstructed now.223 views
to154-IMG_9521.jpg
223 views
to219d-IMG_9541.jpg
Great Buddha223 views
051-9811-9.jpg
Japan's goalie takes a break at Nagano Winter Olympics women's ice hockey match.223 viewsHer helmet is dotted with Print Club photo stickers.
026-IMG_0720.jpg
Inside Yushukan war museum: Photos of the war deceased. Look carefully and you may find photos of Hideki Tojo and co.223 views
020-IMG_9721.jpg
223 views
042-IMG_9561.jpg
Ainokura Folk Museum No. 1 南砺市相倉民俗館1号館223 viewsExhibits related to life in Ainokura and the gassho-zukuri houses.

Ainokura Folk Museum 南砺市相倉民俗館
070-IMG_9637.jpg
Shrine223 views
061-9212-9.jpg
Miyazaki street223 views
072-IMG_1431.jpg
223 views
029-IMG_5315.jpg
570 yen one way. There's also a lift for an extra 100 yen. No one rides the lift.223 views
047-IMG_8507.jpg
Horyuji temple, Daikōdō Hall, National Treasure 大講堂223 views
020-IMG_9191.jpg
Road to Ooagata (Oagata) Shrine, famous for worshipping a rock shaped like the female sexual organ. It also holds the Honen Matsuri for a good harvest and fertility on the Sunday before March 15. 大県神社223 viewsThe shrine is the female counterpart to Tagata Shrine which worships the phallus in neighboring Komaki. The shrine is also noted for weeping plum blossoms.
010-IMG_4543.jpg
Saitama Stadium is a large soccer stadium built for the Soccer World Cup in 2002 and now home of the Urawa Reds. Way to Saitama Stadium 2002 from the train station.223 views
to066-IMG_6762.jpg
Tokyo Station, Marunouchi Central Entrance. What should be the station's largest entrance is like a mouse hole and easily missed.223 views
to405-IMG_6837.jpg
Tokyo Station Yaesu North Entrance223 views
085-0210-11.jpg
223 views
092-0211-1APR30.jpg
223 views
027-0028-3.jpg
Hoshi Sunahama or Star Sand Beach223 views
054-IMG_6103.jpg
Moyo-oshi Daiko. Also see my video at YouTube. 催太鼓223 views
077-IMG_2711.jpg
People line up to wash the famous Kannon statue. The line gets longer on weekends.223 views
028-IMG_3385.jpg
Route 1 in Higashi-Gotanda223 views
127-0238-11.jpg
223 views
104-IMG_4891.jpg
Hokule'a, Kama Hele, and Yokohama Bay Bridge. Also see photos of the canoe tour.223 views
s062-IMG_8868.jpg
Shibata Castle Park map223 views
032-IMG_1305.jpg
Train bridge223 views
ch010-IMG_4639.jpg
On approach to New Chitose Airport on an Air Do Boeing 767.223 views
yh021-20080727_7253.jpg
This huge Osambashi Hall was filled with stalls selling mainly Hawaiian clothing.223 views
sb118-20080830_7996.jpg
223 views
sb125-20080830_8039.jpg
223 views
lr035-20081123_0257.jpg
223 views
og028f-20090406_6398.jpg
Ogaki Castle in April223 views
sn270-20090414_2502.jpg
Barge loaded with mikoshi approaching Wakamiya Port. Sanno-sai Festival.223 views
mo101-IMG_6473.jpg
About 12,000 flower plants carpet the area in yellow. Free admission. 223 views
mo152-IMG_1762.jpg
Rainbow223 views
mo151-IMG_1782.jpg
Mt. Ibuki as seen from Nagisa Park.223 views
mk209-20090822_3677.jpg
MInami-Koshigaya Awa Odori Dance, indoor performance. 南越谷阿波踊り223 views
ty082-20091009_4764.jpg
The turtle makes it way at its own, slow pace.223 views
sa402-20100210_0922.jpg
Chibi Maruko-chan snow sculpture.223 views
tm150-20100228_3325.jpg
The annual and 4th Tokyo Marathon was held on Feb. 28 2010 starting at 9:10 am for the runners in Shinjuku. A whopping 300,000 people applied to enter, but only 32,000 runners got in. They paid 10,000 yen each.223 views
sk149-20120325_5954.jpg
Tokyo Skytree souvenir chopsticks.223 views
kb028c-20140103-0436.jpg
Bean geese at Lake Biwa.223 views
11_3308.jpg
Raising the kite. Long bamboo poles are used to prop the huge kite upward to meet the wind.222 views
014_0221-5.jpg
222 views
IMG_1844.jpg
Religious and ceremonial area222 viewsYoshinogari is a huge historical park near Yoshinogari Koen Station on the JR Nagasaki Line, not too far from Saga Station.

The park consists of a number of areas, each having a distinct function. This area has buildings used for religious ceremonies.
IMG_5500.jpg
222 views
ci404-IMG_1240.jpg
Mt. Ibuki from Lake Biwa222 views
om308-IMG_7404.jpg
222 views
hh100_0476.jpg
JR Hikone Station222 views
ks001-IMG_1654.jpg
The following photos were taken years earlier. Something things look the same, others have changed. Map of temple grounds.222 viewsEstablished in 834 and located in Kora-cho town, Saimyoji is a Tendai Buddhist temple and the northern-most one in the Koto Sanzan Temple Trio.

The main temple hall, designated as Japan's first National Treasure, houses statues of gods with a carving of the 12 Oriental Zodiac signs on the head. Accessible by bus from Amago Station on the Omi Railway Line.
088-IMG_4287.jpg
View of Honmaru (Bizen Maru) and shachihoko roof ornament. The shachihoko ornament on the roof ridge guards against fire and natural disasters. Eleven of these are atop the castle.222 views
031d-IMG_4156.jpg
Mizu-no-san Gate222 views
to219g-IMG_1203.jpg
Rear view222 views
da111-IMG_6773.jpg
Inside the Great Buddha (hands and lap)222 views
060-0334-37.jpg
Bus we rode to and from Kanna-machi.222 views
048-IMG_0740.jpg
Adding to the dignity of the shrine is a monkey show.222 views
017-IMG_2440.jpg
Kyoto University's cheering section for the 8-man race222 viewsComplete with cheerleaders.
002-IMG_9144.jpg
They run around while carrying a portable shrine.222 views
009-IMG_9383.jpg
The thatched roof is replaced every 30 years. Every spring, 6 or 7 thatched roofs are replaced in Shirakawa-go.222 views
016-IMG_0478.jpg
Statue of Prince Yamato Takeru 日本武尊像222 views
019-IMG_0489.jpg
Winter cherry blossoms.222 views
051-IMG_0707.jpg
Marker for Tokugawa Ieyasu's Final Base Camp222 views
060-IMG_1393.jpg
Ii Naomasa and Matsudaira Tadayoshi's position, near Sekigahara Station. And also next to Higashi Kubizuka.222 views
056-IMG_1377.jpg
Cycling road sign near bus stop.222 views
034-IMG_5345.jpg
222 views
043-IMG_9806.jpg
Votice tablet with illustration of the Honen Festival.222 views
to305-IMG_6965.jpg
Tokyo Station Yaesu Entrance222 views
107-IMG_1973.jpg
Engetsukyo Bridge (Full Moon Bridge) 円月橋222 views
to506-IMG_3387.jpg
Inside a Yamanote Line train.222 views
035-IMG_1107.jpg
222 views
103-IMG_4880.jpg
Hokule'a and Kama Hele in Yokohama, June 10, 2007222 views
ts025-IMG_4931.jpg
Bus stop in front of Toya Station with Toyako town's slogan: Town of greenery, lake waters, and heartful encounters.222 views
su063-IMG_01341.jpg
G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sticker on a bus window in Sapporo.222 views
ka072-20080806_7862.jpg
222 views
cv033-9310ind2.jpg
"Welcome aboard!"222 views
cv034-9311ind11a.jpg
Captain's seat. We took turns sitting on it for pictures.222 views
kh045-web_070221-n-2060v-080.jpg
Yokosuka, Japan (Feb. 21, 2007) – Vice President Dick Cheney speaks to a group of nearly 4,000 Japan-based military personnel, family members and Department of Defense civilian employees.222 viewsYokosuka, Japan (Feb. 21, 2007) – Vice President Dick Cheney speaks to a group of nearly 4,000 Japan-based military personnel, family members and Department of Defense civilian employees during a visit to USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). During his speech, Cheney thanked the troops for their support of the global war on terrorism. Cheney is in Japan during a week-long tour to the Pacific to strengthen alliances with Japan and Australia. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph A. Vernola
yr014-20080921_0103.jpg
222 views
np010-IMG_6698.jpg
The word on her fan says it all. Otsu, Shiga.222 views
sg118-IMG_2575.jpg
"Anagama" kiln diagram and explanation in Japanese and English.222 views
on022-20090213_2506.jpg
JR Onjuku Station on the Sotobo Line. From Tokyo Station, catch the Yokosuka or Sobu Line to Chiba Station, then switch to the Sotobo Line. Takes about 2 hours by local train. Faster by express train. There are no coin-operated lockers.222 views
tm147-20090422_5105.jpg
The young shrine maidens also danced, Taga Matsuri.222 views
ch164-20090410_9008.jpg
Statue of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Nagahama Castle, Shiga. He renamed the town from Imahama to "Nagahama" after his boss and mentor Oda Nobunaga.222 views
ft050-20090809_2996.jpg
JR Fussa Station on the JR Ome Line is decorated with tanabata streamers during Aug. 6-9.222 views
le100-20091024_8625.jpg
The Shiga Lakestars played against Osaka Evessa on Oct. 24-25, 2009 at Moriyama Shimin Taiikukan gym, a short bus ride from Moriyama Station. Special shuttle buses ran from the station to the gym.222 views
nd205-20100424_8931.jpg
They gradually headed up the road toward their street performance area. ささらほうさら 金粉ショー222 views
na641-2010-2177.jpg
2010 March 5 --- During the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, the crew sit in Space Shuttle Discovery for a countdown simulation. In the middle is Naoko.222 views
hb336-20101121_8456.jpg
Former park manager's office.222 views
ha309-P1040884.jpg
The whole water park is heated to tropical temperatures even when it is freezing outside.222 views
ku246-20121118-8435.jpg
222 views
007_9990.jpg
221 views
ci494-IMG_1446.jpg
Kannondo Temple221 views
01-IMG_2739.jpg
Ishibe-juku was the 51st stage/post or shukuba lodging town on the Tokaido Road where even Emperor Meiji once stayed (with an entourage of over 3,000). 221 viewsView from JR Ishibe Station. Ishibe in Konan city is rural, yet it has a few major industries operating.
to319d-IMG_4627.jpg
Hokoku Shrine, Nagahama, Shiga221 views
023-IMG_4106.jpg
Ni no Maru. After passing through Hishi Gate, this is what you see.221 views
024-IMG_4107.jpg
221 views
031-IMG_4144.jpg
Inside Ni-no-mon Gate. A bottleneck gate designed so not many enemy soldiers can pass through at one time.221 views
055-IMG_4207.jpg
Castle tower viewed from Bizen Maru (Honmaru) 大天守221 views
068-IMG_4240.jpg
First floor221 views
041-IMG_5213.jpg
Otemon Gate221 views大手門
040-IMG_5217.jpg
The castle's fourth and fifth largest stones.221 viewsBrought by the Tokugawa during construction. Next to Tamon Yagura Turret and Daimon Gate.
018-IMG_1371.jpg
Shiomi Turret221 views潮見櫓
014-IMG_2106.jpg
Kameoka Station221 views
mi501-87Mar21Miyajima4.jpg
View from Miyajima island's Mt. Misen.221 views
052-9811-10.jpg
Nagano Winter Olympics women's ice hockey match.221 views
zo606-IMG_6672.jpg
Somon Gate 惣門221 views
045-IMG_7424.jpg
Kobuntei Villa was originally built in 1842 by Tokugawa Nariaki (1800-1860), the ninth Lord of Mito. It was his summer villa.221 views
051a-IMG_1090.jpg
Hollyhock (aoi) leaves 葵221 views
059-IMG_4517.jpg
Kusatsu Shukuba Festival, Shiga Pref.221 views
058-IMG_9583.jpg
Spare thatch221 views
064-IMG_9305.jpg
Traditional musical instruments.221 views
061-IMG_9568.jpg
Ainokura Folk Museum No. 2 南砺市相倉民俗館2号館221 viewsExhibits related to the traditional industries of Ainokura such as gunpowder manufacturing and washi paper making.
074-IMG_9649.jpg
Monument commemorating the marriage of Crown Prince Hiro (right) and birth of Princess Aiko (left)221 views
107-IMG_1501.jpg
Site of Todo Takatora and Kyogoku Takatomo's position.221 views
112-IMG_1638.jpg
Path to Shimazu Yoshihiro's position.221 views
060-IMG_8982.jpg
The men are shouting "Kami-o Kami-o" (another way of pronouncing the kanji for Kami-otoko). 神男221 views
058-IMG_2487.jpg
Pilot's goggles and cap.221 views
049g-IMG_1431.jpg
221 views
sh065-IMG_00734.jpg
G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: T-shirts221 views
ik067-20080805_7664.jpg
Hawaiian celebrities Aloha Dalire and Luana Kawelu pose with yet another group of Japanese hula dancers in a hotel lobby in Ikaho.221 views
sb055-20080830_7668.jpg
221 views
kh027-web_050820-n-9851b-007.jpg
221 views
yk022-20080925_0424.jpg
Kurihama beach, where Commodore Perry first landed in Japan.221 views
ki010-20090108_0591.jpg
JR Kiyosu Station platform. Note that only the local (kaku-eki) trains stop at Kiyosu Station. The kaisoku express trains don't stop at Kiyosu.221 views
su035-20060119IMG_6001.jpg
The higher ranking rikishi are at the end of the line. (Hakuho and Kotooshu here).221 views
su204-20050508IMG_0640.jpg
Hakuho throws salt on the sumo ring.221 views
wk121-20090407_7209.jpg
221 views
he254-20090412_0862.jpg
Map of Saito complex in Enryakuji.221 views
nh205-9727-29.jpg
After the kabuki boys, processions of Naginata sword bearers also proceed to Nagahama Hachimangu Shrine.221 views
fw101-20090808_3586.jpg
Fukushima Waraji Matsuri221 views
sb316-82137-5.jpg
Dinosaur snow sculpture at 1982 Sapporo Snow Festival.221 views
sa352-20100209_0372.jpg
The Iolani Palace ice sculpture was especially beautiful at night, lit up with colorful lights. It was built by over 250 members of the Japan Ice Sculpture Association, most of whom were chefs working at Sapporo hotels.221 views
ut202-20100525_6417.jpg
Building 1 at University of Tokyo, Komaba Campus. The most distinguished-looking building on campus. Looks like the Yasuda Auditorium on the Hongo Campus. 1号館221 views
hi329-20110203_1249.jpg
遊助221 views
yk300-20120322_5084.jpg
Yakushi Ike Park has 250 plum trees, 2,200 irises, camellia, lotus ponds, two thatched-roof homes, the Machida City Photo Salon, the Yakushi tea house, and a statue dedicated to democracy.221 views
af476-20120511_7461.jpg
221 views
kd413-20120513_8023.jpg
Hana-Koganei Station221 views
sa12saru.jpg
220 views
km311-9320-23.jpg
Another view from the top of the bridge years ago.220 views
km400-120_2079.jpg
The Usokae Festival is held every January at the Kameido Tenmangu (Tenjin) Shrine. "Uso" means bullfinch, and "kae" means to change. The bullfinch is a symbol of good luck, and uso can also mean "lie." 220 viewsPeople replace their wooden uso dolls believing that the previous year's bad luck was a lie, to be exchanged for good luck in the new year with the new uso doll.
13IMG_7481.jpg
Nagasaki photos by Yosuke Yamahata220 views
12IMG_8741.jpg
Japan Pavilion showing Miyako Ishiuchi 日本館は、30年ぶりに写真家が出品:石内都220 viewsThe last time a Japanese photographer held a solo show at the Venice Biennale's Japan Pavilion was in 1976 with Kishin Shinoyama. Almost 30 years later, we finally have a photographer as Japan's featured artist. She is Miyako Ishiuchi.

Her exhibition was titled: mother's 2000-2005--traces of the future. This is a series of photos of her deceased mother's personal effects--clothing, lipstick, kimono, etc.

A catalog of the same name was also published and sold in the pavilion. They also had sample copies of her other photo books (all in Japanese), but only the catalog was for sale.

写真家が単独で日本代表となるのは、1976年の篠山紀信以来です。今回の第51回のヴェネツィア・ビエンナーレに石内都が出品したのは、2000年に亡くなった母の遺品を撮った「Mother's」シリーズ。服、ヘアブラシ、口紅、といった品々が主の不在を静かに訴えかける。計35点。
IMG_5493.jpg
220 views
IMG_5514.jpg
220 views
ci401-IMG_1230.jpg
View of Mt. Ibuki as we leave Nagahama Port. Map for Nagahama Port220 viewsChikubushima can be reached from Nagahama Port, Hikone Port, or Imazu Port on the other side of the lake. There are several round trips every day from either port. Nagahama boat schedule and Hikone boat schedule
ci472-IMG_1392.jpg
The snake is a messenger of the Goddess Benzaiten.220 views
ci498-IMG_1460.jpg
Kannondo Temple220 views
om295-IMG_7412.jpg
220 views
072-14IMG-97139-15.jpg
1649: Tokugawa Iemitsu. In 1649 during his reign as shogun, Asakusa Shrine was built. 徳川家光 三社権現社再建寄進220 views
kt010-IMG_1686.jpg
Finally we see a building220 views
028-IMG_4124.jpg
Path to Ha-no-mon Gate はの門220 views
071-IMG_4245.jpg
Sword exhibit220 views
031a-IMG_4145.jpg
Ho-no-mon Gate (lower left)220 views
to151-IMG_9518.jpg
A World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most famous temples, Todaiji houses Japan's largest statue of the Buddha, a National Treasure. Temple was established about 1,200 years ago.220 views
zo607-IMG_6669.jpg
Somon Gate 惣門220 views
038-IMG_7379.jpg
220 views
042-IMG_7395.jpg
Bamboo grove220 viewsPine trees, bamboo, and plum blossoms are called Shochikubai in Japanese. This trio of trees is most famous.
004-IMG_9915.jpg
JR Chiba Station220 views
070-0337-13.jpg
220 views
038-IMG_2340.jpg
"Nanohanaya" (Rape blossoms) 菜の花や220 views
003-IMG_1163.jpg
Torii at Umamioka Watamuki Shrine in Hino, Shiga Pref.220 views
IMG_6799.jpg
Ramen220 views
111-IMG_1546.jpg
Signs show the way and distance to the various monuments.220 views
023-IMG_8746.jpg
220 views
031-IMG_8789.jpg
Haiden Hall where the men offer their long poles. 拝殿220 views
028-IMG_9762.jpg
220 views
036-IMG_0926.jpg
Verse 1 Lyrics (Otsu) 一番の英訳(大津). School logo on boat house, a cherry blossom with three stripes for Dai-san Koto Gakko.220 viewsWe're children of the lake, off to wander 'round.
This journey fills my heart with, intense happiness.
Rising mist evaporates, ripples come and go.
Shiga's Miyako dear, bid farewell for now.

われは湖の子 さすらいの
旅にしあれば しみじみと
のぼる狭霧や さざなみの
志賀の都よ いざさらば

Ware wa Umi no Ko, sasurai no
tabi ni shiareba, shimijimi to
Noboru sagiri ya, sazanami no
Shiga no Miyako yo, iza saraba
--
This first verse refers to the start of the journey of life. The lake mist symbolizes the uncertainty of what lies ahead.

The capital of Shiga is Otsu, where they departed from Mihogasaki boat harbor on June 27, 1917. For some reason, the kanji characters for "Shiga" is incorrect for Shiga Prefecture.
027-IMG_2843.jpg
At least 2 swans were in the pond along with koi fish.220 views
031-IMG_2920.jpg
Yokozuna statue220 views
057-IMG_0589.jpg
About the monument from Rome.220 views
hr331-IMG_0862.jpg
Bridge to Hama-rikyu Gardens. Guests staying at the Enryokan State Guesthouse during the 19th century would cross this bridge.220 viewsShort walk from JR Shimbashi Station and Shiodome Station on the Oedo Subway Line and the Yurikamome line.
060-IMG_1464.jpg
They sing on the street to advertise something, usually a night club where they appear.220 views
go017-IMG_2758.jpg
Butsuden Buddha Hall straight ahead.220 views
go053-IMG_2850-2NDNAOTAKA.jpg
Straight ahead is the grave of Lord Ii Naotaka, the 2nd lord of Hikone Castle in Shiga Prefecture.220 views
on088-IMG_00324.jpg
Official logo of the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit on the Toyako Culture Center.220 views
ka037-20080804_7471.jpg
Music was provided by Puka on bass, Aaron Sala on keyboard and Kunewa Mook on ukulele.220 views
ka055-20080806_8038.jpg
220 views
ka095-20080804_7572.jpg
220 views
og036-20090108_0835.jpg
Explaining the parts of samurai armor.220 views
su040-20060119IMG_6012.jpg
Ozeki Kotooshu.220 views
mo107-IMG_1812.jpg
220 views
yh079-20090807_2851.jpg
220 views
yb124-20090823_4841.jpg
Mrs. Yokota?? Hmm, maybe she's married to a Mr. Yokota. Actually, she's Heather Fife, wife of Maj. Kurt Fife, 36th Airlift Squadron,like an ambassador for Yokota. Read about her here.220 views
na547-20100522_4891.jpg
JAXA Astronaut Naoko Yamazaki at her welcome home parade in Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture on May 22, 2010.220 views
sh325-20100919_4016.jpg
Shimada Mage Matsuri in Shimada, Shizuoka. Her real hair in Shimada-ryu style.220 views
sh364-20100919_4104.jpg
Shimada-ryu hairstyle at Shimada Mage Matsuri, Shizuoka.220 views
km203-20120325_5431.jpg
Kameido Tenjin Shrine and Tokyo Sky Tree.220 views
su119-20130125-1746.jpg
Yokozuna Hakuho220 views
gi499-higashiomiodako.youtube
The Higashi-Omi Giant Kite Festival (Higashi-Omi Odako Matsuri) is held on the last Sunday of May at Fureai Undo Park (ふれあい運動公園) in Notogawa, HigashiOmi, Shiga. The main highlight is the giant kite, flying at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm.220 viewsMy video of the Higashi-Omi Giant Kite Festival on May 26, 2013. Due to a tragic kite crash in May 2015, this kite festival has been suspended since May 2016. It will not be held in May 2019 either.
46-IMG_7346.jpg
Kuusamon Kansanopisto 宿泊先219 viewsThis is where most of us stayed in Kuusamo during the nature photo festival. It was almost right across the street from Kuusamo Hall, making it very convenient and economical. It's near a supermarket and restaurants. It's like a hostel with communal showers, toilets, and kitchen. Breakfast was good too. Normally open during summer.
Web site: http://edu.kuusamo.fi/kansanopisto/

クーサモの宿。外国から来た写真祭りの参加者はほとんどここに泊まった。とても便利な所でした。シングル部屋もあるけど、シャワーとトイレは共有。夏樹だけ営業。安い。
IMG_5566.jpg
219 views
IMG_5672.jpg
Lake Nishinoko219 views
005-IMG_4044.jpg
Path to Otemon Gate, the main gate to the castle. 大手門219 views
026-IMG_4525.jpg
East Bridge to Honmaru and Honmaru Yagura-mon Gate219 views
006-IMG_4986.jpg
219 views
001-IMG_2047.jpg
Torokko train at Arashiyama for Hozu Gorge219 views
039-IBARAKI.jpg
Plum grove219 views
004-IMG_0729.jpg
No. 4 official of the old police force and court justice called Kebiishi-no-sakan 検非違使志219 views検非違使志
IMG_3666.jpg
Sashimi donburi219 views
036-IMG_9354.jpg
From the beach, the portable shrines are paraded in town.219 views
71461 files on 284 page(s) 20