Most viewed
mo033-IMG_5477.jpg
Moriyama Ginza shopping street near Moriyama Station211 views
ko101-20090410_9294.jpg
Chikubushima island and cherry blossoms at Kaizu-Osaki, Lake Biwa.211 views
ty113-20091009_4855.jpg
View from the podium in the school auditorium. It looks like that they still use this auditorium.211 views
ha308-DSC00909p.jpg
The huge water park at Spa Resort Hawaiians. All the water is from a hot spring. The pool water is lukewarm.211 views
050_9577.jpg
Poster210 views
46-IMG_9675.jpg
Ferrari F430 Spider210 viewsLamborghini set out to build a better car than Ferrari, and he attained his goal. I like Ferrari (especially the Testarossa), but I like Lambo better.
om406-IMG_3973.jpg
Karuta cards with verses from famous poems210 views
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.210 views
013-IMG_4740.jpg
Castle tower entrance210 views
na208m-IMG_4122.jpg
Southeast corner turret (Important Cultural Property). Also called the Tatsumi Yagura turret. It has bay windows to drop stones. 辰巳櫓 東南隅櫓210 views
to219g-IMG_1203.jpg
Rear view210 views
014-IMG_2106.jpg
Kameoka Station210 views
hs063a-83II6-22.jpg
210 views
051-9811-9.jpg
Japan's goalie takes a break at Nagano Winter Olympics women's ice hockey match.210 viewsHer helmet is dotted with Print Club photo stickers.
076-SOUV-POSTCARDS.jpg
Postcard set (400 yen)210 views
033-IMG_9317.jpg
Cherry blossom veil210 views
004-IMG_0073.jpg
Chiba Castle and paper lanterns210 views
002-IMG_9638.jpg
JR Chiba Station platform210 views
060-IMG_8982.jpg
The men are shouting "Kami-o Kami-o" (another way of pronouncing the kanji for Kami-otoko). 神男210 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210 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.
to400-IMG_6865.jpg
Tokyo Station Nihonbashi Entrance 東京駅 日本橋口210 views
052-IMG_6098.jpg
The Land Procession is one of the festival's two main events. It starts with a group of taiko drummers.210 views
054-IMG_6103.jpg
Moyo-oshi Daiko. Also see my video at YouTube. 催太鼓210 views
041-IMG_2448.jpg
Inside helicopter210 views
023-IMG_2830.jpg
Then you see a dramatic bird's eye view of the recreated neighborhood of Sagacho, Fukagawa. The entire neighborhood is indoors.210 views
f060-IMG_2790.jpg
Site of Basho-an Hut, now a small garden with a statue of Basho overlooking the Sumida River. 芭蕉庵史跡展望庭園210 views
go020-IMG_2918.jpg
Roof ridge of Butsuden includes the family crest for the Ii Clan. Gotokuji temple.210 views
su063-IMG_01341.jpg
G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sticker on a bus window in Sapporo.210 views
ta070-20080601_5657.jpg
Also see my YouTube video here.210 views
ka101-20080806_7969.jpg
210 views
ka137-20080806_8153.jpg
210 views
sb088-20080830_7832.jpg
Cutie210 views
kh069-web_030228-n-1810f-003.jpg
Arabian Gulf (Feb. 28, 2003) -- Airman Bena Videz from Albuquerque, N.M., assigned to the “Liberty Bells” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron One One Five signals to flight deck personnel “ready aircraft” after completing checks on an E2-C.210 viewsArabian Gulf (Feb. 28, 2003) -- Airman Bena Videz from Albuquerque, N.M., assigned to the “Liberty Bells” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron One One Five (VAW 115) signals to flight deck personnel “ready aircraft” after completing checks on an E2-C “Hawkeye.” Kitty Hawk and Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) are operating with coalition forces in support of Operation Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom, and is the world’s only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier operating out of Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom. (RELEASED)
ym011-20080925_0138.jpg
Mikasa Park. A short walk from the train station is this waterfront park featuring the Battleship Mikasa preserved on dry land as a museum.210 views
ao183-0112-20.jpg
22nd Asakusa Odori, April 2001. Also see the official Asakusa geisha Web site here.210 views
su035-20060119IMG_6001.jpg
The higher ranking rikishi are at the end of the line. (Hakuho and Kotooshu here).210 views
og200-20090406_6339.jpg
Near Ogaki Station is a small plaza with signs telling you that Haiku poet Matsuo Basho came here and that Ogaki was his last stop on his Oku no Hosomichi journey.210 views
sn270-20090414_2502.jpg
Barge loaded with mikoshi approaching Wakamiya Port. Sanno-sai Festival.210 views
mo103-IMG_1828.jpg
210 views
hc024d-20090409_7778.jpg
In 1606, the 1st and 2nd phases of Hikone Castle's construction were completed. The tenshu castle tower was also completed and Naokatsu moved in. This is the Castle moat and Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.210 views
ch100-20090410_9092.jpg
Nagahama Castle (reconstructed) is a lakeside castle within Hokoen Park near Nagahama Station. This is the entrance to the park. 豊公園 MAP210 views
sg066-IMG_0356.jpg
Honmachi float leaving Himure Hachimangu Shrine. Sagicho Festival, Omi-Hachiman, Shiga. 本町のだし210 views
yh075-20090807_2842.jpg
Photogenic Yamagata hanagasa dancer.210 views
nb200-20090906_7137.jpg
The 34th Nakamurabashi Awa Odori dance festival was held on Sept. 6, 2009 from 5 pm to 8:30 pm. First they held a tape-cutting ceremony with local politicians and festival organizers.210 views
ty059-20091009_4895.jpg
210 views
ty064-20091009_4742.jpg
210 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210 views
st143a-sendaitanabata1.youtube
My YouTube video of Sendai Tanabata featuring Tanabata decorations and seeing the evening entertainment (Awa Odori, Tanabata dancers, etc.) on Jozenji-dori during 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. 210 views
sj430-20120318_4204.jpg
New building for Asakusa Tourist Information Center.210 views
af335-20120511_7493.jpg
Tunnel of White Wisteria goes for 76.5 meters.210 views
km349-IMG_8830.jpg
Kameido Tenjin Shrine's main worship hall.209 views
06suwa.jpg
Store Your Bags209 views一時預り所 - "Ichiji azukari-sho" means makeshift baggage storage place. This facility has been provided to accommodate the bags of the flood of visitors coming to see a big festival near this train station. The available coin-operated lockers are not enough. The "ichiji" can also mean one o'clock, but in this context, it means temporary.

The sign on the right says, "Ichinichi ikko 400 yen" and "Eigyō jikan 8:00 - 17:00." It costs 400 yen to store one bag, and the storage hours are as stated. The place requires you to come back for your stored bag by 5 pm. One advantage of the coin-operated lockers is that you don't need to come back for your bag by 5 pm.

Place: Shimo-Suwa Station, Nagano for the Onbashira Festival.
47-IMG_7283.jpg
Shower, toilet, and rubber broom シャワーとトイレ209 viewsThe floor of the shower area is the same as the toilet's. After taking a shower, we have to use a rubber broom (upper right corner) to sweep the water to the drain. I still don't understand why we have to do this and why the shower does not have a separate floor. Apparently this is common in Finland especially in older buildings.

シャワーとトイレの床は共有でシャワーの後にゴムぞうきん(右上)で水を排水に。面倒と思うけど、フィンランドの古い家にこうなっている。
01-IMG_6867.jpg
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport ヘルシンキ・ヴァンター空港209 viewsIt takes about 9 to 9 1/2 hours from Tokyo to Helsinki via Finnair. Only one country lies between Japan and Finland: Russia. Both countries actually share a border with Russia. As of this writing, Finnair flies direct from Tokyo only twice a week. Narita is so congested with only two runways, they cannot offer more flights. Finnair has more direct flights from Kansai Airport in Osaka.

現在では、成田発のヘルシンキへの直行便は週に2便しかない。関空発は週に5便。9時間ちょっとでヘルシンキへ行ける。
44-IMG_6920.jpg
Manga display in bookstore209 viewsManga and anime have taken Europe by storm. It was surprising to see bookstores even in Finland having prominent displays of manga and anime books and magazines.

マンガとアニメがヨロッパにも大人気。まさか人口5百万人のフィンランドにも人気で本屋に行くと必ずこのようなマンガ/アニメのディスプレイが設置してある。
22-IMG_9104.jpg
Finnair: Helsinki to Tokyo209 viewsMeatballs and mashed potato.
kt017-IMG_1704.jpg
On Aug. 9, the Jizo statues are lit with candles.209 views
005-IMG_4044.jpg
Path to Otemon Gate, the main gate to the castle. 大手門209 views
028-IMG_4124.jpg
Path to Ha-no-mon Gate はの門209 views
068-IMG_4240.jpg
First floor209 views
074-IMG_4248.jpg
Weapon racks called bugukake. 武具掛209 views
011-IMG_4459.jpg
Ninomaru Higashi Otemon Gate (Main entrance), Important Cultural Property 二之丸東大手門209 views
004-IMG_4967.jpg
209 views
001-IMG_2047.jpg
Torokko train at Arashiyama for Hozu Gorge209 views
026-IMG_0520.jpg
Also see the video at YouTube.209 views
039-IBARAKI.jpg
Plum grove209 views
im400a-IMG_7393.jpg
Cherry blossoms and moat209 views
018-IMG_8047.jpg
Red weeping plum blossoms at park entrance209 views
046-IMG_9463.jpg
Fireman's watch tower209 views
005-IMG_0053.jpg
Chiba Castle Sakura Matsuri lantern209 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209 views検非違使志
016-IMG_9181.jpg
Implements to raise silkworms.209 views
009-IMG_0434.jpg
Ropes are strung over the tree to protect it against the weight of snow.209 views
019-IMG_0489.jpg
Winter cherry blossoms.209 views
021-IMG_4174.jpg
The double-arched bridge was built in 1911, made of granite.209 views
032-IMG_9216.jpg
There it is. The female rock. 女性器をかたどった石209 views
to404-IMG_6866.jpg
Inside Tokyo Station Yaesu North Entrance209 views
094-0211-12.jpg
209 views
021-IMG_1705.jpg
On the street, just follow the signs to Nezu Shrine. Only a few minutes walk.209 views
hr555-IMG_0921.jpg
A small garden and little stream which was behind the Enryokan State Guesthouse.209 views
049g-IMG_1431.jpg
209 views
010-IMG_0663.jpg
Belonging to the Buzan School of the Shingon Sect of Buddhism, Gokokuji Temple was built by the mother of Shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi in 1682. 209 viewsThe Gekkoden Hall was moved here from Miidera temple in Otsu, Shiga Pref. The Tahoto Pagoda was modeled after the Tahoto at Ishiyamadera in Otsu, Shiga. Okuma Shigenobu, founder of Waseda Univ., is also buried here. This is the entrance to Gokokuji Temple, Niomon Gate. It's right next to Gokokuji Station on the Yurakucho subway line. 仁王門
tm112-IMG_4129.jpg
There is a meeting place inside Tokyo Big Sight. Most marathons use a large park for runners to gather after the race. But Tokyo Big Sight is used for the Tokyo Marathon because it is indoors and unaffected by the weather. It's also warm inside.209 views
ni013-IMG_00500.jpg
Next to the former fire station is this small pond, called Nishiyama Kako-numa, created by the eruption and blocking the road. 西山火口沼(西新山沼)209 views
ca038-IMG_01469.jpg
Otaru Canal is a short walk from Otaru Station.209 views
ka041-20080804_7482.jpg
209 views
ka069-20080806_7839.jpg
In the background is the flag of the city of Shibukawa, the sister city of the County of Hawai'i (island of Hawai'i or the Big Island).209 views
ka132-20080806_8131.jpg
209 views
ka130-20080806_8109.jpg
209 views
sb029-20080830_7533.jpg
209 views
sb062-20080830_7704.jpg
209 views
sj062-IMG_2636.jpg
Never too busy for a phone call.209 views
on041-20090213_2559.jpg
Monument for "Desert of the Moon," a famous children's song created on Onjuku Beach in 1923 by Kato Masao (加藤まさを). (Tsuki no Sabaku) 月の沙漠209 views
001-IMGP_1402.jpg
Nakagusuku Castle is part of a World Heritage Site of Okinawan gusuku castles. This is a view looking eastward from the base of the 3d enclosure (migusuku). Photos in this album all by Michael Lynch.209 views Constructed in mid-fourteenth century of limestone rocks, placed without the use of mortar, Commodore Perry praised the construction technique on his visit to Okinawa in 1853.
sk067-20090413_1215.jpg
Weeping cherry tree at Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Otsu.209 views
mo105-IMG_1801.jpg
209 views
ar213-20091009_4742.jpg
Toyosato Elementary School was renovated and reopened in May 2009.209 views
sh300-20100919_4193.jpg
JR Shimada Station on the Tokaido Line. It's about 30 min. east of JR Shizuoka Station. On the right is the small plaza where they danced.209 views
sh356-20100919_4088.jpg
209 views
et097-20121118-8249.jpg
Training boats209 views
ku244-20121118-8428.jpg
Rudder and propellers of Battleship Yamato.209 views
31_2367.jpg
Festival poster208 views
sa12saru.jpg
208 views
013_9915.jpg
Festival site208 views
IMG_5493.jpg
208 views
ci406-IMG_1254.jpg
Inside boat. Almost empty.208 views
43-IMG_2371.jpg
208 views
071-IMG_4245.jpg
Sword exhibit208 views
006-IMG_4450.jpg
Tonan-sumi (Southeast corner) Turret 東南隅櫓208 views
026-IMG_4525.jpg
East Bridge to Honmaru and Honmaru Yagura-mon Gate208 views
041-IMG_5213.jpg
Otemon Gate208 views大手門
040-IMG_5217.jpg
The castle's fourth and fifth largest stones.208 viewsBrought by the Tokugawa during construction. Next to Tamon Yagura Turret and Daimon Gate.
da081-IMG_6770.jpg
208 views
052-9811-10.jpg
Nagano Winter Olympics women's ice hockey match.208 views
042-IMG_7395.jpg
Bamboo grove208 viewsPine trees, bamboo, and plum blossoms are called Shochikubai in Japanese. This trio of trees is most famous.
025-IMG_0715.jpg
Inside Yushukan war museum. Impressive, but its version of Japanese war history is skewed. No exhibit on the Pearl Harbor attack either. 遊就館208 views
009-8144-11.jpg
Hear, speak, and see no evil208 viewsWood carving on the horse stable
IMG_2656.jpg
Japanese-style Locomoco, originally from Hawaii208 viewsFrom a well-known bento shop. Not very good.
IMG_3667.jpg
Tempura mushroom208 views
020-IMG_9721.jpg
208 views
033-IMG_9672.jpg
208 views
064-IMG_9305.jpg
Traditional musical instruments.208 views
061-IMG_9568.jpg
Ainokura Folk Museum No. 2 南砺市相倉民俗館2号館208 viewsExhibits related to the traditional industries of Ainokura such as gunpowder manufacturing and washi paper making.
060-IMG_1393.jpg
Ii Naomasa and Matsudaira Tadayoshi's position, near Sekigahara Station. And also next to Higashi Kubizuka.208 views
050-IMG_5932.jpg
Sign for Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park208 views
023-IMG_8746.jpg
208 views
045-IMG_9826.jpg
Tagata Shrine banners. Also see Honen Festival photos here.208 views
im052-IMG_2595.jpg
View from Nijubashi Bridge. The public can cross the bridge on the Emperor's Birthday (Dec. 23) and Jan. 2 for New Year's.208 views
to457-IMG_7002.jpg
Tokyo Station Tokaido shinkansen tracks208 views
020-IMG_2266.jpg
Entrance to the bamboo grove at Takebayashi Park. 竹林公園208 views
019-IMG_0656.jpg
208 views
051-9019-4.jpg
Pieces of the old rope. Anyone could take home the pieces of old sacred rope if they wanted.208 views
076-IMG_1279.jpg
All these reds and pinks drove my eyes crazy.208 views
029-IMG_2841.jpg
Vegetable seller. 八百屋の八百新208 views
239-IMG_1404.jpg
Fixed-seat boats208 views
017-IMG_3309.jpg
Thatched roof208 views
060-IMG_1464.jpg
They sing on the street to advertise something, usually a night club where they appear.208 views
025-IMG_0684.jpg
Daibutsu Buddha statue208 views
go053-IMG_2850-2NDNAOTAKA.jpg
Straight ahead is the grave of Lord Ii Naotaka, the 2nd lord of Hikone Castle in Shiga Prefecture.208 views
pl030-IMG_1627.jpg
Plum blossoms, Hokoen Park, Nagahama, Shiga208 views
ka071-20080806_7858.jpg
208 views
ka080-20080804_7553.jpg
208 views
ka092-20080806_7934.jpg
208 views
sb090-20080830_7845.jpg
Golden lady208 views
cv030-9311ind13.jpg
Bridge208 views
ty142-032-21.jpg
Rear view of the old Toyosato Elementary School before renovations.208 views
iy142-20100410_8075.jpg
Lots of eye candy in this show.208 views
na547-20100522_4891.jpg
JAXA Astronaut Naoko Yamazaki at her welcome home parade in Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture on May 22, 2010.208 views
ah209-20100408_7427.jpg
Sweet tea is poured over a statue of a baby buddha. According to legend, sweet rain (or perfumed water) fell when the Buddha was born.208 views
sh307-20100919_3991.jpg
As you can see, there are variations in the hairstyle and adornments of Shimada-ryu.208 views
hi329-20110203_1249.jpg
遊助208 views
yk330-20120322_5093.jpg
Statue of Democratic Rights in Yakushi Ike Park, Machida, Tokyo208 views
006_7594.jpg
207 views
IMG_1853.jpg
Inside main worship hall, ancestral prayers207 views
IMG_5514.jpg
207 views
IMG_5566.jpg
207 views
ci503-IMG_1471.jpg
Very old and worn statue of Pindola Bharadvaja (賓頭盧尊者) inide Karamon Gate.207 views
im440-imazu.jpg
Lake Biwa shore in Imazu, with a boat landing in the distance207 views
eastbiwako.jpg
Southeastern shore of Lake Biwa207 viewsAs seen from Mt. Hiei Driveway. Kusatsu and Moriyama are in view.
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207 views
024-IMG_4107.jpg
207 views
055-IMG_4207.jpg
Castle tower viewed from Bizen Maru (Honmaru) 大天守207 views
005-IMG_4446.jpg
Tonan-sumi (Southeast corner) Turret 東南隅櫓207 views
035-IMG_4587.jpg
Ninomaru Kita Otemon Gate207 viewsImportant Cultural Property

二之丸北大手門
033-IMG_5975.jpg
Burn baby burn...207 viewsThe fire is put out by 9 pm. Unless you're near the fire, it can get very cold, so dress warmly for this festival.
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.207 views
005-IMG_1351.jpg
Heiwadai Track and Field arena207 views
en150-IMG_6785.jpg
Hiking around the island (not recommended). There is a nice path going around half the island. But the other half lacks a real path. It is somewhat risky.207 views
da111-IMG_6773.jpg
Inside the Great Buddha (hands and lap)207 views
on103-19860324-032a.jpg
View from Onomichi Castle. A lookout deck will be built on the Onomichi Castle site.207 views
038-IMG_7379.jpg
207 views
001-9942-21AUG28KOENJIAWA.jpg
Crowd at JR Koenji Station on Awa Odori night.207 viewsThe Koenji Awa Odori is basically a parade of dancers. Many groups of dancers from various parts of Japan participate in the parade that follows the main shopping streets near Koenji Station on the Japan Railways Chuo Line in Tokyo.
tu727-20060816-7059.jpg
Line for the free shuttle bus back to Tsuruga Station. They had many shuttle buses so we didn't have to wait long.207 viewsIt was a very efficient and quick operation. Although I did leave early.
046-IMG_1057.jpg
207 views
106-IMG_1497.jpg
Rear view of monument marking the site of Todo Takatora and Kyogoku Takatomo's position.207 views
111-IMG_1546.jpg
Signs show the way and distance to the various monuments.207 views
014-IMG_6587.jpg
Gate to Minowa-bashi Station on the Tokyo Toden Arakawa Line。 東京都電 荒川線 三ノ輪橋駅207 views
ri552-8151-37.jpg
207 views
022-IMG_5255.jpg
Mitake Station (side view) on the JR Ome Line. 御岳駅207 views
025-IMG_5309.jpg
Bus for cable car station.207 views
208-IMG_3601.jpg
Statue of Oguchi Taro 小口太郎銅像207 viewsShort walk from JR Okaya Station. Walk toward the shore of Lake Suwa. The monument is near the mouth of Tenryu River.
im064-IMG_2783.jpg
Fujimi Turret. Since Edo Castle had lost its castle tower which was never rebuilt, this turret served the functions of a castle tower. 富士見櫓207 views
to503-IMG_7076.jpg
Yamanote Line platform207 views
026-IMG_2764.jpg
Ducks207 views
sh325-IMG_2865.jpg
Near the entrance to the Tokaido Road is this tourist info booth. Free pamphlets (English included) and maps of Shinagawa-juku.207 views
105-131_3124.jpg
Onbashira Festival. They included one woman.207 views
150-IMG_1384.jpg
Torii gates207 views
024-IMG_2827.jpg
The lighting inside the museum also changes to reflect the time of day. This is night time.207 views
057-IMG_0589.jpg
About the monument from Rome.207 views
048q-IMG_1411.jpg
Goldilocks?207 views
h024-IMG_2157.jpg
207 views
go052-IMG_2886.jpg
Way to cemetery. Six Hikone Castle lords, including Ii Naosuke, have graves here. Setagaya was the domain of the Ii clan who often worked in the Tokugawa government.207 views
b070-IMG_2191.jpg
Mannequin of Lady Murasaki Shikibu writing Tale of Genji. 紫式部源氏の間207 views
ka025-20080806_7790.jpg
207 views
ka082-20080806_7912.jpg
207 views
cv018-9312-6.jpg
Riding on the elevator to the flight deck.207 views
kh071-web_030228-n-1810f-004.jpg
Arabian Gulf (Feb. 28, 2003) -- An F-14A “Tomcat” launches from one of four stream powered catapults aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63).207 viewsArabian Gulf (Feb. 28, 2003) -- An F-14A “Tomcat” launches from one of four stream powered catapults aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Kitty Hawk and Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) are operating with coalition forces in support of Operation Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom, and is the world’s only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier operating out of Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom. (RELEASED)
os010-20080619_6018.jpg
On this street corner is Otsu's Point Zero for its roadways.207 views
lr022-20081123_0229.jpg
207 views
on053-20090213_2606.jpg
Iwase took many precious photos of these young and old hardworking women. He put them in a book called Groups of Women Ama Divers. They were topless because it felt more comfortable.207 views
su040-20060119IMG_6012.jpg
Ozeki Kotooshu.207 views
kr020-20090429_5533.jpg
Marker showing the way to Kaizuten Jinja Shrine on a busy highway in Makino. Kaizuten Jinja holds the annual Kaizu Matsuri (nicknamed Kaizu Rikishi Matsuri) on April 29. Rikishi means sumo wrestler.207 views
mk265-20090429_5525.jpg
Makino manhole, Takashima, Shiga Pref.207 views
he101-20090412_0784.jpg
On the foot of Mt. Hie on the Shiga side is the temple town of Sakamoto. From here, take the cable car up to Enryakuji. Also accessible from Kyoto and by bus/car via the Hie-zan Driveway. Near JR Hiezan Sakamoto Station/Keihan Sakamoto Station.207 views
ty131-20091009_4900.jpg
Inside public library which occupies former classrooms whose walls were removed.207 views
ty139-032-32.jpg
In 2003, local citizens and former students staged protests against the destruction of the old school building.207 views
ko052-19890521-025.jpg
Kokura Castle207 views
km055-20100424_8868.jpg
Statue of Ii Naosuke, lord of Hikone Castle in Shiga Prefecture in Kamonyama Park, Yokohama. He was a key figure in opening Japan to the West. As a result, Yokohama was one of Japan's first ports opened to foreigners.207 views
ha309-P1040884.jpg
The whole water park is heated to tropical temperatures even when it is freezing outside.207 views
af370-20120511_7163.jpg
Yellow wisteria at Ashikagae Flower Park.207 views
et107-20121118-8293.jpg
One of the five midget submarines used in the Pearl Harbor attack. On display at the Naval History Museum on Etajima island, Hiroshima.207 views
en109c-IMG_4246.jpg
Entrance to Yasaka Shrine206 views
014_2579.jpg
Cable anchor206 views
he201-IMG_5817.jpg
Notogawa Station, West Exit, also designed as a water wheel. This is one of Shiga's best-designed train stations. Beautifully designed station resembling a water wheel, the symbol of the town.206 views
023-04IMG_0881.jpg
Golden Dragon Dance musicians206 views
025-IMG_4111.jpg
Sangoku Moat in Ni no Maru, 三国堀206 views
048-IMG_4186.jpg
Chi-no-mon Gate (after passing through)206 views
to219h-IMG_1206.jpg
206 views
021-IMG_0800.jpg
Court lady called myobu. 命婦206 views
IMG_8218.jpg
Koenji Awa Odori dance, Tokyo206 views
007-IMG_9353.jpg
206 views
050-83II4-5.jpg
View of Sakurajima from Shiroyama Park206 viewsNotice the submarine in the water.
063-9212-16.jpg
Old JR Miyazaki Station206 views
109-0037-12.jpg
206 views
052-IMG_0710.jpg
Marker for Tokugawa Ieyasu's Final Base Camp206 views
019-IMG_5880.jpg
Hinohara village manhole206 views
210-IMG_2440.jpg
"Tell us my friends your stories, with your fervent hearts."206 views
to455-IMG_7057.jpg
Signs point you to the shinkansen tracks.206 views
sh324-IMG_2864.jpg
Entrance to the Tokaido Road at Shinagawa. Short walk from Shinagawa Station.206 views
093-HA25-COPY.jpg
206 views
ko621-IMG_0742.jpg
Komae's manhole design depicts a gingko tree, the city's official tree.206 views
as012-IMG_1791.jpg
One of Tokyo's most photographed buildings: Kaminari-mon Gate with a giant red paper lantern.206 views
ta035-20080601_5493.jpg
Oyushiki ceremony is performed to purify the sacred rice paddies during the Taga Taisha Rice-Planting Festival. 御湯式206 views
sb031-20080830_7551.jpg
206 views
ki028-20080913_8674.jpg
Yakitori206 views
sc015-land6.jpg
Oil-painted card of river. Apparently by the same artist as the preceding card.206 views
kh026-web_071127-n-0483b-004.jpg
YOKOSUKA, Japan (Nov. 27, 2007) Family and friends celebrate the homecoming for USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the ship arrives at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka.206 viewsYOKOSUKA, Japan (Nov. 27, 2007) Family and friends celebrate the homecoming for USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the ship arrives at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Kitty Hawk, the world's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, returned after completing a scheduled fall deployment and participation in ANNUALEX, the maritime component of the U.S.-Japan exercise Keen Sword 08. The exercise was designed to increase interoperability between the United States and JMSDF and enhance their ability to effectively and mutually respond to a regional crisis situation. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kari R. Bergman (Released)
sg033-20081013_1694.jpg
206 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.206 views
su021-20050508IMG_0476.jpg
Each tournament is 15 days long, and each wrestler in the top two divisions wrestle once a day. A wrestler must win at least 8 times during a tournament to get promoted. Otherwise, he is demoted in rank. The more he wins, the higher he is promoted.206 views
su191-20050508IMG_0645.jpg
Kokkai means "Black Sea."206 views
so184-20090329_4635.jpg
Also see my photos of the Aoi Matsuri here.206 views
wk121-20090407_7209.jpg
206 views
na030-20090505_7602.jpg
Held annually on May 5 by Ozu Jinja Shrine, the festival consists of dances and music by children, taiko drumming, a naginata dance and acrobatics by boys using a pole sword, and a roundtrip procession. Ozu Jinja Shrine torii. 小津神社206 views
ft069-20090809_3047.jpg
Fussa manhole depicting tanabata festival in Tokyo.206 views
su282-20090923_2758.jpg
Suijo Hachiman Shrine Taiko Odori dance in Maibara, Shiga.206 views
ty060-20091009_4921.jpg
Weather vane on top of the main building.206 views
ty070-20091009_4814.jpg
This exhibition room is what you first see when you enter the front entrance.206 views
ty104-20091009_4811.jpg
Stairway with turtle statue on railing.206 views
oa202-20100504_0788.jpg
Shichikawa Matsuri's yakko-furi dance is a Shiga Prefecture Intangible Folk Cultural Property. 滋賀県選択無形民俗文化財206 views
tr248-20100508_2500.jpg
206 views
mh295a-maibarahikiyama.youtube
My video of Maibara Hikiyama Festival 2010206 viewsMaihara Hikiyama Matsuri is held annually on the three-day weekend in Oct. around the 10th (Sports Day, a national holiday). Sunday is the main day.
71292 files on 283 page(s) 21