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Various high schools in Shiga, mainly from Hikone, participated in the tent exhibition.200 views
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Her lit arms pierce the dark...200 views
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On the final night, they gave an encore where Kau'i joined in.200 views
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Kitty Hawk, the Navy's oldest active warship and only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, will soon be relieved by the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).200 viewsYOKOSUKA, Japan (May 28, 2008) Sailors man the rails of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the ship departs Fleet Activities Yokosuka for the last time. Kitty Hawk, the Navy's oldest active warship and only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, will soon be relieved by the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew R. White (Released)
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"Anagama" kiln.200 views
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Chevy logo200 views
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Statue of Oda Nobunaga at Kiyosu Park, Aichi.200 views
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Shimoniikawa Shrine, site of the Sushikiri (sushi-cutting) Festival on May 5. The shrine is a 20-min. bus ride from Moriyama Station. 下新川神社 MAP200 views
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Soon after we got to Nakajima, this black kite flew above. I tracked it with my camera. 「ピーヒョロロロロ…」200 views
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Hikone Castle is one of five main castle towers in Japan designated as a National Treasure. The others are Himeji, Matsumoto, Matsue, and Inuyama Castles.200 views
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Rocky trail looking up on Mt. Fuji.200 views
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From the train approaching JR Kinomoto Station on the Hokuriku Line, you can see the chair lift trail on the slope of Mt. Shizugatake. To reach Shizugatake from Kinomoto Station, take a bus bound for Sugaura (菅浦) or Shindono (新道野).200 views
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This is one of two rooms in the building which has been reconstructed as a classroom for display purposes.200 views
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Stone torii 山下石鳥居200 views
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Pretty at night with all the lanterns in the Chidorigafuchi moat.200 views
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The music, their movements, and gold appearance really made it interesting.200 views
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Statue of Ii Naosuke, lord of Hikone Castle in Shiga Prefecture in Kamonyama Park, Yokohama. In 1914, the Ii family donated Kamonyama Park to the city of Yokohama.200 views
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Bull statue at Yushima Tenjin Shrine.200 views
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Life-size spaceship.200 views
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Miharu Takizakura weeping cherry tree in Miharu, Fukushima Prefecture. Over 1,000 years old.200 views
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Uesugi Shrine, Yonezawa, Yamagata200 views
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Mini kite contest. Kite contestants show off their kite designs at their tents.199 views
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Prayers at Narita-san199 views
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Komyodo Hall, Important Cultural Property at Narita-san. Built in 1701 and dedicated to the Dainichi Nyorai Buddha, the principal image of Shingon Buddhism. 光明堂199 views
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Japan Pavilion showing Miyako Ishiuchi 日本館内199 viewsMost of the photos showed the personal effects of her deceased mother. Sticks of lipstick, clothing, kimono, etc. A video monitor on the floor showed her photos of Yokosuka.
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Statue of Ueno Hikoma199 views
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Police box in front of Azuchi Station199 views
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Ariwara no Narihira (825-880) comes to east Japan 在原業平 東下り199 views
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Lake Suwa199 viewsYou can rent a bicycle at Kami-Suwa Station and ride along the lake shore.
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San no Maru. This area is ringed by cherry trees. 三の丸広場199 views
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View from the right of Hishi Gate199 views
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Castle tower199 views
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End of the gorge199 views
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Tokyo Dome199 views
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Natural spring (cold water)199 views
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Great view from temple (no admission charge). Sadly, this is no more...199 views
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Hanegi Park is near Odakyu Umegaoka Station ("Umegaoka" means plum hill). 小田急梅ヶ丘駅199 views
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The procession's highest-ranking official called Chokushi. An Imperial Messenger. The horse is highly decorated. 勅使199 views
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Held on Dec. 2-3 by Chichibu Shrine, Chichibu Yomatsuri is one of Japan's Big Three Hikiyama Float Festivals. 199 viewsOrnate floats are pulled along the city's main streets until they reach a large plaza at night where they are lit with lanterns. Fireworks then serve as the climax. Photo: Seibu Chichibu Station
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Ainokura Folk Museum No. 1 南砺市相倉民俗館1号館199 viewsExhibits related to life in Ainokura and the gassho-zukuri houses.

Ainokura Folk Museum 南砺市相倉民俗館
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Statue of Prince Yamato Takeru 日本武尊像(明治紀念之標)199 viewsMemorial built in 1880 dedicated to the fallen warriors of Ishikawa Prefecture who fought in the Satsuma Rebellion.
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Statue of Prince Yamato Takeru 日本武尊像199 views
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Not a sandy beach, but still popular in summer.199 views
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Matchlock guns199 views
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Mitake-san Station for cable car199 views
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Souvenir shops and restaurants199 views
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Biography of Oguchi Taro. 小口太郎顕彰碑199 views
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Shinkansen ticket office. Faster to buy tickets at the ticket machine.199 views
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Oct. 20, 2007 Umizukuri Boat Festa in Ogoto. At the end of a rowing race between Otsu and Ogoto, a mini concert was provided near the lake shore with reed flute (yoshibue) players and Jamie singing the song in English.199 viewsPhoto by: 赤澤 一壽
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Sculpture in front of Takaoka Station (north side)199 views
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Camellia199 views
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Other side of Akihabara Station199 views
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Large grassy lawn.199 views
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Behind the Date Kaitaku Kinenkan Museum is the former Mitobe house on display. It is a typical house of the first settlers of Date, Hokkaido. Based on Sendai-style (Miyagi Pref.) architecture. Important Cultural Property. 旧三戸部家住宅199 views
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On the west side is Kinokuniya Bookstore.199 views
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Inside Otaru Orgel-do, full of music boxes of all kinds. 小樽オルゴール堂199 views
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Sister-city exhibit for the County of Hawaii (Big Island).199 views
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At sea aboard USS Kitty Hawk (Mar. 26, 2002) -- The Flight Deck Crash and Salvage crew stands by in case of any emergencies during flight operations.199 viewsAt sea aboard USS Kitty Hawk (Mar. 26, 2002) -- The Flight Deck Crash and Salvage crew stands by in case of any emergencies during flight operations. Kitty Hawk is currently conducting work-ups in preparation for an upcoming extended underway period. Kitty Hawk is the Navy’s only permanently forward deployed aircraft carrier and homeported in Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class John E. Woods. (RELEASED)
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"Mikasa" is a key word in Yokosuka.199 views
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Battleship Mikasa, the flagship of the Japanese Imperial Navy during the Russo-Japanese War in 1905. 三笠199 views
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The Biwako Otsu Natsu Matsuri is an annual summer festival held on Aug. 1 at Hama-Otsu, near Otsu Port. びわ湖大津夏まつり Festival grounds199 views
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Mike Sakan, local boy from Kusatsu, Shiga.199 views
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Head coach Robert Pierce. The LakeStars remain in 4th place. Also see my other Lakestars photos and player info here.199 views
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Iga-Ueno Castle and cherry blossoms, Mie Prefecture. During the Meiji Restoration, Ueno Castle's structures were dismantled as with many other castles.199 views
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Hydrangea at Hakusan Shrine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo199 views
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Fukushima Waraji Matsuri199 views
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This rabbit sculpture and turtle sculpture represents the famous Aesop's fable, the race between the turtle and hare.199 views
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Done and almost like the real thing. The Iolani Palace is in Honolulu, Hawaii, originally built by King David Kalakaua in the 19th century when Hawaii was still an independent kingdom. It is now a major tourist attraction.199 viewsThis photo was published in a book called "The Companies We Keep 2," published in Hawaii by Bob Sigall in Jan. 2008. The book is a compilation of various tidbits and trivia about Hawaii (my home state).

This photo was also featured on Hawaii's TV talk show "Nighttime with Andy Bumatai." See the segment at YouTube here.
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Yoroi Toshikoshi Shuko festival, Ashikaga, Tochigi.199 views
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There were two guys and three girls dancing.199 views
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Kawasaki C-1 for a parachute drop at Iruma Air Show in Saitama.199 views
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Nearby the expo site is the Japanese Overseas Migration Museum 海外移住資料館 operated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). There are permanent exhibitions explaining the immigration to Hawai'i, continental USA, and S. America199 views
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Propellers of Battleship Yamato.199 views
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Yokohama Chinatown's main temple called Kwan Tai Temple (Kanteibyo in Japanese 関帝廟). Busy with Chinese New Year worshippers. Dedicated to Kwan Tei, a famous general in the ancient Chinese Imperial army and Taoist symbol of integrity and loyalty199 views
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Hiko-nyan, the official mascot for Hikone Castle's 400th anniversary in 2007. He proven to be so popular that he has been retained as the city's official mascot. Basically a white cat with a horned samurai helmet. ひこにゃん199 viewsOne of the most famous mascots in Japan.
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Love red and white flowers at Tsutsujigaoka Park, Tatebayashi, Gunma.199 views
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Public Toilet198 views公衆便所 - Pronounced "kōshū benjo." And "WC" means "water closet." This is outside in the park. The men's/ladies' room inside a department store, etc., is usually called "otearai" (お手洗い).

Place: Sumida River fireworks, Tokyo.
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Poster exhibition 日本のポスター展198 viewsIn the huge, cavernous basement of the Palazzo Ducale, over 600 artistic Japanese posters were on display.

地下の凄い大きいホールになんと600枚のポスターが展示。
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Tram in downtown Helsinki198 viewsTrams and buses are the city's main means of public transportation.

日本では市電が少なくなっていますが、ヨロッパではまだ健在。
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Chikubushima198 views
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Temple Hondo198 views
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Kannon stone buddha198 views
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"Sama" hole for dropping stones, throwing spears, etc.198 views
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Honmaru Palace198 viewsImportant Cultural Property
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Castle tower198 views
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Isosaki Shrine198 views
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Warriors and Five-story Pagoda198 views
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One of six court dancers called maibito. 舞人198 views
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The Nebuta floats are judged in a contest and various awards are given.198 viewsThe Nebuta floats are beautiful objects of light. They are swung left and right and all around. The crowd applaud whenever the Nebuta faces them directly. The sculpture's lights inside are powered by a noisy generator on wheels under the float. The parade progresses quickly and the splendid Nebuta figures pass by one after another. You have to be there in person to feel the power and presence of the giant Nebuta. They represent the very soul and spirit of men. It's enough to give you goose bumps.

The Nebuta floats are judged in a contest and various awards are given. The best ones are preserved at the Nebuta-no-Sato (Nebuta Village) after the festival.
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Michigan198 views
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A man who got bumped and fell is quickly brought to his feet by other people.198 views
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Okonomiyaki (Osaka)198 views
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Making okonomiyaki198 views
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Fudoki-no-Oka Okadayama tumulus, Matsue 風土記の丘198 views
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"Miyako Odori" sign post. Performed for over a century, the dance makes April a very special time in Kyoto. It helps to hone the dance and musical skills of the geiko and maiko who diligently practice for this annual dance.198 views
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Jizo statue198 views
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Site of Shinagawa-juku's Honjin. 品川宿 本陣198 views
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The tekomai geisha enter the shrine.198 views
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Konki Senshoku noren curtain. They've been in business in Konan for 200 years. One of three shops left in Shiga doing traditional indigo dyeing with natural (not synthetic) indigo dye. MAP198 viewsTake a bus or taxi from Kosei or Mikumo Stations on the Kusatsu Line. Get off at Shimoda and walk 50 meters. Parking also available. Phone: 0748-75-0128, Address: Shimoda 1530, Konan-shi, Shiga
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The fire dept. building was damaged by the eruption, so it is no longer used by the fire dept. However, you can enter it and see some display panels.198 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: Pins198 views
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Ramen menu198 views
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The final number.198 views
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Bridge windows198 views
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YOKOSUKA, Japan (Sept. 21, 2007) - Sailors man the rails as USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) returns to Fleet Activities Yokosuka after a four-month summer deployment.198 viewsYOKOSUKA, Japan (Sept. 21, 2007) - Sailors man the rails as USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) returns to Fleet Activities Yokosuka after a four-month summer deployment. Kitty Hawk is the only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier in the Navy. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Bryan Reckard (RELEASED)
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At sea aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Apr. 24, 2002 -- Flight deck personnel prepare F/A-18 “Hornet” strike fighter aircraft for the next round of flight operations.198 viewsAt sea aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Apr. 24, 2002 -- Flight deck personnel prepare F/A-18 “Hornet” strike fighter aircraft for the next round of flight operations. Kitty Hawk is providing a forward presence in the Asia-Pacific region, conducting training and exercises with its regional allies. Kitty Hawk is the Navy’s only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier operating out of Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class John E. Wood. (RELEASED)
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The famous Karasaki pine tree as seen from Lake Biwa.198 views
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Cherry blossoms and Tahoto pagoda at Ishiyama-dera.198 views
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View from Sendai Castle's Honmaru. Sendai has over a million people. On clear days, you can also see the Pacific Ocean.198 views
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2nd floor corridor198 views
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Yushima Tenjin Ume Matsuri poster.198 views
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Miharu Takizakura weeping cherry tree in Miharu, Fukushima Prefecture.198 views
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JR Obatake Station platform.198 views
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Views of Mt. Fuji are beautiful in fall and winter. There's a good bicycling path around the lake. The road around Lake Yamanaka will also be part of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic cycling road race course from Tokyo to Fuji Speedway.198 views
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I saw the Yokaichi Giant Kite Festival (Odako Matsuri) for the first time on May 23, 2004. The site is alongside the Echigawa River near the Yachiyo Bridge. A free shuttle bus from Yokaichi Station is provided, taking about 10 min. 197 views
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Annantalo Arts Centre (my slide show venue) スライドショーの会場197 viewsA former primary school built in 1886, this distinguished-looking building is now an arts center for children and young people. It also has a small auditorium where I gave a slide show on Japanese festivals on Sept. 6, 2005. It's centrally located and convenient.
Annantalo Web site: kulttuuri.hel.fi/annantalo/esittely_en.html

ヘルシンキにも急遽スライドショーをやることになってこの会場になりました。児童の芸術文化センターの施設。市内の中心部にある。
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Sumo ring near Azuchi Station. It was built in 1988 and once used for a exhibition sumo tournament. It was removed in late 2014 due to a redevelopment of this train station area.197 views
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Eigenji Dam197 views
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Ninomaru Palace, National Treasure 二之丸御殿197 views
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Ninomaru Palace side view facing the garden. National Treasure197 views
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Dry moat on east side of castle.197 views
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Path to Todaiji197 views
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Horrendous line of people from Kudanshita Station inching their way to the cherry blossoms.197 viewsTip: You don't need to stand in this line. Just walk on the right toward the blossoms and keep walking on the side street parallel to the blossoms. You will soon find a way to enter the park.
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JR Tsuruga Station197 views
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Spare thatch197 views
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Tiny pink flowers197 views
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View of Mt. Daisen.197 views
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The torches burn within seconds.197 views
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Welcome Gate. Everyone goes through here instead and walk toward the top.197 views
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Tama River in Mitake Gorge, Tokyo197 views
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Waterfalls197 views
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All the men look in the direction of the Sacred Man, but few can actually see him or touch him for good luck.197 views
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Baby stingray (dead) beached.197 views
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Kondoi beach197 views
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The cherry blossoms form a roof over the river.197 views
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Flight simulator (Not as good as Microsoft Flight Simulator.)197 views
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Fire watchtower on the left, and boat operator's house on the right. 船宿升田屋と相模屋197 views
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Former Yokozuna Akebono (blue shirt) and his family were also on the pier. (Wife and daughter in orange.)197 views
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She says that it was her first "Street live performance" (rojo raibu).197 views
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Welcome banner on train platform.197 views
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The airport has a huge shopping area full of gift shops.197 views
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The kite flew quite high for about 3 min. 35 sec. Also see my YouTube video here.197 views
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The rice-planting dancers stay out of the mud. They took a break twice or so, but the rice planters had to continue non-stop.197 views
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Nagahama Castle in summer.197 views
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最後の夜だけアンコールがあった197 views
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USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Sailors man the rails as the ship enters Truman Bay after completing a 99-day summer underway period which included port calls to Otaru, Japan.197 viewsYokosuka, Japan (Sept. 15, 2006) - USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Sailors man the rails as the ship enters Truman Bay after completing a 99-day summer underway period which included port calls to Otaru, Japan; Singapore; Perth, Australia; Laem Chabang, Thailand. Kitty Hawk also participated in Valiant Shield 2006, the largest joint Navy and Air Force exercise conducted since Operation Desert Storm. The Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group is the Navy's only overseas-based aircraft carrier. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jared Benner (RELEASED)
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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 .civilian employees during a visit to USS Kitty Hawk197 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 1st Class Hana’lei Shimana (RELEASED)
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Sailors man the rails of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the ship departs Fleet Activities Yokosuka for the last time.197 viewsYOKOSUKA, Japan (May 28, 2008) Sailors man the rails of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the ship departs Fleet Activities Yokosuka for the last time. Kitty Hawk, the Navy's oldest active warship and only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, will soon be relieved by the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew R. White (Released)
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One for all, and all for one... Also see my other Lakestars photos and player info here.197 views
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Inside Weathercock House.197 views
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Ogaki Castle and cherry blossoms197 views
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Sculpture in Wanpaku Okoku, Hannan, Osaka.197 views
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Sunomata Castle was originally built in 1561 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi supposedly overnight as part of Oda Nobunaga's strategy to conquer Mino (Gifu) Province.197 views
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Kokubunji-ren from Kokubunji. 国分寺連(国分寺)197 views
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Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden197 views
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Pacifico Yokohama escalator going down to the CP+ venue. CP+ 2011 will be held at the same place during Feb. 9-12, 2011.197 views
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The Heijo Palace guard (Ejitai) holds the Gate-closing ceremony at the end of the day at Suzaku Gate.197 views
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I often see foreigners participating in Shiga festivals.197 views
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Kora town manhole with a wisteria design taken from Zaiji Hachiman Shrine, Shiga Pref.197 views
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My YouTube video of Mitaka Awa Odori (Part 1) featuring Mitaka Ginza-ren, Mitaka Shoko-ren, and Mitaka Shiyakusho-ren (city hall) on Aug. 23, 2009. (みたか銀座連、三鷹商工連、みたか市役所連 )197 views
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Way to Tama Cemetery. One of Tokyo's major cemeteries with the graves of celebrated figures including politicians, scholars, and novelists. Also a noted cherry blossom spot in spring.197 views
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More sales girls wearing happi coats during Tokyo Skytree pre-opening festivities for Sumida Ward residents on May 20, 2012.197 views
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Hanno's main street has a few shutter art.197 views
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White Heron Dance, Asakusa197 views
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Hanada Masaru, former Yokozuna Wakanohana acting as the daimyo lord at Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu197 views
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Old taiko-bashi bridge. You can see how crowded the bridge can get.196 views
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Store house for sacred offerings196 viewsSacred offerings for the gods such as sake and silk were made and stored in these huts.
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Saga Castle gate196 viewsThis is pretty much the only building left of Saga Castle. Otherwise, there are stone walls and moats.

Saga Castle was completed in 1611 when the first lord, Nabeshima Katsushige moved in. The castle experienced major fires in 1726 and 1835.
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Steps to castle tower foundation196 views
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Lamborghini Murcielago196 viewsOnly with a Lamborghini would I tell any pretty woman standing in front of it to move away so I can see and photograph the car better. Actually, I'm not that rude, so I just waited until she went away.
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On Aug. 9, the Jizo statues are lit with candles.196 views
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Northwest corner turret. 西北隅櫓196 views
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Wisteria196 views
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Fantastically-shaped plum tree196 views
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Kanna-machi banners celebrating the formation of the new town.196 views
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Chiba Prefectural Capital196 views
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A kanto is carried into the street to the sound of flutes and taiko drums.196 views
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Cold soba noodles196 views
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Tossing a portable shrine, a common sight during the festival.196 views
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Washi paper196 views
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Garden and former home of Omi merchant Nakae Jungoro (中江 準五郎邸).196 views
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Area around entrance to Hossawa Falls196 views
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Mihogasaki harbor, Otsu. The arrow points to the boat house where Oguchi Taro and crew departed for their rowing trips.196 viewsMihogasaki is accessible by bus from Otsu Station. Or just walk west from Hama-Otsu. This is also where water from the lake is drawn into the Biwako Canal's first canal which feeds water to Kyoto.
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"Pine trees are very green, on sands very white." Omi-Maiko196 views
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Many more women work on trains.196 views
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Ticket office at Koishikawa Korakuen Garden. Admission ¥300. Free English pamphlet/map available.196 views
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Mother and twins in yukata196 views
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JR Gotanda Station as seen from Keihin Kyuko Gotanda Station.196 views
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Nihon Minkaen, Kawasaki, Kanagawa196 views
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Don Quixote in the huge building which used to be Minami Denki.196 views
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Right side of Ukimido pagoda, Lake Toya.196 views
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Toyako Town Hall, front side, festooned with G8 Summit flags.196 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sticker on a bus window in Sapporo.196 views
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Passage at Fukuzumi Station, near Sapporo Dome196 views
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On the left side of the stage was the Hawaiian flag.196 views
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The tanuki have different faces and doing different things, even karaoke. Didn't see any looking like a photographer though.196 views
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This design won 3rd place. White sugar is one of the ingredients.196 views
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Unfortunately, Expo Y150 failed to attract the 5 million visitors the city had hoped for. Only 1.24 million paid visitors came, resulting in a major financial loss for the city.196 viewsAlso see the Official Web site here.
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Taiko drummer at Hachioji Matsuri. She was very good.196 views
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William Merrell Vories is one of the most famous historical figures in Shiga. His legacy remains in physical form in many places through former bank buildings, post office branches, schools, and Christian churches. MAP196 views
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Clearing the way down Nakamise. On the way back, they turned right into another temple and did not go all the way down Nakamise. 196 views
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My YouTube video of the Sasara Hosara Golden Butoh dancers at Noge Daidogei 2010.196 views
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Engagement Control Station (ECS) for the Patriot missile system.196 views
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Bell inside the Statue of Democratic Rights in Yakushi Ike Park, Machida, Tokyo196 views
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Poetry monument for poet Takamura Chieko (1886-1938). 高村 智恵子196 views
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