Most viewed
su076-9556-12.jpg
When I visited the castle in 1995, the room still had the chairs and table the Crown Prince and Princess used. They have since been removed from the room. This photo was taken in 1995.199 views
af117-9138-20.jpg
We spent the night in the mountain hut with a small dinner.199 views
19910507-003.jpg
Kamikochi is accessible by bus from the Matsumoto Bus Terminal near JR Matsumoto Station.199 views
tr200-20100508_2334.jpg
The Takatora Summit was held in Kora-cho's Zaiji area on May 9, 2010. It was Kora's second time to host the summit. The first time was in 2000. Zaiji Hachiman Shrine was one of the festival venues.199 views
ut206-20100905_0120.jpg
Utsunomiya Castle, Tochigi Pref.199 views
af388-20120511_7547.jpg
White Wisteria Waterfall. 白藤の滝199 views
hm344-20120430_4507.jpg
Fukushima Hanamiyama Park spring flowers 199 views
od274-20130326-5814.jpg
Odawara manhole showing Odawara Castle.199 views
IMG_1905.jpg
Burial mounds198 viewsA large clay pot served as the coffin.
IMG_1942.jpg
Exhibition hall198 views
12-IMG_7570.jpg
Outdoor toilet 野外のトイレ198 views
31d-kuusamobook.jpg
Kuusamo Luontokaupunki, by Paavo Hamunen, Hannu Hautala, and Lassi Rautiainen クーサモの写真集198 viewsI first saw this book at the Finnish Tourist Board's office in Tokyo (Imperial Hotel) which I visited before going to Finland. I think it is the only nature photo book about Kuusamo with Japanese text. It also has text in Finnish, Russian, and Italian (but no English!).

It shows pictures of the best nature spots in and around Kuusamo such as Julma Ölkky, Kitkajoki River, and Näränkä, the three places I visited (or experienced) while in Kuusamo (click on links to see my pictures). Published by Articmedia in 2000.
ISBN: 951-98612-0-3

唯一の日本語も含むクーサモの自然を紹介するの写真集。東京にあるフィンランドの観光局(帝国ホテル内)にもこの本が置いてあった。
ch385c-IMG_1397.jpg
Inside the Haiden Hall, you can buy these little dishes. Buy two of them. You write your name on one and your wish on the other dish. Then throw it through the torii gate.198 views
in161-IMG_1753.jpg
More details about the song here.198 views
01_3053.jpg
Water intake for Lake Biwa Canal No. 2. Near Mihogasaki in Otsu, and adjacent to the boat racing arena.198 views
om315-IMG_7414.jpg
198 views
hy336d-IMG_1226.jpg
Inside hondo, Hyakusaiji198 views
10-IMG_3499.jpg
Kusatsu-juku Honjin. the Honjin was the town's most luxurious accommodation catering to society's elite like daimyo warlords, Imperial family members including the emperor, and other dignitaries. National Historic Site198 viewsAt stage towns along the major roads like the Nakasendo and Tokaido, the Honjin was the town's most luxurious accommodation catering to society's elite like daimyo warlords, Imperial family members including the emperor, and other dignitaries. It operated during 1635 to 1870. The Honjin is now a museum.

This Honjin in Kusatsu is a very impressive example of traditional architecture. It is designated as a National Historical Place. It underwent a complete renovation and reconstruction during 1989 to 1995. (In case you wonder why such an old building looks so new.) Admission 200 yen. 10-min. walk from Kusatsu Station.
040-IMG_4166.jpg
Inside storehouse198 views
018-IMG_4745.jpg
198 views
001-9929-31CASTLE.jpg
Yamauchi Kazutoyo's castle. My Contax compact film camera had a bad lens day, making the images foggy.198 views
073-IMG_7513.jpg
View from the top floor of Kobuntei Villa198 views
005-IMG_9909.jpg
Outside JR Chiba Station198 views
015-IMG_0110.jpg
Chiba Station as seen from the monorail198 views
018-0322-21.jpg
198 views
IMG_8984.jpg
Funa-zushi, Shiga Prefecture. Fermented carp.198 views
013-IMG_0474.jpg
198 views
057-9210-8.jpg
Grass skiing198 views
066-9210-17.jpg
Crater rim198 views
077-9210-35.jpg
Ropeway198 views
tt352-8920-25.jpg
Hakuto Beach, famous for the folktale about a white rabbit crossing the ocean on crocodile backs.198 views
107-0037-11.jpg
View of Mt. Daisen.198 views
024-IMG_3065.jpg
Former residence of Omi merchant Fujii Hikoshiro (1876-1956) (藤井 彦四郎邸). Now a history museum.198 views
028-IMG_6107.jpg
There are ten large carvings (each 2.27 meters by 1.27 meters) depicting scenes from the Lotus Sutra (Hokekyo).198 views
035-IMG_5343.jpg
Mt. Hinode-yama which is next to Mt. Mitake.198 views
036-IMG_5349.jpg
Lift station in middle (very short distance) which no one rides.198 views
043-IMG_5334.jpg
Hailstones in Feb.198 views
043-IMG_8840.jpg
Men start to pour into the shrine.198 views
to079-IMG_6740.jpg
Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Entrance in 2007.198 views
to500-IMG_7061.jpg
Concourse198 views
106-IMG_1971.jpg
Eight-plank Bridge 八つ橋198 views
113-IMG_1839.jpg
Outside wall of garden.198 views
028-IMG_2165.jpg
Little Dot198 views
054-IMG_0592.jpg
198 views
057-IMG_1444.jpg
It's also when some street performers start to sing.198 views
go054-IMG_2824.jpg
Turn left and you see this. Ii clan graves on both sides. Lord Ii Naosuke's grave is at the very end on the left.198 views
ts027-IMG_4870.jpg
Next to Toya Station is the Toyako Town Hall, also with a G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign.198 views
rd038-IMG_01389.jpg
Neon lights of Susukino, at the main intersection.198 views
lb449a-20080618_5930.jpg
Museum restaurant serves lake fish.198 views
ka065-20080804_7540.jpg
198 views
ka108-20080806_7991.jpg
198 views
ka133-20080806_8128.jpg
198 views
ir049-20080803_7184.jpg
Family of Robert Walker Irwin. Left to right: Robert Jr., Bella, 4th daughter Agnes, Iki, 2nd son Richard, Robert, 3rd daughter Marion, and 2nd daughter Mary.198 views
kh094-web_071205-n-3136p-014.jpg
YOKOSUKA, Japan (Dec. 5, 2007) A Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 115 E-2C Hawkeye is lowered onto the pier from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63).198 viewsYOKOSUKA, Japan (Dec. 5, 2007) A Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 115 E-2C Hawkeye is lowered onto the pier from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). The aircraft was moved to a barge and will be returned to Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, in the next few days. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jimmy C. Pan (Released)
lr026-20081123_0079.jpg
198 views
wk120-20090407_7196.jpg
Sakura along the east moat.198 views
og256-20090406_6725.jpg
Site of Ogaki-juku's Waki-Honjin198 views
fw050-20090808_3190.jpg
Held on the first Fri. and Sat. of Aug., the Fukushima Waraji Matsuri is mainly an evening parade of dancers. During Aug. 7-8, 2009, the 40th Fukushima Waraji Festival was held. I saw it on the second day.198 views
ty067-20091009_4747.jpg
Little statue in the entrance hall.198 views
ty133-20091009_4911.jpg
Study desks inside public library. They face a window with a view of the new Toyosato Elementary School building.198 views
ni132-20100101_0961.jpg
Inside the Goeido Hall. You have to take off your shoes to enter. This was on Jan. 1, 2010. 御影堂198 views
ak107-20100203_2219.jpg
The bean-throwing was disappointing at Yoroi Toshikoshi Shuko festival in Ashikaga, Tochigi. Few beans and they hardly reached anybody.198 views
na545-20100522_4883.jpg
Naoko Yamazaki in her homecoming parade in Matsudo, Chiba. Also see my video at YouTube.198 views
um111-20110801_3803.jpg
This air-conditioned waiting room for regular trains was renovated finally by 2011.198 views
so449-20121121-9872.jpg
Swords and pistols from Battleship Mutsu.198 views
nt365-20130203-2893.jpg
198 views
03-IMG_6923.jpg
View from Sokos Hotel Torni ホテルの展望台197 viewsHelsinki has no real tall buildings so the skyline is low. In this picture, you can see the famous white cathedral in the background and Stockmann department store (brown building) in the foreground.

Helsinki also has many islands off shore. Helsinki's sister city in Japan is Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture. It's easy to guess why. Sendai is also a coastal city and near Matsushima, famous for many pine tree islands in the bay.

This terrace atop the Sokos Hotel Torni afforded a terrific, 360-degree panoramic view of Helsinki. The terrace also has chairs and tables since it is part of Ateljee Bar.

ヘリシンキは、高層ビルがなくて低いスカイラインである。海岸沿いに島々が多い。ちなみに仙台市と姉妹都市でもある。
07-IMG_6968.jpg
Slide show in Annantalo auditorium スライドショー197 viewsFor about 80 min., I showed my pictures and movie clips of Japanese festivals in English: Kiba Kakunori square log rolling, Tokyo Jidai Festival, Yamato Awa Odori Dance, Onbashira Festival in Nagano, Yotsukaido Hadaka (Mud) Festival, Yokaichi Giant Kite Festival in Shiga Pref., Imperial Palace visit on the Emperor's Birthday, and more.

The slide show was held as an event by the Friends of Japanese Culture Society in Helsinki. It was a good crowd, perhaps 30 or more people attended. Special thanks to the Society's chairman, Ronny Rönnqvist, who arranged everything on very short notice, and to the Annantalo staff. Annantalo is also the venue used by the Society for its annual Japan Day event in April.
Annantalo Web site: kulttuuri.hel.fi/annantalo/esittely_en.html

80分ほど日本のお祭りをスライドショーで英語で紹介しました。木場角乗り、東京時代祭り、大和市の阿波踊り、滋賀県八日市大凧祭り、皇居の一般参賀など。約30人が来場した。ヘリシンキにある「フィンランド・日本文化友の会」のイベントとして開催されました。その会長(Ronny Rönnqvist)が私の友人でお世話になりました。

偶然に一ヶ月前にこの会長が別件で初めてメールが来て、返事のついでに「実は、9月にフィンランドへ行くよ」と言ったら「是非会いましょう」と。じゃ、せっかくだから、友の会のためにもスライドショーやってあげようかと提案したら急きょ受け入れてくれた。クーサモへ行く前にヘルシンキに数日間いる予定だったのでヘルシンキにも日本を紹介できました。運良くこのいい会場が見つかれた。
IMG_5639.jpg
Castle tower foundation197 views
IMG_5685.jpg
Lake Nishinoko197 views
te101-IMG_6360.jpg
Kunitomo Gun Museum197 views
IMG_2538.jpg
Takeshima ("Island of Many Views") is a small island (600 m circumference) in Lake Biwa off Hikone, accessible by a short boat ride from Hikone Port.197 views
k0314-27.jpg
Keage today, incline is on the right of road197 views
03-IMG_9537.jpg
Lamborghini Murcielago197 viewsNo price was listed. But if you have to ask, then it's too expensive.
ht205-IMG_1912.jpg
Hyozu Taisha Shrine's Japanese garden at night in fall. It's really beautiful. Like someone painted colorful autumn leaves on a black canvas.197 views
18-IMG_2747.jpg
197 views
046-IMG_4181.jpg
View of castle tower from Chi-no-mon Gate197 views
056-IMG_4200.jpg
Castle tower stone foundation197 views
098-IMG_4314.jpg
197 views
001-IMG_4439.jpg
Akashi Castle seen from the train platform of Akashi Station.197 views
015-IMG_4862.jpg
More stairs197 views
005-IMG_0349.jpg
Also see the video at YouTube.197 views
040-IMG_7384.jpg
Path to natural spring197 views
002-0327-31.jpg
Standing 41.8 meters high, equivalent to a 9-story building.197 views
014-IMG_2220.jpg
Magistrate's House197 views
015-KANT4.jpg
Crash197 views
IMG_7897.jpg
Koenji Awa Odori197 views
sg892-IMG_9245.jpg
Due to a lack of thatch, only half of one side of Otaya's roof is newly thatched.197 views
053-9210-4.jpg
Kusasenri197 views
068-9210-20.jpg
World's largest caldera still active.197 views
062-9212-15.jpg
Old JR Miyazaki Station197 views
055-IMG_0931.jpg
Kimono-clad beauties, winners of some Miss contest.197 views
034-IMG_5711.jpg
Hossawa Falls is one of Japan's 100 Famous Falls. 日本の滝百選197 views
015-IMG_8469.jpg
Also called Ikaruga-dera, the temple is the headquarters of the Shotoku-shu Buddhist Sect founded by Shotoku Taishi.197 views
024-IMG_9194.jpg
Ooagata Shrine grounds197 views
im089-IMG_2895.jpg
197 views
to078-IMG_6743.jpg
Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Entrance center point under the dome in 2007.197 views
to461-IMG_7003.jpg
Waiting for a shinkansen train.197 views
010-0027-23.jpg
Boat for Taketomi at Ishigaki Port.197 views
059-IMG_2531.jpg
197 views
020-IMG_0632.jpg
197 views
042-9018-27.jpg
One by one, the men carefully positioned the new sacred ropes on the two Rocks. All the while, young children and young men are chanting on the shore.197 views
051-IMG_2618.jpg
Bird197 views
075-IMG_6507.jpg
Naginata float at night197 views
020-IMG_9344.jpg
197 views
go026-IMG_2775.jpg
Gotokuji temple's Hondo Main Hall 本堂197 views
ni014-IMG_00327.jpg
Road blocked by the pond. The Nishiyama Craters are part of Mt. Usu. They are on the west side of Usuzan and were formed by the March 2000 eruption.197 views
ka115-20080804_7615.jpg
Aloha Dalire dancing the hula on stage. 飛び入り参加したアロハ・ダリレもフラを披露。197 views
ka129-20080804_7647.jpg
197 views
sb110-20080830_7948.jpg
197 views
kh062-web_050517-n-0120r-009.jpg
197 views
so183-20090329_4632.jpg
Tea fields next to Tarumi Tongu. When the Saio princess was called back to Kyoto, she took a different route back to Kyoto.197 views
ij050-20090402_4721.jpg
Moegi no Yakata or Sharp residence 萌黄の館(シャープ住宅)197 views
og258-20090406_6713.jpg
197 views
sn262-20090414_2446.jpg
Sanno-sai Festival, Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture197 views
kw050-20090418_3357.jpg
Held annually on April 18 by Hioki 日置神社 and Tsuno Shrines in Imazu, Takashima, Shiga, this festival features a pair of very tall (18 meters), decorated bamboo poles called O-nobori carried little by little at a horse-riding course. 197 views
ko148-20090410_9431.jpg
A black kite is perched in a cherry tree.197 views
af110-9138-9.jpg
Hut roofs are weighed down with rocks so it doesn't blow away with the wind.197 views
fw097-20090808_3563.jpg
197 views
cg115-20091023_7989.jpg
Hashi Yukio sings the "Yuru-kyara Ondo" in front of Yuru-Kyara characters in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture.197 views
cg132-20091023_8124.jpg
197 views
as135-20091004_4459.jpg
Asahi Honen Taiko Odori dance in Maibara, Shiga.197 views
ha312-P1050077.jpg
197 views
hm351-20120430_4521.jpg
Fukushima Hanamiyama Park spring flowers 197 views
tt804-20120528_0790.jpg
197 views
ty129d-P1060840.jpg
K-ON! fans have donated and dropped off numerous K-ON! merchandise like these figurines of the K-ON! characters.197 views
hs103-20121117-7978.jpg
Children's Peace Monument, Hiroshima197 views
ku215-20121118-8416.jpg
"Yamato" is another name for Japan, and so it is a very revered and prestigious name for any ship. Many movies, anime, etc., have been based on Battleship Yamato which retains a strong cultural influence in Japan.197 views
ku216-20121118-8417.jpg
The Yamato's final mission was suicidal. It was ordered to go to Okinawa in April 1945 and beach herself offshore so it wouldn't sink. While beached, it would fire its guns at the enemy on Okinawa.197 views
lb328-2014-07-09-132318.jpg
Biwa trout/salmon - Endemic to Lake Biwa and lives in deep, cold (15˚C), pelagic waters. These are juvenile fish. Delicious!197 views
nk550-P1060889.jpg
Manhole in Nagahama, Shiga. Gourd design.197 views
014_007-1Apr9.jpg
196 views
010_0221-14.jpg
196 views
za620_0320.jpg
Entertaiment196 views
14IMG_7499.jpg
Nagasaki photos and origami corner 折り紙コーナー196 viewsVisitors were encouraged to fold a paper crane.
27-IMG_7139.jpg
Serial No. on Japanese gun196 viewsThis looks like a serial No. for this gun. It reads 2143.

砲の製造番号と思われる「弐千百四拾参基」と刻んでいる。
IMG_7739.jpg
Old tree bark196 views
01-IMG_7626.jpg
Bear cave クマのほら穴196 viewsSmall bear cave for hibernation. This was a short walk from the road.
IMG_5569.jpg
196 views
IMG_5646.jpg
196 views
te100-IMG_6358.jpg
Kunitomo teppo no sato Matchlock Museum (Kunitomo Gun Museum) 国友鉄砲の里資料館 MAP196 views
040-08IMG_0935.jpg
White Heron Dance, Shirasagi no Mai. The eight white herons represent four male and four female herons.196 views
045-IMG_4177.jpg
One end of To-no-ichi Gate196 views
063-IMG_4232.jpg
Mizu-no-roku Gate196 views
062-IMG_4231.jpg
Mizu-no-go Gate door196 views
081-IMG_4262.jpg
To top floor196 views
097-IMG_4312.jpg
196 views
049-8164-15.jpg
Castle tower196 views
006-img_6768.jpg
Priests appear196 views
049-IMG_7429.jpg
Kobuntei Villa196 views
016-IMG_0405.jpg
Chigo children196 views
020-8144-24.jpg
Dragon on ceiling that squeaks when you clap.196 views
007-IMG_3813.jpg
Finish line 300 meters later196 views
007-NEBU7.jpg
The Nebuta festival is a great visual spectacle as well as a sound delight.196 viewsThe Nebuta festival is a great visual spectacle as well as a sound delight. The resounding beat of the taiko drums and the shrill of the flutes give the festival its soul. These are placed at regular intervals throughout the parade. The taiko beat is simple and repetitive, yet powerful and infectious.
001-IMG_4035.jpg
Yasukuni Shrine during the Mitama Matsuri before dark.196 views
tu726-20060816-7039.jpg
The fireworks were brilliant and world-class, included a few waterborne "half-dome" fireworks.196 views
038-IMG_3116.jpg
196 views
010-IMG_6986.jpg
Entrance to Sekigahara Warland196 views
109-IMG_1529.jpg
Fukushima Masanori's position and shrine.196 views
010-IMG_3474.jpg
Entrance road to JRA (Japan Racing Association) Ritto Training Center. MAP196 views
016-IMG_6595.jpg
Minowa-bashi Station platform for departing trains196 views
011-IMG_8451.jpg
Admission charged. The 1,000 yen ticket gets you into the three major sights.196 views
016-IMG_8467.jpg
西院伽藍196 views
082-IMG_2727.jpg
Jizo statue196 views
033-IMG_3379.jpg
Route 1 in Nishi-Gotanda toward TOC.196 views
020-IMG_3543.jpg
The Sanno Matsuri Festival is one of Japan's Big Three Festivals and one of Tokyo's Big Three Festivals held in mid-June during several days. 196 viewsThe main highlight is the Jinko-sai Procession held every two years. The 600-meter long procession consists of about 500 people parading through central Tokyo near the National Diet, Imperial Palace, Tokyo Station, and Ginza. It includes three portable shrines, carriages, and flower floats. Various events are also held at Hie Shrine which holds the festival. Jinko-sai Procession left Hie Shrine at 8 am on June 11, 2004. Before noon, they approach the Imperial Palace. 山王まつり神幸祭
hc310-IMG_3909.jpg
Koedo Hikone NPO started operating "yakata-bune" Japanese-style boats in the moats of Hikone Castle as a tourist attraction for the castle's 400th anniversary in 2007. They operate 6 rides per day around the castle, taking 50 min.196 viewsBoat landing for the Hikone-jo Ohori Meguri boat ride. Near the entrance to Genkyu-en Garden. They operate "yakata-bune" Japanese-style boats as a tourist attraction.
249-IMG_1544.jpg
Sleek boat slicing through the water.196 views
w126-IMG_0474.jpg
San-no-Maru entrance to Tsurugajo Castle 三の丸196 views
047-IMG_1387.jpg
Robotics exhibit in Akiba Square196 views
079-IMG_1514.jpg
196 views
049d-IMG_1423.jpg
196 views
ca048-IMG_01489.jpg
East end of Otaru Canal196 views
et014-IMG_1788.jpg
Entrance to the Echigawa Bin-temari Museum. Free admission.196 views
ka085-20080806_7902.jpg
196 views
ka087-20080806_7921.jpg
196 views
ka124-20080806_8097.jpg
His slow hula dance drove the ladies wild. You should've heard the screams...196 views
cv037-9311ind5.jpg
196 views
cv042-908-midway.jpg
This is the USS Midway which I also toured with a group while it was still homeported in Yokosuka during 1973-1991. The first US aircraft carrier to be homeported outside the US.196 views
kh064-web_050517-n-0120r-127.jpg
Yokosuka, Japan (May 17, 2005) – The conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) sails past a small group of Japanese fishing vessels and heads toward Sagami Bay to conduct precision anchor checks.196 viewsYokosuka, Japan (May 17, 2005) – The conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) sails past a small group of Japanese fishing vessels and heads toward Sagami Bay to conduct precision anchor checks during her post upkeep underway period in the western Pacific Ocean. Kitty Hawk is the U.S. Navy's oldest active aircraft carrier. Kitty Hawk demonstrates power projection and sea control as the U.S. Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, operating from Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class William H. Ramsey (RELEASED)
kh091-web_080512-n-7883g-032.jpg
YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 12, 2008) The aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) enters Yokosuka, Japan's Truman Bay after completing its last deployment before being replaced by the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) this summer.196 viewsYOKOSUKA, Japan (May 12, 2008) The aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) enters Yokosuka, Japan's Truman Bay after completing its last deployment before being replaced by the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) this summer. During the four-week deployment, the ship worked with the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Kitty Hawk operates from Fleet Activities Yokosuka. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (Released)
ms014-20081017_2155.jpg
Two sumo wrestlers near the gate greeted spectators. The sumo contingent's stop in Maibara was part of their autumn exhibition tour. The day before, they were in Noto, Ishikawa Pref.196 views
sn277-20090414_2559.jpg
They carried the mikoshi on a rainy day on April 14, 2009.196 views
su063-20090509_8136.jpg
Statue of Toyotomi Hideyoshi in front of Sunomata Castle.196 views
su057-20090509_8119.jpg
Sunomata Castle196 views
sg081-IMG_0665.jpg
Life-like boar, all edible materials.196 views
ty084-20091009_4767.jpg
Second-floor corridor196 views
kt500-20100225_2510.jpg
Katsuura fish market196 views
sg166-20100404_7092.jpg
196 views
xy228-20100209_0071.jpg
Tokyo Skytree as seen from the air. It just stands out since there are no tall buildings around it.196 views
nd338-20100424_9209.jpg
Another one which I didn't have time to see: Diane Orrett's balloon act. She's from Liverpool, UK.196 views
nd345-20100424_9347.jpg
遠峰あこと爛漫社中196 views
ko324-20120303_1228.jpg
Konosu Hina Matsuri Doll Festival196 views
af386-20120511_7338.jpg
White Wisteria Waterfall. 白藤の滝196 views
af424-20120511_7330.jpg
196 views
hs109-20121117-7972.jpg
196 views
27_3385.jpg
And lift off...195 views
020_7588.jpg
195 views
IMG_5622.jpg
195 views
IMG_5676.jpg
195 views
ci452-IMG_1341.jpg
195 views
ci470-IMG_1380.jpg
Tsukubusuma Shrine's Haiden Hall195 views
incline2.jpg
Keage Incline postcard195 viewsThe Keage Incline was in operation until 1948.
59-IMG_9732.jpg
Volkswagen195 views
ci905-IMG_3085.jpg
5:34 pm: Entrance in sight195 views
om214-IMG_3931.jpg
Steps to Rōmon Gate, the shrine's most outstanding structure. (楼門)195 views
064-IMG_4234.jpg
Inside Mizu-no-roku Gate195 views
072-IMG_4246.jpg
To second floor195 views
044-IMG_5218.jpg
Sengan Turret near Otemon Gate195 viewsOne of the castle's oldest remaining buildings built in 1620. Underwent major restoration in 1961. Overlooking the outer moat.

千貴櫓
060-8134-31.jpg
Nihon University college band was part of the parade. 昔の築地本願寺の花まつり195 views
007-IMG_9640.jpg
Entrance to Chiba Monorail Station195 views
001-0330-2.jpg
JR Takasaki Station 高崎駅195 viewsAs seen from my hotel.
00-annantalo05.jpg
Kimono demonstration195 views
054-IMG_0906.jpg
Ceremony at Shimogamo Shrine. 下鴨神社195 viewsThe public is not allowed to see the ceremony within the shrine.
016-IMG_2233.jpg
195 views
040-IMG_2349.jpg
"Irises" 菖蒲195 views
gi459-IMG_4971.jpg
Gion Matsuri poster for 2004.195 views
067-9210-19.jpg
Sign for taking "I was here" photos.195 views
62-127_2781.jpg
Oguchi Taro song monument195 views
020-IMG_4729.jpg
Hosenji temple in Nakano-ku, Tokyo. Belongs to the Shingon-shu Sect, Buzan School. 宝仙寺195 views
090-IMG_1871.jpg
Verse 3 Lyrics (Imazu) 三番の英訳(今津) "We drift from wave to wave..."195 viewsWe drift from wave to wave, straying aimlessly.
On shore we see red fire, brings back memories.
With our sights set nowhere, rolling with the waves.
Today is Imazu or, Nagahama huh.

浪のまにまに 漂えば
赤い泊火 懐かしみ
行方定めぬ 浪枕
今日は今津か 長浜か

Nami no mani mani, tadayoeba
Akai tomaribi, natsukashimi
Yukue sadamenu, nami makura
Kyo wa Imazu ka, Nagahama ka
029-IMG_9201.jpg
Himenomiya Shrine 姫之宮195 views
035-IMG_2846.jpg
195 views
to460-IMG_7042.jpg
Markings on train platform for standing in line to board.195 views
095-0211-15.jpg
195 views
093-0211-4.jpg
195 views
057-IMG_2515.jpg
The lights are not as good covering the flowers. Pretty uneven lighting.195 views
030-IMG_3363.jpg
JR Gotanda Station and Tokyu, road to Sony HQ195 views
071-IMG_0803.jpg
Food and souvenir stalls. The local tourist association also had a stall where I got maps of Hamura and directions to the nearby Tamagawa Josui Aqueduct.195 views
050-9019-3.jpg
195 views
055-IMG_2485.jpg
Exhibits on Tokorozawa's aviation history.195 views
n049-IMG_9206.jpg
Museum office195 views
t047-IMG_8539.jpg
Zuiryuji temple's Hatto is the temple's main worship hall built in 1657. A National Treasure. Takaoka, Toyama. 法堂195 views
055-IMG_1373.jpg
More fall leaves in Akihabara195 views
001_86Nov23.jpg
195 views
th010-IMG_3127.jpg
Facing Eitai-dori road, the main entrance to Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine. The original shrine fronted the ocean, but landfills over the centuries have put the shrine further away from shore.195 views
ts015-IMG_4652.jpg
Some trains are decorated with G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign.195 views
ka012-IMG_6720.jpg
The scenic Ukimido has been the subject of ukiyoe woodblock prints (see below) by Hiroshige and other artists. You can walk on the short bridge to the Ukimido.195 views
na012-20080619_6028.jpg
In 860, Miidera Founder Enchin worshipped this shrine as the guardian deity of Miidera.195 views
ho039-20080614_6375.jpg
195 views
ka028-20080806_7798.jpg
195 views
ka084-20080806_7898.jpg
195 views
ka088-20080806_7928.jpg
Bamboo rattles called pu'ili.195 views
ka100-20080806_7966.jpg
195 views
ka105-20080804_7595.jpg
195 views
kh017-web_050820-n-2101w-001.jpg
195 views
kh070-web_021114-n-1810f-022.jpg
At sea aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Nov. 14, 2002 -- Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Daniel Gadea from San Francisco, Calif., signals “ready shoot” before pushing the launch catapult button.195 viewsAt sea aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Nov. 14, 2002 -- Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Daniel Gadea from San Francisco, Calif., signals “ready shoot” before pushing the launch catapult button. Petty Officer Gadea’s job is to launch aircraft once the signal is given from the “shooter.” Kitty Hawk is the Navy’s only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier and operates out of Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom. (RELEASED)
su161-20060119IMG_6170.jpg
Then they throw salt onto the ring for purification. They do this a few times before the match. These are all Shinto-based religious rituals. Even the roof above the sumo ring looks like a Shinto shrine roof.195 views
he141-20090412_0684.jpg
Kompon Chudo temple195 views
hd101-9125Aug4Hakodate13.jpg
Going up Hakodate-yama, Hakodate, Hokkaido.195 views
yc058-20090807_2801.jpg
Grapes to sit on. Kajo Central lobby, Yamagata.195 views
ty073-20091009_4816.jpg
Telephone booth195 views
71464 files on 284 page(s) 26