Most viewed
af300-20120511_6961.jpg
Ashikaga Flower Park is home to one of Japan's largest wisteria trellis and numerous wisteria trees/vines. Besides purple wisteria, it also boasts white and yellow wisteria. Entrance to the park..390 views
to325d-IMG_4651.jpg
Old New Year's decorations to be burned389 views
037-IMG_0305.jpg
6. Hahha Kudoki ハッハくどき389 views
IMG_8215.jpg
389 views
022-IMG_0609.jpg
Foot of Mt. Sasao, Ishida Mitsunari's base camp. 笹尾山 石田三成陣跡389 views
014-IMG_8708.jpg
389 views
069-IMG_8084.jpg
Members of the Toronto Shiga Kenjinkai dance goshu ondo.389 views
gm011-MAI2.jpg
Pair of Geisha, autographed (back). This is the back of the preceding card. It looks like four geisha signed it.389 views
a100-20090409_8241.jpg
Ishiyama-dera temple is a 10-min. walk from Ishiyama-dera Station on the Keihan Ishisaka Line. You can transfer to the Keihan Line at JR Ishiyama Station on the Tokaido Line.389 views
jIMG_5363.jpg
388 views
030-83II1-17.jpg
Engetsukyo Bridge, symbol of Ritsurin Park. 栗林公園 偃月橋388 views
215-IMG_0745.jpg
Profiles of Western Forces388 views
009-IMG_1600.jpg
Monument marking the site where the Sekigahara battle started. 開戦地388 views
sb014-20080830_7377.jpg
388 views
gw034-web_080522-n-4821d-094.jpg
Fire Team Leader, Machinery Repairman 2nd Class William Neault, guides his team into Hangar Bay 3 aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73).388 viewsPACIFIC (May 22, 2008) Fire Team Leader, Machinery Repairman 2nd Class William Neault, guides his team into Hangar Bay 3 aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73). The comprehensive firefighting effort extinguished all fires while limiting shipboard damage and preventing any serious injuries for the crew. The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage are currently under investigation as the ship continues on course for San Diego. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Delano (Released)
gw041-web_080525-n-0000n-007.jpg
SAN DIEGO (May 25, 2008) A fire aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) caused cable damage in a shipboard training classroom.388 viewsSAN DIEGO (May 25, 2008) A fire aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) caused cable damage in a shipboard training classroom. George Washington is in San Diego for damage assessment and repairs following an at sea fire on May 22. U.S. Navy photo (Released)
sp010-20081018_3474.jpg
Entrance to Kibogaoka Park during the Sports Recreation Shiga 2008 festival during Oct. 18-21, 2008. It's an annual event held in a different prefecture. People from all 47 prefectures and South Korea participate in tournaments for 18 sports.388 views
026_8738.jpg
Asashoryu gets thrown387 views
005-IMG_3975.jpg
Stairs to Kakegawa Castle tower387 views
012-IMG_7312.jpg
Plum blossom-viewing picnickers387 views
059-IMG_9017.jpg
Upper level and giant sumo portraits of 32 past tournament winners. As of Jan. 2012, there are no portraits of Japanese sumo wrestlers. Only foreigners.387 views
019-9926-22.jpg
The festival usually features a celebrity or two. This is actress Fujita Tomoko at the Tokushima Awa Odori.387 views
038-IMG_2492.jpg
Other more modern planes and helicopters are on display in the main exhibition hall. This is a North American T6G.387 views
om202-IMG_7373.jpg
Go left or right...386 viewsDisobey the sign and go right to visit the main beach.
IMG_7583.jpg
Kaminarimon-dori street386 views
iy068-IMG_0434.jpg
Oiran dances with her kamuro attendants386 views
a010-IMG_2254.jpg
ASIMO show at the Honda showroom in Tokyo.386 views
b083-IMG_2304.jpg
Sculpture of Lady Murasaki Shikibu.386 views
ig102-20090411_0024.jpg
Ninja paint job on a train.386 views
82-IMG_0165.jpg
Honda E4-01 motorcycle385 views
002-IMG_2109.jpg
Kameyama Castle was built by Akechi Mitsuhide in the 16th century as his base for his conquered Tanba region.385 views
005-IMG_0735.jpg
The procession basically consists of two columns: The Hon-retsu which includes the procession's highest-ranking official called Chokushi. It consists of men. The second and longer column is the Saio-dai-retsu consisting of women.385 views
gw032-HANA4.jpg
Woman with two flowers. She's holding the flowers in a cross or "X" mark. I wouldn't call that a good way to hold flowers (unless you're a hula dancer).385 views
ms010-20081017_2120.jpg
Green Park Santo was the site for the Ozumo Maibara Basho or Maibara Exhibition Sumo Tournament on Oct. 17, 2008. It was nice sunny day. Banners with the name of famous sumo wrestlers (rikishi) were up. グリーンパーク山東385 views
hi036-IMG_1537.jpg
Hiko-nyan in Hawaii!!385 views
yu229-20100501_9829.jpg
Yes, it's Doraemon as fireworks. This lasted briefly before it snuffed out. I heard that they have this every year for this Yuge Fire Festival.385 views
nt413_018a-19.jpg
Cleanup.385 views
016_8696.jpg
Also see the video at YouTube.384 views
IMG_8957.jpg
384 views
014-IMG_2417A.jpg
Close-up of rowers at Asahi Regatta384 views
9136-36.jpg
Kamaishi Dai-Kannon. She holds a fish.384 views
098-IMG_9712.jpg
The giant penis also arrives at the shrine as it spins around behind the384 views
gw046-web_080821-n-4163t-001.jpg
CORONADO, Calif. (Aug. 21, 2008) The crew of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) mans the rails as the ship departs Naval Air Station North Island.384 viewsCORONADO, Calif. (Aug. 21, 2008) The crew of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) mans the rails as the ship departs Naval Air Station North Island. George Washington will replace the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier operating from Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stephanie Tigner (Released)
kq132-h19950129-033.jpg
I was amazed to see Mos Burger back in business so soon. It was another sign of a very progressive recovery.384 views
025-IMG_9446.jpg
Juryo sumo match383 views
010-IMG_8680.jpg
Konomiya Shrine holds the Hadaka (Naked or Nude) Festival in early March, or Jan. 13 of the lunar calendar. Men in loincloths parade around the streets until they reach the shrine.383 viewsA Sacred Man (Shin-otoko) also appears in the shrine and the men try to touch him before he slips into the shrine's window. The festival's real name is Naoi-shinji 儺追神事 which is a rite to dispel bad luck. Photo: Nearest station is JR Inazawa Station on the Tokaido Line. 稲沢駅
gm021-MAI6.jpg
Smiling Maiko Sitting. Real-photo postcard to cheer up soldiers. This card was sent as military mail from Kyoto on New Year's Day 1939. The kanji characters on the fan says "Banzai," the traditional Japanese cheer for victory and happy occas383 viewsReal-photo postcard to cheer up soldiers. This card was sent as military mail from Kyoto on New Year's Day 1939. The kanji characters on the fan says "Banzai," the traditional Japanese cheer for victory and happy occasions. It also means "long life," something that soldiers would like.
gw045-web_080819-n-8273j-019.jpg
SAN DIEGO (Aug. 19, 2008) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead speaks to Sailors and Marines during an all-hands call aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) in San Diego.383 viewsSAN DIEGO (Aug. 19, 2008) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead speaks to Sailors and Marines during an all-hands call aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) in San Diego. CNO spoke about the importance of the upcoming forward deployment of George Washington to the western Pacific and the role of Sailors as ambassadors for the Navy and the nation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tiffini M. Jones/Released)
ms143-20081017_SUMO.jpg
Maibara Basho sumo booklet.383 views
im427a-IMG_7421.jpg
382 views
003-IMG_9146.jpg
Also see the video at YouTube.382 views
006-IMG_2225.jpg
Chichibu Yomatsuri. Also see the video at YouTube.382 views
051-83II3-33.jpg
Kumamoto Castle 熊本城382 views
iy081-IMG_0471.jpg
Kamuro382 views
sa11saru.jpg
381 views
011_1711.jpg
381 views
ci433-IMG_1320.jpg
Chikubushima is also home to Tsukubusuma (Chikubushima) Shrine which is also a National Treasure. Until 1868 when Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines were required to be separate, the shrine was part of Hogonji temple.381 views
024-IMG_9427.jpg
Juryo Division dohyo-iri ring-entering ceremony381 views
001-IMG_9899.jpg
Monorail to Chiba Koen Station 千葉公園駅381 views
081-IMG_9676.jpg
381 views
sc010-land1.jpg
Oil-painted card of Mt. Fuji. This is my favorite oil-painted postcard in my collection. The artist painted a few other cards like it. The artist's name was not signed, unfortunately. But the painting style is distinct.381 viewsI can't define what fine art is, but I know it when I see it.
yo010-20090406_6010.jpg
Yoro Station on the Yoro Railway Line which starts at Ogaki in Gifu and ends in Kuwana in Mie.381 views
036_7910.jpg
380 views
027_8739.jpg
A "darn it" look on his face380 views
ki212c_1328.jpg
380 views
b007_1309.jpg
View from Iwakuni Castle380 viewsKintai-kyo Bridge is visible.
IMG_7819.jpg
380 views
IMG_7876.jpg
Their theme was "games" like roulette.380 views
113-IMG_9796.jpg
Tagata Shrine grounds during the Honen Festival.380 views
051-IMG_2697.jpg
Sugamo Jizo-dori shopping street 巣鴨地蔵通り商店街「おばあちゃんの原宿」380 views
iy043-IMG_0284.jpg
380 views
026-IMG_1382.jpg
The maid costume is all the rage in Japan, for several years now.380 views
lr067-20081123_0096.jpg
They are measuring the height of the hop.380 views
fu100-20100101_0628.jpg
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is near this JR Inari Station on the Nara Line, a 5-min. train ride from Kyoto Station. Also near Fushimi-Inari Station on Keihan Line.380 views
020_8714.jpg
379 views
07mikuni.jpg
Do Not Enter379 viewsThis sign is similar to the preceding one. The middle column of characters has the word "kōji" (工事) which means construction. So the sign means, "Danger: No entry except for authorized construction workers."

Place: Mikuni-cho, Fukui Pref.
113-21IMG_1084.jpg
Hanakawa do Sukeroku, a favorite son of Asakusa and famed womanizer. He was loved by the people since he sided with the weak and defeated the strong. Made into a kabuki character. 花川戸助六 意休379 views
026-IMG_0247.jpg
Singers and musicians379 views
061-IMG_0064.jpg
Chigo children wearing an elaborate crown with the signs of the eto Oriental Zodiac. Nikko379 viewsNikko Grand Spring Festival in May.
006-IMG_5417.jpg
Maruoka Castle tower379 views
IMG_7740.jpg
379 views
iy060-IMG_0386.jpg
Her customer smokes the pipe.379 views
009_9987.jpg
378 views
za621_0314.jpg
Children's sumo. Zama had a variety of side events.378 views
002-IMG_4621.jpg
Kiso River with Inuyama Castle in the distance378 views
001-IMG_4955.jpg
A symbol of Osaka and one of Japan's largest reconstructed castles. Originally built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583. 378 viewsThe castle tower was reconstructed in 1931 and underwent major renovation during 1995-97 and serves as a very modern history museum. Closest station is Osaka-jo Koen Station.
to219e-IMG_9542.jpg
Japan's largest Buddha statue in Todaiji. National Treasure.378 views
097-IMG_9708.jpg
378 views
iy064-IMG_0410.jpg
378 views
iy067-IMG_0428.jpg
I was shooting like rapid-fire continuous mode.378 views
iy070-IMG_0441.jpg
Great show378 views
sj157-IMG_3669.jpg
Sanja Festival378 views
gw024-web_080925-n-8546l-735.jpg
YOKOSUKA, Japan (Sept. 25 2008) Capt. J.R. Haley, commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), addresses the family, friends, and media in attendance for George Washington's arrival at Fleet Activities Yokosu378 viewsYOKOSUKA, Japan (Sept. 25 2008) Capt. J.R. Haley, commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), addresses the family, friends, and media in attendance for George Washington's arrival at Fleet Activities Yokosuka. George Washington's arrival from its former homeport of Norfolk, Va., marks the beginning of its role as the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Peter D. Lawlor/Released)
gw029-web_080608-n-1251w-002.jpg
The manga follows Jack Ohara, a fictitious Japanese-American stationed aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73), as he experiences life on the carrier and arrives for the first time in Japan.378 viewsYOKOSUKA, Japan (June 8, 2008) Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James Verton hands a copy of the manga "CVN 73" to a Japanese citizen during the initial distribution of the comic book outside Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka. The manga follows Jack Ohara, a fictitious Japanese-American stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), as he experiences life on the carrier and arrives for the first time in Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew R. White (Released)
so013-20090329_4018.jpg
The festival started at 11:30 am with the Saio princess carried on a palanquin arriving at a small park called Yume no Ogawa next to Ono Elementary School. 378 views
ni072-20090926_3348.jpg
This is an autograph by Shiga Governor Kada Yukiko who visited the Ninja House on April 24, 2009. In red reads "Mottainai," her motto meaning "Wasteful," in reference to spending of tax dollars.378 views
017_8705.jpg
Ready to pounce on the winner377 views
11bridge.jpg
Danger! Do not Jump in River377 views危険!川へ飛び込まないでください。- The red characters read "Kiken!" (Danger!), and the black characters say "Kawa e tobi komanaide kudasai." "Kawa" is river, "tobi komi" is to jump or dive in.

This at the famous Dotonbori canal in central Osaka where it is a popular place for fanatical baseball fans to jump in whenever the local baseball team (Hanshin Tigers) wins big. The river is quite polluted and littered with trash (though recently cleaned up by the city). During the Soccer World Cup in 2002, several hundred people jumped in the water when the Japan team won a crucial game.

Place: Dotonbori, Osaka.
om207-IMG_3242p.jpg
377 views
022-IMG_9424.jpg
Sumo exhibition matches with lower division Makushita wrestlers.377 viewsA retirement ceremony for an important sumo wrestler includes a variety of activities besides the actual ceremony of cutting away the topknot. It involves almost the entire Japan Sumo Association, and most wrestlers in the top three divisions (Makushita, Juryo, and Makunouchi) also appear in exhibition matches.
018-IMG_0202.jpg
Edo Scenes: 3. Edo no Nigiwai (Liveliness of Edo) 江戸の賑わい377 viewsDancers: 竜也、英子、万り
sg490-IMG_9403.jpg
Myozenji is a Buddhist temple of the Jodo Shinshu sect, the most common sect in Shirakawa-go.377 views
024-IMG_0614.jpg
377 views
030_7803.jpg
376 views
013_1714.jpg
Rear view376 views
067-IMG_8096.jpg
Almost everyone got up to dance the goshu ondo. It's like a bon dance peculiar to Shiga. Also see the video at YouTube.376 views
070-IMG_8103.jpg
At the end, we sang Biwako Shuko no Uta (Lake Biwa Rowing Song). The party ended at 9:30 pm.376 views
kh108-web_080528-n-8842m-055.jpg
Sailors watch the pier while manning the rails aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) during the ship's final departure from Fleet Activities Yokosuka.376 viewsYOKOSUKA, Japan (May 28, 2008) Sailors watch the pier while manning the rails aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) during the ship's final departure from Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Kitty Hawk is returning to the United States for decommissioning after 10 years of service in Fleet Activities Yokosuka and 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 Seaman Brendan Morgan (Released)
ot030-IMG_5095.jpg
Map of central Otsu and lakefront. It is quite easy to walk or bicycle along the lake shore in central Otsu, starting from Hama-Otsu.376 views
IMG_5512.jpg
Tsu Castle, Ushitora turret375 views
jIMG_5376.jpg
375 views
087-IMG_9714.jpg
Makunochi dohyo-iri ring-entering ceremony375 views
051-IMG_0369.jpg
With okami-san375 views
208-IMG_0726.jpg
Cannon375 views
082-IMG_9673.jpg
Finally on the main road to Tagata Shrine. Half the road is blocked off for the procession.375 views
027-IMG_1971.jpg
Little Dot are white flowers with a yellow dot at the center. リットルドット375 views
028_8752.jpg
374 views
103-IMG_4328.jpg
Harakiki Maru. Square where the samurai committed harakiri or seppuku. The well seen in the upper right may have been where the head was washed. The building on the right was actually a defensive post.374 views
018-IMG_0789.jpg
The Saio-dai Retsu column begins. Consists of all women, highlighted by the Saio-dai Princess.374 views
IMG_7848.jpg
Barbaros is the most famous troupe, sponsored by Nakamise shopping mall.374 viewsThey had 300 members parading.
121-0212-31.jpg
Cherry Dance, Kyoto.374 views
ni065-20080531_5159.jpg
Wooden ad sign for aspirin.374 views
gw025-web_080925-n-5549o-211.jpg
Chief Aviation Machinist Mate David Lyman gives his newborn daughter Emily a kiss during a ceremony for the arrival of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) to its new home port in Japan.374 viewsYOKOSUKA, Japan (Sept. 25, 2008) Chief Aviation Machinist Mate David Lyman gives his newborn daughter Emily a kiss during a ceremony for the arrival of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) to its new home port in Japan. George Washington and Carrier Air Wing 5 will now operate from Fleet Activities Yokosuka as the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien/Released)
hd052-80i8-28.jpg
The daimyo feudal lord in Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu Procession.374 views
km050-20090807_2499.jpg
Also called Tsukioka Castle (月岡城), Kaminoyama Castle is today a 1982 reconstruction of the castle tower near the original site. The castle as seen from the train.374 views
tm281-20100228_3098.jpg
She stood out from the rest by being so open and smiling at everyone. Her bib is on her rear.374 views
zj111-20100508_2336.jpg
Zaiji Hachiman Shrine also has wisteria which bloom in early May. Planted by Todo Kagemori, the founder of the Todo clan in the 14th century.374 views
tt503-20120528_0668.jpg
Also see my photos of Shigaraki tanuki in Shiga Prefecture here.374 views
IMG_9041.jpg
373 views
IMG_5776.jpg
Oda Nobunaga373 viewsIn the Azuchi Castle Museum (Azuchi Jokaku Shiryokan)

安土城郭資料館
065-12IMG_9368.jpg
Lord Ii Naomasa, a right-hand man of Tokugawa Ieyasu and major ally in the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. Based in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture. 井伊直政 徳川家康 江戸入府373 views
046-IMG_7426.jpg
Kobuntei Villa, fusuma sliding door with painting of plum trees373 views
091-IMG_1071.jpg
373 views
019-IMG_9208.jpg
Ohara Hadaka Matsuri373 views
001-9596-1KAKUOCT15.jpg
Kiba Park with Kiba Kakunori sign. Traditional folk performances are held on the same day as Koto Ward's Citizen's Festival in mid-Oct. So the park is quite crowded.373 views
028-IMG_9558.jpg
Spare thatch, Ainokura373 views
212-IMG_0742.jpg
Warlord banners373 views
114-IMG_9826.jpg
Tagata Jinja banners.373 views
012-IMG_1839.jpg
Seibu Ikebukuro Line Yokoze Station. Get off here for an easy walk to Hitsujiyama Park where the Shibazakura moss pink hill is. A tourist info office is on the left. 西武池袋線横瀬駅373 views
068-IMG_8097.jpg
Goshu ondo373 views
ge013-PPCLAUGHGEISHA1.jpg
A saucy little Geisha. The pose is good.373 views
gm018-MAI5.jpg
Patriotic Maiko. Card designed to encourage soldiers on the front line. Notice that her sleeves are so long that you can see her right sleeve touch the ground. That's the kimono of a maiko. This is a modern postcard reproduction.373 views
009-IMG_1982.jpg
Jonai Bridge to Karatsu Castle372 views城内橋
010-IMG_1605.jpg
Monument marking the site where the Sekigahara battle started at 8 am on Sept. 15, 1600 (Oct. 21 Western calendar) with Ii Naomasa firing upon Ukita Hideie.372 views
038-IMG_8828.jpg
It was a pretty cold day, and these men were drinking all afternoon.372 views
ta022-20080601_5418.jpg
Taume rice planters at the Taga Taisha Rice-planting Festival. 田植女372 views
ka010-IMG_6718.jpg
Entrance to Ukimido Floating Temple, which is actually Mangetsu-ji temple. Admission is 300 yen. Hours: 8 am - 5 pm. Buses run from Katata Station. Parking available. 満月寺 浮御堂 MAP372 views
nt400_018-1Feb3.jpg
Poster for Setsubun in Feb. 2001. The following photos are from Feb. 3, 2001.372 views
km310-9739-26.jpg
Another view from the top of the bridge years ago. Sadly, it doesn't bloom like this anymore.371 views
18saru.jpg
Beware of Wild Monkeys371 views野生の猿にご注意 - "Yasei no saru ni go-chūi." "Yasei" means wild, and "saru" is monkey. Japan has a substantial population of wild monkeys which can be very aggressive in foraging for food, especially at tourist spots. They often steal food (sweets, etc.) from tourist shops and commonly grab any paper or plastic bag that you are carrying. If you see wild monkeys, you should not feed them nor carry any bags with your hands.

The sign also says "We cannot be responsible for any accidents caused by wild monkeys."

Place: Mt. Hiei Driveway, Kyoto.
IMG_7733.jpg
Mushroom371 viewsProbably not edible.
064-IMG_6131.jpg
Sumo scoreboard. The names of all the wrestlers are displayed in the order of the sumo matches (from right to left). The winner is indicated with a red lamp. Names of sumo wrestlers absent from the tournament (due to injury, etc.) are listed on the far le371 views
IMG_3722.jpg
Ubaga Mochi, famous Kusatsu confection.371 views
hr330-IMG_0860.jpg
Hama-rikyu Onshi Teien Gardens is a waterfront garden built by the Tokugawa shoguns in the 17th century. 371 viewsDuring the Meiji Period, it became a Detached Palace for the Imperial family who gave the garden to the Tokyo in 1945. It used to have duck-hunting grounds. It was also the site of the Enryokan State Guesthouse where foreign dignitaries stayed such as former US president Ulysses Grant and Hawaii's King David Kalakaua.
hd056-80i8-32.jpg
She was definitely the focal point of the procession before they started using a celebrity to play the daimyo. They past Yumoto Station in the background in the Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu Procession.371 views
IMG_7733.jpg
370 views
031-IMG_2029.jpg
McDaniel's Cushion are dark pink flowers. マックダニエルクッション370 views
007_8629.jpg
Asashoryu greets the council upon entry369 views
031_8759.jpg
Asashoryu exchanges a few words369 viewsAfter the practice was over at 11 am, the sole yokozuna went over to the council.
IMG_8983.jpg
369 views
032-IMG_7023.jpg
Sekigahara Warland369 views
iy056-IMG_0369.jpg
Oiran drinks sake.369 views
iy057-IMG_0374.jpg
369 views
066-IMG_8076.jpg
Governor Kada teaches us how to dance the Goshu Ondo, a native dance of Shiga. She spoke in both Japanese and English again. Also see the video at YouTube.369 views
gw014-BIJIN11.jpg
After a bath. That's what it looks like. She was another very photogenic woman.369 views
gw012-BIJIN12.jpg
Cheek-to-Cheek. One of my favorite postcards. I wonder if they were sisters. Real-photo postcard with no divided back. The actual card is more yellowed, but I bleached it with Photoshop.369 views
gw027-web_080925-n-8546l-288.jpg
Family and friends gather at the pier to greet Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) as it pulls into its new operating base Fleet Activities Yokosuka.369 viewsYOKOSUKA, Japan (Sept. 25 2008) Family and friends gather at the pier to greet Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) as it pulls into its new operating base Fleet Activities Yokosuka. George Washington's arrival from its former homeport of Norfolk, Va., marks the beginning of its role as the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Peter D. Lawlor/Released)
gw048-web_080821-n-1038m-024.jpg
SAN DIEGO (Aug. 21, 2008) Sailors man the rails aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during the ship's departure from Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego.369 viewsSAN DIEGO (Aug. 21, 2008) Sailors man the rails aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during the ship's departure from Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego. George Washington departed San Diego en route to Yokosuka, Japan, where it will replace the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Anthony R. Martinez/Released)
IMG_4164.jpg
368 views
21parking.jpg
No Bicycle/Motorcycle Parking368 views駐輪禁止 - "Chūrin kinshi" in red characters mean two-wheeled vehicles cannot park here. In blue characters, it says "jitensha" (bicycles) and "ōtobai" (motorcycles and motor scooters).

Place: Street corner near a train station in Tokyo.
052-9136-3.jpg
Colorful koi carp fish in Bishamon-numa Pond, Fukushima Pref. 毘沙門沼368 viewsBandai-Asahi National Park
083-IMG_9686.jpg
On the main road.368 views
111-IMG_9748.jpg
368 views
014-IMG_0630.jpg
Tulips everywhere. The Tulip Festival started in 1988 when a group started a flower and greenery campaign in the city.368 views
as010-IMG_1811.jpg
Sensoji temple's Kaminarimon Gate. There's a large road in front and also a large paved area where festivals are held. 雷門368 views
pc014-dhei.jpg
This gallery has moved here: https://photojpn.org/news/2016/01/japanese-postcard-history-and-dating-vintage-japanese-postcards/368 views
ji239-20091022_7805.jpg
368 views
sa300-20100209_0106.jpg
Sapporo Snow Festival in Sapporo, Hokkaido is held for about a week in early Feb. These are photos of the 61st Sapporo Snow Festival held during Feb. 5-11, 2010. The main festival site is at Odori Park anchored on the east end by Sapporo TV Tower. 368 viewsI started exploring this site from here.
ma155-masumidaVideo.youtube
My video of Masumida Shrine on New Year's Day 2011, Ichinomiya, Aichi.368 views
053-IMG_6099.jpg
Sumo ring and suspended roof (no pillars).367 views
IMG_7778.jpg
367 views
028-83ii1-26.jpg
Seto Inland Sea as seen from Megishima, Kagawa Pref.367 views
iy044-IMG_0287.jpg
367 views
iy084-IMG_0512.jpg
Oiran Dochu procession, Tokyo367 views
tu045-IMG_2295.jpg
367 views
su212-20050508IMG_0693.jpg
Asashoryu collects a big paycheck.367 views
IMG_8945.jpg
366 views
044-08IMG_0942.jpg
White Heron Dance366 views
IMG_7785.jpg
366 views
002-IMG_9453.jpg
366 views
025-IMG_9428.jpg
Votice tablets written with people's wishes for love, sex, and babies.366 views
ci430-IMG_1296.jpg
Chikubushima is Lake Biwa's most famous, historic, and sacred island. National Historic Site MAP366 views
040-IMG_3372.jpg
Grave of loyal dog Hachiko and his master, Professor Ueno.366 views
gm020-MAI8.jpg
Smiling Maiko Standing. Great smile. This is the same woman in the card where two maiko are holding the Japanese flag.366 views
se050-20090804_9174.jpg
JR Sendai Station on the west side (Nishi-guchi). This is the main side. There is a tourist information office inside the station where you can pick up maps and pamphlets, maybe in English too.366 views
so300-20121121-9687.jpg
Suo-Oshima is the third largest island in the Seto Inland Sea and slightly smaller than the Hawaiian island of Lanai. Population is almost 20,000. The island looks like a goldfish and easily accessible by bus/taxi from the mainland via Ohashi Bridge.366 viewsClosest train station is Obatake Station not far from Iwakuni.
IMG_9030.jpg
365 views
IMG1_3859.jpg
Gifu Castle on Mt. Kinkazan as seen from the Nagara River. In the foreground is Nagaragawa Onsen Spa. Commanding a strategic viewpoint of the entire city, Mt. Kinkazan must have looked like an obvious place to build a castle.365 views
021-IMG_9420.jpg
The ceremony opens with taiko drum beating on the sumo ring.365 views
085-IMG_9709.jpg
Makunouchi dohyo-iri365 views
150-IMG_0540.jpg
Shibuya Station, South Exit, Tokyu Plaza 渋谷駅南口365 views
017-IMG_1499.jpg
Yabusame archer365 views
048t-IMG_1419.jpg
School uniform365 views
on124-20081011_0665.jpg
Otsu Festival poster365 views
et099-20121118-8236.jpg
Battleship gun, life-size.365 views
022_8717.jpg
364 views
om206-IMG_3238.jpg
364 views
na202a-IMG_4100.jpg
Near the station is Nagoya City Hall (Shiyakusho) which also sports a castle motif.364 views
022-IMG_1397.jpg
Hakata dolls are Fukuoka's most famous souvenir. There are all kinds and they suit almost any budget.364 views
059-IMG_7452.jpg
Kobuntei Villa364 views
00-annantalo01.jpg
Annantalo Arts Centre, Helsinki. Their Japan Day event was held on April 9, 2006.364 viewsA former primary school built in 1886, this distinguished-looking building is now an arts center for children and young people. They held a Japan Day event on April 9, 2006 when they presented Budo demonstrations, kimono show, workshops, Japanese food, lectures, and a photo exhibition featuring my pictures of Japanese costumes. My friend Elina Moriya also showed a few of her pictures of temples.

Annantalo Web site: [url=http://www.kulttuuri.hel.fi/annantalo/index_en.html[/url]
tu690-20060816_6823.jpg
Line to board the free shuttle bus from Tsuruga Station to Kehi no Matsubara Beach.364 viewsThe waiting time was minimal since buses kept coming often. They chartered buses from numerous bus companies.
011-IMG_9985.jpg
Psst, wanna know a secret? Kitain Temple, Kawagoe364 views
020-IMG_8734.jpg
364 views
ka145-20080806_8215.jpg
A big mahalo to Hula Halau 'O Kamuela for traveling all the way to Ikaho and making us all happy with their hula. I have already given free copies of these photos (and more) to the performers through Kau'i and Kunewa.364 views
nd220-20100424_9013.jpg
364 views
79-IMG_0105.jpg
Kawasaki Motorcycles363 viewsI wasn't one of them.
007-IMG_4377.jpg
Twin turrets of Akashi Castle363 views
008-9930-2.jpg
Kochi Castle tower363 views
IMG_7457.jpg
Tuba player363 views
065-IMG_8071.jpg
Entertainment started with taiko drumming.363 views
ge015-LAF7.jpg
Laughing Geisha with cowboy hat & cigar. This must be the most humorous pose she created. Those tourists must've gotten a big kick when they saw this card. A geisha from the wild, wild West. Even today, it elicits an affectionate laugh. One of my363 views
00IMG_7455.jpg
About Genova ジェノバの紹介362 viewsGenova (or Genoa) is a port city on the west coast of Italy. It is the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. For 2004, it was designated as the European City of Culture. From Milan, it takes about 90 min. to reach Genova.

ジェノバは、イタリアの北の西海岸にある港街です。コロンブスの出身地でもあります。ミラノから電車で約1.5時間かかります。

25-IMG_7146.jpg
Closeup of cracked barrel 割れた砲362 views
017-IMG_9418.jpg
Musashimaru souvenirs at the Kokugikan's souvenir shop362 views
103-IMG_9726.jpg
Portable shrine for Takeinadane-no-Mikoto362 views
052-IMG_1903.jpg
Large weeping cherry tree しだれ桜362 views
ge023-LAF4.jpg
Laughing Geisha with umbrella. The sender probably wrote about his incredible adventures in Japan. Postmarked 1904 from Yokohama addressed to Hamburg, Germany. The actual card is more yellowed and almost brown, but I bleached it with Photoshop.362 views
gw029-PPCBIJIN6.jpg
Bride arrives at the groom's house.362 views
km340a-84may5-4.jpg
Another shot taken in the good old days. Doesn't bloom like this anymore. The next photo shows what it looks like today.361 views
hs083a-83II6-21.jpg
Atomic Bomb Dome361 views
053-IMG_9561.jpg
Laying the red carpet for the main event.361 views
062-9136-13.jpg
Benten-numa Pond, maximum depth 6 meters. 弁天沼361 viewsBandai-Asahi National Park
039-IMG_0648.jpg
Sekigahara Battlefield, now occupied mainly by rice paddies, a school, and homes. 関ヶ原古戦場361 views
102-IMG_9722.jpg
The giant phallus in front Tagata Shrine's Honden main hall.361 views
iy024-IMG_0498.jpg
Ichiyo sakura cherry blossom trees line the street where the Oiran Dochu procession will proceed. 一葉桜361 views
gw038-HANA8.jpg
Teruha sitting.361 viewsHer name was Teruha and she appeared in many postcards. She's probably still in her teens in this photo. She was born in 1896 in Osaka and worked as a geisha in Shimbashi, Tokyo before becoming a Buddhist priest in Kyoto. Read more about her interesting life by James A. Gatlin at geikogallery.com.
fi100-Day2.jpg
About 40 rowers from overseas rowed around Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, Japan on June 5-11, 2011 for the annual FISA World Rowing Tour held for the first time in Asia. Schedule and map for June 5, the first day of rowing. They started from Otsu. 361 views
007_7671.jpg
Skewering the eel. Also see the video at YouTube.360 views
113a-21IMG-9233-19.jpg
Ikyu, the villain. 花川戸助六 意休360 views
017-IMG_1642.jpg
Site where the battle started and Mt. Matsuo in the background.360 views
087-IMG_9689.jpg
Entrance to Tagata Shrine crowded with people waiting for the procession to arrive.360 views
iy072-IMG_0449.jpg
Spectacular kimono360 views
yh050-20090807_2761.jpg
During early Aug., JR Yamagata Station has a Hanagasa Matsuri billboard above the turnstile as you get out.360 views
020_0222-10.jpg
Gathering at Narita-san temple359 views
b013_1327.jpg
359 views
45a-IMG_7811.jpg
Kuusamo Library クーサモ図書館359 viewsThis is the public library in Kuusamo to which I donated a bunch of Japanese nature photo books, magazines, and a DVD (see the previous images).

Before leaving for Finland, I requested and received a photo book from the three Japanese photographers I featured in my third slide show. I also went to a large bookstore in Tokyo and scoured all the Japanese nature photo books. I bought some books I thought would be of interest in Finland. I packed all the books in my suitcase, and when I checked in at Finnair at Narita Airport (Tokyo), they told me that my suitcase was overweight by 6 kg or so and I would have to pay extra. I asked how much, and she said 40,000 yen (about $300).

I couldn't believe it. I almost went ballistic. First I made sure that I heard correctly: "You mean 4,000 yen ($30) right?" No, it was 40,000 yen. I panicked inside, but tried to remain calm. Then I dropped down and opened my suitcase on the spot and took out 6 kg worth of books and stuffed them in a large plastic bag which they kindly provided.

Now I had two pieces of carry-on luggage and one lighter suitcase weighing right below the 25kg limit. "Fine" she said, and I was happy even though I was slightly weighed down.

It was worth the trouble because I later found out that the Kuusamo library had no photo books from Japan. But now they do.
Library Web site: http://www.kuusamo.fi/Resource.phx/sivut/sivut-kuusamo/kirjasto/index.htx

フィンランドへ行く前に都内の大手本屋さんへ行って日本の面白そうなネイチャー写真集を何冊も買って持って行きました。今森光彦、中村郁夫、栗林慧先生から頂いた写真集と合わせてスーツケースに入れた。そして成田でFinnairでチェックインすると重さ制限(25kg)がオーバーで追加料金がなんと4万円!!とんでもない話で、その場でスーツケースを開けて6kg分の重い本を手持ちにした。それでOKだった。

これらの寄贈写真集は、スライドショー中にも紹介して「図書館で借りられる」と皆さんに知らせました。来場者からも写真集やDVDの注文も何件か受付ました。
015-IMG_7601.jpg
Oarai Isosaki Shrine torii at sea359 views
002-IMG_3033.jpg
The Azuchi Nobunaga Festival's main venue was here, next to Azuchi Castle (hill on right). MAP359 views
000-IMG_4231.jpg
Tenno-sai Festival, Enoshima359 viewsMore pictures here.
029-9018-14.jpg
The Wedded Rocks are actually a type of torii gate for worshipping the Okitama Sacred Stone in the ocean.359 views
064-IMG_8058.jpg
Food, finally! All from Shiga. Lots of fish, and funa-zushi too.359 views
70992 files on 282 page(s) 8