Home > TOKYO 東京都

Most viewed - TOKYO 東京都
040-IMG_7225.jpg
Nikon model in PIE 20057183 views
IMG_7651.jpg
Yuka-chan, A.B.S.UNIDOS DO URBANA based in Nagoya at Asakusa Samba 2006.7089 views
29-IMG_9921.jpg
Daihatsu5665 views
yt321-20110305_6608.jpg
Belly dancer at Yushima Tenjin Plum Blossom Festival, Tokyo.5250 views
IMG_7361.jpg
The 26th Asakusa Samba Carnival was held on Aug. 26, 2006. Some 4,500 members from 33 troupes paraded from 1:30 pm to 6 pm. About 500,000 people were on hand to watch.5077 views
IMG_7485.jpg
Asakusa Samba Carnival4958 views
IMG_7688.jpg
Asakusa Samba Carnival4943 views
013-IMG_7837.jpg
Pentax model4575 views
sb078-20080830_7771.jpg
Yuka-chan, A.B.S.UNIDOS DO URBANA based in Nagoya at Asakusa Samba 2008.4090 views
038-IMG_7265.jpg
Model for Canon Kiss Digital N3989 views
IMG_7671.jpg
Yuka-chan, A.B.S.UNIDOS DO URBANA based in Nagoya at Asakusa Samba 2006.3737 views
40-IMG_0018.jpg
Mitsubishi Motors3676 views
77-IMG_0144.jpg
Kawasaki ZZR 1400 ABS motorcycle3638 viewsI looked at her and she smiled.
006_8086.jpg
Shimada hairstyle3566 viewsStandard hairstyle for geisha. This a wig.
30-IMG_9591.jpg
Daihatsu SK-Tourer3564 views
72-IMG_0040.jpg
Harley-Davidson FLST Heritage Softail3509 viewsWorld premiere of this bike.
IMG_2733.jpg
The Crown Prince, the Emperor, and the Empress on the Emperor's Birthday. They were on the balcony for a whole THREE minutes. I thought they would stay there for at least 10 min. Barely had time to mount my telephoto lens.2946 views
005_8086.jpg
Rear view2718 views
060-IMG_8147.jpg
Shibuya Station, Hachiko statue2694 views
IMG_7422.jpg
Asakusa Samba Carnival2682 views
32-IMG_9927.jpg
Daihatsu. I smiled at her, and she smiled back...2653 views
IMG_2730.jpg
10:23 am: They wave to the crowd again. From left to right is the Crown Prince, the Emperor, the Empress, and Prince and Princess Akishino.2647 viewsIt was very difficult to get a good shot of them since so many flags were in the way. I had to hold the camera overhead above the flags and shoot almost blindly with my telephoto lens. Luckily, I managed to get a few decent closeup shots.
39-IMG_9975.jpg
Daihatsu2571 views
IMG_7577.jpg
2553 views
IMG_7650.jpg
Yuka-chan, A.B.S.UNIDOS DO URBANA based in Nagoya at Asakusa Samba 2006.2531 views
016-IMG_0195.jpg
2. Sumidagawa (Sumida River)2518 views
012-IMG_0186.jpg
1. Fuji Murasaki (Purple Wisteria)2459 viewsDancer's name is Maiko 舞子
002_8115.jpg
"Blue Ocean Waves" (青海波)2457 viewsThey performed four numbers. This first one was called "Blue Ocean Waves" performed by five geisha.
hs100-20090613_0700.jpg
Way to Hakusan Shrine in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, near Hakusan Station on the Toei Mita Line and Hon-Magome Station on the Nanboku Line.2362 views
IMG_7840.jpg
2328 views
IMG_7832.jpg
2299 views
022_8401.jpg
Kagurazaka geisha dance2226 views
038_8405.jpg
Praying at Bishamon2204 views
021_8400.jpg
Kagurazaka geisha dance2136 views
IMG_2724.jpg
10:22 am: The Emperor speaks. When the Emperor spoke, the crowd immediately fell silent and all the flags stopped waving. He spoke for only about a minute, thanking us for celebrating his birthday and mentioning this past year's numerous natural disas2132 viewsAfter he finished, everyone waved the flags again and cheered.
012_8266.jpg
2057 viewsHer big round eyes makes her look like a real doll.
101-21IMG_9504.jpg
The oiran courtesan is escorted by two little girls called kamuro. 花の吉原おいらん道中2056 views
098-21IMG_1087.jpg
Oiran Dochu Procession. This is definitely the highlight of the festival, and my favorite part of the festival. 花の吉原おいらん道中1954 views
007-IMG_0168.jpg
1. Fuji Murasaki (Purple Wisteria) by Kagurazaka geisha1919 views
010_8229.jpg
1898 views
009_8196.jpg
1863 views
km301-20120203_7528.jpg
Houkago Princess performing at Kanda Myojin Shrine for Setsubun.1793 views
023_8427.jpg
1784 views
lr053-20081123_0048.jpg
"Boat tail" of a 1972 Buick Riviera. They long stopped making cars like this.1766 views
km299-20120203_7517.jpg
About the Sacred horse (pony).1764 views
019-IMG_0206.jpg
3. Edo no Nigiwai (Liveliness of Edo)1753 views
011_8211.jpg
1743 views
006-IMG_0165.jpg
1. Fuji Murasaki (Purple Wisteria)1731 views
061-IMG_8146.jpg
Shibuya Station, Hachiko statue1731 views
015_8257.jpg
1724 views
IMG_2719.jpg
10:20 am: The Emperor and Empress appear right on time on his birthday. As soon as they appeared, people waved paper flags and cheered "banzai!" Also see the video at YouTube.1711 viewsIt was an amazing spectacle. I always saw it on TV, but this was the first time I saw it in person. I wish I went when Emperor Hirohito was still living.

From left to right is Princess Nori, the Crown Prince, the Emperor, the Empress, and Prince and Princess Akishino. Crown Princess Masako did not appear due to illness.

I also once used this shot for the cover photo on my home page.
003-IMG_0156.jpg
1. Fuji Murasaki (Purple Wisteria)1691 views
lr051-20081123_0246.jpg
Such distinctive styling. It's such a huge car, with only two doors.1672 views
105-IMG_1105.jpg
Oiran Dochu Procession. It's a wig. Also see the video at YouTube.1614 views
102-21IMG_9511.jpg
Oiran Dochu Procession1577 views花の吉原おいらん道中
005-IMG_0164.jpg
1. Fuji Murasaki (Purple Wisteria)1504 views
sb075-20080830_7760.jpg
Yuka-chan, A.B.S.UNIDOS DO URBANA based in Nagoya at Asakusa Samba 2008.1501 views
010-IMG_0181.jpg
1. Fuji Murasaki (Purple Wisteria)1473 views
lr052-20081123_0046.jpg
1972 Buick Riviera1473 views
001_8139.jpg
"Hana no Kai" Dance by Kagurazaka geisha1447 viewsThe "Hana no Kai" geisha dance is held annually by geisha in Kagurazaka, one of Tokyo's major geisha districts. "Hana" means livley or gaudy. And "Kai" can mean gathering or party.

They held two shows on the same day. This was the second show starting at 3 pm on April 16, 2005. It lasted till about 4:45 pm.
IMG_7639.jpg
Asakusa Samba Carnival1440 views
yt315-20110305_6573.jpg
1439 views
009-IMG_0178.jpg
1. Fuji Murasaki (Purple Wisteria)1429 views
044_8554.jpg
1409 views
IMG_2528.jpg
Dec. 23, 2004 at 8:30 am: Across the street from the Imperial Palace. Dec. 23 and Jan. 2 are the only two days when the general public is allowed to enter the palace to greet the Emperor and his family.1407 viewsA visit to the Imperial Palace by the general public is called "ippan sanga" in Japanese (一般参賀).

On the Emperor's birthday, the Imperial Palace can be entered only at certain locations. You have to find out where they are and stand in line there. Just go near the Imperial Palace and ask a policeman where you can stand in line. You otherwise cannot enter the grounds. The huge, graveled plaza where you can see Nijubashi Bridge is closed off by police.

While standing in line here, we received free paper Japanese flags.
129-23IMG_9467.jpg
This was the only one who had a smile. The others were quite serious and solemn.1394 views
IMG_2741.jpg
Even Santa Claus came (from Finland??). I'm told that they might be Finns. (Santa is from Finland.)1379 views
008_8224.jpg
Eight Views of Tatsumi (巽八景)1375 viewsThe second number was about the Tatsumi and Monzen-nakacho (Fukagawa) district in Koto Ward, Tokyo. The dance reflects the chic and bravado of the area (in the old days) which was one of Tokyo's gay quarters with geisha as well.
122-23IMG_9445.jpg
Edo Geisha, She was the only one with a smile.1366 views
014-IMG_7948.jpg
Ouran High School Host Club1331 views
sb086-20080830_7827.jpg
Stockings1330 views
iy027-IMG_0188.jpg
The star and main focus of the festival and procession, the oiran or tayu courtesan.1307 views
lr050-20081123_0052.jpg
1972 Buick Riviera, one of my all-time favorites, lowrider or not.1306 views
031_8497.jpg
1303 viewsAfter the dance, this geisha posed with us for a picture.
iy038-IMG_0247.jpg
Unlike normal kimono, she wears the obi sashi in the front instead of the back. This is so that she can show off her beautiful obi which would otherwise be covered by the uchikake outer garment.1295 views
IMG_7662.jpg
Yuka-chan, A.B.S.UNIDOS DO URBANA based in Nagoya at Asakusa Samba 2006.1280 views
003_8123.jpg
1277 viewsNotice that the kimono design shows waves.
026_8452.jpg
悋気しゃんすな1271 viewsSolo number performed by Maiko (her name). 舞子
033-07IMG_9315.jpg
Hojo Masako worships at Asakusa Temple. 北条政子 浅草寺参拝1269 views
109-21IMG-9041-24.jpg
Oiran Dochu Procession. This picture was taken in the 1990s when they had two oiran in the festival. Now they have only one. 花の吉原おいらん道中1253 views
136-25IMG_1167.jpg
Mistress Okichi, the infamous mistress of Townsend Harris, America's first ambassador to Japan when he was in Shimoda. Another mistress was provided to Harris' interpreter.1248 viewsOkichi was the infamous mistress of Townsend Harris, America's first ambassador to Japan. Another mistress was provided to Harris' interpreter.

黒船来航・浦賀奉行
024-IMG_0233.jpg
1. Kagurazakari 神楽ざかり1248 views
007-01IMG_9284.jpg
Tekomai geisha costume is partially masculine with trousers instead of skirts. Their right shoulder is "exposed" showing a flower design. They carry a red paper lantern imprinted with their names and use their right hand to drag a wand.1235 views"Asakusa" is written on her lantern. 手古舞
034_8526.jpg
1232 views
yt309-20110305_6526.jpg
Belly dancer at Yushima Tenjin Plum Blossom Festival. Tokyo.1230 views
IMG_2736.jpg
10:24 am: After 3 min. on the balcony, they were gone. We waited almost 2 hours for a 3-min. appearance. But I think it's something you should do at least once while in Japan.1228 views
IMG_2673.jpg
Entrance for state guests. This is where heads of state and other royalty enter this building.1225 views
050_1111.jpg
Geisha catching a taxi home1222 viewsPhoto by Kevin Mihaly.
yt312-20110305_6553.jpg
Belly dancer at Yushima Tenjin Plum Blossom Festival. Tokyo.1219 views
100-21IMG_1092.jpg
Oiran Dochu Procession1214 views
103-21IMG_1104.jpg
Oiran Dochu Procession. Also see the video at YouTube. 花の吉原おいらん道中1206 views
iy061-IMG_0396.jpg
Oiran dances.1201 views
058-8134-29.jpg
The chigo parade of bygone days was much longer with a lot more kids. 昔の築地本願寺の花まつり: かなり長い行列でした。1200 views
025_8441.jpg
1194 views
030-IMG_0550.jpg
Shibuya Station, Hachiko Exit 渋谷駅 ハチ公口1181 views
036_8529.jpg
Finale1180 views
IMG_7606.jpg
1172 views
IMG_7654.jpg
Yuka-chan, A.B.S.UNIDOS DO URBANA based in Nagoya at Asakusa Samba 2006.1170 views
111-21IMG_1117.jpg
Oiran Dochu Procession1167 views花の吉原おいらん道中
013_8238.jpg
1162 views
sb033-20080830_7557.jpg
Green aura1162 views
004_8164.jpg
1155 views
lr054-20081123_0049.jpg
Inside 1972 Buick Riviera1145 views
007_8053.jpg
Music and singing accompaniment1144 viewsAll numbers was accompanied by live music and singing.
028-IMG_0268.jpg
2. Hitozato ひと里1133 views
km312-84may5-9.jpg
Another view from the top of the bridge in the good old days. They don't bloom like this anymore...1126 views
012_8888.jpg
1123 viewsUnlike geisha dances in Kyoto which have elaborate backgrounds, the background here is quite plain, making us focus on the geisha which were enough eye candy. The background really didn't matter. The dances were very aesthetic and pleasing to the eyes and ears.
021-IMG_0225.jpg
3. Edo no Nigiwai (Liveliness of Edo)1096 viewsAfter this dance was a 20-min. intermission.
033-IMG_0295.jpg
4. Sakura Kazashite 桜かざして1095 viewsDancer 舞子 (Maiko)
027-IMG_0257.jpg
1. Kagurazakari 神楽ざかり1090 views
031-IMG_0543.jpg
Shibuya Station, Hachiko Square1086 views
IMG_8991.jpg
Former Olympic champion Yasuhiro Yamashita1084 viewsKata performance before the final match.
107-21IMG_9516.jpg
Oiran Dochu Procession1083 views花の吉原おいらん道中
025-05IMG-0172-14.jpg
Ariwara no Narihira (825-880) comes to east Japan1078 views在原業平 東下り
018_8292.jpg
Chestnut Rice Cakes (栗餅)1077 viewsThe third number was called "Chestnut Mochi." Mochi is rice cake. They pound sticky rice to make it. Performed by two geisha. The one in blue is a male role.
to315-IMG_6872.jpg
Train line map and fares in English at Tokyo Station as of 2007.1068 views
018-IMG_0416.jpg
Baton-twirling club, Tsukiji Hongwanji, Tokyo 千代田女学院 バトン部1067 views千代田女学院
041_8543.jpg
1060 views
lr056-20081123_0050.jpg
1967 Buick Riviera looking like a manta ray.1060 views
048_8584.jpg
Hand clapping1058 viewsThis is called sanbon-jime, a series of hand clapping to mark the end of a successful meeting.
IMG_7619.jpg
1057 views
ap037-20081227_1420.jpg
Tokyo Apache Dance Team do their stuff during time outs. They are the cheerleaders who appear on Saturday games.1051 views
014_8286.jpg
1043 views
030_8513.jpg
1039 views
sb017-20080830_7425.jpg
1039 views
008-01IMG_9286.jpg
Tekomai geisha1034 views
lr064-20081123_0226.jpg
Honda Civic1030 views
iy034-IMG_0233.jpg
Oiran Dochu procession, Ichiyo Sakura Festuval, Tokyo1025 views
lr016-20081123_0069.jpg
The metallic flake paint job on this car was great.1024 views
sb123-20080830_8017.jpg
Cutie/Sexy. GRES Uniao amadores1013 views
lr010-20081123_0008.jpg
Six times a year in Japan, a lowrider car show is held in major cities. The Japan Tour starts and ends in Makuhari Messe in Makuhari, Chiba where these photos were taken on Nov. 23, 2008.1008 views
104-21IMG_9510.jpg
She walks in a very slow and stylized way, her feet taking figure-8 steps. She needs the man's shoulder to steady herself.1007 views
IMG_7625.jpg
1004 views
030-IMG_0279.jpg
3. 梅にも春 Ume nimo Haru1001 views
IMG_2596.jpg
On Nijubashi Bridge heading for the Seimon Gate. 正門997 views
001-00IMG_9270.jpg
Sadly, the Tokyo Jidai Matsuri is no longer held. It was held annually on Nov. 3 (Culture Day) in Asakusa, Tokyo from 1988 to 2013.996 viewsThe festival was discontinued due to a money scandal by Taito Ward. Tokyo Jidai Matsuri (Festival of Historical Periods) was a parade tracing the history of Tokyo with over 1,600 people dressed in the respective period's costume. This is the lead float playing music. It took about an hour for the parade to reach Kaminarimon Gate.

Lead Float: Edo festival music played by children. Kodomo Edo-bayashi yatai
先導 子供江戸囃子屋台

IMG_2595a.jpg
Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge. It is one of Tokyo's symbols. Behind the bridge, you can see Fushimi Turret. This picture was taken on a different day and not while we were crossing the bridge.992 views
IMG_2641.jpg
Fushimi Turret. This view of the turret can only be had when you cross the bridge. I never knew what it really looked like until this day. 伏見櫓987 views
106-21IMG_1111.jpg
Oiran Dochu Procession in front of Kaminarimon Gate, Asakusa.984 views花の吉原おいらん道中
iy039-IMG_0266.jpg
Elaborate oiran wig weighing about 7 kg or 15 pounds.971 views
IMG_8870.jpg
Keiji Suzuki vs. Hiroaki Takahashi950 views
lr055-20081123_0053.jpg
948 views
lr039-20081123_0215.jpg
Show car with floor mirror. Note that this show does not feature female attendants, models, or "companions."942 views
IMG_7136.jpg
Costume gals. Even these girls walked on the fire.938 views

124-23IMG_9449.jpg
Edo Geisha938 views江戸芸者
IMG_2744.jpg
Japan fans. The sign says, "Downward slope ahead, walk slowly." It's only about 10:30 am, so it's a good time to walk around the Imperial Palace and the East Gardens. Although no flowers are in bloom, you might see autumn leaves.936 viewsFor more info about the Imperial Family and visiting the palace, see the Imperial Household Agency's Web site.
IMG_2742.jpg
10:25 am: Clearing out the crowd. We were promptly herded to the exit to make room for the next horde of people waiting to see the Emperor who appeared two more times that day.927 views
028_8515.jpg
908 views
018-IMG_7858.jpg
Canon models (EOS 30D demo)908 viewsThis Canon ministage was surrounded by EOS 30D cameras which we could use to shoot these female models on the ministage. They let us print out a picture (A4 size) and take it home.
87-IMG_0211.jpg
Suzuki Motorcycles907 views
yt302-20110305_6480.jpg
Belly dancer at Yushima Tenjin Plum Blossom Festival. Tokyo.905 views
ap060-20081227_1706.jpg
896 views
118-23IMG_9438.jpg
Edo Geisha. These geisha are from Asakusa, which also happens to be one of Tokyo's geisha districts. 江戸芸者888 views
zo275-IMG_6544.jpg
Mausoleum of Tokugawa Shoguns 徳川将軍家墓所884 viewsAfter Tokugawa Ieyasu started to rule the Kanto region, he designated Zojoji as the family temple of the Tokugawa clan. The Mausoleum has the tombs of six Tokugawa Shoguns (the 2nd shogun Hidetada, 6th shogun Ienobu, 7th shogun Ietsugu, 9th shogun Ieshige, 12th shogun Ieyoshi, and 14th shogun Iemochi), Imperial Princess Kazunomiya (wife of Shogun Iemochi), and wives and children of shoguns. A total of 38 people are buried here.
IMG_2706.jpg
Filled on our right883 views
071-13IMG_1003.jpg
Inner palace women878 views
056-IMG_2702.jpg
Sugamo Jizo-dori shopping street 巣鴨地蔵通り商店街875 views
070-13IMG_9379.jpg
Inner palace women870 views
090-IMG_0544.jpg
Shibuya Station, Hachiko Exit smoking area867 views
128-23IMG_9463.jpg
Edo Geisha866 views江戸芸者
lr065-20081123_0225.jpg
Honda Civic, one of the few Japanese cars at the show.864 views
IMG_2666.jpg
Kyuden Totei plaza863 views
024_8438.jpg
引けや引け引け860 views
iy025-IMG_0170.jpg
Close-up of Ichiyo sakura cherry blossoms. "Ichiyo" means "one leaf." You can see that the flower actually has a small green leaf inside. 一葉桜860 views
020_8409.jpg
Lively Colors of Kagurazaka(神楽坂華の彩)859 viewsThe final number, called Lively Colors of Kagurazaka (Kagurazaka Hana no Irodori) actually consisted of seven dances. This was the first one performed by three geisha. (ひと里)
127-23IMG_9460.jpg
Edo Geisha850 views江戸芸者
108-21IMG-97139-29.jpg
Oiran Dochu Procession. Her clogs. 花の吉原おいらん道中844 views
im050-IMG_1728.jpg
In Japanese, the Imperial Palace is called "Kokyo" (皇居). This term begun to be used from 1948. Until then, it was called "Kyujo" (meaning palace castle 宮城)from the time Emperor Meiji took up residence.844 views
iy085-IMG_0515.jpg
Oiran Dochu procession, Tokyo839 views
038-IMG_0306.jpg
6. Hahha Kudoki ハッハくどき835 views
lr044-20081123_0264.jpg
Lowrider toy cars too.833 views
tf050-20090612_0287.jpg
Side gate to Takahata Fudoson temple. Welcome signfor the Ajisai Matsuri.831 views
017_8290.jpg
Intermission828 viewsThis Ushigome-Tansu Kumin Hall can hold almost 400 people. Both shows were sold out. Tickets are sold about a month in advance. They sold out within 2 weeks. I was sitting in the middle of the hall (non-reserved seating). Tickets cost only 2,000 yen.
139-26IMG_9487.jpg
Shinsengumi828 views新撰組
047_8579.jpg
824 views
yb100-20090823_4475.jpg
During Aug. 22-23, 2009, Yokota Air Base held its annual Japanese-American Friendship Festival. I went on the 23rd, arriving at about 11 am. The base was open through Supply Gate No. 5 which is near Ushihama Station on the JR Ome Line.824 views
011-IMG_7827.jpg
Model at Nikon booth819 views
iy031-IMG_0210.jpg
The kamuro attendants precede the oiran.819 views
84-IMG_0174.jpg
Yamaha Motorcycles818 viewsYamaha's booth was the most elegant in the motorcycle section.
iy032-IMG_0221.jpg
Oiran. Her wig and geta clogs weigh the same (about 7 kg or 15 pounds each) to keep her head and feet balanced. Her whole outfit weighs about 60 pounds (27 kg). That's why she needs his shoulder for support as she walks. 花魁818 views
039-IMG_7274.jpg
Model for Canon Kiss Digital N816 views
017-IMG_0197.jpg
2. Sumidagawa (Sumida River)811 views
bj325-20100523_6355.jpg
Osaka Evessa cheerleaders shake hands with boosters as they are in tears. It was their second time to lose a championship game.811 views
121-23IMG_1137.jpg
Edo Geisha809 views江戸芸者
099-21IMG_1083.jpg
Oiran Dochu Procession. The two little girls are called kamuro.805 views
095-20IMG_1093.jpg
Saruwaka Sanza, Edo Kabuki804 views猿若三座 江戸歌舞伎
085-17IMG_1050.jpg
On Dec. 14, 1702, Asano's 47 masterless retainers avenged their master's death by attacking and beheading Kira at his residence in Ryogoku.803 views義士の討ち入り
IMG_2694.jpg
Good location801 views
IMG_7389.jpg
801 views
090-IMG_2883.jpg
Site of Lord Kira's Estate or Honjo Matsuzaka-cho Park. Lord Kira was the villain in the famous Chushingura vendetta. 吉良邸跡・本所松坂町公園800 views
IMG_2661.jpg
9:40 am: Inside the Imperial Palace. This is called the Kyudentotei. It is a large plaza in front of the palace.798 views
037-IMG_1859.jpg
Weeping cherry tree, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, Tokyo. Called "Shidare-sakura" in Japanese meaning cherry tree with drooping branches.798 views
025-IMG_0235.jpg
1. Kagurazakari 神楽ざかり796 views
20-IMG_9848.jpg
Honda W.O.W. Concept794 viewsHonda had nice women posing, but I was hoping they would bring out the Asimo robots to introduce the cars.

I smiled at her, but she never noticed me...
IMG_7545.jpg
789 views
138-26IMG_9481.jpg
Shinsengumi disbanded when the shogunate collapsed and Emperor Meiji became the head of state. The Shinsegumi wore a distinct costume with a light blue haori. 新撰組787 views
119-23IMG_1129.jpg
Edo Geisha785 views江戸芸者
093-20IMG_1075.jpg
1624: Saruwaka Sanza, Edo Kabuki. Kabuki was started in the early Edo Period in 1624. Later, Edo's three licensed kabuki theaters named the Nakamura-za, Ichimura-za, and Morita-za were relocated to Asakusa in an area called Saruwaka.782 views"Sanza" means three theaters. 猿若三座 江戸歌舞伎
029_8498.jpg
780 views
IMG_2529.jpg
Line behind780 views
IMG_7471.jpg
779 views
IMG_2695.jpg
9:43 am: Almost front and center775 views
096-21IMG-9870Nov3Jidai2.jpg
Oiran Dochu Procession. This picture was taken next to the Sensoji Temple behind which the parade starts. Before, one oiran courtesan rode in a rickshaw. 花の吉原おいらん道中772 views花の吉原おいらん道中
016_8289.jpg
Closing curtain757 views
014-IMG_0191.jpg
1. Fuji Murasaki (Purple Wisteria)757 views
IMG_7719.jpg
Asakusa Samba Carnival757 views
002-IMG_0155.jpg
Part 1 - Edo Scenes (江戸風情): 1. Fuji Murasaki (Purple Wisteria) 藤むらさき752 viewsDancers: 小奴、千佳、由良子、舞子
IMG_7709.jpg
751 views
or200-20100220_1697.jpg
The Japan Grand Prix International Orchid Festival 2010 was held during Feb. 13-21, 2010 at Tokyo Dome. I attended this show for the first time on Feb. 20, 2010. Regular admission was 2,000 yen.749 views
IMG_9002.jpg
741 views
ri214-IMG_1752.jpg
Rikugien Garden's famous weeping cherry tree. In Japanese, it is called "shidare-sakura" meaning drooping cherry.741 views
034-IMG_1855.jpg
Weeping cherry tree, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, Tokyo. 枝垂桜740 views
120-23IMG_1132.jpg
Edo Geisha 江戸芸者736 views江戸芸者
IMG_2589.jpg
9:31 am: Crossing the famous Nijubashi Bridge. It turned out to be a completely modern bridge, no sqeaking or anything. 二重橋735 views
007-IMG_7935.jpg
Pretty Cure735 viewsKids could have their picture taken with these characters.
008-IMG_0176.jpg
1. Fuji Murasaki (Purple Wisteria)735 views
IMG_2679.jpg
The center is filled up first. The center is in front of the balcony where the Imperial family will appear. Thus, the earlier you go, the better chance of you standing in front of the balcony.734 views
089-18IMG_9426.jpg
Firemen's Acrobatics733 views大岡越前守と江戸町火消
IMG_7596.jpg
733 views
iy029-IMG_0205.jpg
The procession is headed by tekomai geisha who sing.732 views
091-IMG_0545.jpg
Shibuya Station, Hachiko Exit smoking area725 views
16-IMG_9781.jpg
Honda Sports 4 Concept723 viewsI like this picture.
IMG_2602.jpg
Main gate722 views
IMG_7681.jpg
722 views
019_8315.jpg
719 views
IMG_2650.jpg
Fushimi Turret. This view of the turret can only be had when you cross the bridge. I never knew what it really looked like until this day. 伏見櫓719 views
IMG_9084.jpg
Winner's trophy718 views
005-01IMG_9278.jpg
Tokyo Jidai Matsuri Banner and Tekomai geisha. From top to bottom, the banner reads, "Tokyo Jidai Matsuri." It marks the official and real start of the festival parade. The first Tokyo Jidai Matsuri was held in 1989. 東京時代祭本旗718 viewsThe first Tokyo Jidai Matsuri was held in 1989. Slight changes in the festival have been made since. Instead of two oiran courtesans, there is only one now. And at the end of the parade, the Asakusa Revue of showgirls used to be the anchor. But they are now gone.

東京時代祭本旗、手古舞
IMG_8866.jpg
Athens Gold Medalist Keiji Suzuki pyches himself up715 views
155-IMG_6883.jpg
Popular meeting place at Shibuya Station, south exit.715 views
044-IMG_7208.jpg
714 views
018-IMG_0675.jpg
Hamura Tulip Festival, Tokyo714 views
61-IMG_9737.jpg
Clarion. The ubiquitous female companions, attendants, or models that we see today started appearing at the show from as early as 1957. They do not only decorate the show, but they also reflect the fashion of the times.710 viewsI approached her and she struck this pose instinctively.
IMG_2542.jpg
Body inspection up ahead. They frisked the body and also used a metal detector as well. I had to explain that the hump in my pants pocket was a wallet and cell phone. He believed me since I have an honest-looking face.709 views
km341-8812_JFR.jpg
Kameido Tenjin Shrine wisteria and taiko-bashi bridge. Taiko-bashi is an arch bridge.708 views
18-IMG_9792.jpg
Honda708 viewsThis is what she looks like up close.
030-06IMG_9309.jpg
Minamoto no Yoritomo (Hatakeyama Shigetada). His prayers for victory were answered. 源 頼朝 隅田川陣営 (畠山重忠)706 views
048a-IMG_1437.jpg
Near JR Akihabara Station is a new building called Akihabara UDX (Crossfield). On the 4th floor is this Tokyo Anime Center which has anime displays, a theater, and voice acting recording studio. Free admission.706 views
039-08IMG_0934.jpg
White Heron Dance is one of the highlights of the festival. It is also performed on other occasions in Asakusa. The dance was revived in 1968 in Asakusa to mark the Meiji Period Centennial. It has been performed annually on Nov. 3 ever since. 白鷺の舞700 views
094-20IMG_9433.jpg
Saruwaka Sanza, Edo Kabuki. "Sanza" means three theaters. 猿若三座 江戸歌舞伎694 views猿若三座 江戸歌舞伎
092-IMG_0546.jpg
Shibuya Station, Hachiko Exit smoking area cigarette butts694 views
lr057-20081123_0051.jpg
In the 1960s and 1970s, cars had distinguishing designs. But today, most cars look almost the same.694 views
iy026-IMG_0177.jpg
At the starting point of the procession, the oiran gets ready to wear her high and heavy wooden clogs.691 views
iy053-IMG_0357.jpg
690 views
042-IMG_4774.jpg
The warrior monk costume is interesting. The collar makes them look bigger and more fearsome. 僧兵行列688 views
IMG_7562.jpg
687 views
te037-976-8.jpg
687 views
045_8555.jpg
A bow of thanks681 views
IMG_8925.jpg
681 views
052-08IMG_0962.jpg
Shrine maiden and Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa679 views三社大権現祭礼 船渡御
126-23IMG_9457.jpg
Edo Geisha portrayed by Asakusa geisha.675 views江戸芸者
IMG_9013.jpg
674 views
17881 files on 71 page(s) 1