 Most viewed - FUKUI 福井県 |
Statue of castle founder and 1st lord, Yuki Hideyasu 結城秀康547 views
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Maruoka Castle tower425 views
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To Obama via JR Obama Line (Tsuruga Station).418 views
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Line to board the free shuttle bus from Tsuruga Station to Kehi no Matsubara Beach.391 viewsThe waiting time was minimal since buses kept coming often. They chartered buses from numerous bus companies.
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At 6:30 pm, people started releasing their candlelit lanterns into the ocean. Tsuruga, Fukui Pref.371 views
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Toro nagashi at Kehi no Matsubara Beach in Tsuruga, Fukui Pref.362 views
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JR Obama Line at Tsuruga Station in Fukui Prefecture, the line's terminus. From Tsuruga, it takes 60 to 70 min. to Obama.357 views
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Roof tiles made of stone on Maruoka Castle352 views
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Tojinbo in Mikuni-cho is spectacular, natural rock columns and walls on the coast. Hiking trails and boat rides give you a closer look at this rare natural monument. 352 viewsTojimbo is accessible by bus from JR Awara Onsen Station on the Hokuriku Line.
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Maruoka Castle351 views
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Statue of Emperor Keitai in Asuwayama Park 継体天皇像348 viewsThe 26th Emperor of Japan is said to have hailed from Echizen Province.
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As it got darker, the scene got prettier.338 views
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Toro nagashi and fireworks at Tsuruga, Fukui Pref.334 views
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Huge rock columns stand about 9 stories (25 meters) high.327 views
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276 views
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Bungee jumping is probably not possible here.256 views
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Tojinbo sign indicating the Echizen-Kaga Coastal Quasi-National Park256 views
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Obama Castle stone foundation for the main castle tower. No structure remain. No moats remain either, except for the two rivers which served as a natural moat.249 views
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Bright fireworks light up the audience on the beach.238 views
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Line for the free shuttle bus back to Tsuruga Station. They had many shuttle buses so we didn't have to wait long.234 viewsIt was a very efficient and quick operation. Although I did leave early.
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Saba-zushi or rice topped with mackerel, a local specialty in Obama, Fukui.234 views
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Kehi no Matsubara beach, one of Japan's three most famous pine tree beaches.221 viewsThe other two being Miho no Matsubara in Shizuoka and Karatsu in Saga Pref.
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211 views
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JR Tsuruga Station209 views
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A dinosaur waiting for his train at JR Tsuruga Station. Fukui Prefecture is famous for dinosaur digs. This is just a sculpture stealing a valuable place to sit, but it looks like a kid can sit on his lap.204 views
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The fireworks were brilliant and world-class, included a few waterborne "half-dome" fireworks.203 views
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The lanterns say "For the Spirits of Past Generations."200 views
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196 views
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Minamigawa River196 views
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By 7:30 pm, it was completely dark.193 views
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Statue of Sugita Genpaku as a child, in front of the public hospital. 杉田 玄白190 views
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Right after their performance ended at 7:25 pm, I had to leave to catch the last train home. I missed seeing the Obama Boys who also danced. The event ended at 8 pm. Also see my video at YouTube.189 views
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Statue of Sugita Genpaku, a Dutch studies scholar who studied medicine. He was from Obama. 杉田 玄白188 views
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Great match with the lit lanterns and fireworks.184 views
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Whoever thought of combining toro nagashi with fireworks was a genius.184 views
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183 views
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JR Fukui Station182 views
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Crowd on Kehi no Matsubara Beach182 views
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Lanterns along the jetty.181 views
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The back of their T-shirt reads "I love Obama -- Obama Girls."180 views
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179 views
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Streetcar station177 views
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You could buy a lantern for 500 yen. Choice of three colors: Red, blue, and yellow.176 views
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The crowd stretched to the very far side of the bay.174 views
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Fireworks started at 7:30 pm.172 views
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Maruoka Castle is Japan's oldest surviving castle tower although it collapsed during the Fukui Earthquake in 1948. Rebuilt in 1955 with most of the original materials. Originally built in 1576 by Shibata Katsutoyo, nicknamed Kasumiga-jo (Misty Castle167 viewsPhoto: Way to Maruoka Castle from the bus stop.
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Kehi Jingu's main shrine. Kehi Jingu is dedicated to a number of gods including Emperor Chuai and Empress Jingu. So the Imperial Crest is all over the place.166 views
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163 views
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Bus stop for Maruoka Castle161 viewsTakes about 40-50 min. from Fukui Station.
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Shopping road161 views
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Road in front of Fukui Station160 views
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Mall in front of Fukui Station159 views
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I was sitting on a jetty where many lanterns got stuck. We could feel the hot air from the candles.158 views
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157 views
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15-min. walk from the bus stop to the beach. People everywhere.156 views
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152 views
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Sign encouraging the construction of the shinkansen to Fukui.149 views
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A bust of Barack Obama outside the Wakasa-ya souvenir shop in Obama, Fukui. Made by a local plasterer in 2008. Not a very good likeness.147 views
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146 views
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Old shachi (killer whale) roof ornaments made of stone.146 viewsThe original shachi were made of wood with copper plating. But during WWII, the precious copper was taken and these two stone shachi were made to replace the original shachi. These two shachi fell off the roof during the 1948 earthquake and were replaced by a replica of the original made of wood and copper plating.
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Kasumiga-jo Park, noted for cherry blossoms.146 views
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Bridge to castle grounds. 5-min. walk from Fukui Station.143 views
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Fukui Shrine143 views
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Obama merchandise and souvenirs, for both Obama and Barack Obama are sold at a few stores in Obama. This store called Wakasa-ya, on Hamakaze-dori, has the largest selection of Obama goods. A short walk from Obama Station.142 views
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Maruoka Castle tower140 views
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Edo Period currency139 views
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Obama Station139 views
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Some shops along the main drag (Ote-dori and Hamakaze-dori) have these notices in support of Barack Obama, world peace, and cultural exchange.139 views
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Fukui Shrine 福井神社138 views
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Steps to castle tower entrance.134 views
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Fukui Shrine133 views
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The second number was "Kaimana Hila" sung in Hawaiian. Kaimana Hila means Diamond Head (the famous mountain/crater in Honolulu). It's a standard hula number.133 views
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133 views
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1st floor of castle tower with photos of other castles.132 views
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Obama support signs on a hotel entrance in Obama, on Jan. 20, 2009, the Inauguration Day. This is probably the hotel where the Obama booster members would watch the inauguration live on TV at 1 am. 132 views
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Long line from the torii to the shrine on Jan. 1, 2016.132 views
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131 views
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"I love Obama" banners decorate the main drags in central Obama. 131 views
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Some shops along Hamakaze-dori shopping arcade have these congratulatory notices for President Barack Obama.131 views
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Entrance to castle grounds130 views
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130 views
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"I love Obama" banner130 views
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Obama beach, fit for swimming in summer.130 views
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Side of castle129 views
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Folk History Museum129 views
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It must have been cold for these dancers dressed for a tropical setting. The temperature was slightly above freezing.129 views
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Another ema tablet for 2016, the Year of the Monkey129 views
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Year of the Monkey ema from Kehi Jingu.129 views
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The stone marker says National Treasure Kasumiga-jo Castle.128 viewsThe castle was a National Treasure until it collapsed in the 1948 Fukui Earthquake. Now an Important Cultural Property.
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1st floor of castle tower128 viewsThe steep stairs go to the 2nd floor.
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Bridge to castle grounds with prefectural capital building looming ahead.128 views
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"I love Obama" T-shirts for 2500 yen.128 views
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Obama rolled maki-sushi on sale.128 views
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Kehi Shrine's torii gate is one of Japan's three most famous wooden toriis. The other two being Miyajima's Itsukishima Shrine in Hiroshima Pref. and Kasuga Shrine in Nara.128 views
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Maruoka Castle tower126 views
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Path to castle tower126 views
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Veranda (closed to visitors)126 views
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More Obama manju126 views
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Roof tiles made of stone (2nd floor)125 views
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The veranda is narrow and the fence is low.125 views
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Ceiling on top floor125 views
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Folk History Museum adjacent to the castle. 歴史民俗資料館125 views
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125 views
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Hiroshige's woodblock print of Kehi Pine Beach in Tsuruga from his "Famous Views of the 60 Provinces" series.125 views
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Inside Folk History Museum124 views
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The Wakasa-ya shop displays snapshots of past activities of the Obama booster association.124 views
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Look at this, hula dancing in a Japanese Buddhist temple in Obama, Fukui Prefecture, Japan.124 views
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Sushi restaurant in Wakasa Fisherman's Wharf. Buy sushi and eat it there with free miso soup and tea.124 views
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123 views
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Top floor123 views
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Wakasa-ya souvenir shop123 views
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2nd floor122 views
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Stairway on top floor122 views
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View from castle tower122 views
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Later, Obama's mascot Nana-chan (a cat with mackerel fish stripes) joined in and they sang the mascot's song.122 views
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Well related to the castle's mist.121 views
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Obama Girls dance the hula. The first number was a Japanese rendition of "Sophisticated Hula" called "Tsuki no Yoru wa" (The Moon at Night).121 views
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Obama beach121 views
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Entrance to castle tower120 views
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120 views
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1st floor of castle tower120 views
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Top floor120 views
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Obama Castle remains. Only the stone foundation and a few stone walls remain. Obama Castle was built by Kyogoku Takatsugu in 1601 after he was awarded the Wakasa domain for his service during the Battle of Sekigahara.120 views
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119 views
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Old-style "bay window?"119 views
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Stairs to top floor119 views
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119 views
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Lower stone wall119 views
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119 views
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Mismatched buildings119 views
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Wakasa-ya souvenir shop on Hamakaze-dori. 若狭屋 はまかぜ通り119 views
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119 views
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"I love Obama" sticker on store window. This logo is 119 views
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Obama senbei crackers119 views
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Pure and clean water well119 views
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Statue outside Obama City Hall.119 views
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Stairs going down118 views
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118 views
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JR Obama Station118 views
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"Sama" hole to shoot weapons (arrows or guns)117 views
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Ceiling on top floor117 views
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"I love Obama" T-shirts and banners. The banner is only 1200 yen (excluding the pole).117 views
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117 views
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This event drew quite a few press people, and it was reported in most major Japanese newspapers and a few foreign media.117 views
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Laquered chopsticks with the "I love Obama" logo.116 views
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A copy of the letter from presidential candidate Barack Obama to the city of Obama, Fukui Prefecture. Dated Feb. 21, 2008. Click on thumbnail to see full text.116 views
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Along the Obama waterfront is this Mermaid Terrace.116 views
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Roof tiles made of stone (rare)115 views
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Stone foundation of the castle tower at one corner.115 views
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"I love Obama" manju bean cakes, but only the back of his head is imprinted on the manju.115 views
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Obama burgers were passed out free to the people attending the event. Free soft drinks (hot) also helped in warming my hands.115 views
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A bust of Barack Obama outside the Wakasa-ya souvenir shop in Obama, Fukui.114 views
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The Obama Girls (and Boys) were formed because of Barack being born and mainly raised in Hawaii. The Obama Girls will travel to Hawaii (at their own expense) to perform as well.114 views
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JR Obama Line114 views
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Obama coast114 views
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Statue of Lord Sakai Tadakatsu outside Obama City Hall. Tadakatsu also served as Tairo, of Chief Minister in the Tokugawa government during 1638 to 1656.114 views
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Inside Obama City Hall.114 views
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113 views
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Ceiling on top floor113 views
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Ceiling on top floor113 views
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Valley between the prefectural capital (left) and police department (right).113 views
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Prefectural capital building112 views
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Some presidential campaign memorabilia in a store corner.112 views
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Obama book in Japanese. His election victory speech in Japanese.112 views
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Laquered chopsticks with the "I love Obama" logo. Laquerware is one of Obama's local specialties.112 views
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111 views
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The event started at 6:30 pm when it was quite dark (the actual inauguration ceremonies in Washington, DC would start some hours later at around 2 am that night, Japan time).111 views
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111 views
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Obama waterfront111 views
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Obama Station110 views
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Obama confections such as manju, this time with the face imprinted (instead of the back of the head). Passed out for free.110 views
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The event started with singing by a local group called Anyone Brother's Band. They sang a song called "Obama is Beautiful World!"110 views
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Mermaid Terrace.110 views
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Izumi-cho shopping arcade was also the starting point of the Saba Kaido road to Kyoto. During the Edo Period, this road was used by saba (mackerel fish) merchants traveling to sell their fish. The road was actually a network of roads. 110 views
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Steps to go down.109 views
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109 views
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Obama goods included sake rice wine.109 views
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Pedestrian bridge108 views
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108 views
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Hagaji temple's Hondo main hall where the 11-face Kannon statue is worshipped. This is the main venue for Obama's Inauguration Day event.108 views
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JR Obama Station entrance108 views
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Layout of the original Obama Castle sandwiched between two rivers.108 views
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Mermaid Terrace108 views
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Atop the castle tower foundation (lower level)107 views
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Monuments107 views
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This is the castle well named Fuku-no-I (福の井). Fukui Prefecture got its name from this well. In 2017, it got a Japanese-style roof.107 views
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Manju at the kiosk at Obama Station.107 views
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Wing Terrace107 views
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Stairs to castle tower foundation106 views
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The castle tower suffered a major fire in 1669, and it was never rebuilt.106 views
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"I love Obama" headbands for 600 yen.106 views
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Application form to join the Obama Informal Booster Association (Obama wo Katte ni Oen Suru Kai). オバマを勝手に応援する会106 views
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Steps to upper level of castle tower foundation105 views
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On Jan. 20, 2009, the US Presidential Inauguration Day for Hawaii-born Barack Obama, the city of Obama in Fukui held a special event at Hagaji temple. 羽賀寺105 views
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Obama's Inauguration Day event was called "Going Beyond the Seven Seas--Peace Bell Ringing for the World. 七つの海を超えて、世界にとどけ平和の鐘105 views
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JR Obama Station exit105 views
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Right near the exit of Obama Station is the tourist information office where you can obtain maps, pamphlets, and ask questions.105 views
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Mermaid on mailbox105 views
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Main drag (Ote-dori) from Obama Station. 大手通り105 views
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Obama Castle stone foundation for the main castle tower. Lord Sakai Tadakatsu built the main castle tower in 1636. 小浜城跡105 views
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105 views
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Inside Izumi-cho shopping arcade where they sell mostly seafood.105 views
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Top of castle tower foundation. Grassy, but uneven ground.104 views
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Another stone foundation which was partially damaged during the 1948 Fukui Easrthquake.104 views
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104 views
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Hagaji temple is one of Obama's major temples with Important Cultural Properties including an 11-face Kannon statue.104 views
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Inside Wakasa-ya shop, there's an application form to join the Obama for Obama Association (Obama wo Katte ni Oen Suru Kai).104 views
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Obama Castle stone foundation for the main castle tower. After the Kyogoku Clan moved to Izumo (Shimane Pref.), Sakai Tadakatsu took up residence in 1634 and his clan lived in the castle until the Meiji Restoration.104 views
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On top of Obama Castle stone foundation for the main castle tower.104 views
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Obama coast104 views
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Then a woman from the Obama Girls hula troupe read a message from Obama Mayor Koji Matsuzaki. The mayor, of course, hopes that Barack will visit Obama someday. (Toshio Murakami is no longer mayor.)103 views
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JR Obama Station and taxis.103 views
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Inside the Saba Kaido Museum.103 views
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View of moat from the corner of castle tower foundation.102 views
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Fukui police HQ and castle wall102 views
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Another bridge 廊下橋102 views
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Hagaji's temple bell.102 views
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Obama chopsticks. These were the more expensive ones costing around 1900 yen.102 views
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Dried bread in cans.102 views
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They sang "Ode to Joy" from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.101 views
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Private homes are built right up to the castle wall.101 views
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Near the water is Wakasa Fisherman's Wharf, housing restaurants, souvenir shops, and a tour boat ticket office.101 views
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Boat cruise to Sotomo Rocks on the nearby coast.101 views
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Stone wall submerged in moat.100 views
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Obama sake100 views
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