A Journey Through Japan

CXXXIX - Kyoto

2011-03-30T16:30:00.001+02:00

A dragon at Heian Jingu.

CXXXVIII - Kyoto

2011-01-23T22:05:00.003+01:00

A pretty white chochin (提灯).

CXXXVII - Kyoto

2011-01-22T00:24:00.005+01:00

Can you tell I like photographing details?

Shimenawa (注連縄) is a special plaited rope made of rice straw which is used to mark the presence of holy places in Shinto faith and to ward off evil.

I love how the golden colour of the straw contrasts with the bright red of the shrine in sunny days.

~~~

This is my entry for the10th edition of Show Me Japan. Please check it out!

CXXXVI - Kyoto

2011-01-21T11:36:00.002+01:00

A detail of one of the ladles from Heian Jingu's temizu fountain.

CXXXV - Kyoto

2011-01-17T21:58:00.002+01:00

The elaborate roof of one of the buildings in the Heian Jingu complex.

CXXXIV - Kyoto

2011-01-17T21:42:00.003+01:00

In front of Heian Jingu.

(What does the sign say? My kanji aren't good enough yet!)

CXXXIII - Kyoto

2011-01-15T13:41:00.005+01:00

A pretty red jinrikisha (人力車, "rickshaw") outside Kyoto's famous Heian jingū (平安神宮, "Heian shrine").

~~~

This is my entry for the 9th edition of Show Me Japan. Please check it out!

CXXXII - Kyoto

2011-01-08T20:37:00.001+01:00

A small Buddhist cemetery.

CXXXI - Kyoto

2011-01-05T19:57:00.003+01:00

So simple yet so beautiful.

CXXX - Kyoto

2011-01-03T13:01:00.002+01:00

How can Japanese moss be so cute?

CXXIX - Kyoto

2011-01-02T19:35:00.004+01:00

This building is named Togu-do (東求堂) , and it is the oldest building in Japan built in the Shoin-zukuri (書院造) style, dating back from 1487. It is one of the two remaining structures of the original villa (the other one is the Silver Pavilion).

Inside the Togu-do there is a wooden statue of Ashikaga Yoshimasa (足利義政; 1435 – 1490), the shogun who built this property as a retirement villa, and arranged for it to become a Zen temple after his death. According to legend, the shogun carved the statue himself.

This building also contains a small room known as the Dojin-sai, which is a tea room believed to be the reference for all future tea room designs, personally designed by the shogun's tea master, Murata Shuko (村田珠光; 1423 – 1502).

Thank you

2010-12-31T12:55:00.003+01:00

To those 1030 people who visited my blog, whoever you are..

THANK YOU!

I hope you've enjoyed my photos and have found the explanations somewhat interesting or useful, I'll do my best this coming year to post more regularly!

Please don't hesitate to leave comments, suggestions, thoughts.. they're always very much appreciated!

Happy New Year!

よいお年を!☆

CXXVIII - Kyoto

2010-12-23T00:13:00.002+01:00

This small charming waterfall is called Sengetsu-sei (洗月泉- "moon watching fountain") because the small trickle of water is designed to create ripples which run across the water of the pool below, pleasantly distorting the silver reflection of the full moon.

CXXVII - Kyoto

2010-12-23T00:07:00.002+01:00

A saisen bako (賽銭箱, "offerings box").

Always located in front of a shrine, it is used to collect money that worshippers wish to offer, and the noise of the coins hitting the wooden bottom is believed to attract the kami (神, "spirits"), who will then listen to the worshipper's prayer.

CXXVI - Kyoto

2010-12-22T23:50:00.004+01:00

In the gardens of the Ginkaku-ji temple.

That bit of raked sand you can see at the bottom is a tiny corner of the beautiful Ginshaden ("Sea of Silver Sand"), a dry garden that covers 1.75 acres of the temple grounds. The straight lines of white sand are meant to be viewed at as a calm expanse of sea, and have to be re-raked daily by a great number of gardeners. The best view of the Ginshaden is said to be had on cloudless, moonlit nights — and I wish someday to have the chance to see it for myself.

CXXV - Kyoto

2010-12-19T17:28:00.001+01:00

Another detail from Ginkaku-ji.

~~~

This is my entry for the 7th edition of Show Me Japan. Please check it out!

CXXIV - Kyoto

2010-12-19T17:25:00.003+01:00

Detail from the grounds of Ginkaku-ji.

CXXIII - Kyoto

2010-12-19T17:00:00.003+01:00

The entrance to Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺, "Temple of the Silver Pavilion") on a bright sunny day.

Also known as Jisho-ji (慈照寺, "Temple of Shining Mercy"), this temple belongs to the Shokoku School of the Rinzai Zen sect of Buddhism, and is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

CXXII - Kyoto

2010-09-26T21:32:00.002+02:00

Sunday morning, a street leading up to Ginkakuji temple (銀閣寺).

CXXI - Kyoto

2010-09-24T22:07:00.002+02:00

CXX - Kyoto

2010-07-27T22:35:00.003+02:00

Kyōto-tawā (京都タワー, Kyoto Tower) is Kyoto's observation tower. Its steel spire is 131metres tall and stands atop a 9-story building, making it the tallest structure in the city.

The building stands right opposite Kyoto Station and also houses restaurants, stores, a spa, and a 3-star hotel, Kyoto Tower Hotel, where we stayed for four nights. If you don't mind the somewhat-80's-vibe coming from the hotel furniture, I'd recommend it, as the location is incredibly convenient in terms of catching public transport, the central bus station being right between the hotel and the train station.

Plus, you get a free ticket for the tower's observation deck!

CXIX - Tokyo

2010-07-24T16:41:00.003+02:00

Another tasty bento! This time it's a vegetarian one, bought at Tokyo station while waiting for the shinkansen to take me to Kyoto. Little rice balls flavoured with shiso furikake (紫蘇ふりかけ, a purple-mint seasoning), tasty grilled vegetables and a few slices of fresh fruit... oishii (美味しい, "delicious")!!

CXVIII - Tokyo

2010-07-24T00:33:00.002+02:00

... you knew this was coming, right? The (in)famous Japanese toilet.

This futuristic piece of bathroom technology allows the user to choose between a light sprinkle and a heavy-duty squirt of water to cleanse their nether-regions, naturally both in the exact temperature of their choice.

CXVII - Tokyo

2010-07-23T15:11:00.001+02:00

Nightlife in Shibuya.

CXVI - Tokyo

2010-07-22T17:21:00.002+02:00

Billboards, somewhere in Shibuya.

CXV - Tokyo

2010-07-21T16:32:00.002+02:00

The shamisen (三味線) is a three-stringed fretless musical instrument which is played with a large plectrum called a bachi (撥). It is a very traditional instrument, dating back to the 16th century, and is probably best known to us gaijin as one of the instruments which maiko (舞子) learn as part of their training to become geiko (芸子) — or geisha (芸者).

I was pleasantly surprised to find this talented young man playing rock tunes on his shamisen at one of the exits of Shibuya station!

CXIV - Tokyo

2010-07-20T21:37:00.005+02:00

Kani Doraku (かに道楽, lit. "crab indulgence") is the name of the best known crab restaurant in Japan.

There are many outlets throughout the country, each of which is marked by a huge mechanical crab moving its pincers, legs and eyestalks!

Pictured is the Shinjuku one.

CXIII - Tokyo

2010-07-19T17:26:00.002+02:00

... and again!

CXII - Tokyo

2010-07-19T17:25:00.002+02:00

More neon signs.

CXI - Tokyo

2010-07-18T16:04:00.002+02:00

Neon signs in Tokyo.

CX - Tokyo

2010-07-17T00:36:00.005+02:00

A view of Tokyo's famous レインボーブリッジ (Rainbow Bridge), taken from the terrace of a restaurant on the artificial island of Odaiba (お台場) in Tokyo Bay.

You can also see the 東京タワー (Tokyo Tower) in the background!

CIX - Tokyo

2010-07-17T00:24:00.002+02:00

Taken from Shinbashi Eki (新橋駅, Shimbashi station) at nighttime.

CVIII - Tokyo

2010-07-16T23:55:00.002+02:00

No visit to the acquarium is complete without watching the dolphin show!

CVII - Tokyo

2010-07-16T23:49:00.004+02:00

The aquarium celebrated the release of Hayao Miyazaki's latest animated film, Gake no Ue no Ponyo (崖の上のポニョ, "Ponyo on the Cliff"), by setting up special tanks with fishes and toys from the movie.

CVI - Tokyo

2010-06-01T18:49:00.005+02:00

More penguins!

CV - Tokyo

2010-06-01T18:39:00.001+02:00

Penguin show :D

CIV - Tokyo

2010-06-01T18:36:00.005+02:00

An enormous sawfish shark seen from below, in Epson Aqua Stadium's underwater tunnel.

CIII - Tokyo

2010-05-28T23:50:00.002+02:00

One of the tanks in the Epson Aqua Stadium, I think it was the tropical one...

CII - Tokyo

2010-05-26T23:18:00.003+02:00

Isn't the merry-go-round pretty? I was sorely tempted!

CI - Tokyo

2010-05-26T23:02:00.004+02:00

The fancy sea-life décor at the entrance of Epson Aqua Stadium.

Epson Aqua Stadium is located in Shinagawa Prince Hotel (品川プリンスホテル), a couple hundred meters from Shinagawa Station. While it isn't the largest aquarium in Tokyo, it probably is the easiest to reach, and provides great entertainment for people of all ages. The entrance to the aquarium also gives access to pirate-themed restaurants, a sea-life-themed merry-go-round (and apparently a roller-coaster too!), and even a multiplex movie theatre.

C - Tokyo

2010-05-26T01:39:00.005+02:00

Pretty lights along the road leading to Shinagawa Epson Aqua Stadium (エプソン品川アクアスタジアム).

XCIX - Tokyo

2010-05-03T22:12:00.003+02:00

In the subway.

Being only 5'1'' myself, I love how low the safety handles are on public transport in Japan.

XCVIII - Tokyo

2010-04-29T18:23:00.003+02:00

An underpass near Shibuya station. Right behind that tree in the middle is the statue of the famous dog, chūken Hachikō (忠犬ハチ公, "the faithful Hachiko").

XCVII - Tokyo

2010-04-27T23:54:00.001+02:00

...And one more!

It's the last one, I promise!

XCVI - Tokyo

2010-04-26T21:08:00.001+02:00

... And another one.

XCV - Tokyo

2010-04-24T22:18:00.002+02:00

Another view from my window.

XCIV - Tokyo

2010-04-23T18:21:00.003+02:00

The spectacular Tokyo skyline as seen from my Shibuya hotel room one August evening.

XCIII - Tokyo

2010-04-23T00:16:00.002+02:00

XCII - Tokyo

2010-04-22T00:12:00.004+02:00

One of the beautiful kittens in the café, I believe this is the one named Matsuri (まつり).

XCI - Tokyo

2010-04-21T23:49:00.005+02:00

The Shinjuku branch of Calico (or きゃりこ) Cat Café is located on the 6th floor of the Fuji Building on Yasukuni Dori; for those who want to visit, here's a handy map.

The entry fee is about ¥900 (7€), and allows you to relax in a room full of supercute kittens for an hour.

For those of you who are concerned about the welfare of the kitties, don't worry: there are strict rules of conduct for the customers.

Once you enter and pay the fee, you are handed a list of instructions which you must follow, including removing your shoes and bags, placing them in a locker, and sanitizing your hands.

Only then are you allowed in the presence of the cats, who will most probably be pretending to nap in the most improbable and difficult-to-reach places: another rule states that customers cannot disturb the cats if they are sleeping, cannot pick the cats up, and are only allowed to play with them and stroke them only if and when they are willing to. Children are not allowed in the café either. Fair enough.

Most of the cats when I visited were very little amused by all the people shaking feather wands in their direction hoping to attract them to come and play. They were quite comfortable napping away and allowing the occasional pat on their head, and who could blame them?

XC - Tokyo

2010-04-14T23:51:00.006+02:00

Feline lovers have a tough time in Tokyo, since pets are forbidden in most of the tiny city apartments they have to live in.

So what are they to do to fulfill their cat cravings? Why, visit a Cat Café of course!

LXXXIX - Tokyo

2010-04-03T00:41:00.002+02:00

Almost all Inari Shrines feature at least one kitsune (狐, "fox") statue, usually flanking the altar.

The foxes often hold symbolic items in their mouths or paws — jewels and keys, rice, scrolls, or fox cubs are all common to find. Many worshippers place small offerings (such as sake or rice) in front of the fox statues, since kitsune are believed to be messangers who can plead with Inari on their behalf.

LXXXVIII - Tokyo

2010-04-02T18:05:00.004+02:00

A small Inari Shrine right in front of Hanazono-Jinja, Shinjuku.

LXXXVII - Tokyo

2010-03-31T23:58:00.003+02:00

When one arrives at a Shrine, the correct etiquette requires one to ring a large special Shinto bell, called suzu (鈴), by pulling on one of the ropes hanging in front of the altar, such as these. The bells are used by the visitors to announce their presence to the deity of the Shrine before bowing, clapping their hands, making their offering, and praying.

Miniature bell charms named omamori (お守り) are sold at shrines, and are considered to bring good luck.

LXXXVI - Tokyo

2010-03-30T23:54:00.002+02:00

A businessman praying at Hanazono Jinja (花園神社), a Shinto shrine founded in the mid-17th century, which is now a peaceful oasis amidst the skyscrapers in one of the busiest areas of the city.

LXXXV - Tokyo

2010-03-28T23:36:00.002+02:00

Minute Maid's Aloe & White Grape juice: THE most delicious drink ever invented by mankind.

With its sweet yet refreshing flavor and its little juicy bits of aloe floating around, I'd honestly be fine if I had to only drink this for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, it's one of those flavors (together with matcha -green tea- and sakura -cherry blossom-) which are only produced for the Asian market, and are almost impossible to find elsewhere.

LXXXIV - Tokyo

2010-03-23T23:17:00.002+01:00

Noren (暖簾) are traditional Japanese fabric curtains with slits (to make passing through them easier) hung in doorways or in windows. They are usually used by restaurants and shops to protect the entrance from sun, rain, wind or dust, and to advertise their wares. Their presence means the shop/ restaurant is open, as they are always pulled down at the end of the day.

LXXXIII - Tokyo

2010-03-22T23:34:00.003+01:00

A cute penguin with a crown winking from the top of a building along Yasukuni Dori.

Does anyone know why it's there? Is it the mascot of a company?

LXXXII - Tokyo

2010-03-19T23:59:00.002+01:00

A view of the buildings on Yasukuni Dori (靖国通り, "Yasukuni Street"), Shinjuku.

LXXXI - Tokyo

2010-03-17T15:07:00.003+01:00

Kaiten-zushi (回転寿司, "revolving sushi") is a very popular kind of restaurant in Japan, where food is set on small plates placed on a rotating conveyor belt that winds through the restaurant. Customers are usually seated on counter seats all the way along the belt, and simply pick their food as it passes by. The colour of the plates determines the price of the sushi on it ― usually the simpler the plate colour or design, the cheaper it is.

Most gaijin will probably be pleasantly surprised by how affordable kaiten-zushi is, compared to how pricey Japanese restaurants abroad are: this one had plates starting from 130円 (1€), compared to the average 4€ each plate costs back home. As can be seen in the photo, some plates only contain cards ― they represent dishes which should be served hot, and therefore must be ordered to the waitress, or directly to the chef.

The first time I ate in a kaiten-zushi was quite embarassing, due to the fact that I was the only non-Japanese, the only female, and the only person under 35 years old. This is because this kind of restaurant usually caters to Japanese businessmen who don't have time for a proper meal during their lunch-break. Moreover, I didn't know how to ask for water, so I forced myself to drink the complimentary boiling hot green tea provided even though it was at least 40°C (104F) outside!

I did manage to ask for miso shiru (味噌汁, "miso soup") though..

LXXX - Tokyo

2010-03-11T00:49:00.005+01:00

A view of Tokyo's rooftops from the Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu, a gorgeous hotel where we spent three nights during our stay in the city.

The hotel occupies the top floors of the Shibuya Māku Shitī (渋谷マークシティ, Shibuya Mark City Building), a 99.67 mt tall building located right in front of Shibuya-eki (渋谷駅, Shibuya Station), the fourth-busiest rail station in the whole of Japan, with an average of 2.4 million passengers daily.

LXXIX - Tokyo

2010-03-07T18:47:00.003+01:00

The Pokemon Train!

JR East has decorated 13 of their shinkansen (新幹線, bullet trains) with characters from the popular videogame and animation Pokemon! These trains operate on the Tohoku, Joetsu, Akita, Yamagata and Nagano lines during the summer months, from July to September, which is when Japanese schoolchildren are on holiday. The trains even have Pokemon-themed decoration inside!

Sorry about the bad picture, it was going very fast!

LXXVIII - Tokyo

2010-03-06T23:40:00.002+01:00

A DVD rental (?) place near Ueno Station (上野駅), Tokyo.

LXXVII - Tokyo

2010-03-05T23:18:00.003+01:00

Pachinko (パチンコ) is a very popular gambling game in Japan. It resembles a vertical pinball machine, but the goal is to fire up a small metal ball with the right speed to make it fall through a series of pins and into certain pockets to win the jackpot.

Much like our casinos, pachinko parlours can be recognized by the loud music, the garish decorations, and the scantily clad girls drawing in customers by the entrance.

LXXVI - Tokyo

2010-03-05T00:03:00.006+01:00

Japan is the country with the highest number of jidō-hanbaiki (自動販売機, "vending machine") ― jihanki for short ― with one every 23 people.

Most jihanki sell beverages (sodas, water, iced teas, energy drinks, etc) or snacks, but there are vending machines for almost everything, including: fresh vegetables, potted plants, underwear, ties, batteries, shoes, magazines, food tickets and more.

If you visit Japan during the hot summer months you'll come to love the jihanki you'll find on your way!

LXXV - Tokyo

2010-03-04T23:44:00.002+01:00

Before my journey, I was warned by a couple of acquaintances who had visited Japan to beware of Tokyo's subway. They warned me that I was certain to get lost in a labyrinth of kanji signs and hurrying businessmen.

Nothing could be further from my experience.

It is true, many of the signs are kanji-only. However, there are multitudes of super-kind Japanese men and women, who will try to help a confused-looking gaijin before he even has time to open his mouth to ask. There are even a few white-gloved Enrish-speaking attendants waiting by the ticket machines to help out with buying whatever ticket you need. You just need to name your destination, or point your finger on the map.

And on the subway itself, there are pleasant female voices announcing all the stops, as well as these fancy signs pictured which light up to show the direction the train is going in and the current stop.

It's foolproof, really.

Apologies and Thanks

2010-03-04T23:30:00.006+01:00

Sorry for not updating as often as I'd promised, I've been busy with a new schedule and starting proper Japanese lessons!

A huge THANK YOU to those who commented to let me know they like reading this blog, knowing that someone appreciates it keeps me motivated to post more!

がんばります! (Ganbarimasu, "I'll do my best!")

LXXIV - Tokyo

2010-02-18T23:45:00.003+01:00

A shop selling traditional Japanese footwear, geta (下駄) and okobo (おこぼ, also known as pokkuri), along Nakamise-dōri.

LXXIII - Tokyo

2010-02-13T23:47:00.001+01:00

Two pretty girls strolling along Nakamise-dōri in a summer yukata (浴衣).

LXXII - Tokyo

2010-02-11T23:54:00.003+01:00

A mask shop along Nakamise-dōri (仲見世通り), the street which leads up to Sensō-ji. It is approximately 250m long and - according to Wikipedia - contains 89 shops, which were originally set up in the early 18th century and later rebuilt each time after government bans, earthquakes and WWII bombings.

LXXI - Tokyo

2010-02-10T23:25:00.002+01:00

The other side of Hōzōmon's great chōchin.

LXX - Tokyo

2010-02-08T23:54:00.002+01:00

The front of the giant copper tōrō.

LXIX - Tokyo

2010-01-31T21:27:00.002+01:00

One of the two huge copper tōrō hanging from either side of Hōzōmon gate. Each weighs approximately 1000kg.

LXVIII - Tokyo

2010-01-30T21:17:00.003+01:00

The Hōzōmon (宝蔵門 - "Treasure-House Gate") leading into Senso-ji Temple is famous for the giant red chōchin hanging from it, which is 3.75 meters tall, 2.7 meters in circumference and weighs 400 kilograms. The current one is a reproduction donated in 2003.

LXVII - Tokyo

2010-01-28T00:18:00.002+01:00

A group of young Japanese performing the purification ritual at the large kōro in front of Sensō-ji Temple.

LXVI - Tokyo

2010-01-25T23:33:00.003+01:00

Inside Sensō-ji, which is Tokyo's oldest Buddhist Temple, first built in the year 645. It was bombed during World War II and was rebuilt, becoming a symbol of peace for the Japanese people.

It is dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon (観音), the Goddess of Mercy.

LXV - Tokyo

2010-01-24T23:23:00.002+01:00

A large Buddha statue located in front of Kinryū-zan Sensō-ji (金龍山浅草寺 - Sensō-ji Temple) in Asakusa.

LXIV - Tokyo

2010-01-23T21:30:00.002+01:00

The yummiest gyoza (餃子 or ぎょうざ - "dumplings") I have ever tasted.

Disclaimer: my opinion might have been slightly influenced by the pretty air-conditioned restaurant which provided an excellent escape from the sweltering August heat outside.

LXIII - Tokyo

2010-01-22T23:42:00.004+01:00

And on the other side of the street from the giant teacups, a huge chef face.

LXII - Tokyo

2010-01-22T23:40:00.002+01:00

Giant teacups on a building along Asakusa-dori.

LXI - Tokyo

2010-01-21T23:28:00.003+01:00

What surprised us most walking along Asakusa-dori (浅草通り- "Asakusa Street") was the presence of very many shops selling butsudan (house altars) ― an unusual sight for any gaijin!

LX - Tokyo

2010-01-20T23:33:00.002+01:00

The colourful incense bundles burning in the kōro in front of Benten-do Temple.

LIX - Tokyo

2010-01-19T23:54:00.004+01:00

A beautiful engraved stone on the banks of Bentenjima (弁天島 - "Benten Island").

LVIII - Tokyo

2010-01-18T23:31:00.003+01:00

The temizu fountain in front of Benten-do (弁天堂) Temple, dedicated to the Buddhist goddess Benzaiten (弁才天), the goddess of everything that flows: water, words, speech and music. This worship hall is very appropriately located on a small island between the three sections of Shinobazu no Ike (不忍池 - "Shinobazu Pond"): Hasu no Ike (蓮の池 - "Lotus Pond"), Bōto no Ike (ボートの池 - "Boat Pond"), and U no Ike (鵜の池 - "Cormorant Pond").

LVII - Tokyo

2010-01-15T23:42:00.007+01:00

Renge (蓮華 - "lotus flower") blooms in midsummer, and is a symbol of truth, perfection and immortality.

It also represents Buddha's life, since it is born in the world which is full of problems and darkness (the mud in the pond), and grows to be pure and and unsullied ― it represents the awakening to the spiritual reality of life. Renge was also thought to be able to regenerate by itself, and because of this it is often shown as the throne upon which the Buddha sits, as a symbol of an awakened Mind.

LVI - Tokyo

2010-01-14T23:50:00.002+01:00

A view of Shinobazu no Ike (不忍池), the lake in Ueno Park, which by midsummer is completely covered in lotus flowers.

LV - Tokyo

2010-01-13T21:32:00.003+01:00

The main altar of the small Inari Shrine in Ueno Park, Hanazono-Inari-Jinja (花園稲荷神社 or はなぞのいなりじんじゃ).

LIV - Tokyo

2010-01-12T23:14:00.003+01:00

Inari (稲荷) is the Japanese kami ("god") of fertility, rice, agriculture, foxes, industry and success, and is one of the most important kami in Shinto.

Kitsune (狐 or きつね - "fox") ― especially white ones ― are believed to be the special messengers of Inari.

LIII - Tokyo

2010-01-11T23:55:00.003+01:00

A torii (鳥居) is a vermilion gate which traditionally marks the entrance to a place sacred to Shinto religion, such as a Shrine. Inari Shrines such as this small one in Ueno Park typically have many torii in a row.

LII - Tokyo

2010-01-10T23:42:00.003+01:00

A row of pretty chōchin (提灯 - "paper lantern") in Ueno Park.

LI - Tokyo

2010-01-09T23:02:00.004+01:00

Colourful origami (折り紙) cranes at Toshogu shrine, Ueno Park.

Senbazuru (千羽鶴 - "Thousand Origami Cranes") such as these have a special meaning for Japanese people: there is a legend promising that whoever folds a thousand paper cranes will have their wish granted by a crane, which is one of the mystical creatures (along with dragons and tortoises) that are said to live a thousand years.

After WWII, senbazuru have been associated with the Hiroshima tragedy, and can often be seen hanging from peace & memorial monuments, such as this one in Ueno.

L - Tokyo

2010-01-08T23:46:00.002+01:00

A detail from the roof of the temizu fountain at Tosho-gu Shrine in Ueno Kōen (上野公園, "Ueno Park"), Tokyo.

"Toshogu" is a royal title which literally means "Sun God of the East". Toshogu shrines were built throughout the country to honor Tokugawa Ieyasu as a deity, often near temples or sites that had a family or personal connection with him. This is why there are about 200 shrines in Japan named Tosho-gu.

XLIX - Tokyo

2010-01-07T22:05:00.001+01:00

Japanese people seem to be especially fond of western-style desserts ― especially sponge cake. Everywhere you turn in Tokyo station you will see displays full of boxes of pretty pastel-coloured cakes and sweets such as these.

XLVIII - Tokyo

2010-01-06T23:49:00.003+01:00

Just a pretty shot of the escalator in the Tokyo subway. Does anyone know what is written there? I can only read ..kudasai ("... please") and can't remember what came before that!

XLVII - Jōmō-Kōgen

2010-01-05T23:36:00.003+01:00

Several large ga (蛾 - "moth") seemed to enjoy the house as much as I did.

XLVI - Jōmō-Kōgen

2010-01-04T23:21:00.002+01:00

A corner of the main room of the traditional house. There is a butsudan (仏壇 - "Buddha's altar"), in front of which practicing Buddhists light incenses and leave food offerings. The religious items contained withing a a butsudan are called butsugu (仏具 - "Buddhist altar equipment"), and consist of candlesticks, incense burners, and bells among others. Some people also place memorial tablets called ihai (位牌 - "spirit tablet") in their butsudan.

XLV - Jōmō-Kōgen

2010-01-02T21:29:00.002+01:00

A view of the first floor of a Japanese traditional countryside house. This floor was initially used to process silkworm cocoons. There is no ceiling ― the rafters and the structure of the roof can be seen - and the windows on the side walls have only been added in recent years.

XLIV - Jōmō-Kōgen

2010-01-01T20:52:00.001+01:00

Pardon the mess!

Another of the elements which characterize Japanese rooms, other than shōji doors and paper lanterns, are oshiire (おしいれ - "closet").

Oshiire are built-in closets which are used to store any bedding which is used at night-time, to keep the room free during the day. This is because Japanese houses usually have very minimal furniture and do not have rooms specifically intended for a purpose like we do (e.g. dining room, living room, bedroom), but each room can serve multiple purposes, according to what items are placed on the tatami (畳, "mat").

The futon (布団 - "padded mattress") which can be seen on the floor have been carefully folded and stored away after breakfast, along with the taoruketto (たおるけっと - "large towel") which is used as a blanket during the humid summer and the makura (枕 - "pillow"), a surprisingly comfortable pillow filled with beans or buckwheat chaff.

I can honestly say I have seldom slept as comfortably as on that futon.

XLIII - Nikko

2009-12-23T18:41:00.002+01:00

XLII - Nikko

2009-12-22T21:32:00.003+01:00

Kegon no Taki (華厳滝 - Kegon Falls) are the most spectacular waterfalls in Nikko National Park, and are located at Chūzenji-ko (中禅寺湖 - Lake Chuzenji) . The main fall is 97m high and is among the three highest in Japan. It is surrounded by 12 smaller falls which leak through the cracks of the mountain.

The scenery in this place is truly imposing, no wonder it is sadly infamous for suicides, especially among Japanese youth.