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Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

December 6, 2016 by David Herd

Tokyo is a wonderful city

Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

 Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo Station were the main areas where I spent my time in October 2016. Three nights and 2 days is just not enough time to fully enjoy this great city. It was however my starting point for my 2 week 6 city adventure on the Shinkansen or bullet train. 

I travelled to 6 interesting Japanese cities, includung Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Nagasaki & Fukuoka

 Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

Lets start around the Tsukiji area, here is my friend Kayo inspecting the produce. 🙂

Sushizanmai

Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

My favourite sushi restaurant located close to the Tsukiji seafood market.

We both love Sushizanmai

Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

I have also eaten in their branches in Osaka, Hiroshima & Fukuoka.

The eel is absolutely fabulous

Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo Station

 There is always a queue waiting to get in, make sure you sit at the sushi counter on the ground floor.

Bluefin Tuna Sells for $117,000 at Tokyo Auction

I have stayed in two excellent budget hotels very close to Sushizanmai, use these links to book and get a very good rate. Hotel Tokyu-Stay and Hotel Ban.

 Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

Around the Tsukiji market area there are many sidewalk stores selling fresh seafood. The huge market was supposed to relocate by now, the 81-year old fish market is one of the largest of its kind in the world and is a Tokyo cultural icon.

Many stores will cook for you

Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

Many people rate the market as the number one attraction in Tokyo.

Everyone deserves a break

Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

He probably started work at 3 am so it’s time for a break. 🙂

My hotel was great value in a perfect location with free WiFi, book through THIS LINK for an excellent discount.

We say farewell to the Tsukiji market area

Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

However I can assure you we shall return. 🙂

Lets take a 15 minute walk to Ginza.

Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

On the way we pass the famous Kabuki Theatre.

The theatre dates to 1889 & has been destroyed by fire, earthquakes and war. It re-opened in 2013 and attracts 900,000 visitors a year.

Tokyo love buildings with a twist

 Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

One of the great attractions in Japan is seeing the old and the new.

The Ginza

Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

Back in the 1990s real estate in the Ginza was unbelievably expensive, one square meter of land was over 100 million yen. Prices now in 2016 have fallen dramatically however the area is still very expensive.

You can buy anything in the Ginza

Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

Just make sure you have your black Amex card with you. 🙂

 Kayo & I at a Spanish restaurant

Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

Close to my hotel there were a number of restaurants including this Spanish one.

So many restaurants & such little time.

f9fe3f75-a434-4c14-8afa-537f8bdad9c1

Kayo had a snack & I stuck to the beers & red wine.

Instead of Spanish I chose a busy noisy Japanese restaurant

Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

I had only been in Tokyo 24 hours so I was craving Japanese food. 

Shumai?

Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

These look more Chinese than Japanese. 🙂

This is more like it

Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

Chicken Yakitori delicious.

So many restaurants

Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

And such little time. 🙂

Tokyo Station

Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

There is now a bus from Narita that will bring you to a stop opposite Tokyo Station or Sukiyabashi crossing in Ginza for only 1000 Yen. 

Adjacent to Tokyo Station

Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

The lights of Tokyo at night are magnificent. 

Akihabara

Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

 famous for its hundreds or perhaps thousands electronic shops.

My hotel was excellent.

Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

Close to 3 metro stations including the Hibuyu line with with free WiFi, book through THIS LINK for an excellent discount.

After 3 nights in Tokyo

Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo

I’m off for a two week trip to 6 cities I have never seen before. Many thanks for visiting my Tsukiji Sushi Teriyaki Tokyo Station photo blog.

 What a great year for travel in 2015           

           

   Sydney                               Paris                                   Bangkok           
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          Tokyo                        Rio De Janeiro                        Budapest
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           London                            Beijing                            Capetown
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            Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you            
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A-One hotel on Beach Road

Seven deadly Songkran days

For a great room rate at the A-One hotel opposite the beach just book through THIS LINK.               

 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Check out these great posts


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Kanazawa shrines parks restaurants

November 30, 2016 by David Herd

Oyama Shrine

Kanazawa shrines parks restaurants

Kanazawa shrines parks restaurants

 Kanazawa shrines parks restaurants kept me very busy for the short time I was in this interesting city. This was my first stop after 3 nights in Tokyo on my 7 city Shinkansen adventure.

The Oyama Shrine gate originally guarded the entrance of Kanazawa Castle, and was later moved to Oyama Shrine.

Kanazawa shrines parks restaurants

Kanazawa shrines parks restaurants

The Oyama Shrine is in the heart of the city only 7 minutes walk from my hotel. First established in 1599 and moved to its present location in 1873.

I stumbled on a little princess

 Kanazawa shrines parks restaurants

You won’t see too many sweeter young Japanese girls as this little princess. I almost had to beg to get this great photo. 🙂

Map of the city

Kanazawa shrines parks restaurants

An interesting sculpture of Kanazawa city.

My hotel was great value in a perfect location with free WiFi, book through THIS LINK for an excellent discount.

People having fun in Central park

Kanazawa shrines parks restaurants

A sunny day without a cloud in the sky, so lets go to the park.

Central park is between the main city street & the castle, there were some Hawaiian dancers entetaining the crowd.

Kanazawa Hawiian dancers

Tere is a cute little Japanese girl here stealing the limelight from the Hawaiian dancers.

Wedding

Kanazawa shrines parks restaurants

The Museum of Cultural Exchange is also in Central park, a wedding reception was about to begin in the restaurant.

Gorgeous girls

Kanazawa shrines parks restaurants

The girls look absolutely gorgeous dressed in Kimonos. 

The bikers come to town

Kanazawa shrines parks restaurants

  These fabulous looking machines were parked on the footpath outside my hotel. Very expensive looking machines.

Kanazawa parking

Kanazawa shrines parks restaurants

Making the most of the available space.

Kanazawa railway station

Kanazawa shrines parks restaurants

A very modern railway station, almost a work of art.

Department store

Kanazawa shrines parks restaurants

Most cities I have visited in Japan all seem to have at least one department store at the railway station.

Lunch boxes

Kanazawa shrines parks restaurants

Naturally I purchases one of these salmon roe or caviar, whatever you wish to call it, absolutely delicious. I ate it on my way to Hiroshima on the shinkansen.

Yakitori tour of Japan 🙂

Kanazawa shrines parks restaurants

 This should be the name of my holiday, I was always searching for good Yakitori restaurants.

Yakitori no Meimon Akiyoshi was the restaurants name.

Kanazawa Japan shrines parks restaurants

There are 2,969 restaurants in Kanazawa & tripAdvisor rated this one 426th.

Kanazawa shrines parks restaurants, lots of chefs

Kanazawa shrines parks restaurants

A typical busy noise yakitori restaurant with delicious food.

Toyoko Inn

 Shinkansen to Kanazawa 12 (1)

My hotel was great value in a perfect location with free WiFi, book through THIS LINK for an excellent discount.

Kanazawa shrines parks restaurants

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My hotel is beside bus stop number 16 & is within walking distance of all the places of interest.

Thank you for visiting my Kanazawa shrines parks restaurants photo blog.

                          Here are some more posts to check out 

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Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

November 30, 2016 by David Herd

Gyokusen’inmaru Garden

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

 Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle is absolutely stunning as you can see from the header in this post. This is one of my favourite photos from my two week seven city Shinkansen trip in October 2016.

Constructed in 1634 if flourished for between 200 & 300 years before being abandoned. However a full reconstruction began in 2013 to produce the wonderful result we see today.

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

After a five minute uphill walk you arrive at the castle entrance.

Adjacent to the castle

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

These are a few shops just before you reach the castle.

Kanazawa Castle

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

A huge fire in 1759 destroyed the whole castle then it was re-built in 1788. That year is also when 11 ships with 1,530 people onboard, 736 of them convicts, arrived in Botany Bay a few miles south of Sydney Harbour in Australia. This event is known to all us Aussies as “the first fleet”.

My hotel was great value in a perfect location, book through THIS LINK for an excellent discount. Make sure you are in the downtown one at Korinbo, it’s more convenient than the one near the station.

The Imori moat

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

If you are going to build a castle then you gotta have a moat.

Spectacular

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

Once again I was very lucky to have the beautiful blue sky to highlight my photos of Kanazawa Castle.

 The buildings look new

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

Even though it was rebuilt 228 years ago it still looks brand new. 🙂

As usual built on a hill

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

The castles always take the high ground, all the better to resist their enemies.

Through the gate we go

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

The Ni-no Mon is what they call the second gate. 

Picture perfect

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

As you can see the buildings and grounds are in perfect condition. 

Not a cloud in the sky

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

A perfect day for wandering around Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle and the beautiful Kenrokuen garden right next door to the castle.

I was so fortunate to have perfect weather

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

Photos look so much better when there is a beautiful blue sky. There seems to be a lot of rain between November & February.

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

A final look at this beautiful garden within the castle walls.

Toyoko Inn

Japanese drummers Geisha District Kanazawa

My hotel was great value in a perfect location with free WiFi, book through THIS LINK for an excellent discount.

Thank you for visiting my Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle photo blog.

                            

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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

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Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa

November 27, 2016 by David Herd

Beautiful Japanese garden

Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa

Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa

Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa, an eastern coastal city, Kenrokuen is rated number one out of 167 things to do in Kanazawa by TripAdvisor. It certainly is a tranquil peaceful place to wile away a few hours.

Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa

Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa

The garden has an area of 11.4 hectares & is located on a hill in central Kanazawa next to Kanazawa Castle.

 Absolutely beautiful

Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa

 My hotel was great value in a perfect location only 14 minutes walk from the gardens, book through THIS LINK for an excellent discount.

Close to everything

Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa

 

Toyoko Inn is an excellent place to stay.

Artificial lake

Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa

Close to the Kenrokuen Garden Kanazawa Japan is the Kanazawa castle which is certainly worth a visit.

Prince Yamoto Takeru

 Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa

His historical existence is a mystery but there are books that date his life to the 4th century.

Kenrokuen Garden lantern

Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa

There is a surprise around every corner of Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa.

 Which way shall I go?

Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa

Decisions, decisions, there is so much to see at Kenrokuen Garden Kanazawa Japan. Perhaps I’ll just take a selfie. 🙂

Make sure you have lots of time

Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa

The gardens are quite huge so make sure you allocate at least 2 or 3 hours to enjoy it fully.

I was so fortunate to have perfect weather

Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa

Photos look so much better when there is a beautiful blue sky. There seems to be a lot of rain between November & February.

Let’s check the maps

Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa

It seems like these ladies are planning carefully planning their schedule. 🙂

 Just behind those ladies

Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa

Is this rather large stone statue.

Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa, stone bridge

Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa

One of the stone bridges at Kenrokuen Garden Kanazawa Japan.

Carp or Koi I presume

Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa

There were quite a lot swimming in the lake.

Rated one of the three best gardens in Japan

Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa

It’s easy to see why this garden is so highly rated in Japan.

Toyoko Inn

 Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa

My hotel was great value in a perfect location, book through THIS LINK for an excellent discount. Make sure you are in the downtown one at Korinbo, it’s more convenient than the one near the station.

Thanks for visiting my Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa photo blog.

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1g Duck

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Japanese drummers Geisha District

November 26, 2016 by David Herd

Near Higashi Chaya District

Japanese drummers Geisha District

Japanese drummers Geisha District

Japanese drummers Geisha District Kanazawa is located along the Asanogawa river only five minutes walk from the larger more popular Higashi Chaya District. Geishas are the traditional, female Japanese entertainers who regularly perform in these areas.

Japanese drummers Geisha District

Japanese drummers Geisha District

The district overlooks the Asanogawa river & seems rather quiet & peaceful.

That was until I heard the sound of drums

Fabulous Japanese drummers

The noise seemed to be somewhere up on the hill so I took some narrow winding steps up to the top. I was so lucky to be in the right place at the right time, I was walking through Kazue-machi, the old geisha district located along the river between Asanogawa Ohashi Bridge and Naka-no Hashi Bridge, when I heard these fabulous drums.  

 Five minutes they added a flute

Japanese drummers + flute

I was so happy to be able to see these wonderful street performers in action. About ten days later I had some more good fortune in Nagasaki when I saw some more fabulous drummers doing their thin. Check out my photo blog through THIS LINK.

Japanese drummers Geisha District

Japanese drummers Geisha District

  Chaya houses have a beautiful lattice called “kimusuko” on the walls of the ground floor.

Tiny streets

Japanese drummers Geisha District

As you can see many of the streets are just tiny narrow alleys in Kazue Machi Chaya District Kanazawa.

Tea House

Japanese drummers Geisha District

 The historical rows in this tea-house town have been designated as Japan’s cultural assets since 2008.

Lattice is called “kimusuko”

Japanese drummers Geisha District

A typical Chaya house which is noe a tea house or restaurant.

 Many interesting buildings

Japanese drummers Geisha District

So many photo opportunities in Japan which is one of the many reasons I love travelling here.

Torii Gate

Japanese drummers Geisha District

Torii gates usually mark the entrance to Shinto shrines, however they seem to be used in many other areas as well.

Another example

Japanese drummers Geisha District

This large Torii gate is quite different to the previous one.

Toyoko Inn

Japanese drummers Geisha District

My hotel was great value in a perfect location, book through THIS LINK for an excellent discount. Make sure you are in the downtown one, it’s more convenient than the one near the station.

You can take a bus but I prefer to walk

a (2)

 

The Busses leave from the front of Toyoko Inn. Turn left just before you cross the river to get to Kazue Machi Chaya District Kanazawa.

Thanks for visiting my Japanese drummers Geisha District Kanazawa photo blog.

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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Holiday Inn

bbc35e6d-80db-4e1c-8f51-83dd84f16520

Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

Sabai Wing North Pattaya

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The best Pattaya budget hotel, 3 pools & opposite Central Marina shopping mall. For a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.

Sutus Court is a great budget hotel right i the heart of one of Pattaya’s main bar areas, just use THIS LINK for a terrific room rate. 420/100 Moo 9 Soi Buakhao.

Pattaya Hilton

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This is the view from Horizons the amazing rooftop bar. A great five star hotel located opposte the beach & above the Central Festival shopping mall. Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate. 

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Old Geisha Town Kanazawa

November 25, 2016 by David Herd

Two-story Chaya houses

Old Geisha Town Kanazawa

Old Geisha Town Kanazawa

Old Geisha Town Kanazawa, Higashi Chaya is one of three similar districts in Kanazawa. The cities tourism department holds a Geisha show in these Chaya districts every Saturday. Another district is Kazue-machi which is featured in another post.

Higashi Chaya District Kanazawa

Old Geisha Town Kanazawa

  A chaya house has a beautiful lattice called “kimusuko” on the walls of the ground floor.

A close look at the lattice

Old Geisha Town Kanazawa

Hopefully the rather large body of the well fed FiveStarVagabond does not stop you getting an idea of the  “kimusuko”.

Old Japanese Geisha Town Kanazawa

Old Geisha Town Kanazawa

I’m guessing this is probably where the Geisha girls perform every Saturday.

A couple of locals sharing a happy moment.

 Old Geisha Town Kanazawa

The chaya houses used to be in central Kanazawa but were moved into four districts away from the city centre in 1820.

Photo opportunity

Old Geisha Town Kanazawa

We all love photos to help us remember these wonderful places.

Hello boys

Old Geisha Town Kanazawa

I’m sure the big guy on the right had an Australian accent.

Smile please

Old Geisha Town Kanazawa

TripAdvisor rate the Higashi Chaya District 3rd out of 167 things to do in Kanazawa so naturally the tourists (including myself) flock here with their cameras.

Magnificent blue sky

Old Geisha Town Kanazawa

How lucky was I to have this beautiful sky?

My hotel was great value in a perfect location, book through THIS LINK for an excellent discount.

Time to relax with an icecream

Old Geisha Town Kanazawa

A rather unique tradition in Kanazawa is to sprinkle edible gold leaf on top of ice cream and other food. Check out my Omicho Fresh Food Market Kanazawa photo blog for other examples.

 Higashi Chaya District Kanazawa

Old Geisha Town Kanazawa

This whole area along with Kazue-machi which is close by, and Gion in Kyoto have been designated as Japan’s cultural assets.

Just across the bridge is Kazue-machi

Old Geisha Town Kanazawa

 Kazue-machi overlooks the Asanogawa river.

sound of drums

Fabulous Japanese drummers

The noise seemed to be somewhere up on the hill so I took some narrow winding steps up to the top. I was so lucky to be in the right place at the right time, I was walking through Kazue-machi, the old geisha district located along the river between Asanogawa Ohashi Bridge and Naka-no Hashi Bridge, when I heard these fabulous drums.  

More great homes

Old Geisha Town Kanazawa

 Higashi Chaya District Kanazawa really has quite a wonderful unique style.

If you are feeling lazy

Old Geisha Town Kanazawa

These guys are at your service. 🙂

But first lets negotiate the price. 🙂

Old Geisha Town Kanazawa

It seems like a very friendly negotiation.

Lovely shop

Old Geisha Town Kanazawa

Lots of nice shops & tea houses in Higashi Chaya District Kanazawa.

Toyoko Inn

Old Geisha Town Kanazawa

 My hotel was great value in a perfect location, book through THIS LINK for an excellent discount. Make sure you are in the downtown one, it’s more convenient than the one near the station.

Thanks for visiting my Old Geisha Town Kanazawa photo blog.

          Checkout some more of my terrific blogs on the links below.       

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Holiday Inn

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Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

Sabai Wing North Pattaya

36555237616_da3ed73d6a_o

The best Pattaya budget hotel, 3 pools & opposite Central Marina shopping mall. For a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.

Sutus Court is a great budget hotel right i the heart of one of Pattaya’s main bar areas, just use THIS LINK for a terrific room rate. 420/100 Moo 9 Soi Buakhao.

Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

This is the view from Horizons the amazing rooftop bar. A great five star hotel located opposte the beach & above the Central Festival shopping mall. Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate.

Check out these great photo blogs.

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Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

November 24, 2016 by David Herd

Omicho Seafood Market

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa, Omicho was a delight to visit, the noise, the atmosphere & the food. I enjoyed a terrific lunch with edible gold leaf sprinkled on my sashimi.

Fresh seafood packed on ice

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

The only problem I found was finding somewhere to sit after you purchased some food.

Fresh crab very good

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

These look great but reasonably expensive at 4,500 Yen.

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

There were lots of species here I was not familiar with.

Salmon roe is absolutely fantastic

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

I could almost eat it every day. 

My hotel was in a perfect location just a short walk to the market, book through THIS LINK for an excellent discount.

So many choices

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

The market really does have an enormous variety of seafood.

Fresh fruit as well

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

Being Japan the quality is very high indeed.

I decided to have lunch at one of the popular restaurants

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

Very busy and excellent fresh sashimi.

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa, very crowded

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

Well it was Sunday lunch time so I guess that is one of the busiest times to be there.

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa, check this out

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

The sashimi came in three sizes, I chose the middle one, it was excellent.

How about the edible gold leaf?

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

Kanazawa’s history with gold leaf began 400 years ago. Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo) used to make gold leaf, Kanazawa now is the only remaining production hub of the coveted craft. 

Lets have a closer look

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

Naturally the leaf is used in jewelry, cosmetics etc as well as the edible product you see here.

Check out my YouTube video

Omicho seafood market Kanazawa Japan

The salmon roe is absolutely delicious.

Fresh oysters

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

I really love fresh oysters but I decided they were a little too expensive and I have five more cities to visit. 🙂

A great selection of seafood

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

Omicho Market has been around for over 300 years, initially however it only supplied the privileged towns near the castle.  Finally in 1904, the market was opened to the public and ever since then has been one of the most popular places to shop in Kanazawa.

Sushizanmai

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

 Sushizanmai is my favourite chain of Japanese restaurants with the best one at Tsujiki markets in Tokyo. I have also eaten at their branch in Osaka & Fukuoka.

The market is 10 minutes walk from my hotel

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

You can take the bus but I prefer to walk.

Toyoko Inn

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

 My hotel was great value in a perfect location with free WiFi, book through THIS LINK for an excellent discount.

Thanks for visiting my Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa photo blog. 

 Please check out some of the most popular below, and thank you for visiting.       

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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Holiday Inn

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Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

Sabai Wing North Pattaya

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The best Pattaya budget hotel, 3 pools & opposite Central Marina shopping mall. For a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.

Sutus Court is a great budget hotel right i the heart of one of Pattaya’s main bar areas, just use THIS LINK for a terrific room rate. 420/100 Moo 9 Soi Buakhao.

Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

This is the view from Horizons the amazing rooftop bar. A great five star hotel located opposte the beach & above the Central Festival shopping mall. Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate. 

Fukuoka Hiroshima Sapporo Sendai

Tokyo Kagoshima Kanazawa Nagoya

Nagasaki Yokohama Kyoto Kamakura

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Hiroshima city food transport

November 22, 2016 by David Herd

Ōta River Hiroshima

Hiroshima city food transport

Hiroshima city food transport

 Hiroshima city food transport, as you would expect the top four or five things to see in Hiroshima revolve around the shocking event on August 6th 1945. Sadly 140,000 people lost their lives when U.S. airmen unleashed the first atomic bomb on the unsuspecting Hiroshima civilians.

Three days later of course the repeated the horror at the beautiful city of Nagasaki.

Hiroshima Peace Clock Tower

Hiroshima city food transport

One of many symbolic monuments within the Memorial Peace Park the clock tower marks the exact time of the explosion, 8.15 am. 

The castle

Hiroshima city food transport

Reconstructed in 1958 after being totally destroyed by the bomb, a must to see when visiting this very nice city. Check out my photo blog through THIS LINK.

 Hiroshima streetcars

Hiroshima city food transport

Streetcars or trams are a great way to get around the city, however I prefer the bus. If you hold a JAL rail pass the bus is free, this particular one called the loop bus leaves from in front of the Hotel Granvia beside Hiroshima station. There are two different routes which take you past all the Hiroshima attractions, you simply hop on & off as many times as you wish. For a super room rate with free WiFi just book through THIS LINK.

Covered shopping arcades

Hiroshima city food transport

They are a common feature in most Japanese cities, rain hail or shine you can move around & shop in comfort.

Japanese Craft Beer Café

Hiroshima city food transport

Close to the railway station & my hotel is Raku Beer a Japanese Craft Beer Café, an interesting selection of excellent beer.  

Pour me another please.

 Hiroshima city food transport

There is a happy hour daily from 5pm to 7pm.

 Another great meal

Hiroshima city food transport

Many restaurants in Japan are noisy, busy and a lot oif fun & atmosphere. This one was all those things along with terrific food.

Barbequed chicken

Hiroshima city food transport

To my surprise they also sold Jack Daniels & Soda in large mugs.

Jack & soda with Crispy burdock root

Hiroshima city food transport

Now there’s a new combination.

Crispy burdock root

Hiroshima city food transport

 Crispy burdock root, a Eurasian species of plants in the sunflower family, cultivated in gardens for its root used as a vegetable. Not only had I never tried it, I had never heard of it before, apparently the nutritional benefits are quite high.

 My new friend

Hiroshima city food transport

Made sure I always had a JD & lots of food. 🙂

Daikichi

Hiroshima city food transport

I tried to look up the meaning of Daikichi & got several different explanations. 🙂

Hiroshima city food transport

Hiroshima city food transport

One of my best dining experiences so far on my seven Japanese cities adventure.

So many interesting bars & restaurants in Hiroshima.

Hiroshima city food transport

In fact it’s a case of so many bars & such little time. 🙂

Hiroshima city food transport

Hiroshima city food transport

 Wandering through the back streets is a marvelous experience in Japan, I don’t know of any safer country except perhaps Singapore.

Hiroshima at night

Hiroshima city food transport

In all Japanese cites there is always lots of neon lights.

A happy group of tourists

Hiroshima city food transport

Japan is a place where you can’t help being happy.

Even this old fellow looks happy

Hiroshima city food transport

He seems to have a large collection of colourful dolls.

A typical corner bar restaurant near my hotel

Hiroshima city food transport

You don’t have to walk far in Hiroshima to get a cold beer or some food.

Opposite my hotel

Hiroshima city food transport

The bridge take you to an elevator down to the underground arcade to the station.

Toyoko Inn

Hiroshima city food transport

My hotel is in a perfect location close to the station and a short walk to the major Hiroshima shopping area.

 Underground plaza

Hiroshima city food transport

From the railway station you walk through this underground arcade which brings youout about 80 meters from my hotel.

Good band playing in the plaza.

Good band playing in Hiroshima shopping mall

As well as entertainment there are coffee shops etc here.

Toyoko Inn

Hiroshima city food transport

Location is perfect & very good room with free WiFi. For an excellent rate just book through THIS LINK.

Thanks for visiting my Hiroshima city food transport photo blog, please check out my Nagasaki city blog on THIS LINK.

   

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Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958

November 21, 2016 by David Herd

Castle entrance

Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958

Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958

Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958 after being destroyed by the atomic bomb on August 6th 1945. Originally built in 1590 and there is concrete bunker where the first radio broadcast originated after the 1945 atomic bomb.

Bridge across the moat

Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958

Originally there were three moats however today only the inner moat remains.

Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958

554575b0-7417-4cfc-b0c5-20879feacadf

The keep is a stunning five story 26 meter high building, very popular for selfies as you can imagine. 🙂

Let’s take a selfie

Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958

The selfie is nearly as popular with ladies as their handbag mirror. 🙂

I climbed the stairs to the top

Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958

From here you get a wonderful view of Hiroshima. This building is now a museum with an entry fee of 360 Yen, or $3.25 USD as at November 21 2016.

View from the top

Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958

Up to now I have been very lucky to experience terrific weather, so much better for taking photographs.

Hiroshima population is 1,196,853

Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958

 Curiously there are 40,000 more females in the city than males.

Mountains in the distance

Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958

 Hiroshima Castle is just north of the Atomic Dome and the Peace Museum.

The atomic bomb

Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958

Certainly one of the most horrific events ever in the history of the world. Please check out my photo blog on the Peace Memorial Park.

Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958,  Museum

Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958

Many interesting exhibits in the five story museum.

Gold plated roofing tile

 Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958

Roof tiles don’t get any fancier than this. 🙂

Dating back to the 16th century

Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958

I have never seen a better looking roof tile in my life. 🙂

A Samuri suit

 Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958

I’m guessing this is what your well dressed Samuri wore in the 16th century, my apologies for the reflection on the glass cabinet.

Adjacent to the castle

Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958

Forgive me for not knowing the purpose of this gate & building adjacent to the castle.

One of the most interesting visitors at the castle

Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958

When a lady visits the castle she needs to dress to impress. 🙂

Many thanks for visiting my Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958 photo blog.

My highly rated hotel was in the perfect location next to Hiroshima station and close to tram & bus stops. For  a discounted room rate & free WiFi just book through THIS LINK. 

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Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

November 20, 2016 by David Herd

Atomic Bomb Dome

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park as expected was an emotional experience that I will never forget. Seventy one years ago at 8.15 am on August 6th 1945 U.S. pilots dropped an atomic bomb immediately killing 140,000 people. The Genbaku Dome you see above was the only building left standing near the centre of the bomb’s blast.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

The A-Bomb Dome from the Aioi Bridge, the bomb exploded right above the building, however the vertical columns in the building were somehow able to withstand the downward force of the blast.

It’s amazing the building survived

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

The bomb actually exploded 160 meters from the Dome & as you would expect everybody inside was killed instantly.

The Bell of Peace

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Built in 1964 to symbolize the creation of a movement for a world without nuclear weapons and war.

Dedication of the Peace Bell

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Of course as we all know, three days after the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima they also bombed Nagasaki. Many people believe it was not necessary to wipe out another 70,000 civilians as Japan was on the point of surrendering.

Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

 The Cenotaph is inscribed, “Let all the souls here rest in peace, for we shall not repeat the evil.”

Cenotaph & park

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

A memorial is held here every year on August 6th.

Flame of Peace

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Since it was lit on August 1, 1964 it has burned continuously to symbolize a commitment that all nuclear weapons should be removed from our planet.

Children’s Peace Monument

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

At two years of age Sadako Sasaki was exposed to the bombing, she contracted leukemia ten years later and died. Shocked by her death, her classmates called for a monument to mourn all the children who died from the atomic bombing. Credit City of Hiroshima.

For me this represents the saddest memory of all

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

The mass murder of thousands of innocent children in Hiroshima & Nagasaki is for me the saddest part of this horrific event which we can only hope will never be repeated.

Magnificent trees

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Located as you walk through the entrance of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

Trees beside the flame of peace

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

In the distance you can see the Atomic Bomb Dome or Genbaku Dōmu.

Goddess of Peace

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

 Representing 3 religions, Angel’s wings for Christianity, Face of Buddha, & Shinto emblem on belt.

Obama visits Hiroshima

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

An historic meeting with Prime minister Abe on May 27 2016. Here are their speeches.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Thank you for visiting my Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park photo blog, we can only hope such a shocking event will never happen again.

How powerful was Hiroshima?

Atom bombs size

Compared to weapons of today it could be considered small, however that is not the case, it killed 140,000 people. 

Robert Lewis, the co-pilot of the U.S. bomber “Enola Gay,” later wrote, “My God what have we done?”
That horror, encapsulated by those few words, continues to resonate worldwide.

My highly rated hotel was in the perfect location next to Hiroshima station and close to tram & bus stops. For  a discounted room rate & free WiFi just book through THIS LINK. 

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