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Ski Japan Hakuba Happo-one

March 6, 2016 by David Herd

Ryokan Shirouma-so

Ski Japan Hakuba Happo-one

Ski Japan Hakuba Happo-one

 Ski Japan Hakuba Happo-one Winter Resort has many good hotels as you would expect, Shirouma-so is a modern Japanese ryokan (inn) combining both traditional wood and modern Japanese ”Wa” architectural styles, resulting in a creative and beautiful design This traditional hot spring hotel is surrounded by trees and only 10 km from Mount Shirouma and 12 km from Lake Aoki.

The mountain looms

Ski Japan Hakuba Happo-one

  The ryokan is 500M away from the main ski resort called Happo One so it’s an easy walk to and from the lifts at the base, only takes 10-15 mins.  Very quiet with no line ups at any of the lifts jut jump straight on every time.

Nice rooms

Ski Japan Hakuba Happo-one

  Shirouma-so is a traditional Ryokan, rather than a hotel, you have traditional room and the beds are put out a night on the floor. Shared showers plus it has a Onasen (bath house) in the basement, and a very traditional Japanese breakfast as you would expect. Use this link for an exceptional room rate.

Small rooms

Ski Japan Hakuba Happo-one

All hotel rooms in Japan are rather small and this is no exception.

Hotel restaurant

Ski Japan Hakuba Happo-one

In my book there is no better food in the world than Japanese.

Wonderful Japanese food

Ski Japan Hakuba Happo-one

Over the centuries Japanese people have made eating and food an art form.

Hamish Elton

Ski Japan Hakuba Happo-one

My friend Hamish is building up his strength for the slopes. I introduced him to Japanese culture in October 2015 and he is now hooked.

Big dump last night

Ski Japan Hakuba Happo-one

 What a day time to hit the slopes.

Bus snowed in

Ski Japan Hakuba Happo-one

Ok folks time to break out the shovels.


OK team lets go

Ski Japan Hakuba Happo-one

Adam Fletcher is a close friend of Hamish and hails from Melbourne.

Here is the team

Ski Japan Hakuba Happo-one

Well, it’s certainly not the A team, like his golf Hamish needs a little improvement to his downhill slalom technique.

Hamish’s speciality

Ski Japan Hakuba Happo-one

If taking “selfies” was an Olympic event Hamish would certainly be a medal contender. 🙂

Where are all the people?

Ski Japan Hakuba Happo-one

According to Hamish 80% of all the skiers were Australians who were enjoying both the fabulous conditions and lower prices than Australia.

Catch me if you can Hamish

Ski Japan Hakuba Happo-one

No doubt about it, the boys really looked the part.

Ski Japan Hakuba Happo-one

Ski Japan Hakuba Happo-one

Only four hours by bus from Narita airport in Tokyo.

Selfie bomb

Ski Japan Hakuba Happo-one

Adam is wise to Hamish’s love of selfies, so he successfully bombs this one. 🙂

Thanks for visiting Hamish’s Ski Japan Hakuba Happo-one photo blog.

Granbell Hotel

Ski Japan Hakuba Happo-one

If you would would like to stay at Shibuya I got an excellent deal booking through this Agoda link.

Here is my favourite Japanese song.

           

  Here are some more posts to check out 

         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            
 book through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
                                                                 Plus free cancellation .
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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.               

 
Pattaya live webcam
 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Fukuoka Hiroshima Sapporo Sendai

Tokyo Kagoshima Kanazawa Nagoya

Nagasaki Yokohama Kyoto Kamakura

Counter only started February 16 2020.

This gallery contains 1 photo.

Kamakura seaside city

October 22, 2015 by David Herd

Kamakura

Kamakura seaside city

 Kamakura seaside city is a little over an hours train ride south of Tokyo. My friends & I had a marvellous day out exploring the wonderful temples and shrines. The header for this post shows my friend Kayo from Tokyo who was our guide for the day, also featured taking a selfie is Hamish Elton my friend from Thailand who was visiting Japan for the first time.

Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura

Kamakura seaside city

Our first stop was Engakuji Temple which is the head of a branch school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. It is very close to Kita-Kamakura station and houses the largest bell in Kamakura. Sadly we never got to see the big bell as that area was closed off, we had to settle for this smaller one. Check out my Engaku-ji photo blog here.

Cross the tracks to Kencho-ji Temple

Kamakura seaside city

This was the start of a huge day of walking, Hamish measured our steps and distance walked during the day with an app on his phone. We covered about 17 kilometres which was around 22,000 steps.

Kencho-ji Temple

Kamakura seaside city

 Kenchoji Temple built in 1253 and is the oldest Zen training monastery in Japan. It is a lot smaller than during its heyday, Kencho-ji still has a large number of temple buildings, and stretches from the entrance gate at the bottom of the valley far into the forested hills behind. Check out my photo blog here on this fascinating Temple.

By now I’m getting hungry

Kamakura seaside city

it’s 2’30 pm and I’m dying of hunger so we start looking for a suitable restaurant. Spanish? No after all we are in Japan.

Amish

Kamakura seaside city

An Amish restaurant, I didn’t even know they had there own style of food. I’m surprised Hamish didn’t want to try it merely because of the rhyme. 🙂

Finally Japanese cuisine

Kamakura seaside city

And it turned out to be excellent, perhaps not quite Tokyo standard but very good indeed.

I love Japanese food

Kamakura seaside city

After lunch I had the strength to carry on with our marathon walk.

Through the tunnel to the Great Buddha

Kamakura seaside city

Little did I realise we had only covered about 1/2 of the 17 kilometres.

Kayo and Hamish take selfies with the Great Buddha

Kamakura seaside city

My friends taking selfies with the Great Buddha. 

Here comes the priest

Kamakura seaside city

We watched this guy come down the stairs and wondered what he was up to. When he got to the bottom he spoke to a family who were illegally parked in the temples private car park and asked them to move on.

Hard to refuse this guy

Kamakura seaside city

 

He obviously has Buddha on his side. 🙂

Coffee time before heading for Enoshima

Kamakura seaside city

After spending several hours in Kamakura exploring the wonderful temples we decided to take a 30 minute train ride to Enoshima to see where Japan will hold the sailing venue for the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Map of Kamakura seaside city

Kamakura seaside city

 

At the bottom left hand corner south of Tokyo is Kamakura.

The Villa Sacra gets very good reviews on Agoda, use this link for an excellent rate.

Lotus at the Kara-mon at Engaku-ji Temple

Kamakura seaside city

Thanks for visiting my Kamakura seaside city post, I’ll finish with this photo which is one of my favourites among many on this great day out in Kamakura.

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

   Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets Europe     Hungarian Parliament Building (2)       The Walkie Talkie (5)    

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837        IMG_7425    Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city                     

                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

Ho Chi Minh City South Vietnam       Main Square (3)     Vung Tau statue (6)

Pattaya live webcam
 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

This gallery contains 1 photo.

Great Buddha Kamakura

October 21, 2015 by David Herd

Great Buddha Kamakura

Great Buddha Kamakura

 Great Buddha Kamakura (Kamakura Daibutsu) is a bronze statue of Amida Buddha, which stands on the grounds of Kotokuin Temple. With a height of 13.35 meters, it is the second tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan, surpassed only by the statue in Nara’s Todai-ji Temple. The weight is approximately 93 tonnes.

Kayo and Hamish 

Great Buddha Kamakura 

My friends taking selfies with the Great Buddha Kamakura.

Kotokuin Temple entrance

Great Buddha Kamakura

This was the third temple & shrine we visited today after getting the train from Tokyo to Kamakura, a journey that took a little over and hour.

I almost needed this guy

Great Buddha Kamakura 

After all the walking I almost needed this guy. 🙂

Great Buddha Kamakura, old bridge

Great Buddha Kamakura

The old bridge surrounded by beautiful Japanese trees. This stone arched bridge in the old days used to be reserved
only for the Shogun’s use (others used the flat bridges). This sort of bridge is usually called a Taiko Bashi (drum bridge), since the reflection in the water makes it look like a drum.

 Japanese tradition

Great Buddha Kamakura

 The Chozuya (purification pavilion). Visitors wash their hands and rinse their mouths before entering the shrine.

Washing hands and mouth

Great Buddha Kamakura We did wonder whether or not this may be a way to pass on germs to each other.

Buddhism

Great Buddha Kamakura

 Buddhism originated in India in the 6th century BC. It consists of the teachings of the Buddha, Gautama Siddhartha. Of the main branches of Buddhism, it is the Mahayana or “Greater Vehicle” Buddhism which found its way to Japan.

Donations from Japanese business.

Great Buddha Kamakura

I have seen these displays at other temples and parks, they acknowledge support from various businesses.

Oh no, more stairs 🙂

Great Buddha Kamakura

After all the walking today I was not thrilled climbing the stairs to the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

This shrine was originally founded in 1063 and Burnt down in 1191, it was reconstructed as the shrine which we see today.

1000-year-old Assassin Gingko

Great Buddha Kamakura

 In March 2010, after standing next to the steps since just after the Shrine was established, the 1000-year-old Assassin Gingko was uprooted and fell in a storm. Part of the trunk and the stump itself were replanted, and are now growing new leaves, so it looks the fine old tree has survived.

Shrine at the top of the stairs

Great Buddha Kamakura

I was happily taking photos around the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine until a guard told me it was forbidden, luckily by then I had enough for this post.

Not sure of the significance

Great Buddha Kamakura

I never did find out the significance of all these labels. I can only guess they indicate support from various businesses and individuals.

Kotokuin Temple

Great Buddha Kamakura

In the peaceful grounds behind the Great Buddha Kamakura.

Down we go

Great Buddha Kamakura

We took the back stairs down to ground level.

Great Buddha Kamakura, happy shopkeepers

Great Buddha Kamakura

As soon as you raise your camera you are sure to get a smile.

Walking to Hase station

Great Buddha Kamakura

 The Great Buddha Kamakura is located a 5-10 minute walk from Hase Station, the third station from Kamakura along the Enoden railway line. The Enoden is a streetcar-like train that connects Kamakura with Enoshima and Fujisawa. It is well worth taking the trip to Enoshima, the venue for the 2020 Olympics yachting.

 Hase station

Great Buddha Kamakura

About a 30 minute train ride to Fujisawa.

 Two Buddhas at Kamakura 

Great Buddha Kamakura

Thanks for visiting my Great Buddha Kamakura post, in case you missed it take a look at Engaku-ji and also Kencho-ji.

A week before the above photo was taken I broke a front tooth eating a ham sandwich in Seoul Korea, I had to wait until I returned to Thailand to have it replaced.  Most of the photos showing it I photo shopped but in this case I thought I would leave it as it was.

The Villa Sacra gets very good reviews on Agoda, use this link for an excellent rate.

                         Here are some more posts to check out
 

       

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Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets Europe Hungarian Parliament Building (2) The Walkie Talkie (5)    

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

                     43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837 IMG_7425 Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city                     

                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

Ho Chi Minh City South Vietnam Main Square (3) Vung Tau statue (6)

Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
 
Pattaya live webcam
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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

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. 

Fukuoka Hiroshima Sapporo Sendai

Tokyo Kagoshima Kanazawa Nagoya

Nagasaki Yokohama Kyoto Kamakura

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Kenchoji Temple built 1253 Japan

October 20, 2015 by David Herd

Sanmon, the main gate

 Kenchoji Temple built 1253

Kenchoji Temple built 1253 Japan

 Kenchoji Temple built 1253 Japan is the oldest Zen training monastery in Japan. It is considerably smaller than during its heyday, Kenchoji still consists of a large number of temple buildings and subtemples, and stretches from the entrance gate at the bottom of the valley far into the forested hills behind.

Temple bell, a national treasure

Kenchoji Temple built 1253 Japan

 This bell has been designated a national treasure and dates back to the founding of the temple.

Jizo Bodhisattva in the Buddha Hall

Kenchoji Temple built 1253 Japan

 The main image in the Buddha Hall of Kencho-ji is Jizo Bodhisattva (quite unusual for a Zen temple), and within the hall are several other famous Jizo images. Because of its violent history, the area has many images of Jizo 地藏, the bodhisattva whose mission it is to save those who are lost or in danger, or who have fallen into the the realms of hell.

The Kara-mon (Chinese-style gate) of Kencho-ji

Kenchoji Temple built 1253 Japan

 This Kara-mon (Chinese-style gate) was recently restored as it was when built in the 17th century to re-establish the ancient glory of this old temple.

Lotus at the Kara-mon

Kenchoji Temple built 1253 Japan

One of my favourite photos from this fascinating temple.

Hatto (Dharma Hall)

Kenchoji Temple built 1253 Japan

This building is behind the temple.

Hatto (Dharma Hall)

Kenchoji Temple built 1253 Japan

 Hatto (Dharma Hall) at Kencho-ji Temple. Belongs to the Rinzai (Zen) Buddhism sect, the hall was built in 1814 and it is the largest Buddhist wooden structure in Eastern Japan.

Dharma Hall

Kenchoji Temple built 1253 Japan

The starving Buddha at Dharma Hall. It was rather amazing taking photos here without a flash, yet the shots came out much brighter than what we were seeing with our own eyes.

Kenchoji Temple built 1253

Kenchoji Temple built 1253 Japan

The ceiling was quite amazing.

Hatto (Dharma Hall), Kencho-ji Temple

Kenchoji Temple built 1253 Japan

 

I’m guessing the bottle of water was left to help out the starving Buddha.


Here is a 750 year old Juniper tree.

Kenchoji Temple built 1253 Japan

This magnificent tree is also considered a national treasure.

Kannon (Avalokitesvara) at Kencho-ji Temple

Kenchoji Temple built 1253 Japan

Everywhere you turn there is a photo opportunity.

Kenchoji Temple built 1253 Japan

Kenchoji Temple built 1253 Japan

 Beautiful grounds and flowers all around the temple.

The temple backs onto the forest

Kenchoji Temple built 1253 Japan

 Kenchoji Temple built 1253 was an absolute delight to visit.

My friends at Kencho-ji

Kenchoji Temple built 1253 Japan

Hamish and Kayo really enjoyed as did I, this wonderful temple and it’s beautiful gardens.

Thanks for visiting my Kenchoji Temple built 1253 Japan photo blog.

The Villa Sacra gets very good reviews on Agoda, use this link for an excellent rate.

                         What a great year for travel in 2015              

               

   Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets Europe     Hungarian Parliament Building (2)       The Walkie Talkie (5)    

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837        IMG_7425    Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city                     

                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

Ho Chi Minh City South Vietnam       Main Square (3)     Vung Tau statue (6)

Pattaya live webcam
 
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Check out these great posts

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan

October 13, 2015 by David Herd

Kamakura Station

Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan

Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan

Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan was about 1 hour 20 minutes by train from Tokyo travelling south through Yokohama. Followed by a short walk to the temple.

Engakuji Temple is a short walk from Kita-Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line coming from Tokyo Station and Shinagawa Station.

Up the stairs

Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan

The ancient temple was founded in 1282 by a Chinese Zen monk through it’s patron Japan’s ruler Hojo Tokimune of the Kamakura Shogunate.

Hamish & I at Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan

Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan

We had to buy some umbrellas as there were some showers around.

Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan

Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan

 The address is 409, Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa , phone247-0062.

The Sanmon Gate

Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan

Apparently the Sanmon Gate is unusual as its supporting posts are totally exposed. The Gate dates from 1783.

Sanmon gate

Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan

 Engaku-ji Temple at Kamakura is one of Japan’s most important Zen Buddhist temples.

Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan

Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan

 Engakuji Temple was founded in the Kamakura Period of Japanese history on the instructions of regent Hojo Tokimune, who had successfully fought off the two Mongolian invasions of Japan in the late 13th century with the help of fortuitous typhoons known as kamikaze, which had destroyed the invading ships in harbour.

 The small bell

Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan

Not to be confused the the Great Bell which is a national treasure. Sadly we could not see the Great one because the area was closed. ‘

Cemetery within the grounds

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A well kept cemetery, in fact all the surrounding grounds were immaculate.

The cemetery

Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan

Some very old graves here at Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan.

Beautiful grounds

Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan

Such a beautiful peaceful settings in the grounds of Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan.

Pagoda statue

Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan

I really love these Japanese pagoda statues, in fact I had several in the garden at my home in Australia.

Ancient gate

Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan

 Ancient gate at Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura, I believe this temple is one of the most important Zen Buddhist temples in Japan, and it ranks second among Kamakura’s Five Mountains.

 The old and the new

Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan

A new construction beside the ancient cemetery highlights the old and the new at Engaku-ji.

Thanks for visiting my Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan post

Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan

These are my friends, Hamish is an Australian living in Thailand and Kayo lives in Tokyo. After Engaku-ji we explored two more temples before catching the train to Enoshima.

Thanks for visiting my Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan photo blog.

The Villa Sacra gets very good reviews on Agoda, use this link for an excellent rate.

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

         

   Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets EuropeHungarian Parliament Building (2)The Walkie Talkie (5)   

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

                     43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837IMG_7425Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city                    

                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

Ho Chi Minh City South VietnamMain Square (3)Vung Tau statue (6)

Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
 
Pattaya live webcam
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)

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

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. 

Fukuoka Hiroshima Sapporo Sendai

Tokyo Kagoshima Kanazawa Nagoya

Nagasaki Yokohama Kyoto Kamakura

Counter only started June 16 2020.

 

This gallery contains 5 photos

Sixteenth century Osaka Castle

October 11, 2015 by David Herd

Osaka Castle

Sixteenth century Osaka Castle

Sixteenth century Osaka Castle

Sixteenth century Osaka Castle is a magnificent structure, it is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, it played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century.

 Otemon (western) Gate

Sixteenth century Osaka Castle

 The castle grounds, which cover 60,000 square meters (15 acres), contain thirteen structures that are designated as important cultural assets by the Japanese government.

Castle moat

Sixteenth century Osaka Castle

  This is the Sixteenth century Osaka Castle outer moat.

The inner moat

Sixteenth century Osaka Castle

  The granite walls were built in the 1620s & remain  standing today, they are made out of interlocked granite boulders without mortar. Many of the stones were brought from rock quarries near the Seto Inland Sea, and bear inscribed crests of the various families who donated them.

 Sakura-mon Gate

Sixteenth century Osaka Castle

Through the Sakura-mon Gate is the first glimpse of this magnificent building.

Photo opportunity at Sixteenth century Osaka Castle

Sixteenth century Osaka Castle

At all the temples and shrine I have visited in Japan there are always huge numbers of school children learning about the history of their wonderful country.

Awesome castle

Sixteenth century Osaka Castle

 The central castle building is five stories on the outside and eight stories on the inside, and built atop a tall stone foundation to protect its occupants from attackers.

Long Queue for the elevator

Sixteenth century Osaka Castle

Instead of joining the queue I decided to take the stairs, 8 floors and very steep, ok I admit I took a couple of rests on the way. 🙂


Samurai short sword

Sixteenth century Osaka Castle

The various floors hold museum pieces from the past.

Models of Samurai warriors

Sixteenth century Osaka Castle

Re-enacting battles from past centuries. The samurai (or bushi) were the warriors of pre-modern Japan. They later made up the ruling military class that eventually became the highest ranking social caste of the Edo Period (1603-1867). Samurai employed a range of weapons such as bows and arrows, spears and guns, but their main weapon and symbol was the sword.

Samurai

Sixteenth century Osaka Castle

Samurai were supposed to lead their lives according to the ethic code of bushido (“the way of the warrior”). Strongly Confucian in nature, bushido stressed concepts such as loyalty to one’s master, self discipline and respectful, ethical behavior. Many samurai were also drawn to the teachings and practices of Zen Buddhism.

Magnificent Tiger

Sixteenth century Osaka Castle

This tiger was so impressive.

Sixteenth century Osaka Castle

Sixteenth century Osaka Castle

Model of reconstruction

Sixteenth century Osaka Castle

Presented by Osaka Lion’s Club in 1992.

From to top floor of the castle

Sixteenth century Osaka Castle

A view of Osaka from the 8th floor of Osaka Castle.

The Sixteenth century Osaka Castle grounds

Sixteenth century Osaka Castle

Looking down from the 8th floor of Osaka Castle.

City skyline

Sixteenth century Osaka Castle

A great view of Osaka from the top floor of Osaka Castle.

Beware all Ninjas

Sixteenth century Osaka Castle

Awesome fire-power, well it may have been in the 16th century. 🙂

Modern buildings near the Castle

Sixteenth century Osaka Castle

It’s about a 15 minute walk from the station to the Castle, here are some of the buildings you pass on the way.

Thanks for visiting my Sixteenth century Osaka Castle photo blog, I stayed in a nice budget hotel in Osaka five minutes walk to Namba station. Get a very good rate by using this link.                   

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            Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you            
 book through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
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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.               

 
Pattaya live webcam
 
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1g Duck

 

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Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

October 9, 2015 by David Herd

From the Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

 Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers make this one of the world’s truly great cities. When you add wonderful people, great food & restaurants you have the whole package. This September 2015 trip was my 4th visit to which has now become my favourite city.

Check out this link for great food in Tokyo.

Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

The photos above were taken from the observation deck of the Tokyo Tower. Built in 1958, the tower’s main sources of revenue are tourism and antenna leasing. Over 150 million people have visited the tower since its opening. FootTown, a four-story building located directly under the tower, houses museums, restaurants and shops. Departing from there, guests can visit two observation decks. The two-story Main Observatory is located at 150 metres (490 ft), while the smaller Special Observatory reaches a height of 249.6 metres (819 ft

Ladies at the Ginza

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

Today the kimono are most often worn by women, and on special occasions. Traditionally, unmarried women wore a style of kimono called furisode, with almost floor-length sleeves, on special occasions. A few older women and even fewer men still wear the kimono on a daily basis. Men wear the kimono most often at weddings, tea ceremonies, and other very special or very formal occasions. Professional sumo wrestlers are often seen in the kimono because they are required to wear traditional Japanese dress whenever appearing in public.

The Ginza

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

One of the best known intersections in the world.  Ginza is recognized by many as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world, attracting visitors and regulars alike from across the globe.

Wako store in the Ginza

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

Wako is a department store retailer in Japan, whose best known store (commonly known as the Ginza Wako) is at the heart of the Ginza shopping district in Tokyo. This store is famous for its watches, jewellery, chocolate, porcelain, dishware, and handbags, as well as upscale foreign goods.

 Tokyo Peninsula Hotel

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

Spectacular Tokyo Hotel near the Ginza. Only around $560 usd per night if you book through this link. 🙂

Modern Tokyo buildings

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

From the modern to the traditional Tokyo has t all.

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

The GAP building in Tokyo near the Ginza, this city is a shopping paradise.

The old and the new

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

Tokyo is a city of contrasts, they preserve the old and build the new. 🙂

 Fujiya Building Ginza

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

One of Tokyo’s iconic buildings.

Much more spectacular at night

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

Tokyo at night lights up in all its glory, walking around the Ginza in the evening is quite exciting. Ginza is a popular destination on weekends, when the main north-south artery is closed to traffic.

Accidental video

Tokyo, Ginza to imperial Palace.

This was taken by accident, from Shabusen restaurant in the Ginza followed by our walk to the Imperial Palace. I didn’t realize my camera was making a compilation of the photos I was taking.

Kitanomaru Park

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

 Kitanomaru Park is located North of the Tokyo Imperial Palace.

The Imperial Palace

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

One of the most popular sots in Tokyo for a photograph.

Piss Alley Shinjunku

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

Piss Alley Tokyo was named many years ago, when it was a shady destination for criminals to get drunk together. The place wasn’t very built up back in those days, so instead of using a toilet, people just relieved themselves wherever they could.

 Grambell Hotel Shibuya

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

A nice budget hotel in a fantastic location. Use this link for a great rate.

Lancia Stratos

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

 The Lancia Stratos isn’t just one of the world’s rarest cars, but one with an iconic cult following like no other. In total, 492 Stratos are believed to have been built, with the majority of them being competition or Rally race cars. We saw this rare beast in the Ginza.

Sushizanmai

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

Open 24 hours a day adjacent to the Tsujiki fish market is my favourite restaurant in Tokyo. It is an experience to enjoy and remember. If you want a quiet romantic setting cross this place off your list. It is a happy frenetic chaotic dining experience, and the food is wonderful.  There is always a queue waiting to get in, make sure you sit at the sushi counter on the ground floor.

Shibuya crossing

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

 Shibuya Scramble Tokyo takes place at the famous intersection outside Shibuya Station. the traffic is stopped in all directions, which allows pedestrians to walk & scramble in every direction across the intersection.

 Live webcam at Shibuya

【LIVE CAMERA】渋谷スクランブル交差点

Kubuchiko

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

Only in Japan, Hamish & I were enjoying some cold beers in Kubuchiko when these nice Japanese ladies approached us to asked if they could take our photo. Of course we agreed as any cool rock star would. 🙂

Street performer at Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

I’m not really a fan of performing animals, training methods are often cruel.

Metro Cafe at Omotosando station.

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

The whole gang gather at one of my favourite haunts in Tokyo. Bob, David, Clai, Dan & Hamish.  We usually enjoy numerous bottles of Italian wine for only $25 aud or 650 Baht a bottle.

Chatting to the locals.

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

Japanese girl are just so nice. 🙂

Thanks for visiting my Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers post

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

As well as Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers check out my Tokyo food blog.

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1g Duck

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Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

October 7, 2015 by David Herd

Nice seaside village.

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

 Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan is 4 km in circumference, at the mouth of the Katase River south of Tokyo and Yokohama. What took me there you may well ask, well after spending several hours in Kamakura exploring the wonderful temples we decided to take a 30 minute train ride to see where Japan will hold the sailing venue for the 2020 Summer Olympics.

600-metre-long (2,000 ft) bridge

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

You have to walk or drive across this long bridge to get to the island. The area is home to some of the closest sandy beaches to Tokyo and Yokohama.

Fujisawa

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

They tell me this is a very popular holiday destination. 

Fujisawa bottom left hand corner of map

    Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

My friends Kayo and Hamish

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

Kayo is my friend who lives in Tokyo, she was our tour guide showing us the wonderful temples in Kamakura then on to Enoshima. I can’t believe the distance we walked today, 22,047 steps which was 16.79 kilometres. 🙂

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

There is quite a steep hill with shops on both sides, people come to this island to walk the pathways that lead to several ancient temples, botanical garden, museums, parks, scenic overlooks, and a modern lighthouse at the top of Enoshima island Japan.

Friendly shopkeepers

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

A big smile from the shop keeper.

I met some locals

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

Happy guys on Enoshima island Japan.

They were very happy guys

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

In summer the mainland and beach areas of Enoshima city is all about sea sports, in particular surfing, sailing and jet boating. The surf  isn’t great by most standards, but during Summer it is the place to be seen for the trendy younger crowd as it is so conveniently close to Tokyo, providing an excuse for tens of thousands of funky Japanese to strut around with bleached hair and chocolate-bronze skin.  

Top of the hill

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

You can climb even further but I was too lazy. 🙂

View from the top

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

Looking down to the bridge at Enoshima.

BBQ corn

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

  There are lots of street stalls where you can sample the delights of low price Japanese food.  

Not to mention great Asahi beer.

Asahi

A truly great beer. 

My lovely friend Kayo

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

Kayo is the perfect guide, we met in Australia in 2005 &last year when I was in Tokyo she showed me all around Yokohama, and this year it was the wonderful temples in Kamakura.

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

Time to catch the train back to Kamakura station & change for Tokyo.

Many thanks for visiting my Enoshima island Japan photo blog.

The Villa Sacra gets very good reviews on Agoda, use this link for an excellent rate.

Sukiyaki (Ue o Muite Arukou) - Kyu Sakamoto (English Translation and Lyrics)

My favourite Japanese song

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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. 

 

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Dotonbori lights camera action

October 6, 2015 by David Herd

Dotonburi Osaka

Dotonbori lights camera action

Dotonbori lights camera action

 Dotonbori lights camera action, this is the entertainment centre of Osaka, it has the lights & the action you just need the camera. The number of restaurants large & small is mind boggling.

The big crab beckons at Kani Doraku Crab restaurant

Dotonbori lights camera action

Huge crabs, dragons, & octopus adorn the restaurant façades to entice you in for a feast. This six and a half meter crab is on the front of the crab restaurant Kani Doraku. It is mechanized, being able to move its arms and eyestalks. Built in 1960, this mechanical billboard soon spawned imitations, including a squid that puffs steam and oni (demons) that light up at night.

You have seen the crab, well here is the octopus. 🙂

Dotonbori lights camera action

Dōtonbori traces its history back to 1612, when a local entrepreneur, Yasui Dōton, began expanding the tiny Umezu River, which ran east to west, hoping to increase commerce in the region by connecting the two branches of the Yokobori River, which ran north to south, with a canal.

There is even some giant Gyoza. 🙂

Dotonbori lights camera action

What a fabulous city, I will certainly visit again in the future.

David Herd and Hamish Elton first night in Osaka

Dotonbori lights camera action

We had just arrived from Tokyo which was Hamish’s first visit. Osaka was the first time for both of us, so we headed for Dotonbori and started our night off with some ice cold Super Dry Asahi which is one of the world’s great beers.

Dotonbori lights camera action

Dotonbori lights camera action

We were sitting by the canal watching the tourist boats go by and waiting for the neon signs to come on.

Cruising the canal

Dotonbori lights camera action

We had some sensational food in Tokyo and were hoping for a similar experience in Osaka. High on my agenda was  visit to the city of Nara which used to be the capital of Japan from the year 710 to 784, and the Todai-ji Buddist temple.

The cameras are locked & loaded

Dotonbori lights camera action

I am usually the one taking hundreds of photos.

The lights are coming on in Dotonbori

Dotonbori lights camera action

My favourite time of the day for taking photos.

 Beside the canal

Dotonbori lights camera action

View from where we were drinking Asahi.

 French restaurant

Dotonbori lights camera action

So many restaurants and such little time.

Another octopus

Dotonbori lights camera action

Use this link for a good budget hotel in a great location.

Has Hamish found his twin?

Dotonbori lights camera action

My friend Hamish Elton on his first trip to Japan.

Or perhaps I have found mine. 🙂

Dotonbori lights camera action

There is a photo opportunity around every corner.

More dragons

Dotonbori lights camera action

Dotonbori is a kaleidoscope of images.

So many restaurants and such little time.

Dotonbori lights camera action

The food choices in Dotonbori is quite amazing. I look forward to returning.

An interesting hotel

Dotonbori lights camera action

We were actually staying at a very good budget hotel in Namba which is only 10 minutes walk to Dotonbori and 5 minutes to the railway station. Use this link for a very good rate.

A beautiful sight at night

Dotonbori lights camera action

Most evenings we would sit by the canal and start the night off with a couple of ice cold Asahi beers.

Dotonbori lights camera action

Dotonbori lights camera action

Glico Man: Originally installed in 1935, the giant neon athlete on a blue track is a symbol of Glico candy. The sign has been altered on several occasions to celebrate events such as the World Cup and to show support for the Osaka baseball team, the Hanshin Tigers.

Dotonbori lights camera action

Dotonbori lights camera action

I hope you are beginning to understand why I chose “Dotonbori lights camera action ” as the title for my Osaka post.

Shinsaibashi

Dotonbori lights camera action

Shinsaibashi is the upmarket centre of Osaka and only about 10 minutes walk to Dotonbori.  Shinsaibashi is the largest shopping area in Osaka with many boutiques and speciality shops attracting local people and visitors. The Shisaibashi has developed from the arcaded streets “Shinsaibashi Shopping Street” which runs east to Mido-Suji Avenue, is the best-known shopping area in Osaka, and a wonderful symbol of the city. With a history of 380 years, it was already an established shopping area in the Edo Period. Shops of all kinds and for all ages line the street featuring a roofed arcade 600 meters long.

Thanks for visiting my post

Dotonbori lights camera action

I have so much more to show you about the great food in Dotonbori I thought it best to do a separate post. Thanks for visiting my Dotonbori lights camera action photo blog.


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That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

 

My favourite song which has a sad story regarding the artist Kyu Sakamoto who died on August 12, 1985, in the crash of Japan Airlines Flight 123, the deadliest single-aircraft accident in history.

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Nara Prefecture Kansai Japan

October 4, 2015 by David Herd

Nara station

Nara Prefecture Kansai Japan

Nara Prefecture Kansai JapanNara Prefecture Kansai Japan is a 45 minute train ride from Osaka, make sure you get a train where you don’t need to change it is quicker and easier. The city has significant temples and artwork dating back to the 8th century when it was  the capital of Japan.

Beside the station

Nara Prefecture Kansai Japan

Lots of cafes & restaurants around the station area.

 I guess he is collecting for something…..

Nara Perfecture Kansai Region Japan

As of 2005, the city has an estimated population of 373,189 and a population density of 1,348 persons per km².

The real attraction are the deer & the temples

Nara Perfecture Kansai Region Japan

 The park is home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. Considered in Shinto to be messengers of the gods, Nara’s nearly 1200 deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated as a natural treasure.

Nara Prefecture Kansai Japan

Nara Perfecture Kansai Region Japan

Deer crackers are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors to ask to be fed.

Some of the 1600

Nara Perfecture Kansai Region Japan

Nara’s deer are surprisingly tame, although they can be aggressive if they think you will feed them.

Nice day in the park

Nara Perfecture Kansai Japan

Nara seems like a very peaceful place where people enjoy the parks and feeding the deer.

Slight disagreement

Nara Perfecture Kansai Japan

You often see a couple of male deer sorting out the pecking order.

Rickshaw anybody?

Nara Perfecture Kansai Japan

At your service sir.

Near the entrance to Todai-Ji Temple

Nara Perfecture Kansai Japan

It is a pleasant 45 minute walk from Nara Station to Todai-ji Temple.

Peaceful setting

Nara Prefecture Kansai Japan

A peaceful spot near the temple.

Nara Prefecture Kansai Japan, friendly deer

Nara Prefecture Kansai Japan

The deer are very tame but are always looking to be fed.

Todai-ji Temple.

Nara Prefecture Kansai Japan

Thanks for visiting my post on Nara Prefecture Kansai Japan.              

Deer population in Nara park reaches record high 30/7/19

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 book through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
                                                                 Plus free cancellation .
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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.               

 
Pattaya live webcam
 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Check out these great posts

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