sake | Hello from the Five Star Vagabond

Yatai Fukuoka sidewalk restaurants

November 7, 2016 by David Herd

Pop up restaurants

Yatai Fukuoka sidewalk restaurants

Yatai Fukuoka sidewalk restaurants are really tiny “pop up” sidewalk restaurants that disappear by the morning. There are around 150 Yatai all across the city, however most are in and around Tenjin and Nakasu.

Yatai Fukuoka sidewalk restaurants

Due to these Yatai Fukuoka was recently rated as one of the ten greatest street food cities in Asia by CNN Travel.

The come in all shapes & sizes

Yatai began as simple, portable eateries that appeared one after another in the devastated cities throughout Japan at the end of World War II.

There is more Yatai along the river

They are a great inexpensive way to eat very good Japanese food plus of course you are going to meet new friends as the whole atmosphere encourages conversation.

There is around 150 Yatai throughout the city.

There are around 150 yatai scattered across Fukuoka, the best place to find them is on the southern end of Nakasu Island. Located in the middle of the city, Nakasu Island has a long row of around 20 yatai that are situated along the water.

Piss Alley Tokyo

A very famous Tokyo lane where the eating houses are similar to Yatai in Fukuoka, these are 2 American girls we met while having dinner. Here is my Piss Alley photo blog, just follow THIS LINK.

There are some very strange dishes available on Piss Alley.

Frog sashimi
Pig testicles
Soft-shelled turtle
Still-beating frog’s heart
Grilled salamander
Snake liquor

I was not taking any risks so I stuck to the Yakitori.

Kagomma Furusato Yataimura.

Here is another similar place to eat down south of Kyishu island in Kagoshima, for my photo blog please follow THIS LINK.

Back to Yatai Fukuoka sidewalk restaurants

No other country I have visited offers such a variety of restaurants thsn Japan. For example take a look at some of the great food in Osaka.

My favourite food from Yatai etc

Yakitori wins for me, it is a Japanese type of skewered chicken generally barbecued.

For a discounted hotel rate in Japan or anywhere in the world, just book through THIS LINK

Another great looking Yatai

So many different designs.

Here is the final one

I could easily show you 100 different designs, I hope you had enjoyed this sample.

Hotel Ascent

Hotel Ascent is in a perfect location for exploring the city, & it is adjacent to Tenjin station. For a very good discount just book through THIS LINK.

That’s all for now folks.

Thanks for visiting my Yatai Fukuoka sidewalk restaurants photo blog.

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Two weeks after I arrived at Hakata on the bullet train from Nagasaki this giant sinkhole appeared. Read the full story here.

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Kagoshima restaurant village

November 6, 2016 by David Herd

Kagomma Furusato Yataimura

Kagoshima restaurant village

Kagoshima restaurant village near the railway station is called Kagomma Furusato Yataimura. There are about 25 small restaurants that seat only 8 or 10 people.

Kagoshima restaurant village

Many of the places are so tiny it’s hard to get a seat. 🙂

Some have seats outside as well

Big & small, it doesn’t matter, the atmosphere is fantastic.

Big crowd for a Sunday

I’m guessing this place is crowded every night.

Yakitori washed down with hot sake.

One of my favourite Japanese dishes.

Such a busy place

The action never stops here. There really isn’t any English spoken however you can get by just pointing at the menu. 🙂

This nice guy spoke a little English

Not only that he was in Thailand on holiday the previous week. He took great delight in telling me how much he enjoyed Soi 4 & Nana Plaza. 🙂

Lots of narrow little alleys

This village reminded me so much of “Piss Alley” in Shinjuku in Tokyo.

Wonderful smiling faces

Some things in Japan you can be sure of, happy smiling faces, they love to be in a photograph, & people are just so nice & polite.

Hot sake coming up sir. 🙂

I realised after my first two glasses of sake the waitress was adding about 30% hot water, I thought they were tasting a little weak. Perhaps she did me a favour. 🙂

Great location & excellent hotel

My hotel was only 10 minutes walk to lots of restaurants & the ferry terminal, a great location and a great room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

A very busy village

I didn’t see any other foreigners here, I was the only one.

Kagoshima restaurant village

Here is a wonderful documentary

Watch this video on YouTube

The village is quite close to the railway station which is adjacent to the Ferris wheel.

Keeping the rain out

Rain is absolutely no problem here.

Happy customers

You gotta love the Japanese people, as soon as they see a camera they want to be in the photo. 🙂

Here is a map of the village

That’s all folks

Thank you for visiting my Kagoshima restaurant village photo blog. Just a reminder my hotel was in a great location, you will get a discounted room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

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Active Volcano Kagoshima Japan

November 6, 2016 by David Herd

Ferry across Kinko Bay to Sakurajima

Active Volcano Kagoshima Japan

Active Volcano Kagoshima Japan Sakurajima had been peaceful since 2013 until July 2016, then suddenly plumes of smoke, cracks of lighting and a flow of lava came bellowing out of Japan’s Mount Sakruajima in July 2016. Located in a scenic bay on the southern island of Kyushu, this 1,117 meter high volcano has been a sleeping giant for the past three years prior to this fiery spectacle. The incident took place at 12:02 am on Tuesday at the mountain’s Showa crater, which resulted in a 5,000 meter high column of ash – but officials say no fatalities have been reported. Credit to STACY LIBERATORE FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Read about it here.

Experts have voiced concerns about the volcanic activity on the Pacific Island, primarily that it could be completely wiped by one massive eruption in the next century – killing all of its some 127 million inhabitants.

Leaving the terminal

Plenty to see on the short voyage across Kinko Bay.

On deck with the breeze in your face (or the phone)

Best spot for a photo opportunity.

Here I am heading for the island.

Hope to see at least a few puffs of smoke. 🙂

We arrive at Sakurajima

It’s a very short ferry ride, about 4 km at a cost of 170 Yen.

It is also a car ferry

About 5,000 people live on the island.

Tour bus around the island

For a 90 minute trip the cost was 500 Yen or about $6 AUD. You can get on & off the bus at different points of interest.

SAKEBI-NO-ZO (Shouting Statue) Park

Apparently a rock musician held a concert in 2004 in front of 75,000 screaming fans. To commemorate the concert, he built a statue of himself, this statue shouts at Sakurajima.

Up close to the volcano

We enjoy a 15 minute stop at the lookout to take some photos.

Sakurajima active volcano Kagoshima lava spread

Many types of fruit & vegetables florish due to the volcanic ash. The Sakurajima radish is a representative traditional vegetable of Kagoshima Prefecture, normally weighing about 10kg but one may also see radish that weigh as much as 20 – 30 kg. This is the world’s heaviest radish (weighing 31.1kg) and is registered in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Sakurajima Radish is cherished by people across Japan as a uniquely original product of Kagoshima. It stays consistent when boiled and has a flavor that absorbs well, along with a fine flesh that looks as white as snow. Sakurajima Radish can be used in a wide variety of ways, such as boiled or pickled to name but a few.

Here is a wonderful documentary

Watch this video on YouTube

Eruption in 2012

This spot is only 5 minutes walk from my hotel & another 5 minutes to thee ferry terminal. A great location and a great room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

Thanks for visiting my Active Volcano Kagoshima Japan photo blog.

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Ski Japan Hakuba Happo-one

March 6, 2016 by David Herd

Hakuba Happo-one-Winter-Resort-Japan-snow-ski

Ryokan Shirouma-so

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

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

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

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

Hotel restaurant

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

Wonderful Japanese food

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

Hamish Elton

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

What a day time to hit the slopes.

Bus snowed in

Ok folks time to break out the shovels.

OK team lets go

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

Here is the team

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

Hamish’s speciality

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

Where are all the people?

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

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

Ski Japan Hakuba Happo-one

Only four hours by bus from Narita airport in Tokyo.

Selfie bomb

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

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.

Watch this video on YouTube

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Kamakura seaside city

October 22, 2015 by David Herd

Kamakura

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I love Japanese food

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

Through the tunnel to the Great Buddha

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

Kayo and Hamish take selfies with the Great Buddha

My friends taking selfies with the Great Buddha.

Here comes the priest

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

He obviously has Buddha on his side. 🙂

Coffee time before heading for Enoshima

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

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

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.

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Great Buddha Kamakura

October 21, 2015 by David Herd

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

My friends taking selfies with the Great Buddha Kamakura.

Kotokuin Temple entrance

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

After all the walking I almost needed this guy. 🙂

Great Buddha Kamakura, old bridge

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

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

Washing hands and mouth

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

Buddhism

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.

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

Oh no, more stairs 🙂

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

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

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

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

In the peaceful grounds behind the Great Buddha Kamakura.

Down we go

We took the back stairs down to ground level.

Great Buddha Kamakura, happy shopkeepers

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

Walking to Hase station

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

About a 30 minute train ride to Fujisawa.

Two Buddhas at 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.

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Kenchoji Temple built 1253 Japan

October 20, 2015 by David Herd

Sanmon, the main gate

Kenchoji Temple built 1253

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

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

Jizo Bodhisattva in the Buddha Hall

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

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

One of my favourite photos from this fascinating temple.

Hatto (Dharma Hall)

This building is behind the temple.

Hatto (Dharma Hall)

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

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

The ceiling was quite amazing.

Hatto (Dharma Hall), Kencho-ji Temple

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

Here is a 750 year old Juniper tree.

This magnificent tree is also considered a national treasure.

Kannon (Avalokitesvara) at Kencho-ji Temple

Everywhere you turn there is a photo opportunity.

Kenchoji Temple built 1253 Japan

Beautiful grounds and flowers all around the temple.

The temple backs onto the forest

Kenchoji Temple built 1253 was an absolute delight to visit.

My friends at Kencho-ji

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.

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Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan

October 13, 2015 by David Herd

Kamakura Station

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

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

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

Engaku-ji Temple Kamakura Japan

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

The Sanmon Gate

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

Sanmon gate

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

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

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

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

The cemetery

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

Beautiful grounds

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

Pagoda statue

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

Ancient gate

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

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

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.

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Mostar Dubrobnik Split

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That’s all folks

Holiday Inn

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

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.

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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 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

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

This is the Sixteenth century Osaka Castle outer moat.

The inner moat

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

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

Photo opportunity at 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

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

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

The various floors hold museum pieces from the past.

Models of Samurai warriors

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

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

This tiger was so impressive.

Sixteenth century Osaka Castle

Model of reconstruction

Presented by Osaka Lion’s Club in 1992.

From to top floor of the castle

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

The Sixteenth century Osaka Castle grounds

Looking down from the 8th floor of Osaka Castle.

City skyline

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

Beware all Ninjas

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

Modern buildings near the 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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A-One hotel on Beach Road

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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 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

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Tokyo buildings

From the modern to the traditional Tokyo has t all.

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

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

The old and the new

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

Fujiya Building Ginza

One of Tokyo’s iconic buildings.

Much more spectacular at night

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.

Watch this video on YouTube

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

Kitanomaru Park is located North of the Tokyo Imperial Palace.

The Imperial Palace

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

Piss Alley Shinjunku

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

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

Lancia Stratos

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

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

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

Watch this video on YouTube

Kubuchiko

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

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

Metro Cafe at Omotosando station.

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.