Tokyo | Hello from the Five Star Vagabond

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

November 30, 2016 by David Herd

Gyokusen’inmaru Garden

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

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

Adjacent to the castle

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

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

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

Spectacular

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

The buildings look new

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

As usual built on a hill

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

Through the gate we go

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

Picture perfect

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

Not a cloud in the sky

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

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

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

Toyoko Inn

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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Japanese drummers Geisha District

November 26, 2016 by David Herd

Kazue-Machi-Chaya-District-Kanazawa-Japan

Near Higashi Chaya 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

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

That was until I heard the sound of drums

Fabulous Japanese drummers

Watch this video on YouTube

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

Watch this video on YouTube

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

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

Tiny streets

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

Tea House

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

Lattice is called “kimusuko”

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

Many interesting buildings

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

Torii Gate

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

Another example

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

Toyoko Inn

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

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.

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.

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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.

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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

Higashi-Chaya-District-Kanazawa-Japan-Geisha

Two-story Chaya houses

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

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

A close look at the lattice

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

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

A couple of locals sharing a happy moment.

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

Photo opportunity

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

Hello boys

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

Smile please

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

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

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

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

Kazue-machi overlooks the Asanogawa river.

sound of drums

Fabulous Japanese drummers

Watch this video on YouTube

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

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

If you are feeling lazy

These guys are at your service. 🙂

But first lets negotiate the price. 🙂

It seems like a very friendly negotiation.

Lovely shop

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

Toyoko Inn

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

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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Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

November 24, 2016 by David Herd

Omicho Seafood Market

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

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

Fresh crab very good

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

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

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

Salmon roe is absolutely fantastic

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

The market really does have an enormous variety of seafood.

Fresh fruit as well

Being Japan the quality is very high indeed.

I decided to have lunch at one of the popular restaurants

Very busy and excellent fresh sashimi.

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa, very crowded

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

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

How about the edible gold leaf?

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

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

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 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

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

You can take the bus but I prefer to walk.

Toyoko Inn

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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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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Hiroshima city food transport

November 22, 2016 by David Herd

Ōta River Hiroshima

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

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

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

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

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

Japanese Craft Beer Café

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.

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

Another great meal

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

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

Jack & soda with Crispy burdock root

Now there’s a new combination.

Crispy burdock root

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

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

Daikichi

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

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.

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

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

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

A happy group of tourists

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

Even this old fellow looks happy

He seems to have a large collection of colourful dolls.

A typical corner bar restaurant near my hotel

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

Opposite my hotel

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

Toyoko Inn

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

Underground plaza

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

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

Hiroshima-Castle r-constructed-1958-Japan-atom-bomb

Castle entrance

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

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

Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958

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

Let’s take a selfie

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

I climbed the stairs to the top

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

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

Hiroshima population is 1,196,853

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

Mountains in the distance

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

The atomic bomb

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

Many interesting exhibits in the five story museum.

Gold plated roofing tile

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

Dating back to the 16th century

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

A Samuri suit

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

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

One of the most interesting visitors at the castle

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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Free Cancellation.

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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 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

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

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

The Bell of Peace

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

Dedication of the Peace Bell

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

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

Cenotaph & park

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

Flame of Peace

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

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

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

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

Trees beside the flame of peace

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

Goddess of Peace

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

Obama visits Hiroshima

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

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?

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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Battleship Island Nagasaki

November 16, 2016 by David Herd

Ferry to Battleship Island aka Gunkanjima

Battleship Island Nagasaki coal mine

Battleship Island Nagasaki coal mine, has been abandoned since 1974. The real name is Hashima Island commonly known as Gunkanjima which translates to ‘Battleship Island’. The ferry trip takes just 45 minutes to reach the fascinating deserted island.

Battleship Island Nagasaki coal mine

Here is our first glimpse of the “ghost island”, and yes it does look like a battleship. 🙂

Lookout or bird’s nest?

Not too sure what this little house was used for but it is a good spot for a lookout.

We are almost at the dock

Only a hundred meters to go before we leave the ferry for an hour to walk around the island.

OK, here we are at Battleship Island Nagasaki

We are all given a number in a plastic holder to wear around our neck, I guess they don’t want to leave anybody behind.

Crumbling walls & buildings

According to our guide the destruction of walls & building is totally due to the regular typhoons that have pounded the island over the last 40 years.

The power of a typhoon

It seems incredible that typhoons & storms can reduce concrete buildings to rubble.

Japanese guide

Our guide was excellent and told us a lot about the history of Battleship Island Nagasaki coal mine. For instance, from 1887 the island was a very busy coal mining facility that employed thousands of workers. In 1959 there were over 5,200 people living on the 6.3 hectare of space which was Battleship Island, this in fact made it the most densely populated place per square meter on the planet.

The boys from Sydney

Doug & Waz are two lads from western Sydney I met on the ferry, we hooked up together & explored the island, then back in Nagasaki enjoyed many ice cold beers followed by an excellent Italian dinner.

Aerial view of Hashima Island

This shot puts the island into perspective, credit to Kntrty, Flickr Source: Supplied.

Video of Battleship Island

Hashima Island is called Battleship Island

Watch this video on YouTube

My apologies for the wind noise.

Happy tourists

The island has been featured in several films and recently being the inspiration for the villain’s lair in the James Bond movie Skyfall.

More boats approach the island

There seems to be a huge amount of tourists visiting the island, TripAdvisor rate it 3rd out of 242 things to do in Nagasaki.

The power of nature

It seems hard to believe typhoons can cause such devastation.

Battleship Island Nagasaki coal mine

So as you can imagine after the mine mine closed in 1974 sadly Hashima Island gradually was reduced to ruins.

Make sure you take this interesting tour.

The cost was 4,300 Yen & well worth the expense, here are the ferry details.

My hotel in Nagasaki was only a three minute walk to the station & a short tram ride to the ferry terminal. Rated highly by AGODA, book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate with free WiFi.

Standing Boy of Nagasaki

Please follow think link for the full story.

A young boy carries on his back the lifeless body of his younger brother, in the devastated city of Nagasaki after the atomic bomb. An American military photographer, Joe O’Donnell, took a picture of him standing stoically near a cremation pit. No one knows the boy’s name, but the photo has become an iconic image of the human tragedy of nuclear war. This program follows the continuing efforts to deepen understanding of the photograph, while exploring the fate of thousands of “atomic-bomb orphans” and their struggles to survive the aftermath of World War II.

Thanks for visiting my Battleship Island Nagasaki coal mine photo blog, please check out my Nagasaki city blog on THIS LINK.

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Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you

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Plus free cancellation .

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Nagasaki harbour street drummers

November 15, 2016 by David Herd

Nagasaki-nature-culture-history-Kyushu-Japan

Nagasaki Station

Nagasaki harbour street drummers, arriving at the station by Shinkansen from Kagoshima, I was eagerly anticipating the history and subsequent recovery of this fascinating city on the west coast of Kyushu Island.

Trams

A great way to get around the city in Nagasaki, my hotel was only 200 meters from the station where all the trams stopped as well.

My favourite Nagasaki sign

It’s on billboards, the side of trains & trams, wonderful Japanese humour. 🙂

Kankō Maru

Kankō Maru was Japan’s first steam-powered warship, originally a Dutch warship named Soembing it was presented to Japan in 1854 and renamed Kankō Maru.

Kankō Maru

She was based at Tsukiji until she was sent to the scrapyard in 1876. This exact replica was built in the Netherlands in 1987, it has a crew of 14 and can carry up to 300 passengers.

Waterfront restaurants

A number of restaurants overlook the harbour, I enjoyed many ice cold beers with two Sydney guys I met on a tour to Battleship Island.

Nagasaki nature culture history

Here I am with Doug & Waz, not much culture but lots of tradition, we solved many of the world’s problems before finally having dinner at Gorm’s, a very nice Italian restaurant.

Hills overlooking Nagasaki

One one side of the city is the bay & the other side hills overlooking the city.

Nagasaki harbour street drummers

On two occasions I was so lucky to see street performances by some amazing artists.

Nagasaki harbour street drummers

Just a matter of being in the right place at the right time.

Drummers in Nagasaki perform for the crowd

Watch this video on YouTube

Nagasaki ferry terminal

I bought a ticket to Battleship Island.

Ferry terminal

The terminal itself looks like a ship with a huge funnel. 🙂

In front of the station

The tram stop was in front of Nagasaki station and my hotel was just around the corner.

Orion Hotel

Perfect location only a three minute walk to the station. Rated highly by AGODA, book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate with free WiFi.

That’s all for now.

Thanks for visiting my Nagasaki city harbour street drummers photo blog, if you have time please check out the Peace Park, Battleship Island & Nagasaki food.

Standing Boy of Nagasaki

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Ohori Park Fukuoka Kyushu

November 13, 2016 by David Herd

Two Kilometre circumference

Ohori Park Fukuoka Kyushu

Ohori Park Fukuoka Kyushu Island is one of the most popular attractions in this northern Kyushu city. There are 3 separate islands connected by stone bridges.

Ohori Park Fukuoka Kyushu

Families with children & pets flock to this peaceful paradise in the heart of the city.

Feeding the ducks in the park

It’s a battle here between the ducks and the pigeons.

Feed the ducks or ride the ducks

Some choices here for you to relax out on the lake.

Ohori Park Fukuoka Kyushu

Ohori park was built between 1926 and 1929, the design is similar to the famous West Lake in China.

Art in the park

The tranquil atmosphere of Ohori park was highlighted for me by the number of artists sitting quietly capturing the beauty of their surrounds. One exception to this was a jolly fellow who continually sang rather loudly while he painted. 🙂

A picture of concentration

Painting beside the lake in Ohori Park seems like a perfect way to relax and fully appreciate your surroundings. Nearby is Fukuoka Art Museum and the Japanese gardens which certainly add value to this lovely urban oasis.

Ohori Park Pavilion

Every August there is a fireworks festival here in the park. Local Fukuoka people absolutely love their wonderful Ohori Park & use it regularly.

Ohori Park Fukuoka restaurant

Nice spot overlooking the lake to enjoy lunch, coffee or a few cocktails.

A beautiful serene urban oasis

You can’t help being impressed by this wonderful park in the heart of a busy modern city. Originally opened in 1929 & people will still be enjoying this 100 years from now.

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.

Ohori Park Fukuoka Kyushu Island is only 2 station & 4 minutes away be train from Tenjin station.

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Gyokusen’inmaru Garden

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

Adjacent to the castle

Kanazawa Castle

Spectacular

The buildings look new

As usual built on a hill

Through the gate we go

Picture perfect

Not a cloud in the sky

I was so fortunate to have perfect weather

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

Near Higashi Chaya District

Japanese drummers Geisha District

That was until I heard the sound of drums

Five minutes they added a flute

Japanese drummers Geisha District

Tiny streets

Tea House

Lattice is called “kimusuko”

Many interesting buildings

Torii Gate

Another example

You can take a bus but I prefer to walk

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Two-story Chaya houses

Higashi Chaya District Kanazawa

A close look at the lattice

Old Japanese Geisha Town Kanazawa

A couple of locals sharing a happy moment.

Photo opportunity

Hello boys

Smile please

Magnificent blue sky

Time to relax with an icecream

Higashi Chaya District Kanazawa

Just across the bridge is Kazue-machi

sound of drums

More great homes

If you are feeling lazy

But first lets negotiate the price. 🙂

Lovely shop

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Omicho Seafood Market

Fresh seafood packed on ice

Fresh crab very good

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

Salmon roe is absolutely fantastic

So many choices

Fresh fruit as well

I decided to have lunch at one of the popular restaurants

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa, very crowded

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa, check this out

How about the edible gold leaf?

Lets have a closer look

Check out my YouTube video

Fresh oysters

A great selection of seafood

Sushizanmai

The market is 10 minutes walk from my hotel

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Ōta River Hiroshima

The castle

Hiroshima streetcars

Covered shopping arcades

Japanese Craft Beer Café

Pour me another please.

Another great meal

Barbequed chicken

Jack & soda with Crispy burdock root

Crispy burdock root

My new friend

Daikichi

So many interesting bars & restaurants in Hiroshima.

Hiroshima city food transport

Hiroshima at night

A happy group of tourists

Even this old fellow looks happy

A typical corner bar restaurant near my hotel