Tokyo | Hello from the Five Star Vagabond

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.

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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.

Pattaya Hilton

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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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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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.

Chatting to the locals.

Japanese girl are just so nice. 🙂

Thanks for visiting my Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers post

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

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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 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

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

They tell me this is a very popular holiday destination.

Fujisawa bottom left hand corner of map

My friends Kayo and Hamish

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

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

A big smile from the shop keeper.

I met some locals

Happy guys on Enoshima island Japan.

They were very happy guys

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

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

View from the top

Looking down to the bridge at Enoshima.

BBQ corn

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

Not to mention great Asahi beer.

A truly great beer.

My lovely friend Kayo

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

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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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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Dotonbori lights camera action

October 6, 2015 by David Herd

Dotonburi Osaka

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

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. 🙂

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. 🙂

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

David Herd and Hamish Elton first night in Osaka

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

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

Cruising the canal

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

I am usually the one taking hundreds of photos.

The lights are coming on in Dotonbori

My favourite time of the day for taking photos.

Beside the canal

View from where we were drinking Asahi.

French restaurant

So many restaurants and such little time.

Another octopus

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

Has Hamish found his twin?

My friend Hamish Elton on his first trip to Japan.

Or perhaps I have found mine. 🙂

There is a photo opportunity around every corner.

More dragons

Dotonbori is a kaleidoscope of images.

So many restaurants and such little time.

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

An interesting hotel

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

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

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

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

Shinsaibashi

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

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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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.

Watch this video on YouTube

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Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

October 4, 2015 by David Herd

Spectacular Temple

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”, along with seven other sites including temples, shrines and places in the city of Nara. Deer are regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, hundreds roam the grounds and parks around the temple.

Many school children

Half the crowd were school children enjoying this beautiful temple.

During the Tenpyō era, Japan suffered from a series of disasters and epidemics. It was after experiencing these problems that Emperor Shōmu issued an edict in 741 to promote the construction of provincial temples throughout the nation.

An awesome breathtaking building

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan is one of the most impressive temples I have seen in Japan.

Amazing statues

Magnificent huge statues at Todai-ji Buddhist Temple.

Daibutsu of Tōdai-ji

The principal image of the temple, a colossal bronze statue popularly called the Nara Daibutsu (Great Buddha of Nara), completed in 752, it was installed in its daibutsuden (great Buddha hall). The image embodied the Buddha Birushana who was regarded by the Kegon sect as the cosmic, central Buddha. Over the centuries the icon was severely damaged several times and finally restored to its present form in 1692. Most of the extant Todaiji buildings are restorations of earlier structures.

Bodhisattva statue Kokuzo Bosatsu

Bodhisattva statue Kokuzo Bosatsu inside the Daibutsuden Great Buddha Hall at Todaiji Temple in Nara.

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple

Totally inspiring.

Guardian statue inside the temple

The attention to detail is incredible.

Another Guardian statue inside the temple

A very frightening appearance.

Models of temple buildings

An intricate model of the building.

Another model

These models help put the scale into perspective.

Column at the Todai-ji Buddhist Temple

There is a square hole at the base of this massive wooden column where for some unknown reason people crawl through. There is always a friend at the other side to take the obligatory photo of course. 🙂

Fat kid through the hole

For a while there I didn’t think this fat kid would make it. 🙂

Hundreds of deer roam the area near the temple

Deer are regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, hundreds roam the grounds around the temple.

Pindola (Binzuru) statue

According to the earliest Indian sutra‘s Pindola Bharadvaja was one of four Arhats asked by the Buddha to remain in the world to propagate Buddhist law (Dharma). Each of the four was associated with one of the four compass directions.

Binzuru

Pindola is said to have excelled in the mastery of occult and psychic powers. He was once remonstrated by Buddha for misusing his powers to impress simple, ignorant people.

Incense Burner

There was an incense Burner at either end of the long walkway.

The other Incense Burner

I really enjoyed my visit to the Todai-ji Buddhist Temple.

Nobody is safe when I have my camera

Very cute indeed. 🙂

There are deer everywhere.

So tame and used to being hand fed.

Such a beautiful temple

Totally impressive and well worth the visit.

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple

Many thanks for visiting my Todai-ji Buddhist Temple post.

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Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

July 25, 2015 by David Herd

Get ready

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

Shibuya Chaotic 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.

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

The name “Shibuya” is also used to refer to the shopping district which surrounds Shibuya Station, one of Tokyo’s busiest railway stations. This area is known as one of the fashion centers of Japan, particularly for young people, and as a major nightlife area.

The masses collide 🙂

Shibuya Crossing is one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. Shibuya Station is the third busiest station in Tokyo. The busiest in Tokyo and the world of course is Shinjuku.

Beautiful girls

You will see all different kinds of people and outfits in Shibuya, that’s why it’s one of my favourite places in Tokyo.

Fabulous faces in Shibuya

Tokyo is one of the world’s best cities for people watching.

Shibuya Scramble Tokyo

Something to see around every corner.

Tokyo fashion

Of course close to Shibuya on a Sunday morning you can also see the fabulous Harajuku girls.

Fabulous at night

They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway, but for me Tokyo is the neon capital of the world. The Ginza, Kabukicho and Shibuya are just three of the districts that will blow your mind.

Shibuya 109

Here is a popular shopping mall where the trendy Tokyo teenagers shop in more than 100 boutiques.

Dusk in Shibuya

The crowd seems to increase when the sun goes down and all the workers head for the shops, restaurants and bars.

Merry Xmas 2007

My first visit was December 2007 then March 2014 and I’m returning in September 2015 & October 2016..

Cool dude

I wonder what type of music he likes?

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

The specialty here is sweet, fluffy cheese tarts, with a gooey core that oozes out when you cut it open.

Shibuya hamburger

The food is one of the main attractions for me.

The Cellar Grill

One of my favourite restaurants is only a 15 minute walk from Shibuya station. Good food and a great atmosphere.

Wine at Cellar Grill

Thanks for visiting my Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo photo blog, I’m really looking forward to my next trip in September 2015, I’ll be staying at the Shibuya Granbell Hotel.

Granbell Hotel

I got an excellent deal booking through this Agoda link.

One last look at Shibuya crossing.

An awesome view from above.

Live link

【LIVE CAMERA】渋谷スクランブル交差点

Watch this video on YouTube

Sydney Paris Bangkok

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London Beijing Capetown

Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you

book through these links below. Book now & pay later.

Plus free cancellation .

Bangkok Hotels Pattaya Hotels

A-One hotel on Beach Road

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

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Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

July 22, 2015 by David Herd

On a Sunday morning sidewalk

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo originated among teens on the streets near Harajuku Station in Shibuya, Japan. It may have been brought to many people’s attention by American singer Gwen Stefani, but the evolution of the style certainly didn’t begin with her and it certainly won’t end with her. Like many “street fashions” it is difficult to characterize because it is constantly changing and because it has many manifestations.

Very cute indeed

These photos were taken a few years ago, I believe now in 2016 there are not as many girls gathering here every Sunday.

Comparing notes

Mix and (mis)match different fashions. What is now known as Harajuku (like Halloween in Japan every Sunday) style started as teens in the district began to integrate traditional Japanese attire, especially kimonos and geta sandals, into their wardrobe. Before, they wore primarily clothes that were influenced by the West, but by mixing the traditional with the modern, they created a new style. Other examples of mixing and matching including the punk look with the schoolgirl uniform or a goth look with designer clothes. In Harajuku, mixing different styles and mismatching colours and patterns is encouraged – you can do anything you want, as long as your outfit is a thoughtful expression of your individuality.

Lots of style here

It’s impossible to pinpoint one “Harajuku style.” Many styles have originated or developed on the streets of Harajuku, and many Harajuku girls (and boys) integrate one or more of these somewhat more defined styles into their outfits.

Pink is my colour

Decora style favours bright colours, flamboyance and accessories from head to toe. You decorate yourself with plastic toys and jewelry, and it’s not uncommon to have so many that you can hear them click together when the person moves

Here I am

I just had to get a shot with the Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo.

Love the purple hat

A beautiful Japanese face.

Lots of style this girl

A very interesting fashion statement.

Panda hat

A great hat & a nice tie.

Perhaps I’m a little confused

Don’t be worried what other people think of you. People might think your weird, Asian people might call you gaijin, but if you’re happy, don’t change for other people. Advice from this webpage.

Ah! What the heck

Many styles have originated or developed on the streets of Harajuku, and many Harajuku girls (and boys) integrate one or more of these somewhat more defined styles into their outfits.

Pink panthers

I must say I’m not a fan of body piercing.

Painted faces

A couple of very cool dudes.

I’m guessing they are Goths

A good horror movie outfit.

A gathering of Goths

Harajuku girls are one of the most interesting sights to see in Tokyo.

Lets finish with “cute”

Bye bye girls, nice to meet you.

Harajuku station

Here is where it all begins, Harajuku Station is a railway station near Shibuya.

Here is where they buy their clothes

A nearby busy street is where many of them buy their clothes.

Don’t buy anything

What you are wearing now is perfect. 🙂

Just walking the dogs

They all seem to be the same breed. 🙂

Hmmm, not sure he approves.

A very interesting face in the crowd.

This should explain everything

What Harajuku Girls Really Look Like | Style Out There | Refinery29

Watch this video on YouTube

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Tokyo London Lisbon Rio

March 27, 2015 by David Herd

One of my greatest ever trips

Tokyo London Lisbon Rio

Tokyo London Lisbon Rio NYC, plus Florianopolis, Belnario Camboriu, and Curitiba. In 2007 my 2 month trip which turned out to be one of the two best around the world journeys I have ever done.

Anyone for coffee?

Food, food and more food, you gotta love Tokyo. It is certainly one of my favourite cities in the world. In fact I was here for the first time in April this year and loved it so much I’m back in December.

Joan and Bill from Wiltshire

In fact we were having dinner in Bath, I was travelling to Dorchester the next day with Bill to visit his brother Alan who was a guest of Her Majesty.

Gold Hill, Shaftesbury

Gold Hill is a steep cobbled street in the town of Shaftesbury in the English county of Dorset. It is famous for its picturesque appearance; the view looking down from the top of the street has been described as “one of the most romantic sights in England

Lisbon

Fado is a music genre which can be traced to the 1820s in Portugal, but probably with much earlier origins.

Lisbon restaurant

Lisbon is a great city for food as you can clearly see. 🙂

Rio de Janeiro NYE Copacabana

December 2007 and the city is winding up for New Years Eve. After a couple of weeks I will go to Curitiba to meet my friend Craig aka Sudzy from Australia, then after visiting a few cities we will head back to Rio for Carnival

Sergio, do you think our ship will ever come in?

Beautiful Copacabana and the first of nine cruise ships arrive for NYE

Curitiba

A nice city south of Sao Paulo however one visit is enough, there are more interesting places further south as you will see.

Curitiba

I met my friend Craig from Australia and we set out for Florianopolis.

Florianopolis.

Florianopolis wonderful Brazilian city, the photo above is Joaquina beach which is famous throughout the world for surfing.

Florianopolis.

Barra da Lagoa Beach has good waves, clear water and a tropical rain-forest, this makes Barra da Lagoa the kind of place you can easily loose track of time! Just sit back and watch the pretty girls at play.

Balneário Camboriú a Brazilian surprise

We had never heard of this place until we were in Florianopolis and what a fabulous surprise it turned out to be.

Balneário Camboriú

A similar statue to Rio de Janeiro. Balneário Camboriú is famous for the cable car which (uniquely in the world) links the two beaches of Balneário Camboriú and Laranjeiras. The town is located 10 km (6.2 mi) south of the city of Itajaí and 80 km (50 mi) north of the state capital, Florianópolis, and has a population of 94,344 (2007 census office estimate), which swells to over one million in the summer.

Balneário Camboriú

Antonio cycled around the world for UNESCO in 1999, on his trip the both times he was robbed was in Australia while the Olympics were on in 2000. And people say Brazil is dangerous.

Paraty

It’s Probably not hard to guess why this is my favourite photo, a rose between two thorns, I don’t think so. Paraty grew in the 18th century as a strategically important port for exporting the gold mined in Minas Gerais. When shipments in nearby Rio began to attract the attention and ambition of pirates and privateers from rival European powers, the Portuguese began using Paraty as their safe port for getting their gold to Lisbon.

Magnificent Brazilian girl

To see more of this beautiful creature just follow THIS LINK.

Take me to your leader

Once a year, when the great Rio De Janeiro carnival takes place, the coastal town Paraty which is located 250 km south west to Rio, holds a unique carnival. In Paraty’s Mud Carnival – (Portuguese: Bloco da lama) the costumes that its participants wear is black sticky mud which is smeared on their bodies. The carnival preserves the ancient local tradition when the Indians smeared their bodies with black mud for medical reasons, and held ritual ceremonies in order to bring cure to the ill. In contrary to Rio carnival where the participants wear marvelous colored costumes, in Paraty carnival the fiesta is based mostly on the simplicity of the junction between men and nature.

Back to Rio for Carnival

After a fascinating trip down south we head back to Rio for Carnival.

Carnival in Ipanema

Ipanema Carnival street party was one of the best nights in my life with my friend Dave Wylie. There was a “bloco” going on in front of the restaurant. A “bloco” is a block party during carnival. There are hundreds of them just in Rio. They are organized by local Carnival groups and the best ones move up the food chain of blocks to become the big samba schools that put on the big Carnival parades each year that Rio is famous for. We had a window table at “Garota de Ipanema” with of course means “The Girl from Ipanema”, and this is the exact spot the song was written in 1962, with music by Antônio Carlos Jobim and Portuguese lyrics by Vinicius de Moraes. English lyrics were written later by Norman Gimbel.

With Dave Wylie at Garota de Ipanema

Here I am with my good friend Dave Wylie at our window table at Garota de Ipanema. All night the action was all around us as you can see from the photos. As I said earlier Ipanema Carnival it was one of the best and most memorable nights of my life. Another equally memorable night was 4 weeks earlier, New Years Eve on Copacabana, simply awesome.

Garota de Ipanema

This crazy guy was so funny, he was absolutely smashed and spoke to Dave Wylie who is fluent in Portuguese, he said “Voce sabe quem eu sou?” (do you know who I am?”) “Eu sou o deus de dor da cabesa”) (I am the God of Headaches”).

I love New York

As I said before New York is my favourite city, I like to say to friends, if the cities of the world could be likened to a horse race, New York would win by 10 lengths over the next bunch of cities which would include Paris, London, Sydney, Bangkok, Tokyo, Rome, Budapest, Amsterdam, Rio De Janeiro & Cape Town, not necessarily in that order.

Gallaghers steakhouse 52nd st

Surf and Turf, say no more.

Phil Barkin and Gordon Shanks

Phil now lives in Manila and both these guys love to visit Pattaya.

UPDATE, it’s October 2017 & Phil has moved back to Florida.

Thanks for visiting and sharing my memories.

I hope you enjoyed my Tokyo London Lisbon Rio NYC photo blog.

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Asia best city Tokyo

April 17, 2014 by David Herd

Tokyo Skytree

Asia best city definitely Tokyo Japan

Asia best city Tokyo Japan, this was my 3rd visit after being there twice in 2007. There is so much to see and do in this fantastic city. I guarantee I won’t wait 7 years before I visit again.

Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting, restaurant, and observation tower in Sumida, Tokyo, Japan. It became the tallest structure in Japan in 2010 and reached its full height of 634.0 meters in March 2011.

Asakusa

Looking down at Asakusa from the Skytree. Asakusa is a district in Taitō, Tokyo, Japan, most famous for the Sensō-ji, a Buddhist temple dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon. There are several other temples in Asakusa, as well as various festivals.

Sky Tree at night

I rarely use a photo I have not taken myself, however this one I found on Twitter is an exception as it is so spectacular.

Sensō-ji, a Buddhist temple

Sensō-ji is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Taitō. It is Tokyo’s oldest temple, and one of its most significant. Formerly associated with the Tendai sect, it became independent after World War II. Adjacent to the temple is a Shinto shrine, the Asakusa Shrine. Want to see more photos just CLICK HERE.

Tsukiji Honganji Temple

Hongwan-ji, is a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temple located in the Tsukiji district of Tokyo. Tsukiji Hongan-ji’s predecessor was the temple of Edo-Asakusa Gobo, built in Asakusa in 1617 at the behest of the 12th monshu, Junnyo Shōnin. The temple burned during a city-wide fire in 1657, and the shogunate refused to allow it to be rebuilt in Asakusa due to a prior project there. Instead, the temple was moved to a new parcel of land being reclaimed by the Sumida River—today’s Tsukiji. This land was said to have been reclaimed by Jodo Shinshu followers themselves who lived at nearby Tsukudajima. The name Tsukiji comes from the kanji characters meaning “reclaimed land”. This new temple, named Tsukiji Gobo, stood until it was leveled by the Great Kantō earthquake of 1923.

New Sanno Hotel

Dinner with Clai & Dan at the New Sanno Hotel. It offers a swimming pool, recreational facilities, a Navy Exchange, and other services designed for military travelers. The hotel is regulated and controlled by the U.S.–Japan Status of Forces Agreement. In addition to active duty and retired US military personnel eligible to use other Armed Forces Recreation Centers, DoD civilian employees duty stationing in Japan, contractors on DoD orders to execute contracts for the US Armed Forces stationed in Japan, US Embassy Tokyo personnel and individuals administratively attached to US Embassy Tokyo are eligible to use the hotel.

New Sanno Hotel

I dined with friends at the US military hotel in Tokyo (New Sanno Hotel). You actually need a passport checked by an armed guard just to get in the door.

Met a couple of military guys, one was an ex Lieutenant Colonel whose name is Lance Gatling, you guessed it, his great great Grandfather was Doctor Richard Gatling who invented the Gatling gun in 1861 during the American civil war. Naturally talking to these guys I learnt some interesting facts, America lost about 600,000 in the civil war. In World War II, they lost about 200,000, & 54,000 in Vietnam. The primary cause of death in the Civil War was disease and infection.

Metro cafe

Metro cafe is one of our favorite Tokyo bars, you can always meet delightful Japanese ladies there. It is located at Omotesando Station.

The Cellar Grill at Omotesando

Not far from the Metro Cafe is a great little restaurant called the Cellar Grill.

Bob Bitzer & I at the Cellar Grill

A great night with lots of laughs.

The Cellar Grill

Feeling no pain at the Cellar Grill, now lets get back to Cafe Metro.

Friends in Tokyo at Metro cafe

Here we are back in our favorite drinking spot in Asia best city at Omete-Sando station. I’m with Clai, Dan and Bob.

kabuki theatre tokyo

The building was destroyed on October 30, 1921. Since it burned down from an electrical fire, the second building was designed to “be fireproof, yet carry traditional Japanese architectural styles”, and at the same time using Western building materials such as lighting equipment. The reconstruction commenced in 1922, and was uncompleted when the 1923 Great Kantō earthquake struck and caused it to burn down. It was rebuilt in a baroque Japanese revivalist style, meant to evoke the architectural details of Japanese castles, as well as temples of pre-Edo period. The theater again burned down in the Allied bombing during World War II. It was restored in 1950 preserving the style of 1924 reconstruction, and was until recently one of Tokyo’s more dramatic and traditional buildings.

The Ginza

The Ginza is known as an upscale area of Tokyo with numerous department stores, boutiques, restaurants and coffeehouses. Ginza is recognised as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world.