Japan and Us
Monday, July 28, 2014
Kabukicho
With the visually arresting and pounding, pulsating sounds of the Robot Restaurant experience still staggering our senses, we spent the rest of the night ambling around Tokyo's neon-dazzled red light district Kabukicho, soaking in the area's unique mix of host and hostess clubs, love hotels, and nightclubs.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
A Stroll Through Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
After a night at the Robot Restaurant and a long amble through the neon-lit Kabukicho red-light district, we decided to focus the next morning on nature by visiting the Gyoen National Garden, an oasis of green and quiet in a bustling city of more than 13 million people.
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Cruising Japan
We headed to the port city of Yokohama, where we boarded the the Diamond Princess for a 9-day cruise around the island of Japan. There were 2,670 passengers on board and almost 2,600 of them were Japanese nationals. Of the fewer than 100 foreigners, we were 2 of only 20 Americans. While the purpose of the cruise was a quick way to get us to 4 cities in Japan and 1 in Russia, we did have an on-board life, also.
Yokohama at dusk |
We both entered a hula competition on board. |
I lost, as did Judy. But we did team up later 2 win 2 rounds of trivia. |
And here is who we lost to. |
And there are times you can just chill out to a calming sea. |
Friday, July 25, 2014
Kushiro
Fish is a staple of the Japanese diet. In fact, 1 in every 10 fish eaten annualy in the world is consumed in Japan. That makes fishing cities like Kushiro on the island of Hokaido extremely important.
A windy day in a decorated downtown |
A statue for all |
Fisherman discuss the day's catch. |
Nets drying in the noon-day sun |
Even the playgrounds have a nautical theme |
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
From Russia With Love: A Stop in Korsakov
Obviously, a much different vibe than Japan. Lenin da, Putin nyet, and minder/guides and a heavy police presence. A contrast of bright and dull, old and new.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Monday, July 21, 2014
Otaru: Mansions and Mountains
First, we visited the former Aoyama Villa, the finest example of all of the areas "Herring Mansions," which was built in 1924 with a dining room to seat 200 people.
Then we headed up Mount Tenguyama by cable car for some great views.
Then we headed up Mount Tenguyama by cable car for some great views.
Sunday, July 20, 2014
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2014
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July
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- Kabukicho
- A Stroll Through Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Cruising Japan
- Kushiro
- A Kimono Fitting in Kushiro
- From Russia With Love: A Stop in Korsakov
- The People of Korssakov
- Otaru: Mansions and Mountains
- The Otaru Canal and the Arts
- Hokadate: The Seikan Tunnel
- Hokadate - Sumo Wrestling Hall of Fame
- Hokadate at Night
- Aomori: Seiyuu-ji Buddhist Temple
- Aomori: Nebuta Festival Daytime Preview
- Aomori: Nebuta at Night - The Floats
- Aomori: Nebuta at Night - The People
- Tokyo: The Meiji Shinto Shrine
- Tokyo: Sesan-Ji Buddist Temple
- Japan And Its People
- Japan and Its Places
- Japan and Its Things
- Japan and Us
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