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  • Haikyo Western Village Hanging - <br />
Japan is a country associated with serene temples, exquisite gardens and cherry blossoms.  It is the last place you'd expect to a Wild West theme park.  Perhaps that is why it officially closed down to the public in 2007, but is still popular with explorers who still go there and try to imagine what it was like to travel back in time to the American Wild West for the afternoon amidst all the rubble, saloons and fading attractions.  It now more closely resembles a horror movie movie set, but never mind.  The place is fascinating on so many levels, that if visitors happen to be in the Nikko area, it is definitely a must, at least get a gander of the replica Mount Rushmore mountain as the train passes by.  If you dare to enter (it is officially off limits but has easy access) you may be either creeped out by all the dishevelment and weeds or you may find yourself fascinated.  It’s at your own risk, but true aficionados of haikyo, abandoned buildings and theme parks will be unable to resist.
    haikyo-western-village-59.jpg
  • Lantau is the largest island in Hong Kong, situated at the mouth of the Pearl River.  For years just a sleepy fishing village, has become a popular daytrip for Hongkongers partly because of its outdoor market.
    lantau-3.jpg
  • Curing and drying vegetables, herbs, grains in Japan is done simply by hanging them from the rafters in the southernmost part of a farmhouse which gets the most sunshine exposure.  Plums, corn, radishes, persimmons are usually dried and cured in this way.
    japanese-farmhouse-4.jpg
  • Curing and drying vegetables, herbs, grains in Japan is done simply by hanging them from the rafters in the southernmost part of a farmhouse which gets the most sunshine exposure.  Plums, corn, radishes, persimmons are usually dried and cured in this way.
    japanese-farmhouse-5.jpg
  • Drying Persimmons, haning and suspended in the sun, the Japanese way of curing fruit and vegetables.
    persimmons-1.jpg
  • Daikon or Japanese radishes, are the most popular vegetable in Japan. Pickled, grated, or raw, they are found in nearly every Japanese meal.  Daikon literally “big root” is a type of edible radish known for its very long white root.  The common variety is grown in the shape of a very large carrot. In Japan many kinds of pickles are made of daikon.  Oden, a popular winter soup dish, also features daikon as a principle ingredient.   Outside of Asia they are known as “Fodder Radish”.  Its Latin name is Raphanus sativus
    daikon-7.jpg
  • Jackfruit is a species of tree commonly found in Asia and the Pacific. Its Latin name is Artocarpus Heterophyllus.  Jackfruits grow well in the tropics and its fruit is the largest of any fruit-bearing plant.
    jackfruit-2.jpg
  • Kasuga Shine Shimenawa - Kasuga Taisha is famous for its many lanterns which were donated by worshippers. The many bronze lanterns within the shrine and 3000 stone lanterns lining the shrine's approach are lit on the occasion of the Lantern Festivals in February and August.
    kasuga-3.jpg
  • Vietnamese Fishing Net Suspended on Thu Bon River in Hoi An.  A large, empty fish net is suspended from poles over water in the harbor at Hoi An.<br />
These nets are kept this way during parts of the day to keep them untangled and to allow boats to pass by safely. They are then lowered into the water to catch fish at night or when conditions are optimal.
    hoi-an-fishing-net-1.jpg
  • Daikon or Japanese radishes, are the most popular vegetable in Japan. Pickled, grated, or raw, they are found in nearly every Japanese meal.  Daikon literally “big root” is a type of edible radish known for its very long white root.  The common variety is grown in the shape of a very large carrot. In Japan many kinds of pickles are made of daikon.  Oden, a popular winter soup dish, also features daikon as a principle ingredient.   Outside of Asia they are known as “Fodder Radish”.  Its Latin name is Raphanus sativus
    daikon-6.jpg
  • Drying Japanese Vegerables
    drying-vegetables--1.jpg
  • Panda having a nap at the Chengdu Panda Research Station, the biggest facility of this kind in the world.  The giant panda is the most famous endangered animal species. The research station is home to sixty giant panda but also has some red pandas.
    chengdu-panda-3.jpg
  • Vietnamese Fishing Net Suspended on Thu Bon River in Hoi An.  A large, empty fish net is suspended from poles over water in the harbor at Hoi An.<br />
These nets are kept this way during parts of the day to keep them untangled and to allow boats to pass by safely. They are then lowered into the water to catch fish at night or when conditions are optimal.
    hoi-an-fishing-net-2.jpg
  • Kelp are large seaweed plants (algae), belonging to the brown algae. Kelp grows in underwater kelp forests in shallow, coastal areas.  Known In Japan as wakame it is most widely used in miso soup.  Japanese have cultivated wakame for centuries and they still are the main producers and eaters.
    kelp.jpg
  • Mt Fuji Hang Gliding - One of the more popular spots for hang gliding is in the Izu Peninsula south of Mount Fuji, where wind conditions are idea and the terrain is hilly with flat valleys for safe landings.  Plus, the backdrop view of Mt Fuji is an extra plus.  Hang gliding is a recreational activity using an air glider made of aluminum or composite frames covered with lightweight sailcloth which forms a birdlike wing. The hang glider will use a harness suspended from the frame, and controls the glider by shifting body weight in opposition to the frame.  With improved methods and hang gliders pilots can drift and soar for hours, gain thousands of feet of altitude using updrafts, perform aerobatics, and glide cross-country.   Because of the poor safety record of early hang gliders, the sport has long been considered to be unsafe but advances in training and glider construction have led to a much better safety record thanks to being built using sturdy materials plus modern gliders now have built-in dive recovery mechanisms. Pilots carry parachutes enclosed in their harnesses in case of serious problems.  Pilots also wear helmets.  Therefore, the accident rate from hang glider flying has been dramatically decreased by pilot training. People in hang gliders wrap themselves in harnesses such as pod harnesses that are put on like a jacket.  The most common method of launching is from a hill on foot with ideal wind conditions.
    fuji-hang-gliding-16.jpg
  • Japanese Hang Gliding  - One of the more popular spots for hang gliding is in the Izu Peninsula south of Mount Fuji, where wind conditions are idea and the terrain is hilly with flat valleys for safe landings.  Plus, the backdrop view of Mt Fuji is an extra plus.  Hang gliding is a recreational activity using an air glider made of aluminum or composite frames covered with lightweight sailcloth which forms a birdlike wing. The hang glider will use a harness suspended from the frame, and controls the glider by shifting body weight in opposition to the frame.  With improved methods and hang gliders pilots can drift and soar for hours, gain thousands of feet of altitude using updrafts, perform aerobatics, and glide cross-country.   Because of the poor safety record of early hang gliders, the sport has long been considered to be unsafe but advances in training and glider construction have led to a much better safety record thanks to being built using sturdy materials plus modern gliders now have built-in dive recovery mechanisms. Pilots carry parachutes enclosed in their harnesses in case of serious problems.  Pilots also wear helmets.  Therefore, the accident rate from hang glider flying has been dramatically decreased by pilot training. People in hang gliders wrap themselves in harnesses such as pod harnesses that are put on like a jacket.  The most common method of launching is from a hill on foot with ideal wind conditions.
    fuji-hang-gliding-14.jpg
  • Mt Fuji Hang Gliding - One of the more popular spots for hang gliding is in the Izu Peninsula south of Mount Fuji, where wind conditions are idea and the terrain is hilly with flat valleys for safe landings.  Plus, the backdrop view of Mt Fuji is an extra plus.  Hang gliding is a recreational activity using an air glider made of aluminum or composite frames covered with lightweight sailcloth which forms a birdlike wing. The hang glider will use a harness suspended from the frame, and controls the glider by shifting body weight in opposition to the frame.  With improved methods and hang gliders pilots can drift and soar for hours, gain thousands of feet of altitude using updrafts, perform aerobatics, and glide cross-country.   Because of the poor safety record of early hang gliders, the sport has long been considered to be unsafe but advances in training and glider construction have led to a much better safety record thanks to being built using sturdy materials plus modern gliders now have built-in dive recovery mechanisms. Pilots carry parachutes enclosed in their harnesses in case of serious problems.  Pilots also wear helmets.  Therefore, the accident rate from hang glider flying has been dramatically decreased by pilot training. People in hang gliders wrap themselves in harnesses such as pod harnesses that are put on like a jacket.  The most common method of launching is from a hill on foot with ideal wind conditions.
    fuji-hang-gliding-12.jpg
  • Mt Fuji Hang Gliding - One of the more popular spots for hang gliding is in the Izu Peninsula south of Mount Fuji, where wind conditions are idea and the terrain is hilly with flat valleys for safe landings.  Plus, the backdrop view of Mt Fuji is an extra plus.  Hang gliding is a recreational activity using an air glider made of aluminum or composite frames covered with lightweight sailcloth which forms a birdlike wing. The hang glider will use a harness suspended from the frame, and controls the glider by shifting body weight in opposition to the frame.  With improved methods and hang gliders pilots can drift and soar for hours, gain thousands of feet of altitude using updrafts, perform aerobatics, and glide cross-country.   Because of the poor safety record of early hang gliders, the sport has long been considered to be unsafe but advances in training and glider construction have led to a much better safety record thanks to being built using sturdy materials plus modern gliders now have built-in dive recovery mechanisms. Pilots carry parachutes enclosed in their harnesses in case of serious problems.  Pilots also wear helmets.  Therefore, the accident rate from hang glider flying has been dramatically decreased by pilot training. People in hang gliders wrap themselves in harnesses such as pod harnesses that are put on like a jacket.  The most common method of launching is from a hill on foot with ideal wind conditions.
    fuji-hang-gliding-9.jpg
  • Mt Fuji Hang Gliding - One of the more popular spots for hang gliding is in the Izu Peninsula south of Mount Fuji, where wind conditions are idea and the terrain is hilly with flat valleys for safe landings.  Plus, the backdrop view of Mt Fuji is an extra plus.  Hang gliding is a recreational activity using an air glider made of aluminum or composite frames covered with lightweight sailcloth which forms a birdlike wing. The hang glider will use a harness suspended from the frame, and controls the glider by shifting body weight in opposition to the frame.  With improved methods and hang gliders pilots can drift and soar for hours, gain thousands of feet of altitude using updrafts, perform aerobatics, and glide cross-country.   Because of the poor safety record of early hang gliders, the sport has long been considered to be unsafe but advances in training and glider construction have led to a much better safety record thanks to being built using sturdy materials plus modern gliders now have built-in dive recovery mechanisms. Pilots carry parachutes enclosed in their harnesses in case of serious problems.  Pilots also wear helmets.  Therefore, the accident rate from hang glider flying has been dramatically decreased by pilot training. People in hang gliders wrap themselves in harnesses such as pod harnesses that are put on like a jacket.  The most common method of launching is from a hill on foot with ideal wind conditions.
    fuji-hang-gliding-5.jpg
  • Mt Fuji Hang Gliding - One of the more popular spots for hang gliding is in the Izu Peninsula south of Mount Fuji, where wind conditions are idea and the terrain is hilly with flat valleys for safe landings.  Plus, the backdrop view of Mt Fuji is an extra plus.  Hang gliding is a recreational activity using an air glider made of aluminum or composite frames covered with lightweight sailcloth which forms a birdlike wing. The hang glider will use a harness suspended from the frame, and controls the glider by shifting body weight in opposition to the frame.  With improved methods and hang gliders pilots can drift and soar for hours, gain thousands of feet of altitude using updrafts, perform aerobatics, and glide cross-country.   Because of the poor safety record of early hang gliders, the sport has long been considered to be unsafe but advances in training and glider construction have led to a much better safety record thanks to being built using sturdy materials plus modern gliders now have built-in dive recovery mechanisms. Pilots carry parachutes enclosed in their harnesses in case of serious problems.  Pilots also wear helmets.  Therefore, the accident rate from hang glider flying has been dramatically decreased by pilot training. People in hang gliders wrap themselves in harnesses such as pod harnesses that are put on like a jacket.  The most common method of launching is from a hill on foot with ideal wind conditions.
    fuji-hang-gliding-2.jpg
  • Mt Fuji Hang Gliding - One of the more popular spots for hang gliding is in the Izu Peninsula south of Mount Fuji, where wind conditions are idea and the terrain is hilly with flat valleys for safe landings.  Plus, the backdrop view of Mt Fuji is an extra plus.  Hang gliding is a recreational activity using an air glider made of aluminum or composite frames covered with lightweight sailcloth which forms a birdlike wing. The hang glider will use a harness suspended from the frame, and controls the glider by shifting body weight in opposition to the frame.  With improved methods and hang gliders pilots can drift and soar for hours, gain thousands of feet of altitude using updrafts, perform aerobatics, and glide cross-country.   Because of the poor safety record of early hang gliders, the sport has long been considered to be unsafe but advances in training and glider construction have led to a much better safety record thanks to being built using sturdy materials plus modern gliders now have built-in dive recovery mechanisms. Pilots carry parachutes enclosed in their harnesses in case of serious problems.  Pilots also wear helmets.  Therefore, the accident rate from hang glider flying has been dramatically decreased by pilot training. People in hang gliders wrap themselves in harnesses such as pod harnesses that are put on like a jacket.  The most common method of launching is from a hill on foot with ideal wind conditions.
    fuji-hang-gliding-4.jpg
  • Japanese Hang Gliding  - One of the more popular spots for hang gliding is in the Izu Peninsula south of Mount Fuji, where wind conditions are idea and the terrain is hilly with flat valleys for safe landings.  Plus, the backdrop view of Mt Fuji is an extra plus.  Hang gliding is a recreational activity using an air glider made of aluminum or composite frames covered with lightweight sailcloth which forms a birdlike wing. The hang glider will use a harness suspended from the frame, and controls the glider by shifting body weight in opposition to the frame.  With improved methods and hang gliders pilots can drift and soar for hours, gain thousands of feet of altitude using updrafts, perform aerobatics, and glide cross-country.   Because of the poor safety record of early hang gliders, the sport has long been considered to be unsafe but advances in training and glider construction have led to a much better safety record thanks to being built using sturdy materials plus modern gliders now have built-in dive recovery mechanisms. Pilots carry parachutes enclosed in their harnesses in case of serious problems.  Pilots also wear helmets.  Therefore, the accident rate from hang glider flying has been dramatically decreased by pilot training. People in hang gliders wrap themselves in harnesses such as pod harnesses that are put on like a jacket.  The most common method of launching is from a hill on foot with ideal wind conditions.
    hang-gliding-4.jpg
  • Japanese Hang Gliding  - One of the more popular spots for hang gliding is in the Izu Peninsula south of Mount Fuji, where wind conditions are idea and the terrain is hilly with flat valleys for safe landings.  Plus, the backdrop view of Mt Fuji is an extra plus.  Hang gliding is a recreational activity using an air glider made of aluminum or composite frames covered with lightweight sailcloth which forms a birdlike wing. The hang glider will use a harness suspended from the frame, and controls the glider by shifting body weight in opposition to the frame.  With improved methods and hang gliders pilots can drift and soar for hours, gain thousands of feet of altitude using updrafts, perform aerobatics, and glide cross-country.   Because of the poor safety record of early hang gliders, the sport has long been considered to be unsafe but advances in training and glider construction have led to a much better safety record thanks to being built using sturdy materials plus modern gliders now have built-in dive recovery mechanisms. Pilots carry parachutes enclosed in their harnesses in case of serious problems.  Pilots also wear helmets.  Therefore, the accident rate from hang glider flying has been dramatically decreased by pilot training. People in hang gliders wrap themselves in harnesses such as pod harnesses that are put on like a jacket.  The most common method of launching is from a hill on foot with ideal wind conditions.
    hang-gliding-3.jpg
  • Mt Fuji Hang Gliding - One of the more popular spots for hang gliding is in the Izu Peninsula south of Mount Fuji, where wind conditions are idea and the terrain is hilly with flat valleys for safe landings.  Plus, the backdrop view of Mt Fuji is an extra plus.  Hang gliding is a recreational activity using an air glider made of aluminum or composite frames covered with lightweight sailcloth which forms a birdlike wing. The hang glider will use a harness suspended from the frame, and controls the glider by shifting body weight in opposition to the frame.  With improved methods and hang gliders pilots can drift and soar for hours, gain thousands of feet of altitude using updrafts, perform aerobatics, and glide cross-country.   Because of the poor safety record of early hang gliders, the sport has long been considered to be unsafe but advances in training and glider construction have led to a much better safety record thanks to being built using sturdy materials plus modern gliders now have built-in dive recovery mechanisms. Pilots carry parachutes enclosed in their harnesses in case of serious problems.  Pilots also wear helmets.  Therefore, the accident rate from hang glider flying has been dramatically decreased by pilot training. People in hang gliders wrap themselves in harnesses such as pod harnesses that are put on like a jacket.  The most common method of launching is from a hill on foot with ideal wind conditions.
    fuji-hang-gliding-15.jpg
  • Mt Fuji Hang Gliding - One of the more popular spots for hang gliding is in the Izu Peninsula south of Mount Fuji, where wind conditions are idea and the terrain is hilly with flat valleys for safe landings.  Plus, the backdrop view of Mt Fuji is an extra plus.  Hang gliding is a recreational activity using an air glider made of aluminum or composite frames covered with lightweight sailcloth which forms a birdlike wing. The hang glider will use a harness suspended from the frame, and controls the glider by shifting body weight in opposition to the frame.  With improved methods and hang gliders pilots can drift and soar for hours, gain thousands of feet of altitude using updrafts, perform aerobatics, and glide cross-country.   Because of the poor safety record of early hang gliders, the sport has long been considered to be unsafe but advances in training and glider construction have led to a much better safety record thanks to being built using sturdy materials plus modern gliders now have built-in dive recovery mechanisms. Pilots carry parachutes enclosed in their harnesses in case of serious problems.  Pilots also wear helmets.  Therefore, the accident rate from hang glider flying has been dramatically decreased by pilot training. People in hang gliders wrap themselves in harnesses such as pod harnesses that are put on like a jacket.  The most common method of launching is from a hill on foot with ideal wind conditions.
    fuji-hang-gliding-11.jpg
  • Mt Fuji Hang Gliding - One of the more popular spots for hang gliding is in the Izu Peninsula south of Mount Fuji, where wind conditions are idea and the terrain is hilly with flat valleys for safe landings.  Plus, the backdrop view of Mt Fuji is an extra plus.  Hang gliding is a recreational activity using an air glider made of aluminum or composite frames covered with lightweight sailcloth which forms a birdlike wing. The hang glider will use a harness suspended from the frame, and controls the glider by shifting body weight in opposition to the frame.  With improved methods and hang gliders pilots can drift and soar for hours, gain thousands of feet of altitude using updrafts, perform aerobatics, and glide cross-country.   Because of the poor safety record of early hang gliders, the sport has long been considered to be unsafe but advances in training and glider construction have led to a much better safety record thanks to being built using sturdy materials plus modern gliders now have built-in dive recovery mechanisms. Pilots carry parachutes enclosed in their harnesses in case of serious problems.  Pilots also wear helmets.  Therefore, the accident rate from hang glider flying has been dramatically decreased by pilot training. People in hang gliders wrap themselves in harnesses such as pod harnesses that are put on like a jacket.  The most common method of launching is from a hill on foot with ideal wind conditions.
    fuji-hang-gliding-3.jpg
  • Japanese Hang Gliding  - One of the more popular spots for hang gliding is in the Izu Peninsula south of Mount Fuji, where wind conditions are idea and the terrain is hilly with flat valleys for safe landings.  Plus, the backdrop view of Mt Fuji is an extra plus.  Hang gliding is a recreational activity using an air glider made of aluminum or composite frames covered with lightweight sailcloth which forms a birdlike wing. The hang glider will use a harness suspended from the frame, and controls the glider by shifting body weight in opposition to the frame.  With improved methods and hang gliders pilots can drift and soar for hours, gain thousands of feet of altitude using updrafts, perform aerobatics, and glide cross-country.   Because of the poor safety record of early hang gliders, the sport has long been considered to be unsafe but advances in training and glider construction have led to a much better safety record thanks to being built using sturdy materials plus modern gliders now have built-in dive recovery mechanisms. Pilots carry parachutes enclosed in their harnesses in case of serious problems.  Pilots also wear helmets.  Therefore, the accident rate from hang glider flying has been dramatically decreased by pilot training. People in hang gliders wrap themselves in harnesses such as pod harnesses that are put on like a jacket.  The most common method of launching is from a hill on foot with ideal wind conditions.
    fuji-hang-gliding-10.jpg
  • Hang Nga Villa, usually called "Crazy House", was designed and built as a personal project by architect Dang Viet Nga. Its original name means "Moon Villa" as the designer and architect, Ms Dang Viet Nga, wanted to bring people closer to nature.  This is why when exploring through the halls and corridors, you feel like you are inside an artery or intestine.  Watch out or you might just run into a giant spider web!  The house is constructed with these naturalistic themes, interpreted via concrete twists and turns.  Tigers, giraffes and kangaroos made of concrete decorate the gardens, adding to the surreal environment.
    dalat-crazy-house-10.jpg
  • Hang Nga Villa, usually called "Crazy House", was designed and built as a personal project by architect Dang Viet Nga. Its original name means "Moon Villa" as the designer and architect, Ms Dang Viet Nga, wanted to bring people closer to nature.  This is why when exploring through the halls and corridors, you feel like you are inside an artery or intestine.  Watch out or you might just run into a giant spider web!  The house is constructed with these naturalistic themes, interpreted via concrete twists and turns.  Tigers, giraffes and kangaroos made of concrete decorate the gardens, adding to the surreal environment.
    dalat-crazy-house-11.jpg
  • Hang Nga Villa, usually called "Crazy House", was designed and built as a personal project by architect Dang Viet Nga. Its original name means "Moon Villa" as the designer and architect, Ms Dang Viet Nga, wanted to bring people closer to nature.  This is why when exploring through the halls and corridors, you feel like you are inside an artery or intestine.  Watch out or you might just run into a giant spider web!  The house is constructed with these naturalistic themes, interpreted via concrete twists and turns.  Tigers, giraffes and kangaroos made of concrete decorate the gardens, adding to the surreal environment.
    dalat-crazy-house-6.jpg
  • Hang Nga Villa, usually called "Crazy House", was designed and built as a personal project by architect Dang Viet Nga. Its original name means "Moon Villa" as the designer and architect, Ms Dang Viet Nga, wanted to bring people closer to nature.  This is why when exploring through the halls and corridors, you feel like you are inside an artery or intestine.  Watch out or you might just run into a giant spider web!  The house is constructed with these naturalistic themes, interpreted via concrete twists and turns.  Tigers, giraffes and kangaroos made of concrete decorate the gardens, adding to the surreal environment.
    dalat-crazy-house-3.jpg
  • Hang Nga Villa, usually called "Crazy House", was designed and built as a personal project by architect Dang Viet Nga. Its original name means "Moon Villa" as the designer and architect, Ms Dang Viet Nga, wanted to bring people closer to nature.  This is why when exploring through the halls and corridors, you feel like you are inside an artery or intestine.  Watch out or you might just run into a giant spider web!  The house is constructed with these naturalistic themes, interpreted via concrete twists and turns.  Tigers, giraffes and kangaroos made of concrete decorate the gardens, adding to the surreal environment.
    dalat-crazy-house-12.jpg
  • Hang Tuah Bridge - The Malacca River is the river that cuts across Malacca town, on its way to the Straits of Malacca. It separates the civic district clustered at the foot of St Paul's Hill, from the residential and commercial district of Heeren Street and Jonker Street. Malacca plays an important role in the development of Malacca. In the good old days the Malacca River was an important conduit for trade. In addition to being the source of fresh water it enabled access to the interior so that forest produce such as rattan, cane and resin, could to be brought down to market. As you cruise up the river, you will be able to see old shophouses along its banks. These shophouses have their warehouses, called godowns so that goods can unloaded directly from the river into them. After the Malacca Bridge near the Dutch Square, the second bridge you will pass under is the Chan Boon Cheng Bridge.  After the Chan Boon Cheng Bridge, the next bridge across the river is a foot bridge which the locals call the Ghostbridge of Malacca. How it got the name remains a mystery. Further on, another pedestrian bridge called the Old Market Bridge can be seen. The final sight before heading back on your cruise is the famous "Kampung Morten" and the Kampung Morten footbridge. .
    hang-tuah-bridge-1.jpg
  • Designed by architect Dr. Dang Viet Nga, this collection of buildings is called  “crazy house” by the people of Dalat because of its outlandish design.  The architect wanted free curves and structures, not straight lines and planes.
    dalat-crazy-house-4.jpg
  • Designed by architect Dr. Dang Viet Nga, this collection of buildings is called  “crazy house” by the people of Dalat because of its outlandish design.  The architect wanted free curves and structures, not straight lines and planes.
    dalat-crazy-house-8.jpg
  • Designed by architect Dr. Dang Viet Nga, this collection of buildings is called  “crazy house” by the people of Dalat because of its outlandish design.  The architect wanted free curves and structures, not straight lines and planes.
    dalat-crazy-house-5.jpg
  • Hang Nga Villa, usually called "Crazy House", was designed and built as a personal project by architect Dang Viet Nga. Its original name means "Moon Villa" as the designer and architect, Ms Dang Viet Nga, wanted to bring people closer to nature.  This is why when exploring through the halls and corridors, you feel like you are inside an artery or intestine.  Watch out or you might just run into a giant spider web!  The house is constructed with these naturalistic themes, interpreted via concrete twists and turns.  Tigers, giraffes and kangaroos made of concrete decorate the gardens, adding to the surreal environment.
    dalat-crazy-house-1.jpg
  • 45. Mt Fuji 富士 or Fuji-san as it is called in Japan is the highest mountain in Japan at 3,776 meters or 12,388 feet in altitude.  Mt Fuji is an active volcano that last erupted in 1707 killing hundreds of people and started fires as far away as Tokyo.  By most counts, Fuji is due for another eruption as its cycle appears to be every 300 years. Fuji straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures just west of Tokyo from where it can be seen on a clear day. Mount Fuji's symmetrical cone is a well-known symbol of Japan and is frequently visible in works of art.  Although Mount Fuji has not erupted in over 300 years it's still not extinct.
    45.FUJI-02.jpg
  • Crazy House Hallway - Designed by architect Dang Viet Nga, this collection of buildings is called  "crazy house" by the people of Dalat, thanks to its outlandish design.  The architect wanted free curves and structures, not straight lines and planes.
    dalat-crazy-house-2.jpg
  • Designed by architect Dr. Dang Viet Nga this collection of buildings is called  "crazy house" by the people of Dalat because of the outlandish design.  The architect wanted free curves and structures -  not straight lines and planes.
    dalat-crazy-house-7.jpg
  • Okutama Hiking - Okutama has a wide of hiking courses, the easiest course is the so-called  In Touch with the Forest Fureai Shinrinyoku which is a 40 minute ramble in the woods near Okutama Station, suitable for Tokyo city folk who may not be equipped for heavy-duty hiking. For more energetic hikers the Hikawa Gorge Trail, takes hikers along the  Tamagawa and Nipparagawa rivers for a bit longer. Along the way, hikers pass over two hanging suspension bridges, Hikawakobashi and Tokebashi.
    okutama-trail-4.jpg
  • Kasuga-taisha is a Shinto shrine in Nara often called Kasuga Grand Shrine. Established in 768 AD and rebuilt several times over the centuries. Kasuga Taisha is famous for its lanterns that have been donated by worshipers: hundreds of bronze lanterns are hanging from the buildings, and many stone lanterns line the approach to the shrine grounds. The lanterns are lit twice a year at the Lantern Festivals in February and August. Kasuga Shrine, and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest behind it are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites which is part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.
    kasuga-lanterns-2.jpg
  • Kasuga-taisha is a Shinto shrine in Nara often called Kasuga Grand Shrine. Established in 768 AD and rebuilt several times over the centuries. Kasuga Taisha is famous for its lanterns that have been donated by worshipers: hundreds of bronze lanterns are hanging from the buildings, and many stone lanterns line the approach to the shrine grounds. The lanterns are lit twice a year at the Lantern Festivals in February and August. Kasuga Shrine, and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest behind it are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites which is part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.
    kasuga-lanterns-14.jpg
  • Shimekazari, Japanese New Year Decorations - For hanging on the front door, there is the shimekazari, which varies from region to region but always contains many auspicious ingredients. There is usually a small folding fan on top representing the your generating plenty of descendants, an orange which means generation after generation, and a small lobster  who with their bent backs represent attaining old age. There is also some red and white folded shide paper which is effective for preventive impurities from entering the house.
    shimekazari-1.jpg
  • Fukugonji Temple Garden is usually overlooked by visitors to the Shonan - Kamakura area.  One reason for this is that its main attraction is its garden, which is normally not open to the public except for a peek through the fence.  Fukugonji is a temple of the Rinzai sect of  Buddhist and its full official name is  Tokuniyayama Fukuzenzenji.  Behind the gate there is a plaque with the carved info:  "May, 2013, Yoshitatsu founding 800th anniversary" which indicates that this is an ancient temple. From the main gate there is a large bell hanging  on the second floor.  Fukugenzenji was founded during the Muromachi period as the bodhisattva temple of Yoshie Nagae, who was active in this area during the Kamakura period.
    Fukugonji-Garden-08.jpg
  • Fukugonji Temple Garden is usually overlooked by visitors to the Shonan - Kamakura area.  One reason for this is that its main attraction is its garden, which is normally not open to the public except for a peek through the fence.  Fukugonji is a temple of the Rinzai sect of  Buddhist and its full official name is  Tokuniyayama Fukuzenzenji.  Behind the gate there is a plaque with the carved info:  "May, 2013, Yoshitatsu founding 800th anniversary" which indicates that this is an ancient temple. From the main gate there is a large bell hanging  on the second floor.  Fukugenzenji was founded during the Muromachi period as the bodhisattva temple of Yoshie Nagae, who was active in this area during the Kamakura period.
    Fukugonji-Garden-05.jpg
  • Fukugonji Temple Garden is usually overlooked by visitors to the Shonan - Kamakura area.  One reason for this is that its main attraction is its garden, which is normally not open to the public except for a peek through the fence.  Fukugonji is a temple of the Rinzai sect of  Buddhist and its full official name is  Tokuniyayama Fukuzenzenji.  Behind the gate there is a plaque with the carved info:  "May, 2013, Yoshitatsu founding 800th anniversary" which indicates that this is an ancient temple. From the main gate there is a large bell hanging  on the second floor.  Fukugenzenji was founded during the Muromachi period as the bodhisattva temple of Yoshie Nagae, who was active in this area during the Kamakura period.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-30.jpg
  • Fukugonji Temple Garden is usually overlooked by visitors to the Shonan - Kamakura area.  One reason for this is that its main attraction is its garden, which is normally not open to the public except for a peek through the fence.  Fukugonji is a temple of the Rinzai sect of  Buddhist and its full official name is  Tokuniyayama Fukuzenzenji.  Behind the gate there is a plaque with the carved info:  "May, 2013, Yoshitatsu founding 800th anniversary" which indicates that this is an ancient temple. From the main gate there is a large bell hanging  on the second floor.  Fukugenzenji was founded during the Muromachi period as the bodhisattva temple of Yoshie Nagae, who was active in this area during the Kamakura period.
    Fukugonji-Garden-04.jpg
  • Fukugonji Temple Garden is usually overlooked by visitors to the Shonan - Kamakura area.  One reason for this is that its main attraction is its garden, which is normally not open to the public except for a peek through the fence.  Fukugonji is a temple of the Rinzai sect of  Buddhist and its full official name is  Tokuniyayama Fukuzenzenji.  Behind the gate there is a plaque with the carved info:  "May, 2013, Yoshitatsu founding 800th anniversary" which indicates that this is an ancient temple. From the main gate there is a large bell hanging  on the second floor.  Fukugenzenji was founded during the Muromachi period as the bodhisattva temple of Yoshie Nagae, who was active in this area during the Kamakura period.
    Fukugonji-Garden-03.jpg
  • Fukugonji Temple Garden is usually overlooked by visitors to the Shonan - Kamakura area.  One reason for this is that its main attraction is its garden, which is normally not open to the public except for a peek through the fence.  Fukugonji is a temple of the Rinzai sect of  Buddhist and its full official name is  Tokuniyayama Fukuzenzenji.  Behind the gate there is a plaque with the carved info:  "May, 2013, Yoshitatsu founding 800th anniversary" which indicates that this is an ancient temple. From the main gate there is a large bell hanging  on the second floor.  Fukugenzenji was founded during the Muromachi period as the bodhisattva temple of Yoshie Nagae, who was active in this area during the Kamakura period.
    Fukugonji-Garden-02.jpg
  • Sakura Cherry Blossoms at Bansuisou - Bansuisou was built by Sadakoto Hisamatsu as his personal villa in 1922. Hisamatsu had been stationed in France as an Army attache and he chose a French style building for his villa. As the most famous social occasion at that time, Bansuisou was frequently visited by celebrities as well as members of the imperial family when visiting Ehime Prefecture. The building itself is artistic and is occasionally used as an exhibition gallery for paintings, hanging scrolls, and traditional art work. On the same site is Gudabutsuan, which is occasionally used for gatherings of haiku poets. Bansuisou survived the destruction of World War II and was designated as a cultural asset of Ehime Prefecture in 1985. It was also designated as an important national cultural property in 2011.
    AMBER-2022-43.jpg
  • Bansuisou Garden - Bansuisou was built by Sadakoto Hisamatsu as his personal villa in 1922. Hisamatsu had been stationed in France as an Army attache and he chose a French style building for his villa. As the most famous social occasion at that time, Bansuisou was frequently visited by celebrities as well as members of the imperial family when visiting Ehime Prefecture. The building itself is artistic and is occasionally used as an exhibition gallery for paintings, hanging scrolls, and traditional art work. On the same site is Gudabutsuan, which is occasionally used for gatherings of haiku poets. Bansuisou survived the destruction of World War II and was designated as a cultural asset of Ehime Prefecture in 1985. It was also designated as an important national cultural property in 2011.
    bansuiso-6.jpg
  • Bansuisou was built by Sadakoto Hisamatsu as his personal villa in 1922. Hisamatsu had been stationed in France as an Army attache and he chose a French style building for his villa. As the most famous social occasion at that time, Bansuisou was frequently visited by celebrities as well as members of the imperial family when visiting Ehime Prefecture. The building itself is artistic and is occasionally used as an exhibition gallery for paintings, hanging scrolls, and traditional art work. On the same site is Gudabutsuan, which is occasionally used for gatherings of haiku poets. Bansuisou survived the destruction of World War II and was designated as a cultural asset of Ehime Prefecture in 1985. It was also designated as an important national cultural property in 2011.
    bansuiso-4.jpg
  • Clearly Yakushima is best known for its ancient cedar trees and the lush forests and dramatic ravines where they grow.  This is not all the island has to offer as there are other forests to explore such as the Gajumaru Banyan Garden where it is difficult to tell which are the original trees and which are the supporting roots. The canopy blocks out much of the light as well as the roots hanging down over the paths.  The Gajumaru Banyan is related to the tropical fig tree and is an indigenous plant whose aerial roots sprout in all directions from the trunk. The roots of the Gajumaru stretch in all directions as the trees share their existence with other plants. Some of these gigantic figs are more than 500 years old of varying size.  The trees have spread from one tree to another by attaching and intertwining with other trees so that the aerial roots intertwine. The powerful scenery of dense tropical Japanese sea fig can also be seen here.
    gajumaru-banyan-09.jpg
  • Ficus superba is also called a  deciduous fig, sea fig and also known as a Strangler fig because of its potential to grow and eventually progress to the strangling way in which the roots intermingle with other nearby plants.  The sea fig or ficus superb is found in Japan, China and Taiwan.  Clearly Yakushima is best known for its ancient cedar trees and the lush forests and dramatic ravines where they grow.  This is not all the island has to offer as there are other forests to explore such as the Gajumaru Banyan Garden where it is difficult to tell which are the original trees and which are the supporting roots. The canopy blocks out much of the light as well as the roots hanging down over the paths.  The Gajumaru Banyan is related to the tropical fig tree and is an indigenous plant whose aerial roots sprout in all directions from the trunk. The roots of the Gajumaru stretch in all directions as the trees share their existence with other plants. Some of these gigantic figs are more than 500 years old of varying size.  The trees have spread from one tree to another by attaching and intertwining with other trees so that the aerial roots intertwine. The powerful scenery of dense tropical Japanese sea fig can also be seen here.
    ficus-superba-japonica-3.jpg
  • Man Mo Temple Hong Kong - Man Mo Temple or Man Mo Miu is a temple in Hong Kong that reveres the God of Literature (man) and the God of War (Mo)  both of whom were worshipped by ambitious students hoping to succeed in the civil examinations of Imperial China.  Man Mo Temple was built in 1847 and to pause here beneath giant hanging incense coils is a pleasant contrast with the hectic pace of the nearby shopping and financial district.  Kung Sor, built to the temple’s west, was an important assembly hall where community affairs and disputes were often discussed and settled.
    man-mo-temple-hong-kong-04.jpg
  • Wshing Tree at Man Mo Temple Hong Kong - Man Mo Temple or Man Mo Miu is a temple in Hong Kong that reveres the God of Literature (man) and the God of War (Mo)  both of whom were worshipped by ambitious students hoping to succeed in the civil examinations of Imperial China.  Man Mo Temple was built in 1847 and to pause here beneath giant hanging incense coils is a pleasant contrast with the hectic pace of the nearby shopping and financial district.  Kung Sor, built to the temple’s west, was an important assembly hall where community affairs and disputes were often discussed and settled.
    man-mo-temple-hong-kong-01.jpg
  • Wshing Tree at Man Mo Temple Hong Kong - Man Mo Temple or Man Mo Miu is a temple in Hong Kong that reveres the God of Literature (man) and the God of War (Mo)  both of whom were worshipped by ambitious students hoping to succeed in the civil examinations of Imperial China.  Man Mo Temple was built in 1847 and to pause here beneath giant hanging incense coils is a pleasant contrast with the hectic pace of the nearby shopping and financial district.  Kung Sor, built to the temple’s west, was an important assembly hall where community affairs and disputes were often discussed and settled.
    man-mo-temple-hong-kong-02.jpg
  • Kasuga-taisha is a Shinto shrine in Nara often called Kasuga Grand Shrine. Established in 768 AD and rebuilt several times over the centuries. Kasuga Taisha is famous for its lanterns that have been donated by worshipers: hundreds of bronze lanterns are hanging from the buildings, and many stone lanterns line the approach to the shrine grounds. The lanterns are lit twice a year at the Lantern Festivals in February and August. Kasuga Shrine, and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest behind it are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites which is part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.
    kasuga-2.jpg
  • Anata No Warehouse - Your Warehouse is a very unusual, quirky gaming arcade in Kawasaki, like no other in Japan or on Earth for that matter.  The theme, for some reason, is Hong Kong’s Kowloon Walled City, in all its grungy detail.  Think: rusting sheet metal, dim flickering florescent lighting, dripping pipes, and filthy windows.  It is ugly on purpose, though nobody knows seems to know or care why.  As you enter the thick metal gates, you emerge into a dark hallway as the one-way door slams behind you, giving you the impression that you are trapped in this den of iniquity.  Naturally, you are indeed free to exit from the back gate, after passing over a slimy pond then through another forbidding metal door clanking behind you forevermore.  Upstairs are plenty of high-tech and retro games, not to mention some Kowloon tenements, including a run-down kitchen, plastic ducks hanging in a fake shop, and even a resting doll woman behind grimy windows.  As unique and macabre as the place is, most of the customers are there for the gaming, with only a handful of sightseers.
    anata-no-warehouse-12.jpg
  • Anata No Warehouse - Your Warehouse is a very unusual, quirky gaming arcade in Kawasaki, like no other in Japan or on Earth for that matter.  The theme, for some reason, is Hong Kong’s Kowloon Walled City, in all its grungy detail.  Think: rusting sheet metal, dim flickering florescent lighting, dripping pipes, and filthy windows.  It is ugly on purpose, though nobody knows seems to know or care why.  As you enter the thick metal gates, you emerge into a dark hallway as the one-way door slams behind you, giving you the impression that you are trapped in this den of iniquity.  Naturally, you are indeed free to exit from the back gate, after passing over a slimy pond then through another forbidding metal door clanking behind you forevermore.  Upstairs are plenty of high-tech and retro games, not to mention some Kowloon tenements, including a run-down kitchen, plastic ducks hanging in a fake shop, and even a resting doll woman behind grimy windows.  As unique and macabre as the place is, most of the customers are there for the gaming, with only a handful of sightseers.
    anata-no-warehouse-11.jpg
  • Anata No Warehouse - Your Warehouse is a very unusual, quirky gaming arcade in Kawasaki, like no other in Japan or on Earth for that matter.  The theme, for some reason, is Hong Kong’s Kowloon Walled City, in all its grungy detail.  Think: rusting sheet metal, dim flickering florescent lighting, dripping pipes, and filthy windows.  It is ugly on purpose, though nobody knows seems to know or care why.  As you enter the thick metal gates, you emerge into a dark hallway as the one-way door slams behind you, giving you the impression that you are trapped in this den of iniquity.  Naturally, you are indeed free to exit from the back gate, after passing over a slimy pond then through another forbidding metal door clanking behind you forevermore.  Upstairs are plenty of high-tech and retro games, not to mention some Kowloon tenements, including a run-down kitchen, plastic ducks hanging in a fake shop, and even a resting doll woman behind grimy windows.  As unique and macabre as the place is, most of the customers are there for the gaming, with only a handful of sightseers.
    anata-no-warehouse-8.jpg
  • Anata No Warehouse - Your Warehouse is a very unusual, quirky gaming arcade in Kawasaki, like no other in Japan or on Earth for that matter.  The theme, for some reason, is Hong Kong’s Kowloon Walled City, in all its grungy detail.  Think: rusting sheet metal, dim flickering florescent lighting, dripping pipes, and filthy windows.  It is ugly on purpose, though nobody knows seems to know or care why.  As you enter the thick metal gates, you emerge into a dark hallway as the one-way door slams behind you, giving you the impression that you are trapped in this den of iniquity.  Naturally, you are indeed free to exit from the back gate, after passing over a slimy pond then through another forbidding metal door clanking behind you forevermore.  Upstairs are plenty of high-tech and retro games, not to mention some Kowloon tenements, including a run-down kitchen, plastic ducks hanging in a fake shop, and even a resting doll woman behind grimy windows.  As unique and macabre as the place is, most of the customers are there for the gaming, with only a handful of sightseers.
    anata-no-warehouse-6.jpg
  • Anata No Warehouse - Your Warehouse is a very unusual, quirky gaming arcade in Kawasaki, like no other in Japan or on Earth for that matter.  The theme, for some reason, is Hong Kong’s Kowloon Walled City, in all its grungy detail.  Think: rusting sheet metal, dim flickering florescent lighting, dripping pipes, and filthy windows.  It is ugly on purpose, though nobody knows seems to know or care why.  As you enter the thick metal gates, you emerge into a dark hallway as the one-way door slams behind you, giving you the impression that you are trapped in this den of iniquity.  Naturally, you are indeed free to exit from the back gate, after passing over a slimy pond then through another forbidding metal door clanking behind you forevermore.  Upstairs are plenty of high-tech and retro games, not to mention some Kowloon tenements, including a run-down kitchen, plastic ducks hanging in a fake shop, and even a resting doll woman behind grimy windows.  As unique and macabre as the place is, most of the customers are there for the gaming, with only a handful of sightseers.
    anata-no-warehouse-7.jpg
  • Anata No Warehouse - Your Warehouse is a very unusual, quirky gaming arcade in Kawasaki, like no other in Japan or on Earth for that matter.  The theme, for some reason, is Hong Kong’s Kowloon Walled City, in all its grungy detail.  Think: rusting sheet metal, dim flickering florescent lighting, dripping pipes, and filthy windows.  It is ugly on purpose, though nobody knows seems to know or care why.  As you enter the thick metal gates, you emerge into a dark hallway as the one-way door slams behind you, giving you the impression that you are trapped in this den of iniquity.  Naturally, you are indeed free to exit from the back gate, after passing over a slimy pond then through another forbidding metal door clanking behind you forevermore.  Upstairs are plenty of high-tech and retro games, not to mention some Kowloon tenements, including a run-down kitchen, plastic ducks hanging in a fake shop, and even a resting doll woman behind grimy windows.  As unique and macabre as the place is, most of the customers are there for the gaming, with only a handful of sightseers.
    anata-no-warehouse-4.jpg
  • Anata No Warehouse - Your Warehouse is a very unusual, quirky gaming arcade in Kawasaki, like no other in Japan or on Earth for that matter.  The theme, for some reason, is Hong Kong’s Kowloon Walled City, in all its grungy detail.  Think: rusting sheet metal, dim flickering florescent lighting, dripping pipes, and filthy windows.  It is ugly on purpose, though nobody knows seems to know or care why.  As you enter the thick metal gates, you emerge into a dark hallway as the one-way door slams behind you, giving you the impression that you are trapped in this den of iniquity.  Naturally, you are indeed free to exit from the back gate, after passing over a slimy pond then through another forbidding metal door clanking behind you forevermore.  Upstairs are plenty of high-tech and retro games, not to mention some Kowloon tenements, including a run-down kitchen, plastic ducks hanging in a fake shop, and even a resting doll woman behind grimy windows.  As unique and macabre as the place is, most of the customers are there for the gaming, with only a handful of sightseers.
    anata-no-warehouse-2.jpg
  • Okutama has a wide of hiking courses, the easiest course is the so-called  In Touch with the Forest Fureai Shinrinyoku which is a 40 minute ramble in the woods near Okutama Station, suitable for Tokyo city folk who may not be equipped for heavy-duty hiking. For more energetic hikers the Hikawa Gorge Trail, takes hikers along the  Tamagawa and Nipparagawa rivers for a bit longer. Along the way, hikers pass over two hanging suspension bridges, Hikawakobashi and Tokebashi.
    okutama.jpg
  • Okutama Hiking - Okutama has a wide of hiking courses, the easiest course is the so-called  In Touch with the Forest Fureai Shinrinyoku which is a 40 minute ramble in the woods near Okutama Station, suitable for Tokyo city folk who may not be equipped for heavy-duty hiking. For more energetic hikers the Hikawa Gorge Trail, takes hikers along the  Tamagawa and Nipparagawa rivers for a bit longer. Along the way, hikers pass over two hanging suspension bridges, Hikawakobashi and Tokebashi.
    okutama-trail-10.jpg
  • Okutama Hiking - Okutama has a wide of hiking courses, the easiest course is the so-called  In Touch with the Forest Fureai Shinrinyoku which is a 40 minute ramble in the woods near Okutama Station, suitable for Tokyo city folk who may not be equipped for heavy-duty hiking. For more energetic hikers the Hikawa Gorge Trail, takes hikers along the  Tamagawa and Nipparagawa rivers for a bit longer. Along the way, hikers pass over two hanging suspension bridges, Hikawakobashi and Tokebashi.
    okutama-trail-9.jpg
  • Okutama Hiking - Okutama has a wide of hiking courses, the easiest course is the so-called  In Touch with the Forest Fureai Shinrinyoku which is a 40 minute ramble in the woods near Okutama Station, suitable for Tokyo city folk who may not be equipped for heavy-duty hiking. For more energetic hikers the Hikawa Gorge Trail, takes hikers along the  Tamagawa and Nipparagawa rivers for a bit longer. Along the way, hikers pass over two hanging suspension bridges, Hikawakobashi and Tokebashi.
    okutama-trail-6.jpg
  • Okutama Hiking - Okutama has a wide of hiking courses, the easiest course is the so-called  In Touch with the Forest Fureai Shinrinyoku which is a 40 minute ramble in the woods near Okutama Station, suitable for Tokyo city folk who may not be equipped for heavy-duty hiking. For more energetic hikers the Hikawa Gorge Trail, takes hikers along the  Tamagawa and Nipparagawa rivers for a bit longer. Along the way, hikers pass over two hanging suspension bridges, Hikawakobashi and Tokebashi.
    okutama-trail-8.jpg
  • Okutama Hiking - Okutama has a wide of hiking courses, the easiest course is the so-called  In Touch with the Forest Fureai Shinrinyoku which is a 40 minute ramble in the woods near Okutama Station, suitable for Tokyo city folk who may not be equipped for heavy-duty hiking. For more energetic hikers the Hikawa Gorge Trail, takes hikers along the  Tamagawa and Nipparagawa rivers for a bit longer. Along the way, hikers pass over two hanging suspension bridges, Hikawakobashi and Tokebashi.
    okutama-trail-7.jpg
  • Okutama Hiking - Okutama has a wide of hiking courses, the easiest course is the so-called  In Touch with the Forest Fureai Shinrinyoku which is a 40 minute ramble in the woods near Okutama Station, suitable for Tokyo city folk who may not be equipped for heavy-duty hiking. For more energetic hikers the Hikawa Gorge Trail, takes hikers along the  Tamagawa and Nipparagawa rivers for a bit longer. Along the way, hikers pass over two hanging suspension bridges, Hikawakobashi and Tokebashi.
    okutama-trail-5.jpg
  • Okutama Hiking - Okutama has a wide of hiking courses, the easiest course is the so-called  In Touch with the Forest Fureai Shinrinyoku which is a 40 minute ramble in the woods near Okutama Station, suitable for Tokyo city folk who may not be equipped for heavy-duty hiking. For more energetic hikers the Hikawa Gorge Trail, takes hikers along the  Tamagawa and Nipparagawa rivers for a bit longer. Along the way, hikers pass over two hanging suspension bridges, Hikawakobashi and Tokebashi.
    okutama-trail-3.jpg
  • Ema are small wooden plaques on which Shinto worshippers write their prayers or wishes. The votive tablets or ema are then left hanging up at the shrine where the spirits or gods receive them. They usually bear various pictures of animals or other Shinto imagery and many have the word gan'i meaning "wish" written along the side.
    votive-ema-2.jpg
  • Ema are small wooden plaques on which Shinto worshippers write their prayers or wishes. The votive tablets or ema are then left hanging up at the shrine where the spirits or gods receive them. They usually bear various pictures of animals or other Shinto imagery and many have the word gan'i meaning "wish" written along the side.
    love-ema-03.jpg
  • Irori is a Japanese hearth pit that is still found in rural farmhouses. Rural Japanese life revolved around the traditional irori hearth and played an essential role in farming communities lifestyle as a gathering place. Meals were prepared and also eaten as well as a place to keep warm.  Hanging over the irori hearth is a pothook, which is used to adjust the height of the pot over the fire.
    irori-3.jpg
  • Brugmansia is a type of flowering plants of the Solanaceae family.  Fragrant and large hanging flowers give them their common name of angel's trumpets, or sometimes devil’s trumpets.  All of the parts of Brugmansia can be poisonous.  Brugmansia are fragrant in the evenings to attract pollinating insects.
    brugmansia-02.jpg
  • Kasuga-taisha is a Shinto shrine in Nara often called Kasuga Grand Shrine. Established in 768 AD and rebuilt several times over the centuries. Kasuga Taisha is famous for its lanterns that have been donated by worshipers: hundreds of bronze lanterns are hanging from the buildings, and many stone lanterns line the approach to the shrine grounds. The lanterns are lit twice a year at the Lantern Festivals in February and August. Kasuga Shrine, and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest behind it are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites which is part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.
    AMBER-2021-ELEMENTS-5.jpg
  • Kasuga-taisha is a Shinto shrine in Nara often called Kasuga Grand Shrine. Established in 768 AD and rebuilt several times over the centuries. Kasuga Taisha is famous for its lanterns that have been donated by worshipers: hundreds of bronze lanterns are hanging from the buildings, and many stone lanterns line the approach to the shrine grounds. The lanterns are lit twice a year at the Lantern Festivals in February and August. Kasuga Shrine, and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest behind it are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites which is part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.
    AMBER-2022-C-63.jpg
  • Kasuga Shrine Shinto Priests -Kasuga-taisha is a Shinto shrine in Nara often called Kasuga Grand Shrine. Established in 768 AD and rebuilt several times over the centuries. Kasuga Taisha is famous for its lanterns that have been donated by worshipers: hundreds of bronze lanterns are hanging from the buildings, and many stone lanterns line the approach to the shrine grounds. The lanterns are lit twice a year at the Lantern Festivals in February and August. Kasuga Shrine, and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest behind it are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites which is part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.
    kasuga-shinto-priests-2.jpg
  • Kasuga Shrine Shinto Priests -Kasuga-taisha is a Shinto shrine in Nara often called Kasuga Grand Shrine. Established in 768 AD and rebuilt several times over the centuries. Kasuga Taisha is famous for its lanterns that have been donated by worshipers: hundreds of bronze lanterns are hanging from the buildings, and many stone lanterns line the approach to the shrine grounds. The lanterns are lit twice a year at the Lantern Festivals in February and August. Kasuga Shrine, and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest behind it are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites which is part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.
    kasuga-shinto-priests-1.jpg
  • Kasuga-taisha is a Shinto shrine in Nara often called Kasuga Grand Shrine. Established in 768 AD and rebuilt several times over the centuries. Kasuga Taisha is famous for its lanterns that have been donated by worshipers: hundreds of bronze lanterns are hanging from the buildings, and many stone lanterns line the approach to the shrine grounds. The lanterns are lit twice a year at the Lantern Festivals in February and August. Kasuga Shrine, and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest behind it are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites which is part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.
    kasuga-lanterns-9.jpg
  • Kasuga-taisha is a Shinto shrine in Nara often called Kasuga Grand Shrine. Established in 768 AD and rebuilt several times over the centuries. Kasuga Taisha is famous for its lanterns that have been donated by worshipers: hundreds of bronze lanterns are hanging from the buildings, and many stone lanterns line the approach to the shrine grounds. The lanterns are lit twice a year at the Lantern Festivals in February and August. Kasuga Shrine, and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest behind it are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites which is part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.
    kasuga-lanterns-5.jpg
  • Kasuga-taisha is a Shinto shrine in Nara often called Kasuga Grand Shrine. Established in 768 AD and rebuilt several times over the centuries. Kasuga Taisha is famous for its lanterns that have been donated by worshipers: hundreds of bronze lanterns are hanging from the buildings, and many stone lanterns line the approach to the shrine grounds. The lanterns are lit twice a year at the Lantern Festivals in February and August. Kasuga Shrine, and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest behind it are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites which is part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.
    kasuga-lanterns-4.jpg
  • Kasuga-taisha is a Shinto shrine in Nara often called Kasuga Grand Shrine. Established in 768 AD and rebuilt several times over the centuries. Kasuga Taisha is famous for its lanterns that have been donated by worshipers: hundreds of bronze lanterns are hanging from the buildings, and many stone lanterns line the approach to the shrine grounds. The lanterns are lit twice a year at the Lantern Festivals in February and August. Kasuga Shrine, and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest behind it are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites which is part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.
    kasuga-lanterns-13.jpg
  • Kasuga-taisha is a Shinto shrine in Nara often called Kasuga Grand Shrine. Established in 768 AD and rebuilt several times over the centuries. Kasuga Taisha is famous for its lanterns that have been donated by worshipers: hundreds of bronze lanterns are hanging from the buildings, and many stone lanterns line the approach to the shrine grounds. The lanterns are lit twice a year at the Lantern Festivals in February and August. Kasuga Shrine, and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest behind it are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites which is part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.
    kasuga-lanterns-12.jpg
  • Kasuga-taisha is a Shinto shrine in Nara often called Kasuga Grand Shrine. Established in 768 AD and rebuilt several times over the centuries. Kasuga Taisha is famous for its lanterns that have been donated by worshipers: hundreds of bronze lanterns are hanging from the buildings, and many stone lanterns line the approach to the shrine grounds. The lanterns are lit twice a year at the Lantern Festivals in February and August. Kasuga Shrine, and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest behind it are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites which is part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.
    kasuga-lanterns-6.jpg
  • A 400 year old balete tree in  Lazi, Siquijor is unusual in that the spring that emanates from the base of the tree then flows straight into a pool. The Balete tree is from the  Ficus family (or strangler figs) that grow hanging roots that eventually  encircle and suffocate the host tree.   In some areas of the Philippines people believe that balete trees are dwelling places for supernatural beings.
    balete-tree-1.jpg
  • A 400 year old balete tree in  Lazi, Siquijor is unusual in that the spring that emanates from the base of the tree then flows straight into a pool. The Balete tree is from the  Ficus family (or strangler figs) that grow hanging roots that eventually  encircle and suffocate the host tree.   In some areas of the Philippines people believe that balete trees are dwelling places for supernatural beings.
    balete-tree-3.jpg
  • The Scala Cinema foyer is made up of a huge domed ceiling, ornately decorated with art deco bronzed flowers. The double circular staircases wind up to the second floor, passing under a huge white chandelier hanging from the ceiling.  Pillars from the ceiling descend down to the floor, creating a cathedral ambiance.  Traditionall ticket booths, right next to a wooden concession stand, are both art deco in design.  At the Scala Cinema, this old school style has been preserved, as everything else here has, since it's opening date.
    scala-bangkok-1.jpg
  • The Mirei Shigemori Residence is a traditional townhouse dating from the middle Edo period with an adjoining garden and tea ceremony pavilions. Both garden and pavilions were designed by Mirei Shigemori, seminal 20th century designer of Japanese gardens. The main garden consists of four rock configurations symbolizing the Elysian islands - Hojo, Eiju, Horai and Koryo placed on the sand garden. Horai island consists of a crane style rock and Hojo, a tortoise style rock composite. The stones known as blue rock are from Shikoku island. The garden is overlooked by a veranda with shoji screens, tatami mats and a hanging paper light made specially by Isamu Noguchi for this venue.
    mirei-garden-museum-3.jpg
  • The Mirei Shigemori Residence is a traditional townhouse dating from the middle Edo period with an adjoining garden and tea ceremony pavilions. Both garden and pavilions were designed by Mirei Shigemori, seminal 20th century designer of Japanese gardens. The main garden consists of four rock configurations symbolizing the Elysian islands - Hojo, Eiju, Horai and Koryo placed on the sand garden. Horai island consists of a crane style rock and Hojo, a tortoise style rock composite. The stones known as blue rock are from Shikoku island. The garden is overlooked by a veranda with shoji screens, tatami mats and a hanging paper light made specially by Isamu Noguchi for this venue.
    mirei-garden-museum-4.jpg
  • The Mirei Shigemori Residence is a traditional townhouse dating from the middle Edo period with an adjoining garden and tea ceremony pavilions. Both garden and pavilions were designed by Mirei Shigemori, seminal 20th century designer of Japanese gardens. The main garden consists of four rock configurations symbolizing the Elysian islands - Hojo, Eiju, Horai and Koryo placed on the sand garden. Horai island consists of a crane style rock and Hojo, a tortoise style rock composite. The stones known as blue rock are from Shikoku island. The garden is overlooked by a veranda with shoji screens, tatami mats and a hanging paper light made specially by Isamu Noguchi for this venue.
    mirei-garden-museum-5.jpg
  • Ema are small wooden plaques on which Shinto worshippers write their prayers or wishes. The votive tablets or ema are then left hanging up at the shrine where the spirits or gods receive them. They usually bear various pictures of animals or other Shinto imagery and many have the word gan'i meaning "wish" written along the side.
    ema-1.jpg
  • Shimekazari, Japanese New Year Decorations - For hanging on the front door, there is the shimekazari, which varies from region to region but always contains many auspicious ingredients. There is usually a small folding fan on top representing the your generating plenty of descendants, an orange which means generation after generation, and a small lobster  who with their bent backs represent attaining old age. There is also some red and white folded shide paper which is effective for preventive impurities from entering the house.
    shimekazari-2.jpg
  • Shimekazari, Japanese New Year Decorations - For hanging on the front door, there is the shimekazari, which varies from region to region but always contains many auspicious ingredients. There is usually a small folding fan on top representing the your generating plenty of descendants, an orange which means generation after generation, and a small lobster  who with their bent backs represent attaining old age. There is also some red and white folded shide paper which is effective for preventive impurities from entering the house.
    shimekazari-5.jpg
  • Fukugonji Temple Garden is usually overlooked by visitors to the Shonan - Kamakura area.  One reason for this is that its main attraction is its garden, which is normally not open to the public except for a peek through the fence.  Fukugonji is a temple of the Rinzai sect of  Buddhist and its full official name is  Tokuniyayama Fukuzenzenji.  Behind the gate there is a plaque with the carved info:  "May, 2013, Yoshitatsu founding 800th anniversary" which indicates that this is an ancient temple. From the main gate there is a large bell hanging  on the second floor.  Fukugenzenji was founded during the Muromachi period as the bodhisattva temple of Yoshie Nagae, who was active in this area during the Kamakura period.
    Fukugonji-Garden-07.jpg
  • Fukugonji Temple Garden is usually overlooked by visitors to the Shonan - Kamakura area.  One reason for this is that its main attraction is its garden, which is normally not open to the public except for a peek through the fence.  Fukugonji is a temple of the Rinzai sect of  Buddhist and its full official name is  Tokuniyayama Fukuzenzenji.  Behind the gate there is a plaque with the carved info:  "May, 2013, Yoshitatsu founding 800th anniversary" which indicates that this is an ancient temple. From the main gate there is a large bell hanging  on the second floor.  Fukugenzenji was founded during the Muromachi period as the bodhisattva temple of Yoshie Nagae, who was active in this area during the Kamakura period.
    Fukugonji-Garden-01.jpg
  • Bansuisou was built by Sadakoto Hisamatsu as his personal villa in 1922. Hisamatsu had been stationed in France as an Army attache and he chose a French style building for his villa. As the most famous social occasion at that time, Bansuisou was frequently visited by celebrities as well as members of the imperial family when visiting Ehime Prefecture. The building itself is artistic and is occasionally used as an exhibition gallery for paintings, hanging scrolls, and traditional art work. On the same site is Gudabutsuan, which is occasionally used for gatherings of haiku poets. Bansuisou survived the destruction of World War II and was designated as a cultural asset of Ehime Prefecture in 1985. It was also designated as an important national cultural property in 2011.
    bansuiso-5.jpg
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