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  • The Inside House Chiang Mai is a new breed of luxury boutique hotels that somehow manages to redefine luxury.  The building's architecture  has been called Lanna Colonial, whatever that means, but its beauty and design are outstanding nonetheless.  Its location is convenient, not far from Suan Dok Gate in a residential part of the Old City within the moat.
    inside-house-hotel-1.jpg
  • The Inside House Chiang Mai is a new breed of luxury boutique hotels that somehow manages to redefine luxury.  The building's architecture  has been called Lanna Colonial, whatever that means, but its beauty and design are outstanding nonetheless.  Its location is convenient, not far from Suan Dok Gate in a residential part of the Old City within the moat.
    inside-house-hotel-2.jpg
  • Temple Inside the Japanese Covered Bridge, Monkey Figurine  -   Inside the bridge there is a small temple and the two entrances of the bridge are guarded by dog figurines on one side and monkey figurines on the other as shown.
    Japanese-Bridge-Hoi-An-8.jpg
  • Jewel is a 137,000 square meter indoor sanctuary at Changi Airport Singapore. This oasis includes the world’s largest indoor waterfall, Forest Valley with more than 2000 trees, and the famous Rain Vortex. This dome-shaped complex was designed by a consortium of renowned architects preserves Changi Airports claim to fame as being best airport in the world, year after year.
    Changi-Jewel-06.jpg
  • Jewel is a 137,000 square meter indoor sanctuary at Changi Airport Singapore. This oasis includes the world’s largest indoor waterfall, Forest Valley with more than 2000 trees, and the famous Rain Vortex. This dome-shaped complex was designed by a consortium of renowned architects preserves Changi Airports claim to fame as being best airport in the world, year after year.
    Changi-Jewel-02.jpg
  • Jewel is a 137,000 square meter indoor sanctuary at Changi Airport Singapore. This oasis includes the world’s largest indoor waterfall, Forest Valley with more than 2000 trees, and the famous Rain Vortex. This dome-shaped complex was designed by a consortium of renowned architects preserves Changi Airports claim to fame as being best airport in the world, year after year.
    Changi-Jewel-01.jpg
  • Hong Kong Star Ferry - Crossing Victoria Harbour from Central to Kowloon since 1888, the Star Ferry is an icon of Hong Kong. All the ferries bear the name star: Morning Star, Night Star, Electric Star. The Star Ferry made an appearance in the 1950s movie, The World of Suzie Wong, when William Holden takes a ferry to Hong Kong Island and meets Suzie Wong.  Star Ferry consistently is rated the top number 1 attraction in Hong Kong, partly because it is cheap and its unsurpassed views of the harbor.
    star-ferry-hong-kong-10.jpg
  • Sanrio Puroland is an indoor theme park located in Tama Center, Tokyo, that attracts over 1.5 million visitors per year and hosts various musicals, restaurants, attractions, and theme rides using popular characters such as Hello Kitty, Pochacco, Keroppi, and many more. While many of the shows are only in Japanese, Puroland nevertheless attracts many visitors from overseas because of the worldwide popularity of these characters. Puroland has become one of Japan's most popular attractions.
    sanrio-puroland-7.jpg
  • Sanrio Puroland is an indoor theme park located in Tama Center, Tokyo, that attracts over 1.5 million visitors per year and hosts various musicals, restaurants, attractions, and theme rides using popular characters such as Hello Kitty, Pochacco, Keroppi, and many more. While many of the shows are only in Japanese, Puroland nevertheless attracts many visitors from overseas because of the worldwide popularity of these characters. Puroland has become one of Japan's most popular attractions.
    sanrio-puroland-3.jpg
  • Bas relief ceiling at the Forbidden City, with a golden dragon motif. Dragons were known to be a protection against fire, being water based creatures at Wan Chun Ting Pavilion.
    Wan-Chun-Ting-Pavilion-1.jpg
  • Hong Kong Star Ferry - Crossing Victoria Harbour from Central to Kowloon since 1888, the Star Ferry is an icon of Hong Kong. All the ferries bear the name star: Morning Star, Night Star, Electric Star. The Star Ferry made an appearance in the 1950s movie, The World of Suzie Wong, when William Holden takes a ferry to Hong Kong Island and meets Suzie Wong.
    hongkong-star-ferry-5.jpg
  • Tokonoma  is a Japanese term  referring to a built-in recessed space in a tatami room, in which items for artistic appreciation are displayed.  In English, tokonoma is usually called an alcove. The items usually displayed in a tokonoma are calligraphy or pictorial scrolls and an arrangement of flowers.
    tokonoma.jpg
  • Jewel is a 137,000 square meter indoor sanctuary at Changi Airport Singapore. This oasis includes the world’s largest indoor waterfall, Forest Valley with more than 2000 trees, and the famous Rain Vortex. This dome-shaped complex was designed by a consortium of renowned architects preserves Changi Airports claim to fame as being best airport in the world, year after year.
    jewel-7.jpg
  • Hong Kong Star Ferry - Crossing Victoria Harbour from Central to Kowloon since 1888, the Star Ferry is an icon of Hong Kong. All the ferries bear the name star: Morning Star, Night Star, Electric Star. The Star Ferry made an appearance in the 1950s movie, The World of Suzie Wong, when William Holden takes a ferry to Hong Kong Island and meets Suzie Wong.  Star Ferry consistently is rated the top number 1 attraction in Hong Kong, partly because it is cheap and its unsurpassed views of the harbor.
    star-ferry-hong-kong-09.jpg
  • Hong Kong Star Ferry - Crossing Victoria Harbour from Central to Kowloon since 1888, the Star Ferry is an icon of Hong Kong. All the ferries bear the name star: Morning Star, Night Star, Electric Star. The Star Ferry made an appearance in the 1950s movie, The World of Suzie Wong, when William Holden takes a ferry to Hong Kong Island and meets Suzie Wong.  Star Ferry consistently is rated the top number 1 attraction in Hong Kong, partly because it is cheap and its unsurpassed views of the harbor.
    star-ferry-hong-kong-07.jpg
  • Hong Kong Star Ferry - Crossing Victoria Harbour from Central to Kowloon since 1888, the Star Ferry is an icon of Hong Kong. All the ferries bear the name star: Morning Star, Night Star, Electric Star. The Star Ferry made an appearance in the 1950s movie, The World of Suzie Wong, when William Holden takes a ferry to Hong Kong Island and meets Suzie Wong.  Star Ferry consistently is rated the top number 1 attraction in Hong Kong, partly because it is cheap and its unsurpassed views of the harbor.
    star-ferry-hong-kong-06.jpg
  • Hong Kong Star Ferry - Crossing Victoria Harbour from Central to Kowloon since 1888, the Star Ferry is an icon of Hong Kong. All the ferries bear the name star: Morning Star, Night Star, Electric Star. The Star Ferry made an appearance in the 1950s movie, The World of Suzie Wong, when William Holden takes a ferry to Hong Kong Island and meets Suzie Wong.  Star Ferry consistently is rated the top number 1 attraction in Hong Kong, partly because it is cheap and its unsurpassed views of the harbor.
    star-ferry-hong-kong-04.jpg
  • Hong Kong Star Ferry - Crossing Victoria Harbour from Central to Kowloon since 1888, the Star Ferry is an icon of Hong Kong. All the ferries bear the name star: Morning Star, Night Star, Electric Star. The Star Ferry made an appearance in the 1950s movie, The World of Suzie Wong, when William Holden takes a ferry to Hong Kong Island and meets Suzie Wong.  Star Ferry consistently is rated the top number 1 attraction in Hong Kong, partly because it is cheap and its unsurpassed views of the harbor.
    star-ferry-hong-kong-03.jpg
  • Hong Kong Star Ferry - Crossing Victoria Harbour from Central to Kowloon since 1888, the Star Ferry is an icon of Hong Kong. All the ferries bear the name star: Morning Star, Night Star, Electric Star. The Star Ferry made an appearance in the 1950s movie, The World of Suzie Wong, when William Holden takes a ferry to Hong Kong Island and meets Suzie Wong.  Star Ferry consistently is rated the top number 1 attraction in Hong Kong, partly because it is cheap and its unsurpassed views of the harbor.
    star-ferry-hong-kong-02.jpg
  • Hong Kong Star Ferry - Crossing Victoria Harbour from Central to Kowloon since 1888, the Star Ferry is an icon of Hong Kong. All the ferries bear the name star: Morning Star, Night Star, Electric Star. The Star Ferry made an appearance in the 1950s movie, The World of Suzie Wong, when William Holden takes a ferry to Hong Kong Island and meets Suzie Wong.  Star Ferry consistently is rated the top number 1 attraction in Hong Kong, partly because it is cheap and its unsurpassed views of the harbor.
    star-ferry-hong-kong-01.jpg
  • Sanrio Puroland is an indoor theme park located in Tama Center, Tokyo, that attracts over 1.5 million visitors per year and hosts various musicals, restaurants, attractions, and theme rides using popular characters such as Hello Kitty, Pochacco, Keroppi, and many more. While many of the shows are only in Japanese, Puroland nevertheless attracts many visitors from overseas because of the worldwide popularity of these characters. Puroland has become one of Japan's most popular attractions.
    sanrio-puroland-8.jpg
  • Sanrio Puroland is an indoor theme park located in Tama Center, Tokyo, that attracts over 1.5 million visitors per year and hosts various musicals, restaurants, attractions, and theme rides using popular characters such as Hello Kitty, Pochacco, Keroppi, and many more. While many of the shows are only in Japanese, Puroland nevertheless attracts many visitors from overseas because of the worldwide popularity of these characters. Puroland has become one of Japan's most popular attractions.
    sanrio-puroland-5.jpg
  • Sanrio Puroland is an indoor theme park located in Tama Center, Tokyo, that attracts over 1.5 million visitors per year and hosts various musicals, restaurants, attractions, and theme rides using popular characters such as Hello Kitty, Pochacco, Keroppi, and many more. While many of the shows are only in Japanese, Puroland nevertheless attracts many visitors from overseas because of the worldwide popularity of these characters. Puroland has become one of Japan's most popular attractions.
    sanrio-puroland-6.jpg
  • Sanrio Puroland is an indoor theme park located in Tama Center, Tokyo, that attracts over 1.5 million visitors per year and hosts various musicals, restaurants, attractions, and theme rides using popular characters such as Hello Kitty, Pochacco, Keroppi, and many more. While many of the shows are only in Japanese, Puroland nevertheless attracts many visitors from overseas because of the worldwide popularity of these characters. Puroland has become one of Japan's most popular attractions.
    sanrio-puroland-4.jpg
  • Bas relief ceiling at the Forbidden City, with a golden dragon motif. Dragons were known to be a protection against fire, being water based creatures at Wan Chun Ting Pavilion.
    Wan-Chun-Ting-Pavilion-2.jpg
  • The Suzuki Gaki factory in Hamamatsu. Musical instruments, especially organs, harmonicas and electric pianos are produced by Suzuki. Many of the factory's operations are now automated, and the economic downturn has required an additional number of layoffs in 2008 and 2009.
    japan-industry.jpg
  • The Suzuki Gaki factory in Hamamatsu. Musical instruments, especially organs, harmonicas and electric pianos are produced by Suzuki. Many of the factory's operations are now automated, and the economic downturn has required an additional number of layoffs in 2008 and 2009.
    japan-industry-3.jpg
  • Jewel is a 137,000 square meter indoor sanctuary at Changi Airport Singapore. This oasis includes the world’s largest indoor waterfall, Forest Valley with more than 2000 trees, and the famous Rain Vortex. This dome-shaped complex was designed by a consortium of renowned architects preserves Changi Airports claim to fame as being best airport in the world, year after year.
    Changi-Jewel-04.jpg
  • Hong Kong Star Ferry - Crossing Victoria Harbour from Central to Kowloon since 1888, the Star Ferry is an icon of Hong Kong. All the ferries bear the name star: Morning Star, Night Star, Electric Star. The Star Ferry made an appearance in the 1950s movie, The World of Suzie Wong, when William Holden takes a ferry to Hong Kong Island and meets Suzie Wong.  Star Ferry consistently is rated the top number 1 attraction in Hong Kong, partly because it is cheap and its unsurpassed views of the harbor.
    star-ferry-hong-kong-05.jpg
  • Chestnut and coconut vendor at the Wanfujing Snack Street - a lively night market in the center of Beijing.
    Wanfujing-Street-1.jpg
  • Chinese teahouse snacks are often the highlight of any visit to a Chinese teahouse; some would say the snacks are nicer than the tea itself.
    Chinese-Teahouse-Snacks-1.jpg
  • The Suzuki Gaki factory in Hamamatsu. Musical instruments, especially organs, harmonicas and electric pianos are produced by Suzuki. Many of the factory's operations are now automated, and the economic downturn has required an additional number of layoffs in 2008 and 2009.
    japan-industry-2.jpg
  • Jewel is a 137,000 square meter indoor sanctuary at Changi Airport Singapore. This oasis includes the world’s largest indoor waterfall, Forest Valley with more than 2000 trees, and the famous Rain Vortex. This dome-shaped complex was designed by a consortium of renowned architects preserves Changi Airports claim to fame as being best airport in the world, year after year.
    Changi-Jewel-05.jpg
  • The Mikurodo-kutsu and Shinmei-kutsu Caves are two caves located at Cape Muroto. The priest known both as Kobo Daishi and Kukai  trained here in pursuit of enlightenment during his youth. The cave’s names have particular meanings, the Mikuro means "the gods’ kitchen".  Shinmei means "god’s lantern".  Of the two caves the one that Kukai lived in while he was training is Shinmei-kutsu.  He used Mikurodo cave for meditating. The name Kukai is comprised of the Japanese characters for sky and sea, so Kukai took this name because the only thing he was able to see from inside this cave were the sea and the sky. The sound of the waves from inside Mikurodo-kutsu is so wonderful that it was selected as "a sound that should be left for posterity" in the selection of the 100 best soundscapes in Japan.
    Shimeikutsu-Cave-5.jpg
  • The Mikurodo-kutsu and Shinmei-kutsu Caves are two caves located at Cape Muroto. The priest known both as Kobo Daishi and Kukai  trained here in pursuit of enlightenment during his youth. The cave’s names have particular meanings, the Mikuro means "the gods’ kitchen".  Shinmei means "god’s lantern".  Of the two caves the one that Kukai lived in while he was training is Shinmei-kutsu.  He used Mikurodo cave for meditating. The name Kukai is comprised of the Japanese characters for sky and sea, so Kukai took this name because the only thing he was able to see from inside this cave were the sea and the sky. The sound of the waves from inside Mikurodo-kutsu is so wonderful that it was selected as "a sound that should be left for posterity" in the selection of the 100 best soundscapes in Japan.
    Shimeikutsu-Cave-4.jpg
  • The Mikurodo-kutsu and Shinmei-kutsu Caves are two caves located at Cape Muroto. The priest known both as Kobo Daishi and Kukai  trained here in pursuit of enlightenment during his youth. The cave’s names have particular meanings, the Mikuro means "the gods’ kitchen".  Shinmei means "god’s lantern".  Of the two caves the one that Kukai lived in while he was training is Shinmei-kutsu.  He used Mikurodo cave for meditating. The name Kukai is comprised of the Japanese characters for sky and sea, so Kukai took this name because the only thing he was able to see from inside this cave were the sea and the sky. The sound of the waves from inside Mikurodo-kutsu is so wonderful that it was selected as "a sound that should be left for posterity" in the selection of the 100 best soundscapes in Japan.
    Mikurodo-Cave-2.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-14.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-15.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-12.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-10.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-1.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-15.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-14.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-12.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-11.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-1.jpg
  • Nong Buak Hard Public Park is in the southwest corner of Chiang Mai’s old city, inside the moat. The park is a great place to relax with good book,  do some exercise, chat with the locals, have a snack or do some people watching.  Nong Buak Hard Public Park is open daily and has plenty of benches as well as straw mat rentals to camp out on the grass. The grassed areas surround a number of ponds There is a  track around the park that is popular with joggers and walkers and much of the pathway is covered in shade making it a great place to take a walk on a hot day.  Food and drink stalls located inside the park.  The park is especially popular early in the morning and late afternoon with joggers, tai chi groups and yoga groups.  An array of exercise equipment as well as weights are available in a kind of al fresco gym which has become very popular with the neighbors.
    nong-buak-hard-park-4.jpg
  • Turtle Skeleton at Minamijima Beach - A turtle has a skeleton different from any other vertebrate. In other vertebrate animals, the shoulder blade is located outside the rib cage like it is in man, cats, elephants, goats and monkeys. The turtle’s shoulder blade is inside the rib cage, and the ribs are part of the shell. Therefore a turtle shell is more than an outer covering but also an integral part of body. As the turtle develops its shoulder blade remains inside the rib cage. When its skeleton is forming, the shoulder blade and ribs become part of the shell.  This unique factor makes a turtle skeleton unique in vertrates.
    turtle-skeleton-1.jpg
  • Suikinkutsu or Japanese water harp produces sounds of echoes made by water drops falling inside the jar beneath.  This unique device lets you hear the sound of water dripping below the basin.   Some suikinkutsu have “earphones” consisting of bamboo pipes that you need to put your ear to hear the echo of water inside, others have been designed to amplify the echo without tubes that can be heard in the nearby area of this unique feature.
    suikinkutsu-7.jpg
  • Suikinkutsu or Japanese water harp produces sounds of echoes made by water drops falling inside the jar beneath.  This unique device lets you hear the sound of water dripping below the basin.   Some suikinkutsu have “earphones” consisting of bamboo pipes that you need to put your ear to hear the echo of water inside, others have been designed to amplify the echo without tubes that can be heard in the nearby area of this unique feature.
    suikinkutsu-04.jpg
  • Suikinkutsu or Japanese water harp produces sounds of echoes made by water drops falling inside the jar beneath.  This unique device lets you hear the sound of water dripping below the basin.   Some suikinkutsu have “earphones” consisting of bamboo pipes that you need to put your ear to hear the echo of water inside, others have been designed to amplify the echo without tubes that can be heard in the nearby area of this unique feature.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-223.jpg
  • The Mikurodo-kutsu and Shinmei-kutsu Caves are two caves located at Cape Muroto. The priest known both as Kobo Daishi and Kukai  trained here in pursuit of enlightenment during his youth. The cave’s names have particular meanings, the Mikuro means "the gods’ kitchen".  Shinmei means "god’s lantern".  Of the two caves the one that Kukai lived in while he was training is Shinmei-kutsu.  He used Mikurodo cave for meditating. The name Kukai is comprised of the Japanese characters for sky and sea, so Kukai took this name because the only thing he was able to see from inside this cave were the sea and the sky. The sound of the waves from inside Mikurodo-kutsu is so wonderful that it was selected as "a sound that should be left for posterity" in the selection of the 100 best soundscapes in Japan.
    Shimeikutsu-Cave-2.jpg
  • The Mikurodo-kutsu and Shinmei-kutsu Caves are two caves located at Cape Muroto. The priest known both as Kobo Daishi and Kukai  trained here in pursuit of enlightenment during his youth. The cave’s names have particular meanings, the Mikuro means "the gods’ kitchen".  Shinmei means "god’s lantern".  Of the two caves the one that Kukai lived in while he was training is Shinmei-kutsu.  He used Mikurodo cave for meditating. The name Kukai is comprised of the Japanese characters for sky and sea, so Kukai took this name because the only thing he was able to see from inside this cave were the sea and the sky. The sound of the waves from inside Mikurodo-kutsu is so wonderful that it was selected as "a sound that should be left for posterity" in the selection of the 100 best soundscapes in Japan.
    Shimeikutsu-Cave-3.jpg
  • The Mikurodo-kutsu and Shinmei-kutsu Caves are two caves located at Cape Muroto. The priest known both as Kobo Daishi and Kukai  trained here in pursuit of enlightenment during his youth. The cave’s names have particular meanings, the Mikuro means "the gods’ kitchen".  Shinmei means "god’s lantern".  Of the two caves the one that Kukai lived in while he was training is Shinmei-kutsu.  He used Mikurodo cave for meditating. The name Kukai is comprised of the Japanese characters for sky and sea, so Kukai took this name because the only thing he was able to see from inside this cave were the sea and the sky. The sound of the waves from inside Mikurodo-kutsu is so wonderful that it was selected as "a sound that should be left for posterity" in the selection of the 100 best soundscapes in Japan.
    Shimeikutsu-Cave-1.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-18.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-17.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-13.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-11.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-9.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-8.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-6.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-5.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-4.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-3.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-2.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-18.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-16.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-9.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-6.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-3.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-2.jpg
  • Nong Buak Hard Public Park is in the southwest corner of Chiang Mai’s old city, inside the moat. The park is a great place to relax with good book,  do some exercise, chat with the locals, have a snack or do some people watching.  Nong Buak Hard Public Park is open daily and has plenty of benches as well as straw mat rentals to camp out on the grass. The grassed areas surround a number of ponds There is a  track around the park that is popular with joggers and walkers and much of the pathway is covered in shade making it a great place to take a walk on a hot day.  Food and drink stalls located inside the park.  The park is especially popular early in the morning and late afternoon with joggers, tai chi groups and yoga groups.  An array of exercise equipment as well as weights are available in a kind of al fresco gym which has become very popular with the neighbors.
    nong-buak-hard-park-1.jpg
  • Ryogoku Station is the main railway station for the grand sumo stadium Kokugikan.  This old art deco station is operated by JR East.  The main station building is being renovated inside, though the trains are still operating inside as platforms still in use while interior is being remodeled.
    JR-ryogoku-station-2.jpg
  • Ryogoku Station is the main railway station for the grand sumo stadium Kokugikan.  This old art deco station is operated by JR East.  The main station building is being renovated inside, though the trains are still operating inside as platforms still in use while interior is being remodeled.
    JR-ryogoku-station-1.jpg
  • Ryogoku Station is the main railway station for the grand sumo stadium Kokugikan.  This old art deco station is operated by JR East.  The main station building is being renovated inside, though the trains are still operating inside as platforms still in use while interior is being remodeled.
    JR-ryogoku-station-3.jpg
  • Suikinkutsu or Japanese water harp produces sounds of echoes made by water drops falling inside the jar beneath.  This unique device lets you hear the sound of water dripping below the basin.   Some suikinkutsu have “earphones” consisting of bamboo pipes that you need to put your ear to hear the echo of water inside, others have been designed to amplify the echo without tubes that can be heard in the nearby area of this unique feature.
    suikinkutsu-02.jpg
  • Suikinkutsu or Japanese water harp produces sounds of echoes made by water drops falling inside the jar beneath.  This unique device lets you hear the sound of water dripping below the basin.   Some suikinkutsu have “earphones” consisting of bamboo pipes that you need to put your ear to hear the echo of water inside, others have been designed to amplify the echo without tubes that can be heard in the nearby area of this unique feature.
    suikinkutsu-01.jpg
  • Ben Thanh Market is a large marketplace in District 1 of Saigon.  The market is one of the most recognizable structures in the city and one of symbols of Saigon or as it is officially known:  Ho Chi Minh City.  The market was set up by the French colonial government in 1912.   Ben Thanh Market is recognizable from its clock tower on the large traffic circle on the south side of the market.  There are several hundred small stalls stuffed with a huge array of goods though many items have no fixed price and vendors always quote higher prices to tourists.  Bargaining is a must.  If the great selection of goods inside Ben Thanh won't do, there's plenty to be had in the surrounding side street shops that is not officially Ben Thanh Market but considered to be so by local Vietnamese shoppers who presume that pricing inside Ben Thanh is aimed at overseas Vietnamese and tourists and consequently higher than Vietnamese normal prices.
    ben-thanh-market-4.jpg
  • Ben Thanh Market Florist - Ben Thanh Market is a large marketplace in District 1 of Saigon.  The market is one of the most recognizable structures in the city and one of symbols of Saigon or as it is officially known:  Ho Chi Minh City.  The market was set up by the French colonial government in 1912.   Ben Thanh Market is recognizable from its clock tower on the large traffic circle on the south side of the market.  There are several hundred small stalls stuffed with a huge array of goods though many items have no fixed price and vendors always quote higher prices to tourists.  Bargaining is a must.  If the great selection of goods inside Ben Thanh won't do, there's plenty to be had in the surrounding side street shops that is not officially Ben Thanh Market but considered to be so by local Vietnamese shoppers who presume that pricing inside Ben Thanh is aimed at overseas Vietnamese and tourists and consequently higher than Vietnamese normal prices.
    ben-thanh-market-6.jpg
  • The Mikurodo-kutsu and Shinmei-kutsu Caves are two caves located at Cape Muroto. The priest known both as Kobo Daishi and Kukai  trained here in pursuit of enlightenment during his youth. The cave’s names have particular meanings, the Mikuro means "the gods’ kitchen".  Shinmei means "god’s lantern".  Of the two caves the one that Kukai lived in while he was training is Shinmei-kutsu.  He used Mikurodo cave for meditating. The name Kukai is comprised of the Japanese characters for sky and sea, so Kukai took this name because the only thing he was able to see from inside this cave were the sea and the sky. The sound of the waves from inside Mikurodo-kutsu is so wonderful that it was selected as "a sound that should be left for posterity" in the selection of the 100 best soundscapes in Japan.
    Mikurodo-Cave-1.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-16.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-8.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-4.jpg
  • Suikinkutsu or Japanese water harp produces sounds of echoes made by water drops falling inside the jar beneath.  This unique device lets you hear the sound of water dripping below the basin.   Some suikinkutsu have “earphones” consisting of bamboo pipes that you need to put your ear to hear the echo of water inside, others have been designed to amplify the echo without tubes that can be heard in the nearby area of this unique feature.
    suikinkutsu-6.jpg
  • Ben Thanh Market is a large marketplace in District 1 of Saigon.  The market is one of the most recognizable structures in the city and one of symbols of Saigon or as it is officially known:  Ho Chi Minh City.  The market was set up by the French colonial government in 1912.   Ben Thanh Market is recognizable from its clock tower on the large traffic circle on the south side of the market.  There are several hundred small stalls stuffed with a huge array of goods though many items have no fixed price and vendors always quote higher prices to tourists.  Bargaining is a must.  If the great selection of goods inside Ben Thanh won't do, there's plenty to be had in the surrounding side street shops that is not officially Ben Thanh Market but considered to be so by local Vietnamese shoppers who presume that pricing inside Ben Thanh is aimed at overseas Vietnamese and tourists and consequently higher than Vietnamese normal prices.
    ben-thanh-market-3.jpg
  • Coffee Roaster at Ben Thanh Market - a large marketplace in District 1 of Saigon.  The market is one of the most recognizable structures in the city and one of symbols of Saigon or as it is officially known:  Ho Chi Minh City.  The market was set up by the French colonial government in 1912.   Ben Thanh Market is recognizable from its clock tower on the large traffic circle on the south side of the market.  There are several hundred small stalls stuffed with a huge array of goods though many items have no fixed price and vendors always quote higher prices to tourists.  Bargaining is a must.  If the great selection of goods inside Ben Thanh won't do, there's plenty to be had in the surrounding side street shops that is not officially Ben Thanh Market but considered to be so by local Vietnamese shoppers who presume that pricing inside Ben Thanh is aimed at overseas Vietnamese and tourists and consequently higher than Vietnamese normal prices.
    ben-thanh-market-5.jpg
  • Ben Thanh Market is a large marketplace in District 1 of Saigon.  The market is one of the most recognizable structures in the city and one of symbols of Saigon or as it is officially known:  Ho Chi Minh City.  The market was set up by the French colonial government in 1912.   Ben Thanh Market is recognizable from its clock tower on the large traffic circle on the south side of the market.  There are several hundred small stalls stuffed with a huge array of goods though many items have no fixed price and vendors always quote higher prices to tourists.  Bargaining is a must.  If the great selection of goods inside Ben Thanh won't do, there's plenty to be had in the surrounding side street shops that is not officially Ben Thanh Market but considered to be so by local Vietnamese shoppers who presume that pricing inside Ben Thanh is aimed at overseas Vietnamese and tourists and consequently higher than Vietnamese normal prices.
    ben-thanh-market-7.jpg
  • Nong Buak Hard Public Park is in the southwest corner of Chiang Mai’s old city, inside the moat. The park is a great place to relax with good book,  do some exercise, chat with the locals, have a snack or do some people watching.  Nong Buak Hard Public Park is open daily and has plenty of benches as well as straw mat rentals to camp out on the grass. The grassed areas surround a number of ponds There is a  track around the park that is popular with joggers and walkers and much of the pathway is covered in shade making it a great place to take a walk on a hot day.  Food and drink stalls located inside the park.  The park is especially popular early in the morning and late afternoon with joggers, tai chi groups and yoga groups.  An array of exercise equipment as well as weights are available in a kind of al fresco gym which has become very popular with the neighbors.
    nong-buak-hard-park-2.jpg
  • The strolling garden at Kyorinbo was designed by Kobori Enshu during the Momoyama period . It is open for a limited time every year only on weekends and holidays in spring and in autumn.The pond-viewing garden facing the main hall where Tsurushima and Kameshima are represented by numerous rocks on the slope, the moss attached to the stone makes one feel the depth of history. There is also Kakejiku Garden that you can see from inside the main hall. In front of the Enshu Garden, the place where you can enjoy the bright red autumn leaves built at the end of the Muromachi period.  Kyorinbo was founded by Prince Shotoku. The temple name Kyorin is derived from the fact that the prince preached in the forest, and a large preaching rock and a sacred cave enshrining the principal image are left in the precincts. It is also called Stone Temple.
    kyorinbo-1.jpg
  • Ichinomiyaji is Temple 83 on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage trail. It's located next to an important Shinto shrine, Tamura Jinja to which it was once connected. There is a hole in the ground under the Yakushi Nyorai statue called the “kettle of hell” which visitors are told that they can “hear the sound of hell” inside.  At the entrance to Ichinomiya-ji there is a small rockery surrounded by a zen garden to greet visitors adjacent to ancient stone lanterns that once adorned the temple’s original buildings.
    ichinomiaji-1.jpg
  • Kochiin Temple is best known for its beautiful crane and turtle garden. The unusually complex Zen garden is a perfectly tranquil escape. The main garden at Konchiin is known as the Crane and Turtle Garden. There are two islands that create the illusion of a crane and a tortoise facing each other best viewed from inside the main hall of the temple to appreciate this unusual layout. The Zen garden here is considered one of the best examples of shakkei borrowed scenery in Japan.
    konchi-in-6.jpg
  • Kochiin Temple is best known for its beautiful crane and turtle garden. The unusually complex Zen garden is a perfectly tranquil escape. The main garden at Konchiin is known as the Crane and Turtle Garden. There are two islands that create the illusion of a crane and a tortoise facing each other best viewed from inside the main hall of the temple to appreciate this unusual layout. The Zen garden here is considered one of the best examples of shakkei borrowed scenery in Japan.
    konchi-in-3.jpg
  • Hakusasonso Garden was built over a period of 32 years on land that was formerly rice fields. The expansive garden includes many elements found in Japanese gardens: stone lanterns, water basins, and statues. Paths of stepping stones lead through mossy, thatched gates over small bridges and among the pieces of historic stonework. The 10,000-square meter site contains buildings such as a large studio he used for large works, a teahouse, and a personal Buddhist temple. There are also many works of stone art from the Heian to Kamakura periods. The garden was built by Hashimoto Kansetsu, an artist who was a member of the Kyoto art world from 1913 to 1945. The scenery in the garden changes throughout the four seasons, resembling the landscapes painted by Kansetsu. He possessed knowledge of ancient Japanese and Chinese classical history, as well as ancient and modern calligraphy art and poetry.  After deciding to become an artist he produced paintings incorporating the styles of various schools from inside and outside Japan. He is also known for creating many gardens throughtout his life though this garden is considered his best work. Hakusasonso garden was designated as a National Site of Scenic beauty by the Japanese government.
    hakusa-sonso-19.jpg
  • Zenzibuji Temple, Temple Number 32 - Zenzibuji temple is near Chikurinji temple on a hill facing Tosa Bay.  Zenzibu-ji is Temple number 32 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail. Kobo Daishi visited this temple in 807 and trained here. Daishi wished for the safety of ships in Tosa Bay. Inside the temple is a statue of Kannon the Goddess of Mercy and was taken as the principal image. While going through temple main gate, strangely shaped rocks stand in a row, one of which has a name called Shionomngan Rock.
    zenzibuji-9.jpg
  • Zenzibuji Temple, Temple Number 32 - Zenzibuji temple is near Chikurinji temple on a hill facing Tosa Bay.  Zenzibu-ji is Temple number 32 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail. Kobo Daishi visited this temple in 807 and trained here. Daishi wished for the safety of ships in Tosa Bay. Inside the temple is a statue of Kannon the Goddess of Mercy and was taken as the principal image. While going through temple main gate, strangely shaped rocks stand in a row, one of which has a name called Shionomngan Rock.
    zenzibuji-6.jpg
  • Stone Lantern at Fukusan Kaikan - Fukusan Kaikan Garden is a part of Fukuyama Castle grounds.  Ishidoro lanterns are usually used to decorate Japanese gardens, shrines and temples rather than for providing light, although occasionally they are lit up with candles inside during festivals.   Ishidoro Lanterns were introduced to Japan via China in the 6th century.  The earliest lanterns, found only in temple grounds, were designed to hold the flame representing Buddha.  Light  helps us overcome the darkness of ignorance. Ishidoro were originally used at temples, gardens and shrines.  Around the 16th century stone lanterns were adopted and placed in the gardens of teahouses. The garden itself is a forest pond style garden designed by Nishimura, a Kyoto artist, which took 10 years to complete.  Its pond is in the shape of a heart.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-222.jpg
  • Byodo-in is a Buddhist temple in the city of Uji Kyoto prefecture, a National Treasure and a World Heritage Site.  Its outline is featured on the ¥10 coin. Built in 998 AD during the Heian period, Byodo-in was originally a private residence like many Japanese temples.  It was converted into a temple by the Fujiwara clan in 1052. The Phoenix Hall, the great statue of Amida inside it, and several other items at Byodoin are Japanese National Treasures. UNESCO listed the garden and building as a World Heritage Site in 1994.
    byodo-in-13.jpg
  • Kawai Monster Cafe Lavatory - Steven King says that monsters are real and live inside us.  The Kawai Monster Cafe is a perfect place to test this theory out. The cafe is right at home in Harajuku, which has quite a few monsters in the neighborhood.  And cuteness.  Kawai Monster Cafe is not about the cuisine, which has not been reviewed kindly.  It’s all about the presentation and the decor that keep customers coming.  The place has differently themed areas, though the Mushroom Disco is probably the most colorful.  In an adjacent area you’ll find the Milk Stand which features milk bottle lights and a cracked mirror ceiling to add to the trippy look.  The mascot is “Choppy” or Mr. Ten Thousand Chopsticks.  Another highlight is a kind of cake-merry-go-round called Sweets-go-Round.  The Bar Experiment is meant to resemble a giant jellyfish complete with illuminated sea creatures.  The rest rooms are also kitted out in color.  Even if mother nature doesn’t call, it is worth visiting anyway just for the unique experience and decor.
    kawai-monster-cafe-15.jpg
  • Kawai Monster Cafe Multicolored Pasta  - Steven King says that monsters are real and live inside us.  The Kawai Monster Cafe is a perfect place to test this theory out. The cafe is right at home in Harajuku, which has quite a few monsters in the neighborhood.  And cuteness.  Kawai Monster Cafe is not about the cuisine, which has not been reviewed kindly.  It’s all about the presentation and the decor that keep customers coming.  The place has differently themed areas, though the Mushroom Disco is probably the most colorful.  In an adjacent area you’ll find the Milk Stand which features milk bottle lights and a cracked mirror ceiling to add to the trippy look.  The mascot is “Choppy” or Mr. Ten Thousand Chopsticks.  Another highlight is a kind of cake-merry-go-round called Sweets-go-Round.  The Bar Experiment is meant to resemble a giant jellyfish complete with illuminated sea creatures.  The rest rooms are also kitted out in color.  Even if mother nature doesn’t call, it is worth visiting anyway just for the unique experience and decor.
    kawai-monster-cafe-10.jpg
  • Reversible Destiny at Yoro Park is an “experiential” place where you are supposed to encounter the unexpected. The park’s creation was a collaboration of two artists: Madeline Gins and Shusaku Arakawa.  Everything feels a bit off at Reversible Destiny because of all the angles so as to adjust your senses if not your destiny. The park is a combination of domes, steep hills, trails and holes with trees in them. Critical Resemblance House is part maze, part house - the roof is in the shape of a map of Gifu Prefecture.  Inside are desks, ovens, refrigerators, toilets, beds sticking out of walls and the ceiling.   Insect Mountain Range is a group of rocks - meaning humans don’t have to be confined to the natural world and can choose alternatives.  Exactitude Ridge is a bridge sticking out of the ground that stops and goes nowhere.
    reversible-destiny-16.jpg
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