Asia Images / John Lander Photography

  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Contact
  • Archive
    • All Galleries
    • Search
    • Cart
    • Lightbox
    • Client Area
  • Books
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
x

Search Results

Refine Search
Match all words
Match any word
Prints
Personal Use
Royalty-Free
Rights-Managed
(leave unchecked to
search all images)
Next
623 images found
twitterlinkedinfacebook

Loading ()...

  • Odd Japanese Products: Cupman- Japan has long been one step ahead of the rest of the world technologically. Most people, however, don’t recognize Japan for its innovations or creativity, let alone its knack for all out fantasy.   Some inventions are clever, a few are even brilliant ideas, while others are absurd but in an interesting way.  It has become such a “thing” that there is even a word for it: chindogu.  Mr Kenji Kawakami, an inventor and founder of tofugu.com.  Kawakami describes the products as un-useless, which is to say almost useful but at the same time, so outlandish that people would not want to be seen using them.  He also has a few rules for chindogu:  products may not only be funny but sort of useful and products must represent freedom, never taboo and not patented.  Finally, the products must not be for sale.  Well, a few of them have slipped through the cracks.  Anything to make a buck!   Even 100 Yen shop chain Daiso now has inflatable tits.  Another gold mine for shopping for un-useless products is Don Quijote or “donki” as it is known in Japan.  A few popular items: Lipstick guide stencils for klutses who can’t apply makeup without smudges; karaoke mufffled microphone so you can belt out that song without anyone hearing it;  nose enhancers, and even inflatable swan-shaped penis extenders!
    odd-products-02.jpg
  • Odd Japanese Products; Inflatable Swan Penis - Japan has long been one step ahead of the rest of the world technologically. Most people, however, don’t recognize Japan for its innovations or creativity, let alone its knack for all out fantasy.   Some inventions are clever, a few are even brilliant ideas, while others are absurd but in an interesting way.  It has become such a “thing” that there is even a word for it: chindogu.  Mr Kenji Kawakami, an inventor and founder of tofugu.com.  Kawakami describes the products as un-useless, which is to say almost useful but at the same time, so outlandish that people would not want to be seen using them.  He also has a few rules for chindogu:  products may not only be funny but sort of useful and products must represent freedom, never taboo and not patented.  Finally, the products must not be for sale.  Well, a few of them have slipped through the cracks.  Anything to make a buck!   Even 100 Yen shop chain Daiso now has inflatable tits.  Another gold mine for shopping for un-useless products is Don Quijote or “donki” as it is known in Japan.  A few popular items: Lipstick guide stencils for klutses who can’t apply makeup without smudges; karaoke mufffled microphone so you can belt out that song without anyone hearing it;  nose enhancers, and even inflatable swan-shaped penis extenders!
    odd-products-09.jpg
  • Odd Japanese Products: Animal Hot Pad - Japan has long been one step ahead of the rest of the world technologically. Most people, however, don’t recognize Japan for its innovations or creativity, let alone its knack for all out fantasy.   Some inventions are clever, a few are even brilliant ideas, while others are absurd but in an interesting way.  It has become such a “thing” that there is even a word for it: chindogu.  Mr Kenji Kawakami, an inventor and founder of tofugu.com.  Kawakami describes the products as un-useless, which is to say almost useful but at the same time, so outlandish that people would not want to be seen using them.  He also has a few rules for chindogu:  products may not only be funny but sort of useful and products must represent freedom, never taboo and not patented.  Finally, the products must not be for sale.  Well, a few of them have slipped through the cracks.  Anything to make a buck!   Even 100 Yen shop chain Daiso now has inflatable tits.  Another gold mine for shopping for un-useless products is Don Quijote or “donki” as it is known in Japan.  A few popular items: Lipstick guide stencils for klutses who can’t apply makeup without smudges; karaoke mufffled microphone so you can belt out that song without anyone hearing it;  nose enhancers, and even inflatable swan-shaped penis extenders!
    odd-products-04.jpg
  • Odd Japanese Products: Extreme Fire - Japan has long been one step ahead of the rest of the world technologically. Most people, however, don’t recognize Japan for its innovations or creativity, let alone its knack for all out fantasy.   Some inventions are clever, a few are even brilliant ideas, while others are absurd but in an interesting way.  It has become such a “thing” that there is even a word for it: chindogu.  Mr Kenji Kawakami, an inventor and founder of tofugu.com.  Kawakami describes the products as un-useless, which is to say almost useful but at the same time, so outlandish that people would not want to be seen using them.  He also has a few rules for chindogu:  products may not only be funny but sort of useful and products must represent freedom, never taboo and not patented.  Finally, the products must not be for sale.  Well, a few of them have slipped through the cracks.  Anything to make a buck!   Even 100 Yen shop chain Daiso now has inflatable tits.  Another gold mine for shopping for un-useless products is Don Quijote or “donki” as it is known in Japan.  A few popular items: Lipstick guide stencils for klutses who can’t apply makeup without smudges; karaoke mufffled microphone so you can belt out that song without anyone hearing it;  nose enhancers, and even inflatable swan-shaped penis extenders!
    odd-products-01.jpg
  • Odd Japanese Products; Inflatable Swan Penis - Japan has long been one step ahead of the rest of the world technologically. Most people, however, don’t recognize Japan for its innovations or creativity, let alone its knack for all out fantasy.   Some inventions are clever, a few are even brilliant ideas, while others are absurd but in an interesting way.  It has become such a “thing” that there is even a word for it: chindogu.  Mr Kenji Kawakami, an inventor and founder of tofugu.com.  Kawakami describes the products as un-useless, which is to say almost useful but at the same time, so outlandish that people would not want to be seen using them.  He also has a few rules for chindogu:  products may not only be funny but sort of useful and products must represent freedom, never taboo and not patented.  Finally, the products must not be for sale.  Well, a few of them have slipped through the cracks.  Anything to make a buck!   Even 100 Yen shop chain Daiso now has inflatable tits.  Another gold mine for shopping for un-useless products is Don Quijote or “donki” as it is known in Japan.  A few popular items: Lipstick guide stencils for klutses who can’t apply makeup without smudges; karaoke mufffled microphone so you can belt out that song without anyone hearing it;  nose enhancers, and even inflatable swan-shaped penis extenders!
    odd-products-11.jpg
  • Odd Japanese Products: Soup Splash Guard - Japan has long been one step ahead of the rest of the world technologically. Most people, however, don’t recognize Japan for its innovations or creativity, let alone its knack for all out fantasy.   Some inventions are clever, a few are even brilliant ideas, while others are absurd but in an interesting way.  It has become such a “thing” that there is even a word for it: chindogu.  Mr Kenji Kawakami, an inventor and founder of tofugu.com.  Kawakami describes the products as un-useless, which is to say almost useful but at the same time, so outlandish that people would not want to be seen using them.  He also has a few rules for chindogu:  products may not only be funny but sort of useful and products must represent freedom, never taboo and not patented.  Finally, the products must not be for sale.  Well, a few of them have slipped through the cracks.  Anything to make a buck!   Even 100 Yen shop chain Daiso now has inflatable tits.  Another gold mine for shopping for un-useless products is Don Quijote or “donki” as it is known in Japan.  A few popular items: Lipstick guide stencils for klutses who can’t apply makeup without smudges; karaoke mufffled microphone so you can belt out that song without anyone hearing it;  nose enhancers, and even inflatable swan-shaped penis extenders!
    odd-products-12.jpg
  • Odd Japanese Products; Inflatable Swan Penis - Japan has long been one step ahead of the rest of the world technologically. Most people, however, don’t recognize Japan for its innovations or creativity, let alone its knack for all out fantasy.   Some inventions are clever, a few are even brilliant ideas, while others are absurd but in an interesting way.  It has become such a “thing” that there is even a word for it: chindogu.  Mr Kenji Kawakami, an inventor and founder of tofugu.com.  Kawakami describes the products as un-useless, which is to say almost useful but at the same time, so outlandish that people would not want to be seen using them.  He also has a few rules for chindogu:  products may not only be funny but sort of useful and products must represent freedom, never taboo and not patented.  Finally, the products must not be for sale.  Well, a few of them have slipped through the cracks.  Anything to make a buck!   Even 100 Yen shop chain Daiso now has inflatable tits.  Another gold mine for shopping for un-useless products is Don Quijote or “donki” as it is known in Japan.  A few popular items: Lipstick guide stencils for klutses who can’t apply makeup without smudges; karaoke mufffled microphone so you can belt out that song without anyone hearing it;  nose enhancers, and even inflatable swan-shaped penis extenders!
    odd-products-10.jpg
  • Odd Japanese Products: Massage Roller Japan has long been one step ahead of the rest of the world technologically. Most people, however, don’t recognize Japan for its innovations or creativity, let alone its knack for all out fantasy.   Some inventions are clever, a few are even brilliant ideas, while others are absurd but in an interesting way.  It has become such a “thing” that there is even a word for it: chindogu.  Mr Kenji Kawakami, an inventor and founder of tofugu.com.  Kawakami describes the products as un-useless, which is to say almost useful but at the same time, so outlandish that people would not want to be seen using them.  He also has a few rules for chindogu:  products may not only be funny but sort of useful and products must represent freedom, never taboo and not patented.  Finally, the products must not be for sale.  Well, a few of them have slipped through the cracks.  Anything to make a buck!   Even 100 Yen shop chain Daiso now has inflatable tits.  Another gold mine for shopping for un-useless products is Don Quijote or “donki” as it is known in Japan.  A few popular items: Lipstick guide stencils for klutses who can’t apply makeup without smudges; karaoke mufffled microphone so you can belt out that song without anyone hearing it;  nose enhancers, and even inflatable swan-shaped penis extenders!
    odd-products-03.jpg
  • Japan has long been one step ahead of the rest of the world technologically. Most people, however, don’t recognize Japan for its innovations or creativity, let alone its knack for all out fantasy.   Some inventions are clever, a few are even brilliant ideas, while others are absurd but in an interesting way.  It has become such a “thing” that there is even a word for it: chindogu.  Mr Kenji Kawakami, an inventor and founder of tofugu.com.  Kawakami describes the products as un-useless, which is to say almost useful but at the same time, so outlandish that people would not want to be seen using them.  He also has a few rules for chindogu:  products may not only be funny but sort of useful and products must represent freedom, never taboo and not patented.  Finally, the products must not be for sale.  Well, a few of them have slipped through the cracks.  Anything to make a buck!   Even 100 Yen shop chain Daiso now has inflatable tits.  Another gold mine for shopping for un-useless products is Don Quijote or “donki” as it is known in Japan.  A few popular items: Lipstick guide stencils for klutses who can’t apply makeup without smudges; karaoke mufffled microphone so you can belt out that song without anyone hearing it;  nose enhancers, and even inflatable swan-shaped penis extenders!
    odd-products-05.jpg
  • Fake  Boobs - Japan has long been one step ahead of the rest of the world technologically. Most people, however, don’t recognize Japan for its innovations or creativity, let alone its knack for all out fantasy.   Some inventions are clever, a few are even brilliant ideas, while others are absurd but in an interesting way.  It has become such a “thing” that there is even a word for it: chindogu.  Mr Kenji Kawakami, an inventor and founder of tofugu.com.  Kawakami describes the products as un-useless, which is to say almost useful but at the same time, so outlandish that people would not want to be seen using them.  He also has a few rules for chindogu:  products may not only be funny but sort of useful and products must represent freedom, never taboo and not patented.  Finally, the products must not be for sale.  Well, a few of them have slipped through the cracks.  Anything to make a buck!   Even 100 Yen shop chain Daiso now has inflatable tits.  Another gold mine for shopping for un-useless products is Don Quijote or “donki” as it is known in Japan.  A few popular items: Lipstick guide stencils for klutses who can’t apply makeup without smudges; karaoke mufffled microphone so you can belt out that song without anyone hearing it;  nose enhancers, and even inflatable swan-shaped penis extenders!
    odd-products-06.jpg
  • Fake  Boobs - Japan has long been one step ahead of the rest of the world technologically. Most people, however, don’t recognize Japan for its innovations or creativity, let alone its knack for all out fantasy.   Some inventions are clever, a few are even brilliant ideas, while others are absurd but in an interesting way.  It has become such a “thing” that there is even a word for it: chindogu.  Mr Kenji Kawakami, an inventor and founder of tofugu.com.  Kawakami describes the products as un-useless, which is to say almost useful but at the same time, so outlandish that people would not want to be seen using them.  He also has a few rules for chindogu:  products may not only be funny but sort of useful and products must represent freedom, never taboo and not patented.  Finally, the products must not be for sale.  Well, a few of them have slipped through the cracks.  Anything to make a buck!   Even 100 Yen shop chain Daiso now has inflatable tits.  Another gold mine for shopping for un-useless products is Don Quijote or “donki” as it is known in Japan.  A few popular items: Lipstick guide stencils for klutses who can’t apply makeup without smudges; karaoke mufffled microphone so you can belt out that song without anyone hearing it;  nose enhancers, and even inflatable swan-shaped penis extenders!
    odd-products-08.jpg
  • Fake  Boobs - Japan has long been one step ahead of the rest of the world technologically. Most people, however, don’t recognize Japan for its innovations or creativity, let alone its knack for all out fantasy.   Some inventions are clever, a few are even brilliant ideas, while others are absurd but in an interesting way.  It has become such a “thing” that there is even a word for it: chindogu.  Mr Kenji Kawakami, an inventor and founder of tofugu.com.  Kawakami describes the products as un-useless, which is to say almost useful but at the same time, so outlandish that people would not want to be seen using them.  He also has a few rules for chindogu:  products may not only be funny but sort of useful and products must represent freedom, never taboo and not patented.  Finally, the products must not be for sale.  Well, a few of them have slipped through the cracks.  Anything to make a buck!   Even 100 Yen shop chain Daiso now has inflatable tits.  Another gold mine for shopping for un-useless products is Don Quijote or “donki” as it is known in Japan.  A few popular items: Lipstick guide stencils for klutses who can’t apply makeup without smudges; karaoke mufffled microphone so you can belt out that song without anyone hearing it;  nose enhancers, and even inflatable swan-shaped penis extenders!
    odd-products-07.jpg
  • Oni are creatures from Japanese folklore, variously called demons, devils, ogres or trolls. They are popular characters in Japanese art, literature and theatre. Depictions of oni vary widely but usually portray them as hideous, gigantic, creatures with sharp claws, wild hair, and two long horns growing from their heads. They are humanoid for the most part, but occasionally, they are shown with unnatural features such as odd numbers of eyes or extra fingers and toes. Their skin may be any number of colors, but red and blue are particularly common.
    oni-5.jpg
  • Oni are creatures from Japanese folklore, variously called demons, devils, ogres or trolls. They are popular characters in Japanese art, literature and theatre. Depictions of oni vary widely but usually portray them as hideous, gigantic creatures with sharp claws, wild hair, and two long horns growing from their heads. They are humanoid for the most part, but occasionally, they are shown with unnatural features such as odd numbers of eyes or extra fingers and toes. Their skin may be any number of colors, but red and blue are particularly common.
    oni-3.jpg
  • Oni are creatures from Japanese folklore, variously called demons, devils, ogres or trolls. They are popular characters in Japanese art, literature and theatre. Depictions of oni vary widely but usually portray them as hideous, gigantic, creatures with sharp claws, wild hair, and two long horns growing from their heads. They are humanoid for the most part, but occasionally, they are shown with unnatural features such as odd numbers of eyes or extra fingers and toes. Their skin may be any number of colors, but red and blue are particularly common.
    oni-1.jpg
  • Oni are creatures from Japanese folklore, variously called demons, devils, ogres or trolls. They are popular characters in Japanese art, literature and theatre. Depictions of oni vary widely but usually portray them as hideous, gigantic, creatures with sharp claws, wild hair, and two long horns growing from their heads. They are humanoid for the most part, but occasionally, they are shown with unnatural features such as odd numbers of eyes or extra fingers and toes. Their skin may be any number of colors, but red and blue are particularly common.
    oni-4.jpg
  • Niijima Moai - Though they are called "moai" these artifacts are more like outdoor sculptures, dotted along the coastline of Niijima. Oddly enough, Niijima Island is a part of Tokyo although it in no way resembles the crowded city - or any city for that matter.  In fact, it is more of a tropical paradise and hangout for surfer dudes, with huge wages and surf.  To make life more interesting, or some other reason, Niijima also has a smattering of moai or public art sculptures along the coast.  Though they are called "moai" these artifacts are more sculptures, dotted along the coastlines of Niijima.  Most of them are made of ryolite, a precious volcanic rock that is mined only on Niijima.  These sculptures are actually called moyai by the locals which means ‘work together’ in their dialect.
    Niijima-Moai-3.jpg
  • Niijima Moai Though they are called "moai" these artifacts are more like outdoor sculptures, dotted along the coastline of Niijima. Oddly enough, Niijima Island is a part of Tokyo although it in no way resembles the crowded city or any city for that matter.  In fact, it is more of a tropical paradise and hangout for surfer dudes, with huge wages and surf.  To make life more interesting, or some other reason, Niijima also has a smattering of moai or public art sculptures along the coast.  Though they are called "moai" these artifacts are more sculptures, dotted along the coastlines of Niijima.  Most of them are made of ryolite, a precious volcanic rock that is mined only on Niijima.  These sculptures are actually called moyai by the locals which means ‘work together’ in their dialect.
    Niijima-Moai-2.jpg
  • Niijima Moai Though they are called "moai" these artifacts are more like outdoor sculptures, dotted along the coastline of Niijima. Oddly enough, Niijima Island is a part of Tokyo although it in no way resembles the crowded city or any city for that matter.  In fact, it is more of a tropical paradise and hangout for surfer dudes, with huge wages and surf.  To make life more interesting, or some other reason, Niijima also has a smattering of moai or public art sculptures along the coast.  Though they are called "moai" these artifacts are more sculptures, dotted along the coastlines of Niijima.  Most of them are made of ryolite, a precious volcanic rock that is mined only on Niijima.  These sculptures are actually called moyai by the locals which means ‘work together’ in their dialect.
    Niijima-Moai-1.jpg
  • Lantau Island, also Lantao, is the largest island in Hong Kong, located at the mouth of the Pearl River.  Originally the site of sleepy fishing villages, in recent years has been increasingly developed.
    lantau-5.jpg
  • Lantau Island, also Lantao, is the largest island in Hong Kong, located at the mouth of the Pearl River.  Originally the site of sleepy fishing villages, in recent years has been increasingly developed.
    lantau-4.jpg
  • Literally hundreds of penises or rather phallus statue or statuettes from small wooden carvings to big stone sculptures that stand ten feet tall and decorated with ribbons - make this shrine quite unique. It honors Chao Mae Tubtim, a female fertility spirit. Women visit this shrine when they are trying to conceive, leaving offerings of lotus and jasmine.
    tuptim-shrine-5.jpg
  • Green Tea Bath at Yunessun Springs, Hakone - Kowakien Yunessun is a hot springs spa resort and water amusement park located in the scenic surroundings of Hakone.  With a unique blend of traditional Japanese onsen hot springs and water recreation and activities such as pools, slides, and man-made waterfalls.  Yunessun also has some wacky baths such as the coffee bath, sake bath, wine bath and even a green tea bath.
    yunessun-tea-bath-2.jpg
  • The Hakodate Transportation Bureau  is the public transportation authority of Hakodate, Japan. The bureau only operates tram lines.  The current network is consisted of 4 lines with 2 routes.  Streetcars come once every 10 minutes or so on each route.
    hakodate-streetcar-1.jpg
  • Japanese Musicians at Mengake Kamakura - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival held in September a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing comical or grotesque masks that signify different demons, legends and dieties  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-kamakura-12.jpg
  • Shinto Priest at Mengake Procession - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival held in September a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing comical or grotesque masks that signify different demons, legends and dieties  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-kamakura-09.jpg
  • The popular symbolism associated with Daruma as a good luck charm comes from the founder of Daruma-Dera that New Year’s charms depicting Bodhidharma would bring happiness and prosperity and ward off accidents and misfortune. The charms were always given with an effectiveness of one year, so the people required new ones every year.
    daruma-statue.jpg
  • Kanamara Matsuri or Festival of the Phallus is an annual Shinto fertility festival held in Kawasaki in spring. The penis forms the central theme of the event that is reflected everywhere: candy, carved vegetables, decorations, sake bottles and a parade. The Kanamara Matsuri is centered around a local penis venerating shrine once popular among prostitutes who wished to pray for protection against sexual problems and diseases.
    kanamara-shrine-2.jpg
  • Colorful Pants Display at Chatuchak Market - sometimes called the Weekend Market is the largest market in Thailand, and one of the largest of the world.  It covers over 35 acres and contains more than 5,000 stalls not counting wandering vendors and street entertainers. On a good day the market receives between 200,000 and 300,000 visitors. The market offers a wide variety of products including household items, clothing, Thai handicrafts, religious artifacts, collectibles, foods and even live animals.
    chatuchak-12.jpg
  • Giant Outdoor Chessboard
    giant-chess-game-1.jpg
  • Wine Bath at Yunessun Springs - Kowakien Yunessun is a hot springs spa resort and water amusement park located in the scenic surroundings of Hakone.  With a unique blend of traditional Japanese onsen hot springs and water recreation and activities such as pools, slides, and man-made waterfalls.  Yunessun also has some wacky baths such as the coffee bath, sake bath, wine bath and even a green tea bath.
    yunessun-wine-bath-1.jpg
  • The post-industrial era of Japan has brought new cultural products and thus new associations to Japan, including karaoke, Tamagotchi, Pokemon, Aibo, and Hello Kitty and countless other forms of kitsch.
    japanese-kitsch-2.jpg
  • Reptile wine, root wines and plum wines are all good for what ails you. According to the Vietnamese they "make you strong".   Each street in Hanoi's old quarter has merchants and artisans specialized in a particular trade such as silk, jewellery, coffee and herbalists. The street names reflect these specializations, although few of them remain exclusively in their original commerce.
    vietnamese-herbalist.jpg
  • A wide variety of "costume play" getups are shown here: goths, cartoon characters from Japanese manga, anime,  the sweet-and-innocent frilly look or combinations in between (goth lolly)  Every Sunday, these cosplay characters converge on Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion quarter. Most casual observers say that cosplay is a reaction to the rigid rules of Japanese society. But since so many cosplay girls congregate in Harajuku and Aoyama - Tokyo headquarters of Fendi, Hanae Mori and Issey Miyake, others consider it is a reaction to high fashion. Whatever the cause, cosplay aficionados put a lot of effort into their clothing and makeup.
    costume-play-7.jpg
  • Jiji Elderly Man at Mengake Kamakura - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival held in September a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing comical or grotesque masks that signify different demons, legends and dieties  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-kamakura-22.jpg
  • Jiji Elderly Man at Mengake Kamakura - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival held in September a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing comical or grotesque masks that signify different demons, legends and dieties  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-kamakura-20.jpg
  • Japanese Musicians at Mengake Kamakura - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival held in September a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing comical or grotesque masks that signify different demons, legends and dieties  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-kamakura-11.jpg
  • Drummers at Mengake Kamakura - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival held in September a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing comical or grotesque masks that signify different demons, legends and dieties  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-kamakura-07.jpg
  • Mengake Mask Procession - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing grotesque or comical masks  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-7.jpg
  • A wide variety of "costume play" getups  from Japanese manga, anime,  imitations of favorite pop stars or combinations in between can be witnessed very Sunday in Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion quarter. Casual observers believe that cosplay is a reaction to  rigid rules of Japanese society but since so many cosplayers congregate in Aoyama - Tokyo headquarters of world class designers Fendi, Hanae Mori and Issey Miyake, it is considered a reaction to high fashion. Whatever the reason cosplay aficionados put a tremendous amount of effort into their costumes every Sunday. You can't help but wonder what they wear on Monday morning..
    costume-play-4.jpg
  • Costume Play Frills portraying  the sweet-and-innocent look - On Sundays cosplay characters such as this woman converge on Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion quarter. Many casual observers believe cosplay is a reaction to the rigid rules of Japanese society. Since so many cosplayers meet in Harajuku and Aoyama - Tokyo headquarters of Fendi, Hanae Mori and Issey Miyake others consider it a statement on high fashion. Whatever the reason cosplay aficionados put a tremendous amount of effort into their costumes every Sunday.
    costume-play-6.jpg
  • Lions at Mengake Kamakura Procession - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival held in September a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing comical or grotesque masks that signify different demons, legends and dieties  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-kamakura-25.jpg
  • Drummer at Mengake Kamakura - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival held in September a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing comical or grotesque masks that signify different demons, legends and dieties  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-kamakura-05.jpg
  • Mengake Procession - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival held in September a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing comical or grotesque masks that signify different demons, legends and dieties  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-kamakura-01.jpg
  • Sake Bath at Kowakien Yunessun - a hot springs spa resort and water amusement park located in the scenic surroundings of Hakone.  With a unique blend of traditional Japanese onsen hot springs and specialty baths such as this sake bath.
    yunessun-sake-bath.jpg
  • Gravestone in the shape of a coffee cup lies at Okunoin, one of the most sacred places in Japan. Presumably this person worked for UCC coffee, and wanted to be remembered this way. People from all over the country who wished to be buried close to Kobo Daishi lie there including former feudal lords, politicians and other prominent personalities. Their graves line the approaches to Okunoin for hundreds of meters throughout the forest.
    okunoin-5.jpg
  • Kep Crab Statue - The symbol of Kep and the Kep Coast since crab is the area's most renowned product.
    kep-crab-01.jpg
  • Koiwai Farm is located 12 kilometers northwest of Morioka on the southern side of Mt. Iwate. Of the total area of the farm two thirds consists of mountains and forests. The central part of the farm is open to visitors as Makiba-en Park where farming demonstrations are shown in an amusement park atmosphere. In order to seek further understanding about Koiwai Farm, they prepare and deliver foods that are made mainly from the ingredients produced on the farm.
    koiwai-farm-2.jpg
  • Sisters of St Paul Statue in Dumaguete, often called the "Sisters Statue".  Seven Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres, set sail from Saigon and arrived in Dumaguete, southern Philippines in 1904. Their mission was to nurture the faith of the predominantly Catholic population recently freed from 377 years of Spanish rule but was then prey to the intense proselytizing campaign of Protestants as well as patriotic influences of the Philippine Independent Church. Starting their missionary work under extreme conditions of poverty and enormous cultural difficulties, they nevertheless proved to be excellent nurses and educators.  The first Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres in the Philippines opened the first Paulinian School in Dumaguete Negros Oriental in 1904.
    sisters-st-paul-2.jpg
  • Costume Play Plastic Jewelry - A wide variety of costume play getups goths, cartoon characters from Japanese manga, anime or combinations in between meet up every Sunday in Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion quarter. Many casual observers suppose cosplay is a reaction to rigid rules in Japanese society but since so many cosplayers flock to Harajuku and Aoyama, Tokyo headquarters of Fendi, Hanae Mori and Issey Miyake, others consider that this may be a reaction to high fashion. Whatever the cause, cosplay aficionados put a tremendous amount of effort into their costumes. One can only wonder what they wear on Monday morning to the office or school...
    costume-play-12.jpg
  • Costume Play Bloody Brunette Nurse - A wide variety of "costume play" getups from nurses, bloddy nurses,  goths, cartoon characters from Japanese manga and anime...Every Sunday cosplayers meet up in Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion quarter and show their latest creations. Casual observers think that cos-play is a reaction to the rigid rules of Japanese society. But since so many cosplay girls Tokyo's high fashion district HQ for Hanae Mori, Fendi and Issey Miyake, some pundits observe that it is rather a reaction to high fashion.  You can't help but imagine what they could possibly wear on Monday mornings though.
    costume-play-3.jpg
  • Giant Outdoor Chessboard
    giant-chess-game-2.jpg
  • Lake Toya  or Toyako as it is known in Japanese is part of the Shikotsu Toya National Park. In addition to the lake itself, the Toyako region features hot springs and an active volcano, Mount Usu, which last erupted in the year 2000. The area also offers many fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities..The picturesque lake was chosen as the location of the the G8 summit which Japan hosted from July 7 to 9, 2008. The leaders of the world's eight major industrialized democracies met at the Windsor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa.
    lake-toya-3.jpg
  • Mengake Mask Procession - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing grotesque or comical masks  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-9.jpg
  • Costume Play Lolita - The classic  sweet and innocent frilly look in costume play sometimes takes the form of a "maid" though the "Lolita" is a favorite innocent look.  Every Sunday, cosplay characters of various stripes from goths, nurses, impersonators of manga, anime or pop bands converge on Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion quarter.  Cosplayers put a tremendous amount of effort into their costumes.  Ths innocent look has always been popular in Japan.
    costume-play-9.jpg
  • Costume Play Goth Lolitas. A wide variety of "costume play" getups takes in goths, goth lollys, cartoon characters from Japanese manga, anime,  the sweet-and-innocent frilly look or combinations in between. Each and every Sunday these cosplay characters converge on Harajuku Tokyo's fashion district. Most casual observers say that cosplay is a reaction to the rigid rules of Japanese society. But since so many cosplay kids congregate in Harajuku and Aoyama - Tokyo headquarters of Fendi, Hanae Mori and Issey Miyake, others consider it is a reaction to high fashion. Whatever the cause, cosplay aficionados put a tremendous amount of effort into their costumes every Sunday. Though one does wonder what they wear on Monday morning...
    costume-play-goths-2.jpg
  • Lions at Mengake Kamakura Procession - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival held in September a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing comical or grotesque masks that signify different demons, legends and dieties  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-kamakura-26.jpg
  • Drummers at Mengake Kamakura - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival held in September a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing comical or grotesque masks that signify different demons, legends and dieties  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-kamakura-06.jpg
  • Tengu at Mengake Kamakura - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival held in September a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing comical or grotesque masks that signify different demons, legends and dieties  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-kamakura-03.jpg
  • Coffee Bath at Yunessun Springs, Hakone - Kowakien Yunessun is a hot springs spa resort and water amusement park located in the scenic surroundings of Hakone.  With a unique blend of traditional Japanese onsen hot springs and water recreation and activities such as pools, slides, and man-made waterfalls.  Yunessun also has some wacky baths such as the coffee bath, sake bath, wine bath and even a green tea bath.
    yunessun-coffee-bath-2.jpg
  • The post-industrial era of Japan has brought new cultural products and thus new associations to Japan, including karaoke, Tamagotchi, Pokemon, Aibo, and Hello Kitty.
    japanese-kitsch-1.jpg
  • The Takenokuzoku in Harajuku are the forerunners of the costume players, and still make occasional appearances regularly in Harajuku on Sunday, dancing their hearts out after carefully coiffing their hair-dos.
    Takenokozoku.jpg
  • Harajuku Goth Lollies - A combination of Goths and Lolitas blending a bit of innocence with a tad of mysterious evil.  Every Sunday cosplay characters meet in Harajuku Tokyo's fashion area to show their latest creations.  It makes you wonder what they wear on Monday mornings to work...
    costume-play-goths-1.jpg
  • Costume Play Bloody Nurse - Every Sunday cosplay characters come to Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion quarter, to show off their latest creations.  Most casual observers say that cosplay is a reaction to rigid rules in Japanese society. But since so many cosplayers meet up in Harajuku and Aoyama - Tokyo headquarters of Fendi, Hanae Mori and Issey Miyake still others consider this phenomenon a reaction to high fashion. Whatever the cause cosplay aficionados put a tremendous amount of effort into their costumes every Sunday. One only wonders what they wear on Monday morning.
    costume-play-10.jpg
  • Japanese "Love hotels" attempt various themes to lighten the mood of such assignations,  this particular love hotel likes soft lights and moody colors.  this particular love hotel could almost pass for a real, normal hotel except for the smoked glass dark windows for privacy and the hidden entrance...Japanese love hotels always have a discreet entrance. More commonly they are "drive-through" with hidden parking lots or at least giant mud flaps hiding cars, or that is to say, car license plates in case the wife happens to drive by.
    japanese-love-hotel-1.jpg
  • The Festival of the Phallus or Kanamara Matsuri is a Shinto fertility festival held in Kawasaki at Kanamara Shrine. The phallus forms the central theme of the event that is reflected everywhere: decorations, candy, and even sake bottles.  The grand finale is a huge parade going through the streets with penis floats. The festival is centered around Kanamra shrine, once popular among prostitutes who wished to pray for protection against diseases and other sexual problems.
    kanamara-shrine-4.jpg
  • Mengake Mask Procession - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing grotesque or comical masks  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-2.jpg
  • Costume Play Checkerboard - A wide variety of "costume play" creations are to be seen every Sunday in Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion quarter.  The freakier the costume, the more hits they get.
    costume-play-5.jpg
  • Takeshita Street Samurai - A wide variety of "costume play" getups are shown here: goths, cartoon characters from Japanese manga, anime,  the sweet-and-innocent frilly look or combinations in between (goth lolly)  Every Sunday, these cosplay characters converge on Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion quarter. Most casual observers say that cosplay is a reaction to the rigid rules of Japanese society. But since so many cosplay girls congregate in Harajuku and Aoyama - Tokyo headquarters of Fendi, Hanae Mori and Issey Miyake, others consider it is a reaction to high fashion. Whatever the cause, cosplay aficionados put a tremendous amount of effort into their costumes every Sunday. One wonders what they wear on Monday morning...
    takeshita-street.jpg
  • Japan loves their mascots what could be cooler or kinkier than a cuddly Japanese mascot?  There couldn't possibly be anything more  adorable or ridiculous, depending on your point of view.  Everything from recycling promotions to city governments has mascots. They're responsible for promoting tourism, teaching kids to recycle, discovering cures for cancer.  You name it: there's a Japanese mascot on the case. These lovable mascots, are called yuru kyara "gentle characters" as they're known in Japan,
    tokushima-oranges-mascot-1.jpg
  • "My Sky Hole" by Bukichi Inoue - The Hakone Open Air Museum creates a harmonic balance of the nature of Hakone National Park with art in the form of scultpures and other artwork, usually replicas, using the nature of Hakone National Park as a frame or background. The park encourages children to play and includes many light-hearted sculptures to entertain as well as inspire visitors.
    hakone-open-air-museum-13.jpg
  • Hanoi Old Quarter, near Hoan Kiem lake, has the original street layout and architecture of old Hanoi. At the beginning of the 20th century the entire city consisted of only about 36 streets, most of which are now the old quarter. Each street had merchants and artisans specialized in a particular trade such as silk, jewellery, coffee and herbalists. The street names reflect these specializations, although few of them remain exclusively in their original commerce.
    old-hanoi-1.jpg
  • Cemetery Cow - commemorating cows in Hayama region from the local beef producer at the local temple cemetery.  The beef producer thanks cows who gave their life to feed us.
    cow-1.jpg
  • Jar Jar at Papaya Vintage - Papaya Vintage is like no other shop you have even seen - a warehouse in the Lat Phrao area of Bangkok brimming with collectables, action figures, junk, exquisite antiques, and more. The adventure begins as your eyes zoom in on toys and objects from the past, reminders of moments of your childhood. Think: Darth Vader and Ultraman figures, gazing onto James Dean forever posing cool next to a doorway. Climbing the upper floors is like moving randomly through time. You can't help but notice the vintage Vespas and mannequins of comic characters Flash, Wolverine, Green Lantern and Batman, all standing next to toy cars, fluffy sofas, bean bag chairs, and grandma's lampshade.
    vintage-papaya-3.jpg
  • The Keihin region or keihin chiho refers to the industrial region of Tokyo, Yokohama and Kawasaki though most of it is clustered around Kawasaki along Tokyo Bay.  Keihin is one of the important industrial districts in Japan with huge factories lit up at night which appears as a kind of efficient artwork, almost, depending on your point of view.  In recent years, despite its pollution, it has become something of a tourist attraction in Japan.  In fact the city of Kawasaki is promoting it as such these days, with boat cruises and guided tours of the factories.
    keihin-industrial-4.jpg
  • Alfred Hitchcock Room at Vintage Papaya - Papaya Vintage is like no other shop you have even seen - a warehouse in the Lat Phrao area of Bangkok brimming with collectables, action figures, junk, exquisite antiques, and more. The adventure begins as your eyes zoom in on toys and objects from the past, reminders of moments of your childhood. Think: Darth Vader and Ultraman figures, gazing onto James Dean forever posing cool next to a doorway. Climbing the upper floors is like moving randomly through time. You can't help but notice the vintage Vespas and mannequins of comic characters Flash, Wolverine, Green Lantern and Batman, all standing next to toy cars, fluffy sofas, bean bag chairs, and grandma's lampshade.
    vintage-papaya-23.jpg
  • Papaya Vintage is like no other shop you have even seen - a warehouse in the Lat Phrao area of Bangkok brimming with collectables, action figures, junk, exquisite antiques, and more. The adventure begins as your eyes zoom in on toys and objects from the past, reminders of moments of your childhood. Think: Darth Vader and Ultraman figures, gazing onto James Dean forever posing cool next to a doorway. Climbing the upper floors is like moving randomly through time. You can't help but notice the vintage Vespas and mannequins of comic characters Flash, Wolverine, Green Lantern and Batman, all standing next to toy cars, fluffy sofas, bean bag chairs, and grandma's lampshade.
    vintage-papaya-15.jpg
  • The Keihin region or keihin chiho refers to the industrial region of Tokyo, Yokohama and Kawasaki though most of it is clustered around Kawasaki along Tokyo Bay.  Keihin is one of the important industrial districts in Japan with huge factories lit up at night which appears as a kind of efficient artwork, almost, depending on your point of view.  In recent years, despite its pollution, it has become something of a tourist attraction in Japan.  In fact the city of Kawasaki is promoting it as such these days, with boat cruises and guided tours of the factories.
    keihin-industrial-7.jpg
  • In Hinduism, sadhu is a common term for an ascetic or yogi who has given up pursuit of the first three Hindu goals of life: kama (enjoyment), artha (practical objectives), and dharma (duty). The sadhu is dedicated to achieving the fourth and final Hindu goal of life - liberation through meditation. Sadhus usually wear ochre colored clothing, symbolizing renunciation
    sadhu-kathmandu-3.jpg
  • Jodhpur ìthe blue cityî is the second largest city in  Rajasthan after Jaipur.  The town was formerly the capital of the kingdom known as Marwar. Today Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination, featuring many palaces, forts and temples, set in the stark landscape of the Thar desert.  Jodhpur is often referred to as the "Blue City" due to the vivid blue painted houses around the Mehrangarh Fort.
    jodhpur-blue-detail.jpg
  • Retro TV & Blackface at Papaya Vintage - Papaya Vintage is like no other shop you have even seen - a warehouse in the Lat Phrao area of Bangkok brimming with collectables, action figures, junk, exquisite antiques, and more. The adventure begins as your eyes zoom in on toys and objects from the past, reminders of moments of your childhood. Think: Darth Vader and Ultraman figures, gazing onto James Dean forever posing cool next to a doorway. Climbing the upper floors is like moving randomly through time. You can't help but notice the vintage Vespas and mannequins of comic characters Flash, Wolverine, Green Lantern and Batman, all standing next to toy cars, fluffy sofas, bean bag chairs, and grandma's lampshade.
    vintage-papaya-5.jpg
  • Eclectic Retro Chair Assortment at Papaya Vintage - Papaya Vintage is like no other shop you have even seen - a warehouse in the Lat Phrao area of Bangkok brimming with collectables, action figures, junk, exquisite antiques, and more. The adventure begins as your eyes zoom in on toys and objects from the past, reminders of moments of your childhood. Think: Darth Vader and Ultraman figures, gazing onto James Dean forever posing cool next to a doorway. Climbing the upper floors is like moving randomly through time. You can't help but notice the vintage Vespas and mannequins of comic characters Flash, Wolverine, Green Lantern and Batman, all standing next to toy cars, fluffy sofas, bean bag chairs, and grandma's lampshade.
    vintage-papaya-4.jpg
  • Action Hero at Papaya Vintage - Papaya Vintage is like no other shop you have even seen - a warehouse in the Lat Phrao area of Bangkok brimming with collectables, action figures, junk, exquisite antiques, and more. The adventure begins as your eyes zoom in on toys and objects from the past, reminders of moments of your childhood. Think: Darth Vader and Ultraman figures, gazing onto James Dean forever posing cool next to a doorway. Climbing the upper floors is like moving randomly through time. You can't help but notice the vintage Vespas and mannequins of comic characters Flash, Wolverine, Green Lantern and Batman, all standing next to toy cars, fluffy sofas, bean bag chairs, and grandma's lampshade.
    vintage-papaya-2.jpg
  • Papaya Vintage is like no other shop you have even seen - a warehouse in the Lat Phrao area of Bangkok brimming with collectables, action figures, junk, exquisite antiques, and more. The adventure begins as your eyes zoom in on toys and objects from the past, reminders of moments of your childhood. Think: Darth Vader and Ultraman figures, gazing onto James Dean forever posing cool next to a doorway. Climbing the upper floors is like moving randomly through time. You can't help but notice the vintage Vespas and mannequins of comic characters Flash, Wolverine, Green Lantern and Batman, all standing next to toy cars, fluffy sofas, bean bag chairs, and grandma's lampshade.
    vintage-papaya-22.jpg
  • Jodhpur “the blue city” is the second largest city in  Rajasthan after Jaipur.  The town was formerly the capital of the kingdom known as Marwar. Today Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination, featuring many palaces, forts and temples, set in the stark landscape of the Thar desert.  Jodhpur is often referred to as the "Blue City" due to the vivid blue painted houses around the Mehrangarh Fort.
    jodhpur-blue-10.jpg
  • Papaya Vintage is like no other shop you have even seen - a warehouse in the Lat Phrao area of Bangkok brimming with collectables, action figures, junk, exquisite antiques, and more. The adventure begins as your eyes zoom in on toys and objects from the past, reminders of moments of your childhood. Think: Darth Vader and Ultraman figures, gazing onto James Dean forever posing cool next to a doorway. Climbing the upper floors is like moving randomly through time. You can't help but notice the vintage Vespas and mannequins of comic characters Flash, Wolverine, Green Lantern and Batman, all standing next to toy cars, fluffy sofas, bean bag chairs, and grandma's lampshade.
    vintage-papaya-9.jpg
  • The Vietnam Military History Museum displays Vietnamese resourcefulness during the Vietnam War: bamboo spikes, tinkered firearms and makeshift torpedoes among its exhibits.  Outside the building, a heap of B-52 wreckage displays the remains of an American bomber during the war .  Also on the grounds is the Hanoi Flag Tower, a part of the Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    vietnam-military-museum-4.jpg
  • Mikoshi and Loincloths at Kamakura Matsuri - Japanese festivals are traditional festive occasions. Some festivals have their roots in Chinese festivals but have undergone dramatic changes as they mixed with local customs.  Matsuri is the Japanese word for a festival or holiday. In Japan, festivals are usually sponsored by a local shrine or temple, though they can be secular.<br />
There is no specific matsuri days for all of Japan; dates vary from area to area, and even within a specific area, but festival days do tend to cluster around traditional holidays such as Setsubun or Obon. Almost every locale has at least one matsuri in late summer or autumn, usually related to the harvests. Matsuri almost always feature processions which include elaborate floats and "mikoshi" or portable shrines which are paraded around the neighborhood, and sometimes even into the ocean along the coast.
    kamakura-matsuri-3.jpg
  • Pirate Ship on Lake Ashi- known as Ashinoko is a scenic lake in Hakone. The lake is known for its views of Mt. Fuji.  Several ferries cruise the lake, providing scenic views for passengers. One of the boats is a full-scale replica of a man-of-war pirate ship.
    hakone-pirate-ship-1.jpg
  • Action Heros at Papaya Vintage - Papaya Vintage is like no other shop you have even seen - a warehouse in the Lat Phrao area of Bangkok brimming with collectables, action figures, junk, exquisite antiques, and more. The adventure begins as your eyes zoom in on toys and objects from the past, reminders of moments of your childhood. Think: Darth Vader and Ultraman figures, gazing onto James Dean forever posing cool next to a doorway. Climbing the upper floors is like moving randomly through time. You can't help but notice the vintage Vespas and mannequins of comic characters Flash, Wolverine, Green Lantern and Batman, all standing next to toy cars, fluffy sofas, bean bag chairs, and grandma's lampshade.
    vintage-papaya-18.jpg
  • The Vietnam Military History Museum displays Vietnamese resourcefulness during the Vietnam War: bamboo spikes, tinkered firearms and makeshift torpedoes among its exhibits.  Outside the building, a heap of B-52 wreckage displays the remains of an American bomber during the war .  Also on the grounds is the Hanoi Flag Tower, a part of the Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    vietnam-military-museum-2.jpg
  • Animal Spirit House at Khao Yai National Park - The purpose of the spirit house is to provide an appealing shelter for the spirits or celestial beings who would otherwise reside in the heavens, Find a place in large trees, or in caves, cliffs. waterfalls or other natural surroundings. According to folklore, the spirits themselves are either good or evil, but most are just finicky and mischievous, demanding respect from humans and capable of disastrous interferences if they don't get their way, The spirit of the land, for example. expects to be informed when a human intends to start a business or engage in improvements to an existing business. If the spirit is not informed, and if the human does not respectfully request permission, the spirit can indeed cause the venture to fail.
    khao-yai-spirit-house-2.jpg
  • The Keihin region or keihin chiho refers to the industrial region of Tokyo, Yokohama and Kawasaki though most of it is clustered around Kawasaki along Tokyo Bay.  Keihin is one of the important industrial districts in Japan with huge factories lit up at night which appears as a kind of efficient artwork, almost, depending on your point of view.  In recent years, despite its pollution, it has become something of a tourist attraction in Japan.  In fact the city of Kawasaki is promoting it as such these days, with boat cruises and guided tours of the factories.
    keihin-industrial-3.jpg
  • Hanoi Old Quarter Herbalist - Reptile Potions in the Old Quarter, Hanoi - In Hanoi Old Quarter each street had merchants and artisans specialized in a particular trade such as silk, jewellery, coffee and herbs. The street names reflect these specializations although few of them remain exclusively in their original commerce.
    vietnamese-herbalist.jpg
  • Inashimo Shrine is decorated with many wood carved statues created by the priest. In addition, there is a fountain of healthy longevity - fresh water springs in the precincts named Shinmeisui.  The gods of rituals here is Hikohoho de Mikoto, Sumiyoshi Three Pillars Okami and Ryukoku Suijin.  As the water here is well known to locals, many people load up tanks with fresh spring water from this shrine.
    dogashima-1.jpg
  • Jodhpur “the blue city” is the second largest city in  Rajasthan after Jaipur.  The town was formerly the capital of the kingdom known as Marwar. Today Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination, featuring many palaces, forts and temples, set in the stark landscape of the Thar desert.  Jodhpur is often referred to as the "Blue City" due to the vivid blue painted houses around the Mehrangarh Fort.
    jodhpur-blue-13.jpg
  • Papaya Vintage is like no other shop you have even seen - a warehouse in the Lat Phrao area of Bangkok brimming with collectables, action figures, junk, exquisite antiques, and more. The adventure begins as your eyes zoom in on toys and objects from the past, reminders of moments of your childhood. Think: Darth Vader and Ultraman figures, gazing onto James Dean forever posing cool next to a doorway. Climbing the upper floors is like moving randomly through time. You can't help but notice the vintage Vespas and mannequins of comic characters Flash, Wolverine, Green Lantern and Batman, all standing next to toy cars, fluffy sofas, bean bag chairs, and grandma's lampshade.
    vintage-papaya-7.jpg
  • Papaya Vintage is like no other shop you have even seen - a warehouse in the Lat Phrao area of Bangkok brimming with collectables, action figures, junk, exquisite antiques, and more. The adventure begins as your eyes zoom in on toys and objects from the past, reminders of moments of your childhood. Think: Darth Vader and Ultraman figures, gazing onto James Dean forever posing cool next to a doorway. Climbing the upper floors is like moving randomly through time. You can't help but notice the vintage Vespas and mannequins of comic characters Flash, Wolverine, Green Lantern and Batman, all standing next to toy cars, fluffy sofas, bean bag chairs, and grandma's lampshade.
    vintage-papaya-10.jpg
  • Baandam Si Dum "Black House" is the Chiang Rai estate of the renowned Thai artist Thawan Duchanee.  Baandam is a group of 40 houses where the artist, Thawan Duchanee, spent more than 30 years and devoted himself to design and create this domain.  Although the place is called "Black House" in English, rather it is a collection of several houses in a large garden, some of which are not even black.
    baan-dam-4.jpg
  • The classical Thai Poet, Sunthorn Phu set part of his epic work, Phra Aphai Mani on the shores of the island.[ Statues of the title character, Prince Aphai Mani and the mermaid which guided him to Ko Samet can be found on the Hat Sai Kaeo beach.
    koh-samet-mermaid-2.jpg
Next