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  • Japanese Fertility Shrine, Dontsuku Shrine, Izu - In spite of all its rules and propriety, Japan has a quirky side. If you’re into that kind of stuff, head to the Dontsuku Festival, a celebration of fertility.<br />
The Dontsuku Shrine in Higashi Izu, Shizuoka, hosts a fertility festival in the hot spring town of Inatori. The festival dates back more than 2,000 years.
    penis-shrine.jpg
  • Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku - Harajuku displays these unusual fashion, shopping, and architecture trends like no other place in Japan. Tokyo is a city that's usually dressed to the nines - a place that prides itself on being well turned out.  But an architectural revolution has been going on for years in Harajuku with buildings that are outlandish, fun, colorful and quirky. Most fashion houses try to out-do each other with buildings that defy description.
    tokyu-plaza-harajuku-1.jpg
  • Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku - Harajuku displays these unusual fashion, shopping, and architecture trends like no other place in Japan. Tokyo is a city that's usually dressed to the nines - a place that prides itself on being well turned out.  But an architectural revolution has been going on for years in Harajuku with buildings that are outlandish, fun, colorful and quirky. Most fashion houses try to out-do each other with buildings that defy description.
    tokyu-plaza-harajuku-4.jpg
  • Audi Showroom Harajuku is now known as the Iceberg Building - Harajuku displays these unusual fashion, shopping, and architecture trends like no other place in Japan. Tokyo is a city that's usually dressed to the nines - a place that prides itself on being well turned out.  But an architectural revolution has been going on for years in Harajuku with buildings that are outlandish, fun, colorful and quirky. Most fashion houses try to out-do each other with buildings that defy description.
    iceberg-building-3.jpg
  • Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku - Harajuku displays these unusual fashion, shopping, and architecture trends like no other place in Japan. Tokyo is a city that's usually dressed to the nines - a place that prides itself on being well turned out.  But an architectural revolution has been going on for years in Harajuku with buildings that are outlandish, fun, colorful and quirky. Most fashion houses try to out-do each other with buildings that defy description.
    tokyu-plaza-harajuku-3.jpg
  • Takeshita Street in Harajuku is the place to go for your bizarre costume needs. Have you just been dying to dress up like your favorite cartoon character and can't wait for Halloween?  Harajuku is a fantasy world and what would be jaw-droppingly bizarre anywhere else in the world, is par for the course here.   Japan is often described as a country of paradoxes, hung between the traditional and the modern.  Harajuku displays these contrasts like no other place in Japan. Tokyo is a city that's usually dressed to the nines - a place that prides itself on being well turned out.  But a carnival-like scene has been going on for years in Harajuku with costumes that are outlandish, fun, colorful, quirky and sometimes kinky.
    takeshita-street-6.jpg
  • Audi Showroom Harajuku is now known as the Iceberg Building - Harajuku displays these unusual fashion, shopping, and architecture trends like no other place in Japan. Tokyo is a city that's usually dressed to the nines - a place that prides itself on being well turned out.  But an architectural revolution has been going on for years in Harajuku with buildings that are outlandish, fun, colorful and quirky. Most fashion houses try to out-do each other with buildings that defy description.
    takeshita-street-7.jpg
  • Takeshita Street in Harajuku is the place to go for your bizarre costume needs. Have you just been dying to dress up like your favorite cartoon character and can't wait for Halloween?  Harajuku is a fantasy world and what would be jaw-droppingly bizarre anywhere else in the world, is par for the course here.   Japan is often described as a country of paradoxes, hung between the traditional and the modern.  Harajuku displays these contrasts like no other place in Japan. Tokyo is a city that's usually dressed to the nines - a place that prides itself on being well turned out.  But a carnival-like scene has been going on for years in Harajuku with costumes that are outlandish, fun, colorful, quirky and sometimes kinky.
    takeshita-street-4.jpg
  • Takeshita Street in Harajuku is the place to go for your bizarre costume needs. Have you just been dying to dress up like your favorite cartoon character and can't wait for Halloween?  Harajuku is a fantasy world and what would be jaw-droppingly bizarre anywhere else in the world, is par for the course here.   Japan is often described as a country of paradoxes, hung between the traditional and the modern.  Harajuku displays these contrasts like no other place in Japan. Tokyo is a city that's usually dressed to the nines - a place that prides itself on being well turned out.  But a carnival-like scene has been going on for years in Harajuku with costumes that are outlandish, fun, colorful, quirky and sometimes kinky.
    takeshita-street-1.jpg
  • Audi Showroom Harajuku is now known as the Iceberg Building - Harajuku displays these unusual fashion, shopping, and architecture trends like no other place in Japan. Tokyo is a city that's usually dressed to the nines - a place that prides itself on being well turned out.  But an architectural revolution has been going on for years in Harajuku with buildings that are outlandish, fun, colorful and quirky. Most fashion houses try to out-do each other with buildings that defy description.
    iceberg-building-2.jpg
  • Audi Showroom Harajuku is now known as the Iceberg Building - Harajuku displays these unusual fashion, shopping, and architecture trends like no other place in Japan. Tokyo is a city that's usually dressed to the nines - a place that prides itself on being well turned out.  But an architectural revolution has been going on for years in Harajuku with buildings that are outlandish, fun, colorful and quirky. Most fashion houses try to out-do each other with buildings that defy description.
    iceberg-building-5.jpg
  • Takeshita Street in Harajuku is the place to go for your bizarre costume needs. Have you just been dying to dress up like your favorite cartoon character and can't wait for Halloween?  Harajuku is a fantasy world and what would be jaw-droppingly bizarre anywhere else in the world, is par for the course here.   Japan is often described as a country of paradoxes, hung between the traditional and the modern.  Harajuku displays these contrasts like no other place in Japan. Tokyo is a city that's usually dressed to the nines - a place that prides itself on being well turned out.  But a carnival-like scene has been going on for years in Harajuku with costumes that are outlandish, fun, colorful, quirky and sometimes kinky.
    takeshita-street-3.jpg
  • Baker's Hill is a unique spot outside the city of Puerto Princesa with views of Honda Bay and the city below.  Besides its famous bakery and restaurant, not to mention views, the grounds are arranged around colorful statues, kitsch and tropical plants. One of the more unique spots in the Philippines and certainly Palawan which is justly more famous for its natural attributes than quirky yet unique theme parks.
    bakers-hill-14.jpg
  • Baker's Hill is a unique spot outside the city of Puerto Princesa with views of Honda Bay and the city below.  Besides its famous bakery and restaurant, not to mention views, the grounds are arranged around colorful statues, kitsch and tropical plants. One of the more unique spots in the Philippines and certainly Palawan which is justly more famous for its natural attributes than quirky yet unique theme parks.
    bakers-hill-13.jpg
  • Baker's Hill is a unique spot outside the city of Puerto Princesa with views of Honda Bay and the city below.  Besides its famous bakery and restaurant, not to mention views, the grounds are arranged around colorful statues, kitsch and tropical plants. One of the more unique spots in the Philippines and certainly Palawan which is justly more famous for its natural attributes than quirky yet unique theme parks.
    bakers-hill-6.jpg
  • Baker's Hill is a unique spot outside the city of Puerto Princesa with views of Honda Bay and the city below.  Besides its famous bakery and restaurant, not to mention views, the grounds are arranged around colorful statues, kitsch and tropical plants. One of the more unique spots in the Philippines and certainly Palawan which is justly more famous for its natural attributes than quirky yet unique theme parks.
    bakers-hill-16.jpg
  • Baker's Hill is a unique spot outside the city of Puerto Princesa with views of Honda Bay and the city below.  Besides its famous bakery and restaurant, not to mention views, the grounds are arranged around colorful statues, kitsch and tropical plants. One of the more unique spots in the Philippines and certainly Palawan which is justly more famous for its natural attributes than quirky yet unique theme parks.
    bakers-hill-15.jpg
  • Baker's Hill is a unique spot outside the city of Puerto Princesa with views of Honda Bay and the city below.  Besides its famous bakery and restaurant, not to mention views, the grounds are arranged around colorful statues, kitsch and tropical plants. One of the more unique spots in the Philippines and certainly Palawan which is justly more famous for its natural attributes than quirky yet unique theme parks.
    bakers-hill-12.jpg
  • Baker's Hill is a unique spot outside the city of Puerto Princesa with views of Honda Bay and the city below.  Besides its famous bakery and restaurant, not to mention views, the grounds are arranged around colorful statues, kitsch and tropical plants. One of the more unique spots in the Philippines and certainly Palawan which is justly more famous for its natural attributes than quirky yet unique theme parks.
    bakers-hill-11.jpg
  • Baker's Hill is a unique spot outside the city of Puerto Princesa with views of Honda Bay and the city below.  Besides its famous bakery and restaurant, not to mention views, the grounds are arranged around colorful statues, kitsch and tropical plants. One of the more unique spots in the Philippines and certainly Palawan which is justly more famous for its natural attributes than quirky yet unique theme parks.
    bakers-hill-10.jpg
  • Baker's Hill is a unique spot outside the city of Puerto Princesa with views of Honda Bay and the city below.  Besides its famous bakery and restaurant, not to mention views, the grounds are arranged around colorful statues, kitsch and tropical plants. One of the more unique spots in the Philippines and certainly Palawan which is justly more famous for its natural attributes than quirky yet unique theme parks.
    bakers-hill-8.jpg
  • Baker's Hill is a unique spot outside the city of Puerto Princesa with views of Honda Bay and the city below.  Besides its famous bakery and restaurant, not to mention views, the grounds are arranged around colorful statues, kitsch and tropical plants. One of the more unique spots in the Philippines and certainly Palawan which is justly more famous for its natural attributes than quirky yet unique theme parks.
    bakers-hill-7.jpg
  • Baker's Hill is a unique spot outside the city of Puerto Princesa with views of Honda Bay and the city below.  Besides its famous bakery and restaurant, not to mention views, the grounds are arranged around colorful statues, kitsch and tropical plants. One of the more unique spots in the Philippines and certainly Palawan which is justly more famous for its natural attributes than quirky yet unique theme parks.
    bakers-hill-2.jpg
  • Baker's Hill is a unique spot outside the city of Puerto Princesa with views of Honda Bay and the city below.  Besides its famous bakery and restaurant, not to mention views, the grounds are arranged around colorful statues, kitsch and tropical plants. One of the more unique spots in the Philippines and certainly Palawan which is justly more famous for its natural attributes than quirky yet unique theme parks.
    bakers-hill-18.jpg
  • Baker's Hill is a unique spot outside the city of Puerto Princesa with views of Honda Bay and the city below.  Besides its famous bakery and restaurant, not to mention views, the grounds are arranged around colorful statues, kitsch and tropical plants. One of the more unique spots in the Philippines and certainly Palawan which is justly more famous for its natural attributes than quirky yet unique theme parks.
    bakers-hill-5.jpg
  • Baker's Hill is a unique spot outside the city of Puerto Princesa with views of Honda Bay and the city below.  Besides its famous bakery and restaurant, not to mention views, the grounds are arranged around colorful statues, kitsch and tropical plants. One of the more unique spots in the Philippines and certainly Palawan which is justly more famous for its natural attributes than quirky yet unique theme parks.
    bakers-hill-1.jpg
  • One of the quirkiest, yet most interesting attractions in Vientiane would have to be Xieng Khuan, commonly called "Buddha Park". Xieng Khuan or "Spirit City" is just as much a monument to one man's eccentric and bizarre ambition as it is an impressive collection of massive ferro-concrete sculptures dotted around a riverside meadow. Although the brontosaurian reclining Buddha and strange edifice resembling a pumpkin - there are statues of every conceivable deity in the Buddhist/Hindu pantheon. Even if you are not up on your Buddhist/Hindu deities you will enjoy strolling around some of the more fantastic shapes.  Xieng Khuan was designed and built in 1958 by Louang Pou Bunleua Sulilat a self style holy man who took Hinduism and Buddhism and merged them into his own iconography. After the revolution in 1975, he fled from Laos to Thailand where he built another sculpture park, Sala Keoku in Nong Khai.. He fled because his anti-Communist beliefs conflicted with the views of the Pathet Lao.
    xieng-khuan-2.jpg
  • One of the quirkiest, yet most interesting attractions in Vientiane would have to be Xieng Khuan, commonly called "Buddha Park". Xieng Khuan or "Spirit City" is just as much a monument to one man's eccentric and bizarre ambition as it is an impressive collection of massive ferro-concrete sculptures dotted around a riverside meadow. Although the brontosaurian reclining Buddha and strange edifice resembling a pumpkin - there are statues of every conceivable deity in the Buddhist/Hindu pantheon. Even if you are not up on your Buddhist/Hindu deities you will enjoy strolling around some of the more fantastic shapes.  Xieng Khuan was designed and built in 1958 by Louang Pou Bunleua Sulilat a self style holy man who took Hinduism and Buddhism and merged them into his own iconography. After the revolution in 1975, he fled from Laos to Thailand where he built another sculpture park, Sala Keoku in Nong Khai.. He fled because his anti-Communist beliefs conflicted with the views of the Pathet Lao.
    xieng-khuan-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
  • Halloween in the San Francisco Castro District
    castro-street.jpg
  • One of the quirkiest, yet most interesting attractions in Vientiane would have to be Xieng Khuan, commonly called "Buddha Park". Xieng Khuan or "Spirit City" is just as much a monument to one man's eccentric and bizarre ambition as it is an impressive collection of massive ferro-concrete sculptures dotted around a riverside meadow. Although the brontosaurian reclining Buddha and strange edifice resembling a pumpkin - there are statues of every conceivable deity in the Buddhist/Hindu pantheon. Even if you are not up on your Buddhist/Hindu deities you will enjoy strolling around some of the more fantastic shapes.  Xieng Khuan was designed and built in 1958 by Louang Pou Bunleua Sulilat a self style holy man who took Hinduism and Buddhism and merged them into his own iconography. After the revolution in 1975, he fled from Laos to Thailand where he built another sculpture park, Sala Keoku in Nong Khai.. He fled because his anti-Communist beliefs conflicted with the views of the Pathet Lao.
    xieng-khuan-3.jpg
  • One of the quirkiest, yet most interesting attractions in Vientiane would have to be Xieng Khuan, commonly called "Buddha Park". Xieng Khuan or "Spirit City" is just as much a monument to one man's eccentric and bizarre ambition as it is an impressive collection of massive ferro-concrete sculptures dotted around a riverside meadow. Although the brontosaurian reclining Buddha and strange edifice resembling a pumpkin - there are statues of every conceivable deity in the Buddhist/Hindu pantheon. Even if you are not up on your Buddhist/Hindu deities you will enjoy strolling around some of the more fantastic shapes.  Xieng Khuan was designed and built in 1958 by Louang Pou Bunleua Sulilat a self style holy man who took Hinduism and Buddhism and merged them into his own iconography. After the revolution in 1975, he fled from Laos to Thailand where he built another sculpture park, Sala Keoku in Nong Khai.. He fled because his anti-Communist beliefs conflicted with the views of the Pathet Lao.
    xieng-khuan-4.jpg
  • The Exploratorium created the hands on movement among museums.  There are about a thousand museums in the world that trace themselves to the Exploratorium in terms of exhibits or programs. This innovative museum of science, art, human perception and technology provides for even those with the most limited scientific knowledge and gives them back the joy of discovery. It is an experience that inspires young and old to understand science and nature.<br />
The Exploratorium in San Francisco is a public educational institution for peoples of all ages. Its audience numbers over 20 million each year, as its exhibits travel to science centers and other locations worldwide. At least 90 percent of the nation’s other science museums have borrowed ideas from Exploratorium exhibits or programs.
    exploratorium-1.jpg
  • Hello Kitty Show at Sanrio Puroland - 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 as well as Japan because of the worldwide popularity of these characters.   Puroland has become one of Japan's most popular attractions.
    sanrio-puroland-2.jpg
  • Hello Kitty Show at Sanrio Puroland - 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 as well as Japan because of the worldwide popularity of these characters.   Puroland has become one of Japan's most popular attractions.
    sanrio-puroland-1.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 as well as Japan because of the worldwide popularity of these characters.   Puroland has become one of Japan's most popular attractions.
    sanrio-puroland-12.jpg
  • Bay to Breakers is an annual footrace which takes place in San Francisco. The name reflects the fact that the race starts a few blocks from San Francisco Bay and runs west through the city to finish at the Pacific coast, where breakers crash onto Ocean Beach. The race is 12 kilometers long and takes place on the third Sunday in May and more of a costume party than a real marathon.
    bay-to-breakers-2.jpg
  • Bay to Breakers is an annual footrace which takes place in San Francisco. The name reflects the fact that the race starts a few blocks from San Francisco Bay and runs west through the city to finish at the Pacific coast, where breakers crash onto Ocean Beach. The race is 12 kilometers long and takes place on the third Sunday in May and more of a costume party than a real marathon.
    bay-to-breakers-1.jpg
  • One of the quirkiest, yet most interesting attractions in Vientiane would have to be Xieng Khuan, commonly called "Buddha Park". Xieng Khuan or "Spirit City" is just as much a monument to one man's eccentric and bizarre ambition as it is an impressive collection of massive ferro-concrete sculptures dotted around a riverside meadow. Although the brontosaurian reclining Buddha and strange edifice resembling a pumpkin - there are statues of every conceivable deity in the Buddhist/Hindu pantheon. Even if you are not up on your Buddhist/Hindu deities you will enjoy strolling around some of the more fantastic shapes.  Xieng Khuan was designed and built in 1958 by Louang Pou Bunleua Sulilat a self style holy man who took Hinduism and Buddhism and merged them into his own iconography. After the revolution in 1975, he fled from Laos to Thailand where he built another sculpture park, Sala Keoku in Nong Khai.. He fled because his anti-Communist beliefs conflicted with the views of the Pathet Lao.
    xieng-khuan-5.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
  • 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
  • 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 as well as Japan because of the worldwide popularity of these characters.   Puroland has become one of Japan's most popular attractions.
    sanrio-puroland-11.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 as well as Japan because of the worldwide popularity of these characters.   Puroland has become one of Japan's most popular attractions.
    sanrio-puroland-9.jpg
  • Rakan statues represent the 500 disciples of Buddha. Although many Buddhist sculptures are carved to represent exquisite beauty or terrifying ferociousness, rakan almost always seem to be carved in the spirit of humour and good fun
    rakan-zentsuji-4.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
  • Midwife 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-23.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
  • 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
  • Glico Man - Dotombori is a district of Osaka famous for its neon and mechanized signs, most famously for the sign of the candy manufacturer Glico.  The Glico Man sign shows a giant electronic display of a runner crossing a finish line.  Along the streets, to advertise their products and menus visitors are amazed at the moving giant crabs, puffed out blowfish, smoking dragons and other dramatic kitsch.  Dotombori is a district has always been known for its historic theaters, night life, shops and restaurants and in modern times its many neon and mechanized signs,
    dotombori-signs-23.jpg
  • Glico Man - Dotombori is a district of Osaka famous for its neon and mechanized signs, most famously for the sign of the candy manufacturer Glico.  The Glico Man sign shows a giant electronic display of a runner crossing a finish line.  Along the streets, to advertise their products and menus visitors are amazed at the moving giant crabs, puffed out blowfish, smoking dragons and other dramatic kitsch.  Dotombori is a district has always been known for its historic theaters, night life, shops and restaurants and in modern times its many neon and mechanized signs,
    dotombori-signs-22.jpg
  • Dotombori Signs - Dotombori is a district of Osaka famous for its neon and mechanized signs, most famously for the sign of the candy manufacturer Glico.  The Glico Man sign shows a giant electronic display of a runner crossing a finish line.  Along the streets, to advertise their products and menus visitors are amazed at the moving giant crabs, puffed out blowfish, smoking dragons and other dramatic kitsch.  Dotombori is a district has always been known for its historic theaters, night life, shops and restaurants and in modern times its many neon and mechanized signs,
    dotombori-signs-19.jpg
  • Dotombori Dragon - Dotombori is a district of Osaka famous for its neon and mechanized signs, most famously for the sign of the candy manufacturer Glico.  The Glico Man sign shows a giant electronic display of a runner crossing a finish line.  Along the streets, to advertise their products and menus visitors are amazed at the moving giant crabs, puffed out blowfish, smoking dragons and other dramatic kitsch.  Dotombori is a district has always been known for its historic theaters, night life, shops and restaurants and in modern times its many neon and mechanized signs,
    dotombori-signs-15.jpg
  • Dotombori Sushi Restaurant - Dotombori is a district of Osaka famous for its neon and mechanized signs, most famously for the sign of the candy manufacturer Glico.  The Glico Man sign shows a giant electronic display of a runner crossing a finish line.  Along the streets, to advertise their products and menus visitors are amazed at the moving giant crabs, puffed out blowfish, smoking dragons and other dramatic kitsch.  Dotombori is a district has always been known for its historic theaters, night life, shops and restaurants and in modern times its many neon and mechanized signs,
    dotombori-signs-10.jpg
  • Dotombori Blowfish Restaurant - Dotombori is a district of Osaka famous for its neon and mechanized signs, most famously for the sign of the candy manufacturer Glico.  The Glico Man sign shows a giant electronic display of a runner crossing a finish line.  Along the streets, to advertise their products and menus visitors are amazed at the moving giant crabs, puffed out blowfish, smoking dragons and other dramatic kitsch.  Dotombori is a district has always been known for its historic theaters, night life, shops and restaurants and in modern times its many neon and mechanized signs,
    dotombori-signs-11.jpg
  • Dotombori River - Dotombori is a district of Osaka famous for its neon and mechanized signs, most famously for the sign of the candy manufacturer Glico.  The Glico Man sign shows a giant electronic display of a runner crossing a finish line.  Along the streets, to advertise their products and menus visitors are amazed at the moving giant crabs, puffed out blowfish, smoking dragons and other dramatic kitsch.  Dotombori is a district has always been known for its historic theaters, night life, shops and restaurants and in modern times its many neon and mechanized signs,
    dotombori-signs-6.jpg
  • Don Quijote Dotombori Branch - Dotombori is a district of Osaka famous for its neon and mechanized signs, most famously for the sign of the candy manufacturer Glico.  The Glico Man sign shows a giant electronic display of a runner crossing a finish line.  Along the streets, to advertise their products and menus visitors are amazed at the moving giant crabs, puffed out blowfish, smoking dragons and other dramatic kitsch.  Dotombori is a district has always been known for its historic theaters, night life, shops and restaurants and in modern times its many neon and mechanized signs,
    dotombori-signs-3.jpg
  • Ginza Mikimoto Building - Ginza is known as an upscale area of Tokyo with numerous department stores, boutiques, restaurants and is recognized as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world. Many upscale fashion flagship stores are located here, including Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton....  In recent years extraordinary architecture has gone up including the De Beers Building, Mikimoto Building among others.  Ginza is named after the silver-coin mint established there in 1612 during the Edo period..
    ginza-mikimoto-1.jpg
  • Ginza De Beers Building - Ginza is known as an upscale area of Tokyo with numerous department stores, boutiques, restaurants and is recognized as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world. Many upscale fashion flagship stores are located here, including Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton....  In recent years extraordinary architecture has gone up including the De Beers Building, Mikimoto Building among others.  Ginza is named after the silver-coin mint established there in 1612 during the Edo period..
    ginza-de-beers-2.jpg
  • Haw Par Villas -  Ten Courts of Hell - Haw Par Villa is a one-of-a-kind theme park in Singapore with over a thousand statues and a hundred dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese mythology,  Confucian stories, folklore and legends.  Originally called Tiger Balm Gardens, the park was built by the Burmese-Chinese brothers Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par  who were the developers of Tiger Balm ointment. They created the park in 1937 for teaching the public traditional Chinese values. The most renowned attraction at Haw Par Villa is the Ten Courts of Hell featuring gruesome depictions of hell in  Buddhism and Chinese mythology.
    haw-par-ten-courts-hell-3.jpg
  • Tiger car at Haw Par Villa - a one-of-a-kind theme park in Singapore with over a thousand statues and a hundred dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese mythology,  Confucian stories, folklore and legends.  Originally called Tiger Balm Gardens, the park was built by the Burmese-Chinese brothers Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par  who were the developers of Tiger Balm ointment. They created the park in 1937 for teaching the public traditional Chinese values. The most renowned attraction at Haw Par Villa is the Ten Courts of Hell featuring gruesome depictions of hell in  Buddhism and Chinese mythology.
    haw-par-tiger-car-1.jpg
  • Tiger car at Haw Par Villa - a one-of-a-kind theme park in Singapore with over a thousand statues and a hundred dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese mythology,  Confucian stories, folklore and legends.  Originally called Tiger Balm Gardens, the park was built by the Burmese-Chinese brothers Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par  who were the developers of Tiger Balm ointment. They created the park in 1937 for teaching the public traditional Chinese values. The most renowned attraction at Haw Par Villa is the Ten Courts of Hell featuring gruesome depictions of hell in  Buddhism and Chinese mythology.
    haw-par-tiger-car-2.jpg
  • Haw Par Villa is a one-of-a-kind theme park in Singapore with over a thousand statues and a hundred dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese mythology,  Confucian stories, folklore and legends.  Originally called Tiger Balm Gardens, the park was built by the Burmese-Chinese brothers Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par  who were the developers of Tiger Balm ointment. They created the park in 1937 for teaching the public traditional Chinese values. The most renowned attraction at Haw Par Villa is the Ten Courts of Hell featuring gruesome depictions of hell in  Buddhism and Chinese mythology.
    haw-par-villa-5.jpg
  • Phuket Fantasea is cultural and entertainment theme park at Kamala Beach Phuket.  The park features various attractions with a focus on Thai culture and myths. Classical dances from Thailand’s regions play a prominent part in the theme park's signature show.  Some have described Phuket Fantasea as a Las-Vegas-style spectacle blending Thai culture with 4-D effects, acrobatics, pyrotechnics, special effects, elephant performances all in one unique theatrical show.  Fantasea adds a whole new spin on theme park entertainment, with attractions not found elsewhere in the world
    phuket-fantasea-3.jpg
  • A Balinese togog, this one with an extremely long tongue,  is a decorative sculpted head, often decorated with flowers.  The facial expressions taking form from Balinese folk tales and legends.
    balinese-togog-1.jpg
  • Teruhisa Kitahara's collection of 3,000 tin toys produced from the 1890's to the 1960's is displayed here. Christmas goods can be purchased at any time of the year at 'Christmas Toys'.
    kitahara-toy-museum-4.jpg
  • Nicknamed the 'Gundam' building for it's resemblance to a huge robot.  This Shibuya building is in fact Aoyama Technical College, that teachers students specializing in design.
    gundam-building-03.jpg
  • Naoshima Public Bath, I love Yu
    naoshima-public-art-8.jpg
  • Faces at Dotonbori Hotel in Osaka with an amazing entrance featuring four huge columns with faces depicting the special qualities in human beings. The face columns act as a landmark and define the hotel's traditional architecture.
    Dotombori-Hotel-1.jpg
  • Amerikamura or American Village is usually referred to by locals in Osaka as "Ame-mura." It is a retail and entertainment area near Shinsaibashi in Minami district of Osaka, and caters to young Japanese consumers with countless clothing shops carrying the latest trendy goods.  Though Japanese high schools are notoriously strict in their dress codes, overlooked are accessories such as flashy charms to dangle from cellphones, exotic socks or mufflers and hats that can be put on before or after school.
    america-mura-3.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
  • Nishi Rokugo Koen in Tokyo is affectionately known as Tire Park or "Taiya Koen" made of up used recycled tires of every size in the shape of robots, dragons, swings, bridges, tunnels and mountains. Approximately 3,000 old tires were used to make  the playground, popular with local neighbors and visitors from other parks of Tokyo for its sheer novelty.
    tire-park-3.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
  • Buckingham Palace Replica at Tobu World Square - a theme park near Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen. The theme park boasts 42 exquisitely crafted scale models of famous UNESCO  Heritage Sites, complete  with 140,000 miniature people.  Along with the World Heritage Sites, more mundane buildings are Tokyo Station, Narita Airport and Tokyo Dome, along with show pavilions for various hokey performances.
    tobu-world-square-5.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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Puerto Galera is well known by diving enthusiasts for its coral reefs and professionally run diving operations.; Asia Divers is one of the originals that not only set up dives but offer PADI instruction; and certification.
    diving-equipment.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
  • 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-5.jpg
  • At various festivals around the Japanese Islands, shishimai dances are performed to consecrate the festival ground and open the festival. A wooden lion mask and wooly-looking costume of woven and dyed banana/choma strips is worn, and the dance is performed to loud music featuring gongs, drums, bells, flutes, sanshin, and various other instruments. Some lion dances feature two or more dancers.
    shishimai-6.jpg
  • Costume Play Punks Harajuku - 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...
    costume-play-13.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
  • 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 as well as Japan because of the worldwide popularity of these characters.   Puroland has become one of Japan's most popular attractions.
    sanrio-puroland-10.jpg
  • Sand Bath at Beppu - A group of friends or family can enjoy being immersed in the hot sand bath together. A distinctly unique experience, having to have a bath after your sand bath to get rid of the sand.  Still, the experience will ease the muscles by sinking in the warm sand while gazing over the vast, blue ocean
    beppu-sand-bath-2.jpg
  • Godzilla Statue, Ohshima
    godzilla-statue-oshima.jpg
  • Rakan at Eirinji - Rakan and Arhat statues represent the 500 disciples of Buddha. Although many Buddhist sculptures are carved to represent exquisite beauty or terrifying ferociousness, rakan often seem to be carved in the spirit of humour and good fun, or at least they usually appear to have comical faces, even though their message or what they represent may be dead serioues.
    eirinji-rakan.jpg
  • Rakan at Eirinji - Rakan and Arhat statues represent the 500 disciples of Buddha. Although many Buddhist sculptures are carved to represent exquisite beauty or terrifying ferociousness, rakan often seem to be carved in the spirit of humour and good fun, or at least they usually appear to have comical faces, even though their message or what they represent may be dead serioues.
    eirinji-disciples-3.jpg
  • Fukurokokuji Diety of Good Fortune at Mengake Procession 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-28.jpg
  • Lion 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-24.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
  • Karasu Tengu Crow Goblin 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-18.jpg
  • Midwife 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-16.jpg
  • Hananago Long Nose Mask 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-14.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
  • 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
  • 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-10.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
  • 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
  • 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-02.jpg
  • Glico Man - Dotombori is a district of Osaka famous for its neon and mechanized signs, most famously for the sign of the candy manufacturer Glico.  The Glico Man sign shows a giant electronic display of a runner crossing a finish line.  Along the streets, to advertise their products and menus visitors are amazed at the moving giant crabs, puffed out blowfish, smoking dragons and other dramatic kitsch.  Dotombori is a district has always been known for its historic theaters, night life, shops and restaurants and in modern times its many neon and mechanized signs,
    glico-man-01.jpg
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