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  • Bald Mengake Mask at the Mengake Mask Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this unique Kamakura event local men wearing grotesque or comical masks leave Goshi Shrine parade through the nearby streets before returning to the shrine for the ceremony.
    mengake-4.jpg
  • Coffee 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 coffee bath with real coffee ceremonially dumped on bathers shoulders.
    yunessun-coffee-bath-1.jpg
  • Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery in Nyaung Shwe near Inle Lake is a wooden monastery with unique red painted teak wood oval windows.  The temple is richly decorated with mosaics and golden ornaments. The unique oval windows at this teak monastery serves as a school for young Burmese novice monks.
    Shwe-Yan-Pyay-2.jpg
  • Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery in Nyaung Shwe near Inle Lake is a wooden monastery with unique red painted teak wood oval windows.  The temple is richly decorated with mosaics and golden ornaments. The unique oval windows at this teak monastery serves as a school for young Burmese novice monks.
    Shwe-Yan-Pyay-3.jpg
  • Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery in Nyaung Shwe near Inle Lake is a wooden monastery with unique red painted teak wood oval windows.  The temple is richly adorned with golden ornaments and mosaics. This teak monastery serves as a school for young Burmese novice monks.
    Shwe-Yan-Pyay-7.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-4.jpg
  • Jamek Mosque, officially Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque,  is one of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur. The name Jamek is the Malay equivalent of the Arabic word for a place where people congregate to worship.  It is also referred to as Friday Mosque by the locals.  It was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback in a Moorish or Mughal style architecture. It is located at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers. The Sultan of Selangor officially opened the mosque in 1909.  The mosque was built on the first Malay burial ground in the city. Masjid Jamek served as Kuala Lumpur's main mosque until the national mosque, Masjid Negara, was opened in 1965.  Although it is still officially a mosque, thanks to its massive compound and unique architecture, it has become a  Kuala Lumpur landmark and one of the top attractions in the city.
    jamek-mosque-05.jpg
  • Jamek Mosque, officially Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque,  is one of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur. The name Jamek is the Malay equivalent of the Arabic word for a place where people congregate to worship.  It is also referred to as Friday Mosque by the locals.  It was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback in a Moorish or Mughal style architecture. It is located at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers. The Sultan of Selangor officially opened the mosque in 1909.  The mosque was built on the first Malay burial ground in the city. Masjid Jamek served as Kuala Lumpur's main mosque until the national mosque, Masjid Negara, was opened in 1965.  Although it is still officially a mosque, thanks to its massive compound and unique architecture, it has become a  Kuala Lumpur landmark and one of the top attractions in the city.
    jamek-mosque-01.jpg
  • Most Intha people who live on and around Inle Lake get around by using traditional skiffs propelled by a single paddle.  The curious Intha method of leg rowing - one leg is wrapped around the paddle, driving the blade through the water in a unique motion.  The Intha make up the bulk of the fishermen on the lake.
    inle-6.jpg
  • Most Intha people who live on and around Inle Lake get around by using traditional skiffs propelled by a single paddle.  The curious Intha method of leg rowing - one leg is wrapped around the paddle, driving the blade through the water in a unique motion.  The Intha make up the bulk of the fishermen on the lake.
    inle-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-1.jpg
  • Jamek Mosque, officially Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque,  is one of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur. The name Jamek is the Malay equivalent of the Arabic word for a place where people congregate to worship.  It is also referred to as Friday Mosque by the locals.  It was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback in a Moorish or Mughal style architecture. It is located at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers. The Sultan of Selangor officially opened the mosque in 1909.  The mosque was built on the first Malay burial ground in the city. Masjid Jamek served as Kuala Lumpur's main mosque until the national mosque, Masjid Negara, was opened in 1965.  Although it is still officially a mosque, thanks to its massive compound and unique architecture, it has become a  Kuala Lumpur landmark and one of the top attractions in the city.
    Jamek-Mosque--1.jpg
  • Jamek Mosque, officially Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque,  is one of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur. The name Jamek is the Malay equivalent of the Arabic word for a place where people congregate to worship.  It is also referred to as Friday Mosque by the locals.  It was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback in a Moorish or Mughal style architecture. It is located at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers. The Sultan of Selangor officially opened the mosque in 1909.  The mosque was built on the first Malay burial ground in the city. Masjid Jamek served as Kuala Lumpur's main mosque until the national mosque, Masjid Negara, was opened in 1965.  Although it is still officially a mosque, thanks to its massive compound and unique architecture, it has become a  Kuala Lumpur landmark and one of the top attractions in the city.
    jamek-mosque-04.jpg
  • Jamek Mosque, officially Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque,  is one of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur. The name Jamek is the Malay equivalent of the Arabic word for a place where people congregate to worship.  It is also referred to as Friday Mosque by the locals.  It was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback in a Moorish or Mughal style architecture. It is located at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers. The Sultan of Selangor officially opened the mosque in 1909.  The mosque was built on the first Malay burial ground in the city. Masjid Jamek served as Kuala Lumpur's main mosque until the national mosque, Masjid Negara, was opened in 1965.  Although it is still officially a mosque, thanks to its massive compound and unique architecture, it has become a  Kuala Lumpur landmark and one of the top attractions in the city.
    jamek-mosque-07.jpg
  • Most Intha people who live on and around Inle Lake get around by using traditional skiffs propelled by a single paddle.  The curious Intha method of leg rowing - one leg is wrapped around the paddle, driving the blade through the water in a unique motion.  The Intha make up the bulk of the fishermen on the lake.
    inle-3.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-4.jpg
  • Faces at Dotonbori Hotel -The Dotonbori Hotel in Osaka welcomes guests 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 unique architecture.
    dotombori-hotel-1.jpg
  • Faces at Dotonbori Hotel -The Dotonbori Hotel in Osaka welcomes guests 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 unique architecture.
    dotombori-hotel-4.jpg
  • Every Easter Sunday, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, San Francisco's beloved sect of cross-dressing nuns, host The Hunky Jesus Competition in Dolores Park - celebrating people who take the look of "our lord and savior" and transform it into "our lord and sexy."  The sisters believe all people have a right to express their unique joy and beauty and we use humor and irreverent wit to expose bigotry and ignorance.  The Hunky Jesus Competition is the highlight of the Sisters' free Easter party that's been going on in the Mission's premiere public space for over three decades. These events bring all all the drag queens and even a few designers in the city because of features such as a bonnet contest and drag performances..  One of those only-in-San-Francisco events.
    hunky-jesus-contest-1.jpg
  • Public art in the context of natural surroundings of Naoshima island has become famous around Japan, as a part of the Benesse House Art Project.  Today you can find many examples of works unique to Naoshima scattered around the island. EDITORIAL USAGE ONLY - LICENSING OUTSIDE JAPAN ONLY
    naoshima-public-art-3.jpg
  • Sunken Boat at Benesse House Beach -Showing public art  in the natural surroundings of Naoshima island has become a popular theme in Japan.  The Benesse House Art Project you can find many examples of works unique to Naoshima scattered around the island.
    naoshima-public-art-2.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-1.jpg
  • Every Easter Sunday, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, San Francisco's beloved sect of cross-dressing nuns, host The Hunky Jesus Competition in Dolores Park - celebrating people who take the look of "our lord and savior" and transform it into "our lord and sexy."  The sisters believe all people have a right to express their unique joy and beauty and we use humor and irreverent wit to expose bigotry and ignorance.  The Hunky Jesus Competition is the highlight of the Sisters' free Easter party that's been going on in the Mission's premiere public space for over three decades. These events bring all all the drag queens and even a few designers in the city because of features such as a bonnet contest and drag performances..  One of those only-in-San-Francisco events.
    hunky-jesus-contest-16.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
  • Faces at Dotonbori Hotel -The Dotonbori Hotel in Osaka welcomes guests 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 unique architecture.
    dotombori-hotel-3.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-2.jpg
  • Every Easter Sunday, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, San Francisco's beloved sect of cross-dressing nuns, host The Hunky Jesus Competition in Dolores Park - celebrating people who take the look of "our lord and savior" and transform it into "our lord and sexy."  The sisters believe all people have a right to express their unique joy and beauty and we use humor and irreverent wit to expose bigotry and ignorance.  The Hunky Jesus Competition is the highlight of the Sisters' free Easter party that's been going on in the Mission's premiere public space for over three decades. These events bring all all the drag queens and even a few designers in the city because of features such as a bonnet contest and drag performances..  One of those only-in-San-Francisco events.
    hunky-jesus-contest-7.jpg
  • Every Easter Sunday, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, San Francisco's beloved sect of cross-dressing nuns, host The Hunky Jesus Competition in Dolores Park - celebrating people who take the look of "our lord and savior" and transform it into "our lord and sexy."  The sisters believe all people have a right to express their unique joy and beauty and we use humor and irreverent wit to expose bigotry and ignorance.  The Hunky Jesus Competition is the highlight of the Sisters' free Easter party that's been going on in the Mission's premiere public space for over three decades. These events bring all all the drag queens and even a few designers in the city because of features such as a bonnet contest and drag performances..  One of those only-in-San-Francisco events.
    hunky-jesus-contest-12.jpg
  • Faces at Dotonbori Hotel -The Dotonbori Hotel in Osaka welcomes guests 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 unique architecture.
    dotombori-hotel-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
  • Every Easter Sunday, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, San Francisco's beloved sect of cross-dressing nuns, host The Hunky Jesus Competition in Dolores Park - celebrating people who take the look of "our lord and savior" and transform it into "our lord and sexy."  The sisters believe all people have a right to express their unique joy and beauty and we use humor and irreverent wit to expose bigotry and ignorance.  The Hunky Jesus Competition is the highlight of the Sisters' free Easter party that's been going on in the Mission's premiere public space for over three decades. These events bring all all the drag queens and even a few designers in the city because of features such as a bonnet contest and drag performances..  One of those only-in-San-Francisco events.
    hunky-jesus-contest-13.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
  • 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
  • Showing public art in the natural surroundings of Naoshima island has become famous around Japan.  Today you can find many examples of works unique to Naoshima scattered around the island.
    naoshima-public-art-1.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
  • Faces at Dotonbori Hotel -The Dotonbori Hotel in Osaka welcomes guests 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 unique architecture.
    dotombori-hotel-2.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
  • Faces at Dotonbori Hotel -The Dotonbori Hotel in Osaka welcomes guests 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 unique architecture.
    dotombori-hotel-6.jpg
  • Showing public art  in the natural surroundings of Naoshima island has become famous around Japan, as a part of the Benesse House Art Project.  Today you can find many examples of works unique to Naoshima scattered around the island. EDITORIAL USAGE ONLY - LICENSING OUTSIDE JAPAN ONLY
    naoshima-public-art-5.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
  • 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-1.jpg
  • East Gallery, despite its name, is a unique building in Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.  Often called the "cracked building" because of its facade, it houses several upscale restaurants within, and a wedding hall.
    cracked-building-2.jpg
  • East Gallery, despite its name, is a unique building in Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.  Often called the "cracked building" because of its facade, it houses several upscale restaurants within, and a wedding hall.
    cracked-building-1.jpg
  • Intha Fisherman on Inle Lake -Most Intha people who live on and around Inle Lake get around by using traditional skiffs propelled by a single paddle.  The Intha are the majority of the fishermen on the lake. The curious Intha method of leg rowing - one leg is wrapped around the paddle, driving the blade through the water in a unique motion.
    intha-fishermen-4.jpg
  • Jamek Mosque, officially Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque,  is one of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur. The name Jamek is the Malay equivalent of the Arabic word for a place where people congregate to worship.  It is also referred to as Friday Mosque by the locals.  It was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback in a Moorish or Mughal style architecture. It is located at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers. The Sultan of Selangor officially opened the mosque in 1909.  The mosque was built on the first Malay burial ground in the city. Masjid Jamek served as Kuala Lumpur's main mosque until the national mosque, Masjid Negara, was opened in 1965.  Although it is still officially a mosque, thanks to its massive compound and unique architecture, it has become a  Kuala Lumpur landmark and one of the top attractions in the city.
    jamek-mosque-03.jpg
  • Jamek Mosque, officially Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque,  is one of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur. The name Jamek is the Malay equivalent of the Arabic word for a place where people congregate to worship.  It is also referred to as Friday Mosque by the locals.  It was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback in a Moorish or Mughal style architecture. It is located at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers. The Sultan of Selangor officially opened the mosque in 1909.  The mosque was built on the first Malay burial ground in the city. Masjid Jamek served as Kuala Lumpur's main mosque until the national mosque, Masjid Negara, was opened in 1965.  Although it is still officially a mosque, thanks to its massive compound and unique architecture, it has become a  Kuala Lumpur landmark and one of the top attractions in the city.
    jamek-mosque-02.jpg
  • Sand Bath at Beppu - in addition to all the natural hot thermal water baths of Beppu are unusual sand baths and even mud baths.  The Beppu sand bath is conveniently located on Shoningahama Beach. 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-1.jpg
  • Jamek Mosque, officially Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque,  is one of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur. The name Jamek is the Malay equivalent of the Arabic word for a place where people congregate to worship.  It is also referred to as Friday Mosque by the locals.  It was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback in a Moorish or Mughal style architecture. It is located at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers. The Sultan of Selangor officially opened the mosque in 1909.  The mosque was built on the first Malay burial ground in the city. Masjid Jamek served as Kuala Lumpur's main mosque until the national mosque, Masjid Negara, was opened in 1965.  Although it is still officially a mosque, thanks to its massive compound and unique architecture, it has become a  Kuala Lumpur landmark and one of the top attractions in the city.
    jamek-mosque-06.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-3.jpg
  • Literally hundreds of 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-2.jpg
  • Most Intha people who live on and around Inle Lake get around by using traditional skiffs propelled by a single paddle.  The curious Intha method of leg rowing - one leg is wrapped around the paddle, driving the blade through the water in a unique motion.  The Intha make up the bulk of the fishermen on the lake.
    inle-4.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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Godzilla Statue, Ohshima
    godzilla-statue-oshima.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
  • The approach to Wat Rong Khun has a pond filled with samsara to show the failures of enlightenment with grasping outstretched hands, grotesque, selfish looking "gargolyles" to symbolize how people in hell will suffer from their bad karma.
    samsara-3.jpg
  • Okunoin is Japan's largest graveyard. People from all over Japan lie buried here including former lords, politicians and other prominent folks.
    okunoin-6.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
  • Okame Fat Faced Woman and 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-17.jpg
  • The approach to Wat Rong Khun has a pond filled with samsara to show the failures of enlightenment with grasping outstretched hands, grotesque, selfish looking "gargolyles" to symbolize how people in hell will suffer from their bad karma.
    samsara-5.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-08.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
  • Kep Crab Statue - The symbol of the Kep Coast since fresh, abundant crabs are what the ara is famous for.
    kep-crab-02.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
  • 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
  • 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-21.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
  • Giant Outdoor Chessboard
    giant-chess-game-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-9.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-8.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 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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-16.jpg
  • Eclectic Period Room at Papaya Vintage - If Indiana Jones teamed up with the Oddities crew and set up a junk shop, Papaya Vintage is probably what it would look like. 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 manaquins 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-13.jpg
  • Mood Lights 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-1.jpg
  • The Christmas House is a one-of-a-kind institution designed by Dr. Rico Absin, an anesthesiologist in the city of Dumaguete.  All the young and the young-at-heart flock to the nutty Spanish mansion of  Dr. Absin, a practicing anesthesiologist  who has successfully created an institution out of a genuine passion for art and decoration and a flair for the dramatic. .
    christmas-house-dumaguete-02.jpg
  • Gosho Shrine Matsuri, Kamakura - 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..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.
    mikoshi-4.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
  • Niijima Glass Art Museum, Izu
    niijima-glass-art-museum.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
  • 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-1.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-8.jpg
  • A Balinese togog is a decorative sculpted head, often decorated with flowers.  The faces and expressions taking form from Balinese folk tales and legends.  This one is wearing a Poleng.
    balinese-togog-2.jpg
  • Mardi Gras World otherwise known as Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World is a tourist attraction in New Orleans. Visitors can tour the warehouse where floats are made for Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans.  In 1947, Blaine Kern founded Blaine Kern Artists. Kern came from a family of float builders. Kern,  traveled to Europe to learn float building techniques. In 1984, Mardi Gras World was created as a tourist attraction to show visitors a behind-the-scenes look at float building.
    mardi-gras-world-3.jpg
  • Herbalism is a traditional medicinal or folk medicine practice based on the use of plants and plant extracts. Herbalism is also known as botanical medicine, medical herbalism, herbal medicine, herbology, and phytotherapy. The scope of herbal medicine is sometimes extended to include fungus, as well as minerals, shells and certain animals such as snakes or scorpions.
    vietnamese-snake-wine-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
  • 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
  • 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 serious.
    eirinji-disciples-2.jpg
  • Savan Vegas Hotel and Casino has 499 hotel rooms and 5000 square meters of gaming and entertainment space. Savan Vegas regularly hosts gaming tournaments and other events. The facility attracts an average of 4000 visitors per day.  The resort facility employs a staff of nearly 2000 people, 90% of which are Lao citizens.  Savan Vegas provides housing, meals, clothing, medical care, and language instruction to many of its employees at no cost.  Savan Vegas provides complementary shuttle service for all guests arriving at Savannakhet Airport and the nearby Thai border.
    savan-vegas-casino-5.jpg
  • Kongsi or "clan halls" are benevolent organizations of popular origin found among overseas Chinese communities.  This type of social practice arose several centuries ago in China. The Chinese word Kongsi is used in modern Chinese to mean a commercial "company"; the modern term for such associations is hui guan literally meaning "meeting hall".  The system of kongsi was utilized by Chinese throughout the diaspora to overcome economic difficulty, social ostracism, and oppression. In today's overseas Chinese communities throughout the world, this approach has been adapted to the modern environment, including political and legal factors. The kongsi is similar to modern business partnerships, but also draws on a deeper spirit of cooperation and consideration of mutual welfare.
    malacca-chinatown-4.jpg
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