Temple overload
The old (and first) capital of Japan, Nara, is only 50 minutes away on a JR line that I can ride free with my rail pass, so it’s ideal for a day trip. I arrived around 11 and walked up to the main park, following the tracks of my Lonely Planet guide, with so many […] Read More
Osaka Castle
Osaka’s castle is right around the corner, so it was an easy first target. The castle grounds are massive, several huge moats, immense defense walls, a huge garden… and in the middle this gem of a castle. It played a major role in Japanese history, notably in uniting the island, and in the fierce fight […] Read More
Late night Hanami
I was a bit tired on the first night, and actually just wanted to cross the river to have a look at the castle, in preparation for the visit tomorrow. But then, right on the river bank, I saw a few stands, and people, and then more stands, and many many more people… Another Hanami […] Read More
Nighttime Osaka
By the time I was settled, it was dark, but I decided to go out for a walk in the neighborhood. Here are just a few impressions from the first evening in Osaka, walking along the Okawa River. Read More
Traditional
Albeit being a metropolis of roughly 37 million people in the whole metropolitan region, Tokyo has so many quiet and traditional spots that provide a nice, calm balance to the craziness of it all. Yesterday I went back to the Meiji shrine again and witnessed another traditional Japanese wedding. While certainly not alone (the guards had to […] Read More
Shibuya Ghosts
I spend a bit of time at the Shibuya pedestrian crossing at night, capturing some ghosts. PS: I was actually just trying to re-learn all the settings of my new camera, so much has changed from the days of the good old D40. Read More
Faded
Beauty is only temporary… most of the cherry trees have lost the blossoms by now. It must have been quite a sight when they were in full bloom. I managed to get some pics one night at the canal. The lamps look beautiful. However, if you expect some millennia old Japanese wisdom… be warned: it’s advertisement. […] Read More
Overwhelmed
I’m slightly overwhelmed by the first days in Tokyo. The city is everything, and all at once. From my quiet, more residential neighborhood with its tiny streets without cars to the mega-pedestrian crossings of Shibuya, the mega-shopping streets to tiny pedestrian zones, shrines and parks, hanami parties, fertility festivals and Japanese weddings… I met up […] Read More
Hanami
After the rain yesterday, Tokyo showed its most beautiful side today, with deep blue skies. Perfect to walk along the neighboring Meguro River, that runs through the neighborhood and gives it its name. The river is heavily landscaped, it looks more like a canal now, but has nice cherry tree lined promenades on each side. […] Read More