Major stops during our trip are marked with red circles. Entry/departure points to/from Japan are marked with airplane icons. |
Judy waiting in Chicago's O'Hare Airport for our 13 hour flight to Tokyo. |
We traveled to Japan with the "Akamatsu Clan" seen here at Chicago's O'Hare Airport. John & Sharon are longtime friends of ours |
We flew to Tokyo from Chicago (13 hours) in this 747 |
Park Hotel - where we stayed in Tokyo. Looking down at the attractive lobby and the buffet breakfast setup. |
Judy doing reaearch for our trip - in our room at the Park Hotel in Tokyo. |
Skyscrapers of the Shiodome District of Tokyo as seen from our room at the Park Hotel. |
Dinner with the "Akamatsu Clan" and others in the Shiodome City Center - our first night in Tokyo |
Judy and Richard at the majestic torii located along the forested approach to the Meiji Shrine complex - Tokyo |
Sake barrels (kazaridaru) on the gravel road entrance to the Meiji Shrine - Tokyo |
Judy in front of the sake barrels (kazaridaru) on the gravel road entrance to the Meiji Shrine - Tokyo |
Schoolboys and a monk approaching the Meiji Shrine inner complex on the gravel road entrance surrounded by cedars - Tokyo |
Schoolgirls approaching the Meiji Shinto Shrine inner complex on the gravel road entrance surrounded by cedars.- Tokyo |
Judy on the gravel road to the Meiji Shrine complex surrounded by cedars. |
Judy and Richard on the gravel road to the Meiji Shrine complex surrounded by cedars. |
Students engaging in ceremonial purification and cleansing at a temizuya before going to the main shrine at Meiji |
Judy and others engaging in ceremonial purification and cleansing at a temizuya before entering the main shrine at Meiji. |
Minami-shin Mon - the main shrine gate to the courtyard and inner sanctuary of the Meiji Shrine - Tokyo |
The solemn procession of a Shinto wedding in the courtyard of the Meiji Shrine - Tokyo |
Offering Hall (haiden) - the place for worship at the Meiji Shrine |
Close-up of the Offering Hall (haiden) - the place for worship at the Meiji Shrine |
Worker on the gravel road to and from the Meiji Shrine. Sake barrels are in the background on the left side of the road. |
Street in Akihabara ("Electric Town") - district in central Tokyo famous for its electronic, manga and anime shops |
Street corner in Akihabara ("Electric Town") - district in central Tokyo famous for its electronic, manga and anime shops |
Street corner in Akihabara ("Electric Town") - district in central Tokyo famous for its electronic, manga and anime shops |
Left to right: Judy, Sallie, John, Ruth and Linda in Akihabara ("Electric Town") - district in central Tokyo |
Bicyclists in Akihabara ("Electric Town") - district in central Tokyo famous for its electronic, manga and anime shops |
The Nintenmon Gate to the Senso-ji Temple - Tokyo |
The Hozomon Gate (left) and the Five Story Pagoda (right) in the Senso-ji Temple complex - Tokyo |
Judy next to the incense burner in front of the Main Hall of the Senso-ji Temple - Tokyo |
The Main Hall (hondo) of the Senso-ji Temple - Tokyo |
The image of Kannon goddess of mercy is behind this gold curtain - Main Hall of the Senso-ji Temple - Tokyo |
Pay 100 yen here for a fortune - next to the Main Hall of the Senso-ji Temple - Tokyo |
Tokyo National Museum - Honkan Building |
Dogu (clay figurine) from 1000-400 b.c.e. - Tokyo National Museum |
Sho-Kannon Bosatsu in gilt bronze (copy of piece from the 7th-8th century) - Tokyo National Museum |
Samurai Gusoku Armor - do-maru chest armor with black lacing (17th century) - Tokyo National Museum |
The Hyokeikan Building - Tokyo National Museum |
The Ueno Subway Station - returning to the Park Hotel from the Tokyo National Museum and Ueno Park (Judy is on the right side.) |
Judy at the Ueno Subway Station - returning to the Park Hotel from the Tokyo National Museum & Ueno Park |
Judy at the Ueno Subway Station - returning to the Park Hotel from the Tokyo National Museum & Ueno Park |
Judy on the JR Line subway - going from the Ueno Station to the Shimbashi Station |
Our JR Line subway seen here at the Shimbashi Station - we had just arrived from the Ueno Station - Tokyo |
SL Square outside the Hibiya Exit of the Shimbashi Subway Station |
Shoe shine stand at SL Square outside the Hibiya Exit of the Shimbashi Subway Station |
Side street at SL Square outside the Hibiya Exit of the Shimbashi Subway Station |
The Tokyo Tower (left) and the Shiodome skyline - as seen from the Park Hotel lobby |
Close-up of the Tokyo Tower (left) and the Shiodome skyline - as seen from the Park Hotel lobby |
Judy in front of Jidaiya - we ate a traditional Japanese dinner here - Tokyo |
Judy (far left) - a traditional Japanese dinner at Jidaiya - Tokyo |
Judy and Richard - a traditional Japanese dinner at Jidaiya - Tokyo |
The small kitchen at Jidaiya - Tokyo |
A side street near Jidaiya - Tokyo |
Beautiful city night lights of the Ginza District (upscale shopping) in Tokyo |
Efficient use of space near our hotel: top level - trains, middle level - pedestrians, street - autos (Shiodome District, Tokyo) |
Judy windblown on the middle level walkway next to the Park Hotel |
The Shiodome Station of the Yurikamome Automated (no drivers) Subway Line - near the Park Hotel |
The Studio Ghibli Clock on the Nippon Television Tower as seen from the middle level walkway near the Park Hotel - Tokyo |
Close-up of the Studio Ghibli Clock on the Nippon Television Building - seen from the middle level walkway near the Park Hotel |
Wall and moat of the Imperial Palace - Tokyo |
The Ote-mon Gate to the East Garden of the Imperial Palace |
A Shachihoko statue near the Ote-mon Gate of the Imperial Palace - Tokyo |
Doshin-Bansho Samurai Guardhouse near the Ote-mon Gate on the grounds of the Imperial Palace - Tokyo |
Hyakunin-bansho Samurai Guardhouse near the Ote-mon Gate on the grounds of the Imperial Palace - Tokyo |
The East Garden of the Imperial Palace - Tokyo |
Judy in the East Garden of the Imperial Palace - Tokyo |
The East Garden of the Imperial Palace - Tokyo |
Judy in front of irises in the East Garden of the Imperial Palace - Tokyo |
The East Garden of the Imperial Palace - Tokyo |
Irises in the East Garden of the Imperial Palace - Tokyo |
Judy next to a Moso Bamboo Grove in the East Garden of the Imperial Palace - Tokyo |
Plants hanging overhead in the East garden of the Imperial Palace - Tokyo |
Tokyo Station - facade on the Marunouchi side |
The studio of acclaimed calligraphy artist Masunaga Koshun seen here - in the Ginza District, Tokyo |
Judy displaying a calligraphy painting of her fortune based on her name - created by Masunaga Koshun |
Judy receiving a lesson in calligraphy from Masunaga Koshun in her Tokyo studio |
Judy creating a calligraphy painting with the help of Masunaga Koshun - Judy chose a butterfly theme for the painting |
We ate lunch in this small restaurant in a high rise building in the Ginza District, Tokyo |
Lunch consisting of a Modanyaki pancake with noodles - Tokyo |
Judy at lunch - a Modanyaki pancake with noodles - Tokyo |
The chefs who prepared our Modanyaki pancakes with noodles - Tokyo |
After lunch our waitress asked us to take this group photo and email it to her which we did - Tokyo |
The Ginza District (upscale shopping) as seen from a high rise - we had just eaten lunch in a restaurant in this building. |
The Ginza District (upscale shopping) in Tokyo |
A man who appears to be a monk or priest soliciting donations in Ginza - traditional and modern Japan cross paths |
A television crew setting up in the Ginza District (upscale shopping) in Tokyo |
The Ginza District (upscale shopping) in Tokyo |
Judy & Sharon were looking elsewhere in Ginza so John, Logan & Richard hit this crowded, multiple floor gadget store, Big Camera |
A side street in the Ginza District (upscale shopping), Tokyo |
We took the Yurikamome Line train at the Shiodome Station shown here to the Sumida River for a water bus ride - Tokyo |
Judy at the Shiodome Station - waiting for the Yurikamome Line train to take us close to the Sumida River for a water bus ride |
The tracks of the Yurikamome Line train as seen from the Shiodome Station |
Our water bus at the Hinode Pier on the Sumida River, Tokyo. |
Judy on a water bus on the Sumida River |
The Rainbow Bridge over the Sumida River as seen from our water bus - Tokyo |
Judy and Richard on a water bus on the Sumida River, Tokyo |
A water bus similar to ours on the Sumida River, Tokyo |
The EitaiBashi Bridge on the Sumida River as seen from our water bus, Tokyo |
Three women near the banks of the Sumida River - seen from our water bus, Tokyo |
Sluice gates used to control flooding - on the Sumida River - seen from our water bus, Tokyo |
A young male and a young female on the banks of the Sumida River - seen from our water bus, Tokyo |
The Sumidaga Ohashi Bridge (and the EitaiBashi Bridge behind it) on the Sumida River as seen from our water bus, Tokyo |
A young man and a young woman next to the Sumida River as seen from our water bus, Tokyo |
The Kiyosu Bashi Bridge on the Sumida River as seen from our water bus |
A boat available for rent, perhaps for dinner parties, is near the UmayaBashi Bridge on the Sumida River |
Night view of the Tokyo Tower as seen from the Park Hotel where we stayed. Mt. Fuji is in the background |
Close-up night view of the Tokyo Tower as seen from the Park Hotel where we stayed. Mt. Fuji is in the background |
Dinner at Washoku EN Shiodome - top floor (42nd) of the Shiodome City Center - fine food & beautiful night views of Tokyo |
Dinner at Washoku EN Shiodome - top floor (42nd) of the Shiodome City Center - fine food & beautiful night views of Tokyo |
The kitchen at Washoku EN Shiodome where we ate dinner - fine food (Tokyo) |
Tokyo Station (the modern facade on the Yaesu side) - we left Tokyo from this station to go to Odawara |
Judy, Sallie and John at the Tokyo Station ready to board the Shinkansen 700 bullet train (on the left) to Odawara |
Judy at the Tokyo Station ready to board the Shinkansen 700 bullet train (on the left) to Odawara |
Judy with a rowdy but happy group on the Shinkansen 700 bullet train going from Tokyo Station to Odawara |
Odawara Castle as seen while traveling from Odawara to Hokane |
Moto-Hakone with its huge torii (gate) - on the southeastern shore of Lake Ashi |
Lake Ashi & cartoonish "swan" boats. Mt. Komagatake with cable car station on top is in the background. View is from Moto-Hakone |
Mt. Fuji, the red torii (gate) of the Hakone Shrine and Lake Ashi as seen from Moto-Hokane |
Fishermen at the Moto-Hokane port on Lake Ashi |
Judy at the Moto-Hakone port with Mt. Fuji, the red torii gate of the Hakone Shrine and Lake Ashi in the background |
Cartoonish pirate ship coming to port at Moto-Hakone which we then took to Togendai - on Lake Ashi |
Judy and Richard at the Moto-Hakone port with Mt. Fuji, the red torii (gate) of the Hakone Shrine & Lake Ashi in the background |
Cartoonish pirate ship at port at Moto-Hakone - we took it to Togendai - on Lake Ashi |
Judy and Richard aboard a cartoonish pirate ship on Lake Ashi going from Moto-Hakone to Togendai. |
Mt. Fuji as seen from a cartoonish pirate ship on Lake Ashi |
A cartoonish pirate ship on Lake Ashi similar to the one we were on when this photo was taken |
Mother and child aboard a cartoonish pirate ship on Lake Ashi going from Moto-Hakone to Togendai. |
The northern shore of Lake Ashi and a fisherman in a boat as seen from a cartoonish pirate ship on Lake Ashi |
The Hakone Ropeway at the Togendai Station at Lake Ashi - to Owakudani via the Ubako Station |
Judy at the Togendai Station of the Hakone Ropeway at Lake Ashi - to Owakudani via the Ubako Station |
View from a cable car on the Hakone Ropeway going from Togendai to the Ubako Station and then to Owakudani |
Two kids on the Hakone Ropeway from Togendai to the Ubako Station and then to Owakudani |
Mt Fuji from a cable car on the Hakone Ropeway from Togendai to the Ubako Station and then to Owakudani |
A passing cable car on the Hakone Ropeway from Togendai to the Ubako Station and then to Owakudani |
View from a cable car on the Hakone Ropeway going to the Owakudani Station - looking back to the Ubako Station |
View from a Hakone Ropeway cable car of Lake Ashi and the pirate ship we took to the Togendai Station |
View of the surrounding mountainous area from a cable car on the Hakone Ropeway going to Owakudani |
Our cable car on the Hakone Ropeway just arrived at Owakudani |
Owakudani Visitor Center (lower right) and sulfurous steam vents |
Mt Fuji as seen from Owakudani |
View from Owakudani of the cable cars on the Hakone Ropeway - we rode this line from Togendai on Lake Ashi to Owakudani |
Sulfurous steam vents at Owakudani |
Sulfurous steam vents at Owakudani |
Sulfurous steam vents at Owakudani |
Yamanashi Prefecture Fuji Visitor Center |
Judy and Richard with Mt. Fuji in the background - at the Yamanashi Prefecture Fuji Visitor Center |
Close-up of Mt. Fuji from the Yamanashi Prefecture Fuji Visitor Center |
Judy under cherry blossoms at the Yamanashi Prefecture Fuji Visitor Center |
Cherry blossoms at the Yamanashi Prefecture Fuji Visitor Center |
The Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station - more than halfway up the side of Mt. Fuji - observing and starting point for hiking Mt. Fuji |
Mt Fuji as seen from the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station - more than halfway up the side of Mt. Fuji |
Judy at a sign at the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station showing we are more than halfway up the side of Mt. Fuji |
Judy with snow at the stairs of a hiking trail on Mt. Fuji - at the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station |
Judy petting horses used to explore Mt. Fuji - at the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station - more than halfway up the side of Mt. Fuji |
A skier (perhaps an official?) who just finished exploring Mt. Fuji - at the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station |
Judy & Richard - Mt. Fuji in the background - at the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station - more than halfway up the side of Mt. Fuji |
A mother and her child at the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station - more than halfway up the side of Mt. Fuji |
Farmland and mountains as seen while traveling from Owakudani to Suwa-shi |
Farmland and mountains as seen while traveling from Owakudani to Suwa-shi |
Judy in front of the Nunohan Hotel in Suwa-shi |
Lake Suwa from our room at the Nunohan Hotel - in Suwa-shi. This is a resort area. |
Our bare, attractive room at the Nunohan Hotel in Suwa-shi |
Judy modeling the slippers guests are expected to wear in their rooms (no shoes) at the Nunohan Hotel in Suwa-shi |
Soon after we arrived in our room at the Nunohan Hotel in Suwa-shi this woman in a kimono came in and served us tea |
Judy and Richard wearing kimonos at a traditional Japanese dinner at the Nunohan Hotel in Suwa-shi |
The seasonal garden at the Nunohan Hotel in Suwa-shi |
The seasonal garden at the Nunohan Hotel in Suwa-shi |
Judy in our hotel room writing notes about our trip - at the Nunohan Hotel in Suwa-shi |
Street corner near the Nunohan Hotel and Lake Suwa in Suwa-shi - traffic flows on opposite sides of street compared to U.S. |
Convenience store near the Nunohan Hotel and Lake Suwa in Suwa-shi |
Judy near Lake Suwa with a cartoonish swan boat in the background - in Suwa-shi |
Man walking his dog "Kiko" with a wheeled cart to support the dog's rear - near Lake Suwa in Suwa-shi |
Closeup of "Kiko" seen in previous photo - near Lake Suwa in Suwa-shi |
Public hot springs for the feet - near Lake Suwa in Suwa-shi |
Public hot springs for the feet - people sit on the stones and put their feet in the water - near Lake Suwa in Suwa-shi |
A duck near Lake Suwa in Suwa-shi |
Judy was awake early at the Nunohan Hotel in Suwa-shi on the day we left Suwa-shi for our trip to Takayama. |
Judy and others at breakfast at the Nunohan Hotel in Suwa-shi. After breakfast we left by bus for Takayama. |
A dam and majestic mountains - seen while traveling from Suwa-shi to Takayama |
Majestic mountains - seen while traveling from Suwa-shi to Takayama |
Majestic mountains - seen while traveling from Suwa-shi to Takayama |
One of many tunnels we used while traveling through the mountains from Suwa-shi to Takayama |
Majestic snow capped mountains - seen while traveling from Suwa-shi to Takayama |
Miyagawa River in Takayama from the Kajibashi Bridge - one of the first sites we saw when we arrived in Takayama from Suwa-shi |
Judy next to a parade float in the lobby of the Hida Hotel Plaza - we stayed in this hotel in Takayama |
Takayama Jinya - former local government complex dating from the early 1600's c.e. - in Old Town, Takayama |
Corridor in Takayama Jinya in Old Town, Takayama |
A sarubobo (a symbol of Takayama) hanging at Takayama Jinya in Old Town, Takayama |
Onyakusho - the administrative room of the head officer during the Edo Period - at the Takayama Jinya in Old Town, Takayama |
Goyouba - the administrative room of the feudal lord's lower vassals during the Edo Period - at the Takayama Jinya in Old Town |
Daidokoro (kitchen) with its cooking area at the Takayama Jinya in Old Town, Takayama |
Daidokoro (kitchen) with its cooking area at the Takayama Jinya in Old Town, Takayama |
Interrogation room for prisoners who were sometimes tortured severely with objects like those seen here - at the Takayama Jinya |
A hearth for the preparation of tea - a maid's room is on the left in the back - at theTakayama Jinya in Old Town, Takayama |
Straw rice sacks like these were collected as a local tax & stored - during the Edo Period - at the Takayama Jinya in Old Town |
The garden at the Takayama Jinya in Old Town, Takayama |
Judy in the Old Town section of Takayama |
Judy in front of a restaurant in Old Town in Takayama where we ate lunch |
Judy eating lunch in Old Town in Takayama |
Judy and Richard - lunch in Old Town in Takayama |
Judy eating lunch in Old Town in Takayama |
Tenaga zuchi zou - statue on the Kajibashi Bridge over the Miyagawa River in Takayama |
Sake store and brewery (left) we visited in Old Town in Takayama |
Sake brewery in the back of the store seen in the previous photo - in Old Town in Takayama |
A store in Old Town in Takayama |
A street in Old Town in Takayama |
Kusakabe Mingei-kan (Kusakable Heritage House) in Old Town, Takayama |
The inner hallway of Kusakabe Mingei-kan (Kusakable Heritage House) in Old Town, Takayama |
Shrine in Kusakabe Mingei-kan (Kusakable Heritage House) in Old Town, Takayama |
Furniture in Kusakabe Mingei-kan (Kusakable Heritage House) in Old Town, Takayama |
Kusakabe family display for the Tango-no-Sekku festival for boys (May 5) - Kusakabe Heritage House in Old Town, Takayama |
Restaurant in Takayama |
Carp streamers above the Miyagawa River to celebrate Kodomo no Hi (Children's Day) - Takayama |
Judy rubbing the belly of Hotei - the potbellied deity of prosperity - at the Kajibashi Bridge end of the Morning Market. |
Morning Market next to the Miyagawa River in Takayama |
Judy examining plants at the Morning Market next to the Miyagawa River in Takayama |
Natural ingredients sold as supplements and/or treatments at the Morning Market next to the Miyagawa River in Takayama |
Natrual ingredients sold to treat diabetes, high blood pressure & cholesterol, insomnia & constipation - Morning Market Takyama |
Judy at the Morning Market next to the Miyagawa River in Takayama |
The gate for the Takayama Betsuin Shorenji Temple in Takayama |
The Takayama Betsuin Shorenji Temple in Takayama |
Schoolgirls in Takayama |
View from our room at the Hida Hotel Plaza in Takayama. World Shrine of Sukyo Mahikari (large gold/brown roof) is on the left |
Judy near two huge cherry trees (Shokawa-Zakura) each over 400 years old seen while traveling from Takayama to Kanazawa |
One of two huge cherry trees (Shokawa-Zakura) over 400 years old seen while traveling from Takayama to Kanazawa |
Artificial lake created by the construction of the Miboro Dam - near the two old cherry trees in the previous two photos |
Judy and Richard near the artificial lake created by the construction of the Miboro Dam |
Judy and Richard near the artificial lake created by the construction of the Miboro Dam |
Miboro Dam with its rock exterior - seen at the Miboro Dam Side Park while traveling from Takayama to Kanazawa |
We ate lunch at this ski resort after visiting the Miboro Dam Side Park while traveling from Takayama to Kanazawa |
Pedestrain suspension bridge to the Gassho-zukuri Village in Shirakawa-go - seen while traveling from Takayama to Karazawa |
Judy on the pedestrian suspension bridge to the Gassho-zukuri Village in Shirakawa-go |
The Gassho-zukuri Village in Shirakawa-go tucked away in the surrounding mountains |
The Gassho-zukuri Village in Shirakawa-go tucked away in the surrounding mountains |
The Gassho-zukuri Village in Shirakawa-go tucked away in the surrounding mountains |
The Gassho-zukuri Village in Shirakawa-go tucked away in the surrounding mountains |
The Gassho-zukuri Village in Shirakawa-go tucked away in the surrounding mountains |
A little girl using a big camera in the Gassho-zukuri Village in Shirakawa-go tucked away in the surrounding mountains |
The Gassho-zukuri Village in Shirakawa-go tucked away in the surrounding mountains |
Room decorations in the Gassho style house of the Nagase family - Gassho-zukuri Village in Shirakawa-go |
Shrine in the Gassho style house of the Nagase Family - in the Gassho-zukuri Village in Shirakawa-go |
Cooking area and hearth in the Gassho style house of the Nagase Family - Gassho-zukuri Village in Shirakawa-go |
Storage area - top of the Gassho style house of the Nagase Family - Gassho-zukuri Village in Shirakawa-go |
Thatched roof inner support in the Gassho style house of the Nagase Family - Gassho-zukuri Village in Shirakawa-go |
Thatched roof inner support in the Gassho style house of the Nagase Family - Gassho-zukuri Village in Shirakawa-go |
Snow capped mountain behind the Gassho-zukuri Village in Shirakawa-go |
Workers repairing the thatched roof of a Gassho style house in the Gassho-zukuri Village in Shirakawa-go |
Close-up of workers repairing the thatched roof of a Gassho style house in the Gassho-zukuri Village in Shirakawa-go |
The Gassho-zukuri Village in Shirakawa-go tucked away in the surrounding mountains |
Judy in the Gassho-zukuri Village in Shirakawa-go tucked away in the surrounding mountains |
Traditional rice paddies - seen while traveling from the Gassho-zukuri Village in Shirakawa-go to Kanazawa |
Weird juxtaposition of a McD's sign with traditional rice paddies - while traveling from the village at Shirakawa-go to Kanazawa |
Judy looking elegant in the elegant lobby of the Hotel Nikko Kanazawa where we stayed in Kanazawa |
Kanazawa and surrounding mountains as seen from our room in the Hotel Nikko Kanazawa (old shrine or temple seen in lower right) |
Man retrieving an object from the Onosho Canal - seen as we entered the Naga-machi Samurai District in Kanazawa |
Roofs in the Naga-machi Samurai District in Kanazawa |
The Naga-machi Samurai District in Kanazawa |
A gift store in the Naga-machi Samurai District in Kanazawa |
Two trees growing out of a house or its garden in the Naga-machi Samurai District in Kanazawa |
A postal carrier in Naga-machi Samurai District in Kanazawa |
The entrance to the Nomura Family Samurai House in the Naga-machi Samurai District of Kanazawa |
A shrine in the Nomura Family Samurai House in the Naga-machi Samurai District of Kanazawa |
A minimally decorated room in the Nomura Family Samurai House in the Naga-machi Samurai District of Kanazawa |
Long & short samurai swords from the Edo Period in the Nomura Family Samurai House in the Naga-machi Samurai District - Kanazawa |
Exquisitely detailed garden of the Nomura Family Samurai House in the Naga-machi Samurai District - Kanazawa |
The Naga-machi Samurai District in Kanazawa |
Judy near azaleas at the entrance to Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa |
Kasumiga-ike Pond with Kotojitoro Lantern in foreground in Kenroku-en Garden - Kanazawa |
Horaijima Island in the Kasumiga-ike Pond of the Kenroku-en Garden - Kanazawa |
Judy near the Kasumiga-ike Pond (with its Kotojitoro Lantern - right) in the Kenroku-en Garden - Kanazawa |
Black pine tree (Karasaki Matsu) with some pole-supported branches over the Kasumiga-ike Pond - Kenroku-en Garden - Kanazawa |
Close-up of black pine tree (Karasaki Matsu) with pole-supported branches - Kasumiga-ike Pond - Kenroku-en Garden - Kanazawa |
Workers near a traditional Yukimi ("snow viewing") stone lantern at the Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa |
The Hill of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune (Shichi-fukujin-yama) in the Kenroku-en Garden - Kanazawa |
The Shigure-tei Teahouse in the Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa |
Inside the Shigure-tei Teahouse in the Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa |
The Midori-taki Waterfall at the Hisago-ike Pond in the Kenroku-en Garden - Kanazawa |
The Kaisekito Pagoda (right) on an island in the Hisago-ike Pond in the Kenroku-en Garden - Kanazawa |
The oldest fountain in Japan - at the Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa |
A teacher with her students leaving the Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa |
The large green awning on the right side of the street marks the entrance to the indoor Omi-cho Market in Kanazawa |
Judy near a stall selling plants/flowers and vegetables at the indoor Omi-cho Market in Kanazawa |
Judy near a vegetable stall featuring cone-shaped Takenoko (bamboo) at the indoor Omi-cho Market in Kanazawa |
Meat counter at the indoor Omi-cho Market in Kanazawa |
Judy at a fresh fish stall at the indoor Omi-cho Market in Kanazawa |
Pedestrians wait for a signal from the man in unform for permission to cross the street - front of the Omi-cho Market in Kanaawa |
The Higashi Chaya (Geisha) District in Kanazawa |
Judy in front of the Shima Chaya (Geisha) House in the Higashi Chaya (Geisha) District of Kanazawa |
John was photographing Richard who was photographing him. Boys will be boys! In the Higashi Chaya (Geisha) District of Kanazawa |
Chaya Bijin - a beauty store in the Higashi Chaya (Geisha) District of Kanazawa |
The exteriors of the second floor guestrooms of buildings in the Higashi Chaya (Geisha) District of Kanazawa |
These buildings apparently are residences. Perhaps the building with a sign in front is a shop - Higashi Chaya (Geisha) District |
Rakuchu Rakugai Byobu - gold leaf was used to create this folding screen - seen at the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum |
Judy posing as an exhibit in front of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa |
Judy (far right) appears to be waving under water in the "Swimming Pool" by Leandro Erlich - at the Contemporary Art Museum |
How the effect of Judy being under water was created (see previous photo) in the "Swimming Pool" by Leonardo Erlich |
Judy and the group at a traditional Japanese dinner consisting of many courses of small portions in wooden boxes - in Kanazawa |
Plains and snow capped Hakusan Mountains seen while traveling from Kanazawa to the Kutani Pottery Village in Nomi-shi |
The Nomi Kutani Ceramics Museum in the Kutani Pottery Village in Nomi-shi |
Centuries old plates in the Kutani style - seen at the Nomi Kutani Ceramics Museum in the Kutani Pottery Village in Nomi-shi |
A modern piece influenced by the Kutani style - seen at the Kutani Archive Center in Nomi-shi |
Kutani Big Plate Monument at the Kutani Pottery Village in Nomi-shi |
"Bamboo Waterfall" in front of the Asakura Isokichi Art Museum in the Kutani Pottery Village in Nomi-shi |
The Nomi Kutani Ceramics Center in the Kutani Pottery Village in Nomi-shi |
An artist creating a bowl at the Nomi Kutani Ceramics Center in the Kutani Pottery Village in Nomi-shi |
The traditional Noborigama (inclined slope) kiln at the Kutani Pottery Village in Nomi-shi |
Judy at a lunch stop while traveling from the Kutani Pottery Village to the Sea of Japan |
McD's - burgers with miso sauce - lunch stop while traveling from the Kutani Pottery Village to the Sea of Japan |
Pachinko machines and slot machines at a lunch stop while traveling from the Kutani Pottery Village to the Sea of Japan |
Judy at the Sea of Japan: Beyond the horizon: Russia to the north - North Korea to the northwest - South Korea to the west |
Judy at the Sea of Japan: Russia is to the north. North Korea is to the northwest. South Korea is to the west |
The Ataka Barrier Ruin - the site of a kabuki play titled "Kanjincho" & bronze statues of the characters - at the Sea of Japan |
Main train station in Komatsu. We took a train from this station to Kyoto |
Train (electrical power from above the train?) arriving at the main train station in Komatsu |
Main train station in Komatsu. We took a train from this station to Kyoto |
Train arriving at the main train station in Komatsu. We took a train from this station to Kyoto |
Lake Biwa and rice paddies as seen from our train approaching Kyoto from Komatsu |
The main train station in Kyoto. We arrived here from Komatsu. Kyoto and surrounding mountains are in the background. |
The main train station in Kyoto. We arrived here from Komatsu. Kyoto and surrounding mountains are in the background. |
The hectic main train station in Kyoto. We arrived here from Komatsu. |
Students at the main train station in Kyoto. Several students said they were in Kyoto to visit traditional sites. |
The lobby of the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel - we stayed at this hotel in Kyoto |
Kyoto and surrounding mountains as seen from our hotel room at the ANA Crowne Plaza |
A Buddhist stone statue at the Ryoanji Temple in Kyoto |
Bridge (in background) to the Bentenjima Islet in the Kyoyochi Pond at the Ryoanji Temple in Kyoto |
The Kare-sansui (Dry Landscape) Rock Garden or “Zen Garden” at the Ryoanji Temple in Kyoto |
Judy after meditating (yoga?) at the Kare-sansui (Dry Landscape) Rock Garden or “Zen Garden” at the Ryoanji Temple |
The Kyoyochi Pond at the Ryoanji Temple in Kyoto |
The Stone Wash Basin Tsukubai for the Tearoom Zoroku at the Ryoanji Temple in Kyoto |
Stone stairs between the lower garden area and the upper main structures at the Ryoanji Termple in Kyoto |
The Bentenjima Islet in the Kyoyochi Pond at the Ryoanji Temple in Kyoto |
The Bentenjima Islet in the Kyoyochi Pond at the Ryoanji Temple in Kyoto |
Three turtles on a small rock and the Bentenjima Islet in the Kyoyochi Pond at the Ryoanji Temple in Kyoto |
Judy, John (left of Judy), Sallie (right of Judy) & schoolgirls (left side) at the entrance gate to the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto |
Schoolgirls near the entrance to the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto |
The Golden Pavilion reflected in the Kyokochi Pond and several of the islets in the Pond - in Kyoto |
Close-up of the Golden Pavilion at the Kyokochi Pond - in Kyoto |
Judy to the left of schoolgirls and Judith behind them - near the entrance to the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto |
A woman apparantly meditating/contemplating at the edge of the Kyokochi Pond at the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto |
Richard with schoolgirls in the complex (Rokuon-ji) of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto |
An islet in the Kyokochi Pond at the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto. A bird is on a small fallen branch in the pond in the background. |
Judy tossing coins at Jizo Buddhist statues for good luck - on the grounds of the Temple complex (Rokuon-ji) in Kyoto |
The top floor of the Golden Pavilion on the grounds of the Temple complex (Rokuon-ji) in Kyoto |
Close-up of the top floor of the Golden Pavilion on the grounds of the Temple complex (Rokuon-ji) in Kyoto |
The Sekka-tei Teahouse was added to the Golden Pavilion complex (Rokuon-ji) during the Edo Period (early 1600's to mid 1800's). |
The front of the relatively small Fudodo Shrine at the Golden Pavilion complex (Rokuon-ji) in Kyoto |
Woman on a bike in a residential neighborhood in Kyoto |
Main entrance gate to Nijo Castle at sunset - as seen from across the street at our hotel, the ANA Crowne Plaza in Kyoto |
Main entrance gate to Nijo Castle in Kyoto |
Outer wall and outer moat of the Nijo Castle in Kyoto |
Bansho Guard Station (samurai) at Nijo Castle in Kyoto |
Karamon Main Gate to Ninomaru Palace and Garden complex in Nijo Castle in Kyoto |
Top of entrance to Ninomaru Palace in Nijo Castle in Kyoto |
Side view of Ninomaru Palace in Nijo Castle in Kyoto. Palace is made of cypress. |
Elegant structures emphasizing prestige and authority - over the entrance to Ninomaru Palace - in Nijo Castle in Kyoto |
Ninomaru Garden - a traditional Japanese landscape garden in Nijo Castle in Kyoto |
Ninomaru Garden - a traditional Japanese landscape garden in Nijo Castle in Kyoto |
Egret in Ninomaru Garden - a traditional Japanese landscape garden in Nijo Castle in Kyoto |
Judy and Sallie leaving Ninomaru Palace and Garden complex of Nijo Castle in Kyoto |
Bridge entrance to Honmaru Palace and Garden in Nijo Castle in Kyoto. Inner moat and inner wall (right) surrounding Honmaru. |
John & Richard: Background - inner moat & inner wall (right) surrounding Honmaru & bridge entrance to Honmaru in Nijo Castle |
Sharon and John: Background - inner moat & inner wall surrounding Honmaru in Nijo Castle in Kyoto |
Koun Teahouse in Seiryu-en Garden in Nijo Castle in Kyoto |
Outer wall and outer moat of Nijo Castle in Kyoto |
Nishiki-dori (street) - a white awning is at the entrance of the covered Nishiki Market at Takakura-dori in Kyoto |
Parking area for bikes on Nishiki-dori (street) not far from Nishiki Market in Kyoto |
Judy (pink hat) with Sallie and John in front of her at the busy Nishiki Market in Kyoto |
Judy, Sallie and John in the busy Nishiki Market in Kyoto |
Lunch: Judy, Sallie and John entering a restaurant on Nishiki-dori after checking out the nearby Nishiki Market in Kyoto |
Entrance to the Ryozen Kannon War Memorial in Kyoto - the Higashiyama Mountains are in the background |
Top of the statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara at the Ryozen Kannon War Memorial - Higashiyama Mountains in the background |
Hideyoshi & Nene (statues are several feet high) - seen while walking to a tea ceremony at the Kodaiji Temple in Kyoto |
Small torii (gate) and small shrine (??) seen while walking to a tea ceremony at the Kodaiji Temple in Kyoto |
Tea ceremony at the Kodaiji Temple complex in Kyoto |
Tea ceremony at the Kodaiji Temple complex in Kyoto |
Judy and others at a tea ceremony at the Kodaiji Temple complex in Kyoto |
Rickshaw stand on Nene no Michi Lane - seen while walking from Kodaiji Temple to traditional Ninen-zaka & Sannen-zaka area |
Rickshaw on Nene no Michi Lane - seen while walking from Kodaiji Temple to traditional Ninen-zaka & Sannen-zaka area |
Judy on traditional Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka (contiguous streets) in Kyoto |
Roofs - traditional buildings on Ninen-zaka and Sannen- zaka (contiguous streets) in Kyoto |
Judy with tourists posing as maikos (apprentice geishas) on Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka (contiguous streets) in Kyoto |
Rickshaw on traditional Ninen-zaka and Sannen- zaka (contiguous streets) in Kyoto |
We took this taxi to the Heian-jingu Shrine in Kyoto - driver was in a suit and lace was on the seats - just like the U.S. :-) |
Outen-mon (Divine Gate) at the Heian-jingu Shrine in Kyoto |
Daigoku-den (Outer Sanctuary) (Great Hall of State) at the Heian-jingu Shrine in Kyoto |
Soryu-ro Tower at the Heian-jingu Shrine in Kyoto |
Soryu-ro Tower at the Heian-jingu Shrine with the Higashiyama Mountains in the background in Kyoto |
Pond and garden at the Heian-jingu Shrine in Kyoto |
Judy on a trail at the garden of the Heian-jingu Shrine in Kyoto |
Stepping-stone path (Garyu-kyo - lying dragon bridge) in a pond at the Heian-jingu Shrine in Kyoto |
Water lillies on a pond at the garden of the Heian-jingu Shrine in Kyoto |
Roofed bridge (Taihei-kaku) over a pond at the garden of the Heian-jingu Shrine in Kyoto (background - Higashiyama Hills) |
Judy and Richard near the roofed bridge over a pond at the garden of the Heian-jingu Shrine in Kyoto |
Roofed bridge (Taihei-kaku) over a pond at the garden of the Heian-jingu Shrine in Kyoto |
Duck in a pond at the garden of the Heian-jingu Shrine in Kyoto |
We visited the Kyoto Handicraft Center in Kyoto - 4 floors of high quality jewelry, clothing, pottery and other crafts for sale. |
Gion (Geisha/Geiko) District in Kyoto |
Rear of some ochya (Geisha/Geiko houses) on the Shirakawa River in the Gion (Geisha/Geiko) Distirct in Kyoto |
Gion (Geisha/Geiko) District in Kyoto |
This woman appears to be a Maiko (apprentice Geiko) but may have been a tourist - in the Gion (Geisha/Geiko) District of Kyoto |
Women formally dressed in kimonos were out on the town in the Gion (Geisha/Geiko) District in Kyoto |
Judy pattern-dyeing a bag at a Kyo-yuzen Workshop at Marumasu-Nishimuraya in Kyoto. |
Judy and Richard each pattern-dyeing a bag at a Kyo-yuzen Workshop at Marumasu-Nishimuraya in Kyoto |
Judy pattern-dyeing a bag at a Kyo-yuzen Workshop at Marumasu-Nishimuraya in Kyoto |
Sharon and John each pattern-dyeing a bag at a Kyo-yuzen Workshop at Marumasu-Nishimuraya in Kyoto |
Judy going to the underground subway near our hotel. We were going to downtown Kyoto. |
Underground subway station near our hotel - doors on the station seen here open exactly where the doors on the subway train open |
Judy going to downtown Kyoto on the subway |
Kyoto City Hall on Oike-dori near Kawaramachi - noticeable for being one of the few unattractive buildings in downtown Kyoto |
Judy shopping on Kawaramachi-dori in downtown Kyoto (early morning) |
Judy in the Teramachi Shopping Arcade before the stores opened - some of the stores were being resupplied - in downtown Kyoto |
Judy in a fan store at the Teramachi Shopping Arcade in downtown Kyoto |
Heavy mid-day traffic on Kawaramachi-dori in downtown Kyoto - not one car horn sounded |
Mid-day at the Teramachi Shopping Arcade in downtown Kyoto |
Colorful discount store in the Teramachi Shopping Arcade in downtown Kyoto |
Judy - mid-day at the busy Teramachi Shopping Arcade in downtown Kyoto |
Young people at the Kamo River - early Friday evening - a few blocks from the center of downtown Kyoto |
Young people at the Kamo River - early Friday evening - a few blocks from the center of downtown Kyoto |
Pontocho Alley next to the Kamo River in Kyoto - one of the most atmospheric "streets" we saw in Japan |
Judy in the pink shirt on Pontocho Alley next to the Kamo River in Kyoto - one of the most atmospheric "streets" we saw in Japan |
Restaurant on Pontocho Alley in Kyoto where we ate dinner. Vents from the ceiling are used to prepare food at each table. |
Judy, Sharon and John having dinner in a restaurant on Pontocho Alley near the Kamo River in Kyoto |
Lots of young people out on a Friday night - between Kawaramachi Street and the Kamo River in downtown Kyoto |
We boarded this train in Kyoto to go to Nara |
A rural office building - seen while traveling by train from Kyoto to Nara |
Neighborhood near the Kintetsu Nara Train Station - seen when we arrived in Nara from Kyoto |
Deer near the path to Kasuga Taisha (a Shinto shrine) in Nara Park in Nara. We saw a newborn celebration ceremony at the Shrine. |
Judy, Roland, Sarah, Norma and deer near the path to Kasuga Taisha (a Shinto shrine) in Nara Park in Nara |
Two women and a deer near the path to Kasuga Taisha (a Shinto shrine) in Nara Park in Nara |
Torii (gate) on the path to Kasuga Taisha (a Shinto shrine) in Nara Park - stone lanterns line the path |
A deer near the stone lanterns on the path to Kasuga Taisha (a Shinto shrine) in Nara Park in Nara |
Stone lanterns on the inner path to Kasuga Taisha (a Shinto shrine) in Nara Park - a few bronze lanterns are on the right side |
Father and two sons going to an Omiyamairi (newborn celebration) which we witnessed but were not allowed to photograph |
Mother and baby going to an Omiyamairi (newborn celebration) which we witnessed but were not allowed to photograph |
A monk going to an Omiyamairi (newborn celebration) which we witnessed but were not allowed to photograph at Kasuga Taisha, Nara |
Preist (green robe) who presided over an Omiyamairi (newborn celebration) which we witnessed but were not allowed to photograph |
Outside the main structures of Kasuga Taisha (a Shinto shrine) in Nara Park in Nara |
A monk and his assistant hanging a bronze lantern at Kasuga Taisha (a Shinto shrine) in Nara Park in Nara |
Two monks in the Kasuga Taisha complex (a Shinto shrine) in Nara Park in Nara |
A thousand year old Japanese cedar (Honsha-osugi) at Kasuga Taisha (a Shinto shrine) in Nara Park in Nara |
Judy next to a thousand year old Japanese cedar (Honsha-osugi) at Kasuga Taisha (a Shinto shrine) in Nara Park in Nara |
Legend has it that the wind brought the seeds of seven different trees to form this one - at Kasuga Taisha in Nara Park in Nara |
John and a deer in Nara Park in Nara, Mutually respectful bows? :-) |
Deer in Nara Park - seen while walking from Kasuga Taisha (a Shinto shrine) to Todaiji (a Buddhist temple) in Nara Park in Nara |
Schoolchildren and deer in Nara Park in Nara |
Judy with schoolchildren and deer in Nara Park |
Judy with schoolchildren and deer in Nara Park |
This deer was fond of Judy as schoolchildren photographed the interaction - in Nara Park |
Todai-ji Temple's Main Hall, Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) - the largest wooden structure in the world - in Nara Park, Nara |
Judy in front of Todai-ji Temple's Main Hall, Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) - the largest wooden structure in the world |
Model of the original Todai-ji Temple from 752 c.e. at 1 to 50 scale - massive pagodas on either side are not seen in this photo |
The 50 foot tall Daibutsu (Great Buddha) in Todai-ji Temple's Main Hall in Nara Park in Nara |
Massive, metal lotus vase and butterflies in front of the Great Buddha in Todai-ji Temple's Main Hall in Nara Park in Nara |
Close-up of the massive, metal butterflies in front of the Great Buddha in Todai-ji Temple's Main Hall in Nara Park in Nara |
Statue of Kokuuzo bosatsu (at least 30 feet tall) in the Main Hall of Todai-ji Temple in Nara Park in Nara |
Statue of Komokuten (at least 30 feet tall) in the Main Hall of Todai-ji Temple in Nara Park in Nara |
Statue of Nyoirin Kannon (at least 30 feet tall) in the Main Hall of Todai-ji Temple in Nara Park in Nara |
Statue of Tamonten (at least 30 feet tall) in the Main Hall of Todai-ji Temple in Nara Park in Nara |
Conductor on our train - while traveling from Nara back to Kyoto |
Close-up of a rural office building - seen while traveling by train from Nara back to Kyoto |
Sharon, John and Logan just before going to our last dinner in Japan at Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen (restaurant) in Kyoto |
Judy in front of Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen (restaurant) in Kyoto - our last dinner in Japan |
John and Sallie at Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen (restaurant) in Kyoto |
Sarah, Norma and Logan at Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen (restaurant) in Kyoto |
Hal and Paul at Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen (restaurant) in Kyoto |
Jane and Michael at Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen (restaurant) in Kyoto |
Virginia and Roland at Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen (restaurant) in Kyoto |
Judith at Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen (restaurant) in Kyoto |
Linda and Ruth at Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen (restaurant) in Kyoto |
Keiko (guide) at Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen (restaurant) in Kyoto |
Traditional, strolling Japanese garden at Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen (restaurant) in Kyoto |
Traditional, strolling Japanese garden at Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen (restaurant) in Kyoto |
Highways in Osaka - seen while traveling from Kyoto to Kansai International Airport in Osaka for our flight home |
Osaka Castle in Osaka - seen while traveling from Kyoto to Kansai International Airport in Osaka for our flight home |
Osaka Castle in Osaka - seen while traveling from Kyoto to Kansai International Airport in Osaka for our flight home |
Street in downtown Osaka - seen while traveling from Kyoto to Kansai International Airport in Osaka for our flight home |
Abenobashi Terminal Building in Osaka - tallest building in Japan at 984 feet |
Abenobashi Terminal Building in Osaka - tallest building in Japan at 984 feet |
Kishiwada Castle in Osaka - seen while traveling from Kyoto to Kansai International Airport in Osaka for our flight home |
Rinku Gate Tower Building in Osaka - third tallest building in Japan at 840 feet (Rinku Town Ferris Wheel is in the background) |
Judy and Sharon arriving at Cleveland Hopkins Airport around 12:00 a.m. |
Judy and Richard arriving at Cleveland Hopkins Airport around 12:00 a.m. |