Our Trip to Japan: May, 2014

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.