Saturday, December 6, 2008

Japan Trip Photos

This is a scenic view of a small village in the countryside. Tranquil setting with a mountain range as a backdrop.



Here is a selection of traditional items. Very artistic.



This is one of the lively and colourful shops along the streets of Japan.



This is the entrance to the grounds of the Kiyomizu Temple.



This is one of the shrines in the Kiyomizu Temple.



This is a ceremonial bell in the Kiyomizu Temple. Very picturesque. Puts you in a meditative mood. A sure way to Nirvana....... until they ring the bell and you wake up.



This is a statue of a monk in the Kiyomizu Temple. Looks like Daruma.




This is one of the gates in the Kiyomizu Temple.



Here is a "waterfall" in the Kiyomizu Temple from which people drink for good luck. Drink more, and I may pass my Chinese.



This is a pagoda in the Kiyomizu Temple.



This is a photo of me at scenic pond in the Kiyomizu Temple. So serene.




This is a photo of me with the famous Xing Chang Cheng bullet train. Lucky me, as shortly after this photo was taken, the new generation train has just replaced this first-generation train which has been phased out. Many Japanese people feel very nostalgic about the disappearance of this first-generation train which has served them so well, and without fatal accidents, for decades. There is no such photo opportunity any more.



These are some of the stuff sold in a fish market. Typically Japanese and typically very neat.



The streets of a fish market. Bustles with activities.



The outer walls and moat of Osaka Castle. Brings you back to the good old samurai days.



Me drinking from the sacred well of Osaka Castle. So you see, I am ever so fortunate. Don't I always count my blessings!




The splendour of Osaka Castle. Indescribable!



Time capsule at Osaka Castle.



Osaka Castle. Awing at any angle.



Ready to take down the Edo Castle troops with my canon at Osaka Castle.



Cruise Ship at Lake Ashi (Mount Fuji)



Me on Lake Ashi Cruise to view Mount Fuji.



The Owakudani Valley (Boiling Valley) - boiling hot and can be dangerous with poisonous gas



Authentic Tatami Bedroom at Fuji Yamanaka-Ko Hotel (Mount Fuji)



Magnificent Mount Fuji in the wee hours of the morning (heavenly!!)



First View of Mount Fuji's Fifth Station.



Conquering the Fifth Station at Mount Fuji (Victory at last!!)



Gate to Asakusa Kannon Temple (Goddess of Mercy Temple)



Guardian God at the Temple - scares evil spirits away.



Lunching at Asakusa Kannon Temple. Delicious!!



Tokyo University Facade - Grand!



Sanshiro Pond in Tokyo University. Don't I look drunk with contentment?



Tokyo University's Fountain - must be the fountain of knowledge.



Tokyo University's Red Gate - breathtaking.



Lego Model of Tokyo University's Red Gate. I feel like a giant!!



University of Tokyo Clock Tower. No excuse for being late for lectures!



Milling around Singapore Embassy in Tokyo looking like busybodies! Nice round-off for the trip.


2 comments:

Anonymous said...

The place look great i am starting to regret that i went to India instead of Japan.

Caldoran said...

Oh Christ...I'm so...jealous?
Osaka looks amazing xD
Amazing scenery captured amazingly, and I love your humorous comments every so often.
Amazing blog Keane. You have my respect.
Cheers.