Tower of the Sun

This was built for the Osaka Expo held in 1970. It certainly looks dated these days... and I will be seeing a lot more of this tower in the near future.

Kyoto Hard Rock Cafe

Recently, we ran across the new Hard Rock Cafe in Kyoto. Newly opened... maybe just 2 days before... it fit right in with the local architecture and ambiance of Kyoto. Sometimes large companies can do the right thing... this is one of those times. Not sure if it will be successful, though.

Museum of Carpentry

For the longest time, I have avoided or simply did not think about the Museum of Carpentry here in Kobe. I had passed by the old location many times... usually late at night. But it never occurred to me to make a plan to visit the place. That changed today when Yuko and I entered on a whim. I was impressed by the exhibit and felt that it was time well spent.

Jumbo Ferry

We often go to Shodoshima using the Jumbo Ferry which conveniently makes a brief stop at Sakate on Shodoshima. The image of "Star Boy" is now a common sight on the ferry. He is holding an olive branch... olives are the new symbol of Shodoshima.

Busan Back Lanes

I have been to Busan several times and simply love walking around the back lanes at night. There is so much activity, lots to see and do. However, nearing my hotel, the action dies out and the streets are quiet. But there are still places of interest.

Malacca

We arrived in Malacca under cloudy skies but the rain soon poured down making a curtain of water fall from the roof of our hotel to the canal in the back of the hotel. The next morning the skies were beautiful.

Late Night Ramen

One of my weaknesses here in Japan is the food... and its availability all the time. One of my favourite times to eat is late at night after a long day at work and a long evening of letting off steam. Late night ramen is delicious. This place is in Kyoto near Chion-in.

Mutiny Up My Sleeve

When I see this movement night picture I always think of the album cover of "Mutiny Up My Sleeve" from the group Max Webster. I was a fan of the band back when I was in high school. Good times... good times!
This is a picture of the lights reflecting off the bay in Shodoshima.

Morning Walk

Walking through the back lanes of Kitano in the early morning in winter is very refreshing. The streets are empty except for a few cats laying here and there trying to catch the first rays of the some for some warmth in the winter.

One of my Favourite Shrines

One of the first shrines that I went to in Kobe is Suwayama Shrine and holds fond memories for my early days discovering Kobe. It is not a particularly large or special shrine but for me it is a special place. These paper lanterns are under the roof of the small, main gate to the shrine.

Light on

This is a light on the Kobe tour boat, Concerto. We have taken the cruise of Kobe harbour a few times now and I think it is a good way to relax and see a side of  Kobe that most people overlook.

Tioman Island

Do you ever feel like extending your vacation? Here is your chance!

Dusk at the Beach

A fantastic view of Suma Beach. There have been many improvements made to the beach in recent years. All of the fishing gear is gone as well as all of the huts used by the fishermen have been dismantled and removed. The "fishy" smell has left the beach, too.

The View Over Suma

Near Suma Beach in Kobe is a ropeway up a mountain that changes into a "car-ator" ride to the top. Kind of a trip back to the 70's. At the top, however, is a fantastic view over Suma Beach looking towards Awaji Island.

Itami

Itami is the home to my favourite 80's idol, Minamino Yoko. It is also the home of Itami International Airport (Osaka). I went there one day not expecting to find much but ended up discovering these lovely manholes... one plain... one colour.

Friday morning

Before I begin my day on Friday, I go to a local cafe, order a cafe au lait and have a couple of pastries as I sit by the window and watch people coming and going about their business making this one of my favourite days of the week.

Japanese Manholes

A new hobby of mine is looking down... really.  More precisely, looking down on the sidewalks and roads trying to find interesting sewer covers, or manholes.  Some of the most beautiful manholes are at unexpected locations.... Himeji is the first place that pops into my mind.  When tourists arrive at Himeji station, they are greeted with a magnificent view of Himeji castle at the end of the main road.  All eyes are glued to the white castle as they make their way to the World Heritage site.  But if they looked down, they would find some very beautiful manhole covers, also! 
People who are excited about manhole covers are called "Drainspotters"... and there are many of us, here in Japan.