tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71433137109002546962024-03-13T13:16:06.727+11:00Down Memory LaneAlexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.comBlogger398125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-55019694130388595082012-12-10T08:28:00.000+11:002012-12-26T15:01:38.477+11:00JP2012 - Doutonbori<p align="justify"><a name="dotonbori"></a></p> <p align="justify">One of Osaka's most popular tourist destinations, Doutonbori is a large scale downtown along the south bank of the Doutonbori-gawa Canal. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Vw5TBDFyKg4/UNpYP6bZ7OI/AAAAAAAAL0E/WkjjYEdGSEc/IMG_0939%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Each side of the canal is thronged with a massive amount of restaurants, shopping, and amusement facilities. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PR6_3kyq19I/UNpYRkjiLBI/AAAAAAAAL0M/gCj2Bc4gPoQ/IMG_7793%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mFksaAHofFg/UNpYSh36YAI/AAAAAAAAL0U/2McsmZygEbk/IMG_7792%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ajgcOouiNKk/UNpYT92PvqI/AAAAAAAAL0c/xDpxpYwJbwU/IMG_7794%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Thus, it is a popular shopping and entertainment district and is also known as a food destination. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3eXW3qW23cs/UNpYVy9Jy_I/AAAAAAAAL0k/Q7xFqR_BCHI/IMG_7791%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iZw1BLroK18/UNpYXE4NtKI/AAAAAAAAL0s/nNA2W7GOt8k/IMG_7795%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--DXe1yh1Jik/UNpYY4190_I/AAAAAAAAL00/rvZ2aOkegn0/IMG_7797%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UTcqZySh5wc/UNpYafC_YsI/AAAAAAAAL08/rWb0bLhnwQY/IMG_7798%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-idyADAxAu6Y/UNpYceGeIiI/AAAAAAAAL1E/g28ii5OIcoU/IMG_7799%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4mLguf4FoMk/UNpYd1JbupI/AAAAAAAAL1M/VNT94XdYR8M/IMG_7800%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">At night, Doutonbori is lit by hundreds of neon lights and mechanized signs; think <a href="http://alexchseng.blogspot.com/2011/06/us2011-new-york-times-square.html">New York Times Square</a> along Venice’s Grand Canal!! </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-F571YETtDxA/UNpYfVo65RI/AAAAAAAAL1U/CCfD__7DLpk/IMG_0922%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Wnh9fYlAkS8/UNpYgzy27jI/AAAAAAAAL1Y/f6axhv0c48w/IMG_0923%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jSksVi8tFBI/UNpYhyL5IRI/AAAAAAAAL1k/BfZUiCpKoMU/IMG_0924%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-N7z6kcV8x4c/UNpYjoe4bZI/AAAAAAAAL1s/wjg3gfxTtIU/IMG_0935%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eBUMw2M0_uk/UNpYlG40k2I/AAAAAAAAL10/06jTu1XQxiU/IMG_0936%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--3kaYAKP-gI/UNpYm2CyYOI/AAAAAAAAL18/lVCwHmBqihs/IMG_0937%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hbWfztQjd6s/UNpYobhg96I/AAAAAAAAL2E/eC_w-0NfTLo/IMG_0938%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z-2Wn_S9LkU/UNpYqchpUvI/AAAAAAAAL2M/vWujrLFRTWo/IMG_0940%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Obviously, Doutonbori is best viewed at night and one must not miss the famous Glico Running Man sign!!</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-4866647947263973592012-12-02T08:32:00.000+11:002012-12-08T21:41:02.973+11:00JP2012 - Hotel Brighton City<p align="justify">Hotel Brighton City is possibly one of the most affordable contemporary and stylish hotel in Osaka.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9BRIIUF_PXI/UMMY354lk9I/AAAAAAAALvw/ZmQ7ZgdUj84/IMG_0659%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jNK2IbXgZeU/UMMY5ZP3ZJI/AAAAAAAALv4/sYYWCESHHKw/IMG_0660%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">While the exterior looks like a squarish boring concrete building, the interiors’ clean and sleek design provides a welcoming and relaxing ambience.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3rAkKynVUHE/UMMY6rpGd_I/AAAAAAAALwA/x0YKDwpdzkg/IMG_0640%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-chT15LwMbZU/UMMY7lU99mI/AAAAAAAALwI/b93O8xECnCU/IMG_0641%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Applying the same concept to the rooms, it turned the compact 20 square metre room into a sophisticated but comfortable space.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e3oa4zFl16U/UMMY9M8JMRI/AAAAAAAALwQ/VLAy-lBmn-o/IMG_0642%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Among the amenities that really stood out is the in-room humidifier, located next to the comfortable bed.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Gvx8LDVCSX0/UMMY-SbwEWI/AAAAAAAALwY/MhIMsaEfpKk/IMG_0655%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RfH9NiAbos0/UMMY_gUfAQI/AAAAAAAALwg/ZDpngRUFiEM/IMG_0656%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Within the stylish bathroom, there’s also a separated rain shower and a bath tub fitted with a peekaboo window.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jM_FKLmGK_A/UMMZAyKn0pI/AAAAAAAALwo/vHwcKn8mn0w/IMG_0646%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TXiKz-R954s/UMMZB17K9zI/AAAAAAAALww/Q3NjyrZxoRg/IMG_0648%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-utkx-x761S4/UMMZDDHLygI/AAAAAAAALw4/Eu0Ct-LrZag/IMG_0644%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-y9qn_ed9WVU/UMMZEdvvHyI/AAAAAAAALxA/jwGf1aNDPOU/IMG_0645%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vBrt9tS60Vg/UMMZF2oLk9I/AAAAAAAALxI/GDVpbFqVyVc/IMG_0647%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I5PV156X6DM/UMMZGysGnFI/AAAAAAAALxQ/zv74E0FkOpk/IMG_0649%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zDRDu9xWEwM/UMMZINpYEaI/AAAAAAAALxY/ypfp73aiG2Y/IMG_0650%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">And to top things off is the President Desk, a 160 cm wide stand-alone writing desk with a whole host of gadgets, like the VOIP phone, one-touch control panel, a laptop safety box and a built-in mini bar.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gEotEM35jNo/UMMZJVFagcI/AAAAAAAALxg/zlXlD8g1OcQ/IMG_0652%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MfWTsUxLmUo/UMMZKpRN3JI/AAAAAAAALxo/9bDEUNnIX-g/IMG_0653%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cWwvjr-EHEc/UMMZL1YwolI/AAAAAAAALxw/1rxrowO-TAs/IMG_0654%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qELmqeAcl-E/UMMZNbOHqeI/AAAAAAAALx4/JFlcaob_KCQ/IMG_0657%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Just a word of caution though to those itchy hands who like to remove items from hotel rooms, there is a price for almost everything in the room!!</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lif017z4gjU/UMMZO4eNBuI/AAAAAAAALyA/hfwNoetHDmc/IMG_0658%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p>Yes, even for the hand soap!!</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-60106489801702044712012-11-06T08:09:00.000+11:002012-11-06T08:09:00.188+11:00JP2012 - Kyoazuki<p align="justify">Originated from Kyoto, Mitarashi Dango is a type of grilled rice dumplings that are skewered onto sticks, which are then covered by a sweet and thick soy sauce glaze. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XHfmM1blhwQ/UJYa782N0uI/AAAAAAAALqI/G5ON2NDbl_o/IMG_0455%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">And one can enjoy this Kyoto speciality at Kyoazuki, a ramen shop for the sweet tooth!!</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uCn34sod1A4/UJYa8--sPMI/AAAAAAAALqQ/uivEKzw5XlI/IMG_0462%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JB3kaCIhDRw/UJYa-1HSYWI/AAAAAAAALqY/a6mlr2o4yZY/IMG_0461%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bvtt3rZuScg/UJYbAKPCKwI/AAAAAAAALqg/xnnXyiK2lBw/IMG_0459%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-99G7tYqYdTo/UJYbBdo_E5I/AAAAAAAALqk/Hj3iYTcWtzw/IMG_0453%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">While there, we ordered the Kobon-chan set, which comes with Kyo Ramen and Mitarashi Dango.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pumXwZETZIY/UJYbCvFknnI/AAAAAAAALqw/AWtTtt36eEs/IMG_0456%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MTmb5m3DcIc/UJYbEZAyjmI/AAAAAAAALq4/pD14peKaM-Q/IMG_0458%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gweNHisATMs/UJYbFvSR0zI/AAAAAAAALrA/2xC1SGYu9YE/IMG_0457%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Yumm… two of Kyoto’s specialities under one roof!! </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p><em>Kyoazuki <br />Porta Kyoto, Higashishiokoji, Shimogyo, Kyoto, Japan. <br />+81 75 343 5070 <br /></em><a href="http://www.kyoazuki.jp/"><em>http://www.kyoazuki.jp/</em></a></p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-9593301491988717022012-11-04T07:47:00.000+11:002012-11-04T07:47:00.136+11:00JP2012 - Kyoto Tower<p>Kyoto Tower is the tallest structure in Kyoto with an observation deck at 100 meters above ground. Standing at a total of 131 meters tall, the steel structure contrasts Kyoto's famous ancient temples and shrines.</p> <p> </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wwnOiwJd6X4/UJTa83zaypI/AAAAAAAALoU/qpB-16Dcxhk/IMG_0465%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p> </p> <p align="justify">While the observation deck provides a 360 degree view of Kyoto, I reckon that the best view of Kyoto is actually from <a href="http://alexchseng.blogspot.com/2012/10/jp2012-kiyomizudera.html">Kiyomizudera</a>. That is because the iconic tower should be included when taking in the panorama of Kyoto!!</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-88500210615803636472012-11-02T08:11:00.000+11:002012-11-03T16:29:32.062+11:00JP2012 - Nijo Castle<p align="justify">Nijo Castle or Nijojo was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period. However, the whole castle complex was only completed 23 years later, with several palace buildings and a five-storey keep.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YgvEfl1mhNU/UJSrMfVwCqI/AAAAAAAALic/6Q7uXW4S9Fc/IMG_0451%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KDpTrIZU1Ag/UJSrOegzAXI/AAAAAAAALik/bDU-z3T6Jjc/IMG_0417%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">After the Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867, Nijo Castle was used as an imperial palace (in addition to the nearby Kyoto Imperial Palace) before being converted into a historic site for the public to visit.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-T9M_ut2u-RQ/UJSrP4PldAI/AAAAAAAALis/YmxvxEzR7_o/IMG_0421%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Nijo Castle can be divided into three areas, the Honmaru, the Ninomaru and the gardens that encircle both Honmaru and Ninomaru. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ws_LG0f3vIg/UJSrRpTLBPI/AAAAAAAALi0/TmtjXuhdQFQ/IMG_0415%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AuHd9t3S7W8/UJSrTSBmTJI/AAAAAAAALi8/8zB2qrkr88E/IMG_0416%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">After paying for admission from the ticket office or vending machines, visitors enter Nijo Castle through a large gate on the Eastern side of the complex. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eoySa2EVx8M/UJSrUogZOfI/AAAAAAAALjE/iSkojYYkSaw/IMG_0418%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Venturing further into the castle leads to Ninomaru, where the castle's main attraction, the Ninomaru Palace is located.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m8430yQiH80/UJSrV77WXhI/AAAAAAAALjM/SB6b0vvoWcY/IMG_0422%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">The Ninomaru Palace served as the residence and office of the shogun during his visits to Kyoto. Surviving in its original form, the palace consists of multiple buildings that are interconnected by nightingale-floored corridors. As a security measure against intruders, it is interesting that the floors squeak when being stepped upon. As for the rooms, they are covered with tatami mats and feature elegantly decorated ceilings and beautifully painted sliding doors.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tFpdYCPV_9o/UJSrXfuffdI/AAAAAAAALjQ/J6FFP9gmBIY/IMG_0427%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Unfortunately, no photography is allowed indoors.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ftU-gC7Zsik/UJSrYXoSbBI/AAAAAAAALjc/3G0XHMRPnDQ/IMG_0425%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oHDbuF-gQo4/UJSrZuP5kiI/AAAAAAAALjk/0m-iUoMLvYg/IMG_0428%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KL_PvX1YeBI/UJSrbZ-9XJI/AAAAAAAALjs/aTn2ohVf7kw/IMG_0426%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1ewh0AKa1N4/UJSrddh6NlI/AAAAAAAALj0/1Ktsf5bFkc8/IMG_0429%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nv3KoMaJeOk/UJSre7or6OI/AAAAAAAALj8/J7JqmLF3QPQ/IMG_0430%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Outside of the Ninomaru Palace is the Ninomaru Garden, a traditional Japanese landscape garden with a large pond, ornamental stones and manicured pine trees.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YGRv2i9myI8/UJSrgDx8JoI/AAAAAAAALkE/uAMr8jqXJtw/IMG_0431%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MS0lR8NScxI/UJSrhXshE2I/AAAAAAAALkM/V3BXBxN7OaA/IMG_0432%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZPTfNBSgAPo/UJSri5LSlVI/AAAAAAAALkU/SaW9T2KaSRs/IMG_0434%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-igZQNCnX7HE/UJSrkAjSW7I/AAAAAAAALkc/T8s12EJOH3Q/IMG_0433%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Crossing the inner moat leads to the site of Honmaru, the second palace complex and the remains of a five story castle keep (both structures were destroyed by fire in the 18th century and were never rebuilt). Due to the fire, the current structure known as the Honmaru palace was actually moved into Nijo Castle from the Katsura Imperial Palace after the fall of the shogunate.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9GyepGli4TI/UJSrlV9mryI/AAAAAAAALkg/zmGqPgaUY7g/IMG_0436%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1NCMLGTLJSs/UJSrmX43djI/AAAAAAAALks/jmPWartlFPc/IMG_0443%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Unlike the Ninomaru Palace, the Honmaru Palace is not open to the public. Hence, visitors could only walk around the Honmaru gardens and climb up the stone foundation of the former castle keep, which offers views over the castle grounds.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--p3Z1PJOuDM/UJSrnmK4LWI/AAAAAAAALk0/h4J9ElZAgJ8/IMG_0437%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NenNxY1EGo4/UJSroziAsbI/AAAAAAAALk4/ttANJ90q4ks/IMG_0439%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PnLhmXW_5XA/UJSrqArFz0I/AAAAAAAALlE/IpTrcw1ebbE/IMG_0441%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Fq62JKPPwtU/UJSrrS9W4xI/AAAAAAAALlI/LpA6m1NF1rw/IMG_0442%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kE_A8hqPlIs/UJSrscNYRVI/AAAAAAAALlU/mraqJK2yolg/IMG_0444%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-A2ELyyTSDM8/UJSrt5ca_cI/AAAAAAAALlc/CYri5a_xnCs/IMG_0449%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Both the Ninomaru and Honmaru Palaces are arguably the best surviving examples of castle architecture during Japan's feudal era. As such, the Nijo castle complex was designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994.</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-25508236665918736572012-10-31T08:16:00.000+11:002012-10-31T21:28:53.958+11:00JP2012 - Marugame Seimen<p align="justify">Marugame Seimen is an extremely cheap and popular noodle bar in Kyoto’s bustling Kawaramachi-Sanjo area.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TwJEqSnb79g/UI_GiUwiyNI/AAAAAAAALfc/9_1WdcQLbF4/IMG_0405%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">For just 500 yen, one could get a bowl of steaming hot or freezing cold udon. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jYTENSsV9DU/UI_GkBZseMI/AAAAAAAALfk/R29O5NZerrU/IMG_0404%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">And the best part of it is that all udon are made fresh on site!!</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n9uUjb4krBM/UI_GlWTi50I/AAAAAAAALfo/wZBuFZ7cCaM/IMG_0403%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-U9mUAYamDxw/UI_Gm-c46DI/AAAAAAAALf0/ZcjEWEB2P1U/IMG_0393%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">After joining the queue, one would order the type of udon and the associated size.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Z8Nj9X59FCg/UI_GoTD-MBI/AAAAAAAALf8/tIYVxDc6KAg/IMG_0402%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EwK7D1VOk3Q/UI_GptUrO1I/AAAAAAAALgE/gsRsHR3o3PI/IMG_0394%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Then, choose any additional topping or side dishes …</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n544aBqDFmw/UI_GrZIaV8I/AAAAAAAALgM/4-GTzQoutRc/IMG_0395%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GEf_t7MTrow/UI_Gskc4cBI/AAAAAAAALgU/nVvTDaYBH1I/IMG_0396%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">… before paying at the counter.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-p395MLBYRpE/UI_Gt_WH-6I/AAAAAAAALgc/j3PsMPEcsYQ/IMG_0397%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">With such a system in place, you get to choose what you want and what you don’t want to eat. So, you can get a simple miso udon or try something fancy and go all out with the side dishes.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-koMfcxVaphk/UI_Gv8F4SZI/AAAAAAAALgk/CKM1L8L5Ka4/IMG_0399%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wAJDYgWVb3k/UI_GxU3KfLI/AAAAAAAALgs/MNuxPj4CRIQ/IMG_0400%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">In just you wonder how popular they are, Marugame Seimen has over 600 stores across Japan!!</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><em>Marugame Seimen <br />54-1 Daikoku-cho, Kawaramachi-dori, Sanjo-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan. <br />+81 75 231 0700 <br /></em><a href="http://www.toridoll.com/shop/marugame/"><em>http://www.toridoll.com/shop/marugame/</em></a></p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-44720173632892442102012-10-29T07:57:00.000+11:002012-10-29T07:57:00.173+11:00JP2012 - Musashi Sushi<p align="justify">Musashi Sushi offers a traditional Japanese kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi or sushi train) experience at a low fixed price.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BoZP3pkNc7I/UIz3HO_N_VI/AAAAAAAALck/_MnJ4xU4sGo/IMG_8686%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ukCe0QhC0yI/UIz3JKi4oNI/AAAAAAAALcs/RSJ44o1P8Z4/IMG_8684%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YSC8qmA9Y3A/UIz3KUjtH7I/AAAAAAAALc0/J_ZJ1K2moPs/IMG_8688%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XHf90ZeC7Xg/UIz3LhAG4HI/AAAAAAAALc8/IXfItPohkCs/IMG_8683%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Generally, everything is 137 Yen!!</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gxWCI6ODBh8/UIz3NPhI7VI/AAAAAAAALdE/OdnWu_U9xsg/IMG_8673%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hb_RNearPJQ/UIz3OSW7bgI/AAAAAAAALdM/V93OcDBneLs/IMG_8674%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E7ay5Rlyw8k/UIz3P2hTkSI/AAAAAAAALdU/w8pakP41Oxo/IMG_8675%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-r_DDlqs0qio/UIz3RcimRTI/AAAAAAAALdc/PkLdBVXDEhA/IMG_8676%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2PY2W64pLxA/UIz3SeVe-nI/AAAAAAAALdk/HzgOVV6LEqk/IMG_8677%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eEU_XScnyig/UIz3TocVqgI/AAAAAAAALds/eTxdvkVpMeQ/IMG_8678%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">While I have ordered the more common dishes, for those who are more adventurous, they can try bashashi, which means horse meat. And in case you are wondering which dish is that, bashashi is used as a topping for Musashi’s sakura sushi.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p><em>Musashi Sushi <br />440 Ebisucho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8005, Japan. <br />+81 75 222 0634 <br /></em><a href="http://www.sushinomusashi.com/"><em>http://www.sushinomusashi.com/</em></a></p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-39518274601393980282012-10-27T08:59:00.000+11:002012-10-28T16:19:21.434+11:00JP2012 - Gion<p align="justify">Right across the river from <a href="http://alexchseng.blogspot.com/2012/10/jp2012-pontocho.html">Pontocho</a>, is another Geisha district, known as Gion.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iiQUlRQx4pM/UIzABKCNqmI/AAAAAAAALYs/BUPynDWVNVo/IMG_8473%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dWxLQR3Q4oc/UIzACV9-rcI/AAAAAAAALY0/MysffYwocqk/IMG_8474%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Originally built to accommodate the needs of travellers and visitors to the Yasaka shrine, Gion had since evolved to become one of the most exclusive and well-known geisha districts in Japan.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1Pw9tMH97ro/UIzADgFBOqI/AAAAAAAALY8/BEWdCHcfefk/IMG_8652%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pxaR1oNWKOI/UIzAE_qWAuI/AAAAAAAALZE/lyiUpH6rU2o/IMG_8653%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Due to the decline in the number of geisha in Gion, the district is now famous for the preservation of traditional architecture and entertainment.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Tgz-xmCa7Mw/UIzAGAuUSXI/AAAAAAAALZM/ekhgV93YcSY/IMG_8654%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7kjxGsKcep8/UIzAHcG5pPI/AAAAAAAALZU/mrAh70nPeqg/IMG_8670%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">One of the major preserved street is the traditional Hanami Lane and its surroundings.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-h7N23T3bsAQ/UIzAI_3m-fI/AAAAAAAALZc/ddGPMpsdmnA/IMG_8655%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--3gdFCPJG7U/UIzAJ_LxGEI/AAAAAAAALZk/SO3ZsF0Xgwk/IMG_8656%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yl7toa5WkgQ/UIzALEbjfuI/AAAAAAAALZs/W7i6KdxXF10/IMG_8657%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C4kHspnOU3c/UIzAMF5mruI/AAAAAAAALZ0/lbnS1WVT-pU/IMG_8659%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FkgMaXOd2bk/UIzANXKxpOI/AAAAAAAALZ8/Sof4CAaCOIE/IMG_8661%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NYLW0dxyZpE/UIzAObF9xwI/AAAAAAAALaE/1j2UA3pjGu8/IMG_8662%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rq5me4_6zEQ/UIzAPtveB-I/AAAAAAAALaM/moX90fpN11E/IMG_8663%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TIkWhSagwuc/UIzAQ8lu3jI/AAAAAAAALaU/HxBIJbocTHE/IMG_8665%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">To improve the preservation of traditional architecture and the original beauty of Gion, projects are on-going to restore the streets by moving all overhead utilities underground.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ziRXA5Pzylc/UIzAR-lT_nI/AAAAAAAALac/Lj2wz_iNgNE/IMG_8658%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Xrno08fcTJI/UIzATO3Is-I/AAAAAAAALak/zjZclATNkcg/IMG_8660%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LQaEspPDhvg/UIzAUGqJo7I/AAAAAAAALas/vL_GFC_8Rcw/IMG_8668%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GB0tdVEulLE/UIzAVsH4JWI/AAAAAAAALa0/kynad4xiMy8/IMG_8669%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Because of the misconception that geisha are prostitutes, Gion is popularly misunderstood as a red-light district. In actual fact, Gion is not, and never was one.</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-9400408525964485832012-10-25T08:02:00.000+11:002012-10-28T11:27:23.765+11:00JP2012 - Kihachiro<p align="justify">Part of the fun of visiting <a href="http://alexchseng.blogspot.com/2012/10/jp2012-kiyomizudera.html">Kiyomizudera</a> is the approach to the temple along the steep and busy lanes of the atmospheric Higashiyama District. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-52u3YzbMPX8/UIvq3nXR6rI/AAAAAAAALVw/RY-COQ_MqLk/IMG_8589%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m0M1mrr-zRI/UIvq5AdmmmI/AAAAAAAALV4/BACPzZgZygI/IMG_8641%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ex2XjxVxxk8/UIvq6Ah8qGI/AAAAAAAALWA/sMlT-ad8kS4/IMG_8642%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">The many shops and restaurants in the area have been catering to tourists and pilgrims for centuries, and products on sale range from local specialties to the standard set of souvenirs.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZP_6eQAXHXU/UIvq7paEW3I/AAAAAAAALWI/ZazQfygNrzQ/IMG_8645%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-d9CKAsuqrrI/UIvq9RdNUtI/AAAAAAAALWQ/nyYBPncjFAo/IMG_8651%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Le3dgX6lA9E/UIvq-aMl_CI/AAAAAAAALWY/er7Kr5tf7oE/IMG_8643%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IfeT3VZHn7k/UIvq_oHHphI/AAAAAAAALWg/Geacme_fOfQ/IMG_8644%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UvcfJVexBYw/UIvrA4_93UI/AAAAAAAALWo/qzwQM_mnFoI/IMG_8646%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">The one shop that caught my attention was Kihachiro, with its offering of steamed cherry blossom buns.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vCVbCtnqhLY/UIvrCmr_QSI/AAAAAAAALWw/jVvr4NNTpLI/IMG_8649%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--l-NQg1MDrM/UIvrDzRk2XI/AAAAAAAALW4/O8xVju-f0z0/IMG_8648%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wIa1ILJdzW8/UIvrFVDOZ2I/AAAAAAAALXA/TvoJdwZlh6U/IMG_8650%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">My very first time tasting sakura paste!! Unknowingly, Kihachiro is actually famous for its beef buns. Will definitely be back to try that next time!!</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p><em>Kihachiro <br />208-2 Kiyomizu, 2 Chome, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan. <br />+81 75 551 7575 <br /><a href="http://ameblo.jp/kyoto-kihachiro/">http://ameblo.jp/kyoto-kihachiro/</a></em></p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-28317390384016062012012-10-23T07:11:00.000+11:002012-10-27T19:30:26.905+11:00JP2012 - Kiyomizudera<p align="justify">Founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall, Kiyomizudera temple is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside below.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BjSGEueqF7w/UIubRb0F1xI/AAAAAAAALR8/nzcplV-KCaM/IMG_8605%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XuasQbmwRaQ/UIubSQC9urI/AAAAAAAALSE/kzj0ylFCmvU/IMG_8606%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Both the wooden stage and the main hall were built without the use of nails. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6yzUmNLreCg/UIubTbxg6jI/AAAAAAAALSM/CK5wUXIplx8/IMG_8591%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k0VZ5qOp2TQ/UIubUiNdrbI/AAAAAAAALSU/0PdEnwwqkqM/IMG_8592%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">This impressive temple was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites in 1994.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bfddwqXf-SE/UIubVxoYBUI/AAAAAAAALSc/IXNoBMtUKPM/IMG_8585%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u0hSpIQ4F9I/UIubXKUdAMI/AAAAAAAALSk/WUiBcLSFIhU/IMG_8587%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CFvPIPYpnvI/UIubYWEpRZI/AAAAAAAALSs/OE_rdwwipxw/IMG_8590%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D27UQnfxbmQ/UIubZiaEqII/AAAAAAAALS0/hAv7dqMaHCg/IMG_8593%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OQ3B4XFmEx4/UIubbI27pjI/AAAAAAAALS8/Xpju4I6DIRQ/IMG_8599%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cKobDqQ5MD4/UIubck-q8sI/AAAAAAAALTE/Gtm_Z_ulSnY/IMG_8600%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">The stage affords visitors a nice view of the city of Kyoto in the distance. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JAq0z_hpOtg/UIubdxavIMI/AAAAAAAALTM/1ZXDGPvtXTU/IMG_8607%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OOhYb36mSmY/UIuberICm1I/AAAAAAAALTU/-rCwcHg3N3g/IMG_8610%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RRNmXu3B_ys/UIubfkzHCWI/AAAAAAAALTc/0bYh6pOLkig/IMG_8613%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4oQhQnbJPvQ/UIubhImarYI/AAAAAAAALTk/55CfJAttxUE/IMG_8615%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Yh7CIsmKE-g/UIubjJrWfJI/AAAAAAAALTs/w6SHg5SYweg/IMG_8614%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">At the base of the temple is the Otowa Waterfall that is divided into three separate streams. It is said that by drinking the water from each stream, one would be granted with different benefits, namely longevity, career and love. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qNrIwP8EhPw/UIubkrdFk5I/AAAAAAAALT0/dGCEPFQ9KXg/IMG_8626%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1r0ChWy10r0/UIubmNrjlgI/AAAAAAAALT8/3S0LosChfjI/IMG_8624%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PdzaU5caUv0/UIubngd4Q7I/AAAAAAAALUE/4-QH6d1qPpY/IMG_8625%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">However, do not drink from all three streams as that is considered extremely greedy!!</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-81788299338781070022012-10-21T08:55:00.000+11:002012-10-21T17:40:56.566+11:00JP2012 - Ryoanji<p align="justify">Originally a villa of the Tokudaiji Clan, the site of Japan’s most famous rock garden was converted into a Zen temple in 1450. Unfortunately, like its neighbour, <a href="http://alexchseng.blogspot.com/2012/10/jp2010-kinkakuji.html">Kinkakuji</a>, Ryoanji Temple was destroyed several times and was last rebuilt in 1499.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U1wdmYjHlAU/UIOYFxpbtxI/AAAAAAAALOU/mz18NnD9F9Q/IMG_8565%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pfRmb1acHGM/UIOYGzhqp8I/AAAAAAAALOc/cIu7GjVJqfI/IMG_8560%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z_H0q9GMe-U/UIOYIMUdWcI/AAAAAAAALOk/EHNOQyjwX6w/IMG_8562%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Mu5EJ8Q_fCw/UIOYJcYleVI/AAAAAAAALOs/vMfN7RWb6PA/IMG_8563%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">However, this rebuilt marked the creation of a simple and remarkable Zen garden. Measuring 25 x 10 meters, only fifteen rocks and white gravel are used in its design. And interestingly, the garden had survived since the 1500s. It is also said that from any vantage point, at least one of the rocks is always hidden from the viewer.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_LuZCxFRBis/UIOYKdAHrQI/AAAAAAAALO0/LqHInJHt53Y/IMG_8549%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xLNt06Hpp-U/UIOYL9AX47I/AAAAAAAALO8/HYls4IcjUPc/IMG_8551%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kKV_Tm0HZ1E/UIOYNHaLqSI/AAAAAAAALPE/LpghIvlawh0/IMG_8555%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DnynGdmBxDo/UIOYOWLCfyI/AAAAAAAALPM/8yf_F8bmCsc/IMG_8556%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ovs29H-pqEA/UIOYPu6aC4I/AAAAAAAALPU/e5yPnjBYGh0/IMG_8558%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YUsGVjLNWpk/UIOYQ63BM8I/AAAAAAAALPc/tNlei5FF2k4/IMG_8559%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Ryoanji's temple grounds also include a relatively spacious park area with a pond. Due to the large population of mandarin ducks, Ryoanji is also nick-named the temple of mandarin ducks.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6bd5k6UA6bc/UIOYSPycW5I/AAAAAAAALPk/qg8hVVXe6ME/IMG_8578%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ljXaGFURX3Q/UIOYTURmxcI/AAAAAAAALPs/T7pu_BcinqY/IMG_8579%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wpPjGMXybXk/UIOYUnnbCAI/AAAAAAAALP0/Q-ZB90-DLbw/IMG_8580%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RT3zfnKC_F8/UIOYWGxSBbI/AAAAAAAALP8/2bFhNyo_Kds/IMG_8581%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MVEATgxoExY/UIOYXCu3bSI/AAAAAAAALQE/5LvQiWubESQ/IMG_8582%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FF8Tfce_1kA/UIOYYUJXZzI/AAAAAAAALQM/DSpu3LuWli8/IMG_8583%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--BowrIakH2o/UIOYZaFNQGI/AAAAAAAALQU/kffLovvfbz4/IMG_8550%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Collectively with 16 other properties in Kyoto, Ryoanji Temple was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1994.</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-39627959123404606712012-10-19T08:53:00.000+11:002012-10-20T12:16:18.953+11:00JP2010 - Kinkakuji<p align="justify">Kinkakuji, or Golden Pavilion, is a World Heritage-listed Zen temple in Kyoto, where the top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3_q9sqN_M-c/UIH7L0R8CsI/AAAAAAAALLk/2wLHM51SKRI/IMG_8522%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cUoWQ7kOCeM/UIH7NRLv1aI/AAAAAAAALLs/W4-99odssCA/IMG_8523%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2EqT6GnPjoA/UIH7O1SkafI/AAAAAAAALL0/x-kSRM7a7z8/IMG_8533%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Officially known as Rokuonji, the temple used to be a retirement villa of Kyoto’s shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. It was later converted into a Zen temple after his death in 1408.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tdozh6SWbSI/UIH7QLbfcYI/AAAAAAAALL8/eNpwrh3fG-E/IMG_8515%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fx6dhcwQKIk/UIH7RTV-2GI/AAAAAAAALME/odV8f2-j1nI/IMG_8512%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TOKTBolTfko/UIH7Swu9ulI/AAAAAAAALMM/u5QR09zYduQ/IMG_8516%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-onz6-X7DFq0/UIH7UTTijnI/AAAAAAAALMU/u8QrONbn7MY/IMG_8541%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tS67pNgSexQ/UIH7ViUZrcI/AAAAAAAALMc/2lYFstWlyNA/IMG_8548%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">However, due to the civil war and fire, the structure were rebuilt several times, with the latest in 1955.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3MulDMXBWAg/UIH7WoGgvtI/AAAAAAAALMk/FV37dve8lGk/IMG_8513%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hIb8jDHbBeU/UIH7XmbZCEI/AAAAAAAALMs/u9R7i-sAfxM/IMG_8514%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">In 1994, Kinkakuji along with 16 other properties in Kyoto were inscribed as a World Heritage Site.</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-47084063825001713762012-10-13T08:49:00.000+11:002012-10-14T13:41:10.964+11:00JP2012 - Pontocho<p align="justify">A narrow alley running between the busy Shijo-dori and Sanjo-dori, Pontocho is one of Kyoto's most atmospheric dining areas. Options include the inexpensive yakitori, traditional and modern Kyoto cuisine and highly exclusive establishments that require the right connections and a fat wallet.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_umppmiv9kU/UHomDkTYZ8I/AAAAAAAALIw/8qybFVQA8kw/IMG_8471%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Like the nearby Gion, Pontocho is also widely known for geisha, and is home to many geisha houses and traditional tea houses. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6J2kxeU5GBs/UHomFQ_hO4I/AAAAAAAALI4/A7pxPHnUkH0/IMG_8470%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gHlkhs87t9w/UHomGkGEqaI/AAAAAAAALJA/Ngo_oDpoSEs/IMG_8475%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PAe_vgfEwew/UHomHzLXYHI/AAAAAAAALJI/3AhbWWoYI_A/IMG_8476%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C2Z_nbuoUns/UHomJLKCADI/AAAAAAAALJM/0u9N6ZSZ3-s/IMG_8477%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uuUxLiN8RKY/UHomKcz8TBI/AAAAAAAALJY/0dDXiSikgGU/IMG_8478%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2kR_IlYm0ec/UHomLUvv8oI/AAAAAAAALJg/1UqRfRxSv4s/IMG_8479%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4NQrSk0Yz3c/UHomMmJBCPI/AAAAAAAALJo/JdlazjZoqLc/IMG_8480%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7aa_sPNsa6w/UHomN7w4SyI/AAAAAAAALJw/FC2knFjaR1w/IMG_8498%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">So, if you are lucky, you may bumped into a Geiko or Maiko while walking down the Pontocho.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dfev-UAbig4/UHomPaMTh6I/AAAAAAAALJ4/XezxOzEuEug/IMG_8496%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Today the area, lit by traditional lanterns at night, is famous for the preservation of traditional architecture and traditional entertainment, with a mix of expensive restaurants, tea houses, brothels, and bars.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gYa3IrEdVHY/UHomQk1NmbI/AAAAAAAALKA/kvrhYfWspwk/IMG_8357%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Ironically, I actually saw more geikos at Arashiyama than in Pontocho or Gion.</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-47967956067035868702012-10-11T08:50:00.000+11:002012-10-13T19:33:59.185+11:00JP2012 - Sanjusangen-do<p align="justify">Officially named Rengeo-in temple, Sanjusangen-do is registered as a National Treasure by the Japanese government. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2CwGBZFkIdc/UHknJj0_JbI/AAAAAAAALFU/85WDR7OxsN8/IMG_8351%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aN7wf65yEFU/UHknLt7BTTI/AAAAAAAALFc/SYAlH39lxpk/IMG_8348%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Established in 1164, the 120-metre long building has thirty-three spaces between the support columns, thus the name Sanjusangen-do, which translates into “a hall with thirty-three spaces”.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O6UHi4GOGuA/UHknNCAQ8XI/AAAAAAAALFk/VZxDx8vTXUE/IMG_8313%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vW4MhzrKHHk/UHknOB_YX9I/AAAAAAAALFo/xXvDKofOLSs/IMG_8345%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pNiDsNmeJ4Y/UHknPfDpw1I/AAAAAAAALF0/mULlmOEHZGQ/IMG_8317%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fYAAe_g00a0/UHknQjTsNRI/AAAAAAAALF8/7BmZfZgBGdE/IMG_8318%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JzkXFKCAgTc/UHknR8peLQI/AAAAAAAALGE/MsN1Ls4ks3s/IMG_8321%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_qO4CxpHZz4/UHknS8_eH2I/AAAAAAAALGM/np2zeNThCek/IMG_8324%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UfWsYZ31dac/UHknUZiQ0XI/AAAAAAAALGU/sWs5Ch5dfu4/IMG_8326%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IRpJzZ168VE/UHknVbd0FWI/AAAAAAAALGc/aJ570kgQpFA/IMG_8329%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tFZvdh4-go0/UHknWlQE9mI/AAAAAAAALGk/PLk8HnR0O6A/IMG_8330%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CbLGS-1A9-I/UHknX2BjqmI/AAAAAAAALGs/dYYPeIKXe3s/IMG_8333%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SKXGhpgAl1s/UHknZRR8w3I/AAAAAAAALG0/gmnDVBydz0w/IMG_8337%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uY4COo1nINs/UHknauUhTaI/AAAAAAAALG8/M97480QWmlQ/IMG_8339%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N5e51vQsbTc/UHknb2tx_6I/AAAAAAAALHE/BG7jaEXgBZw/IMG_8341%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">The main attraction of Sanjusangen-do is the 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Carved from Japanese cypress, there are a total of 1000 human-sized standing Kannon statues and 1 gigantic seated statue placed in the middle of the Hall. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CI3_6Bqg52c/UHkndL5kfZI/AAAAAAAALHM/LHuFctmEqA8/IMG_8347%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Each statue was impressively crafted with 11 heads and 1000 hands, and survived since the 12th century. It is just unfortunate that photography is not allowed inside the Hall!!</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-45913840362267403752012-10-10T08:52:00.000+11:002012-10-11T19:01:52.883+11:00JP2012 - Taiyaki<p align="justify">Taiyaki, literally baked sea bream, is a Japanese fish-shaped cake, where the filling is usually red bean paste. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Fw0qriYwUcY/UHZ80pgPWvI/AAAAAAAALDI/1DU61uCkK4g/IMG_8305%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">The road-side stall at <a href="http://alexchseng.blogspot.com/2012/10/jp2012-fushimi-inari-shrine.html">Fushimi Inari Shrine</a> also offers a custard filling option.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KoqYobWDAgM/UHZ812Fc_WI/AAAAAAAALDQ/LjX5bUOf_Ho/IMG_8301%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DZhn9foRFa4/UHZ83XZrRTI/AAAAAAAALDY/ec21MiyLDuM/IMG_8302%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-i06oU0zxlrk/UHZ84s7pieI/AAAAAAAALDg/iK_1za8fGaY/IMG_8303%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Made using regular pancake or waffle batter, the batter is first poured into a fish-shaped mold. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SbIC3vWMO-s/UHZ86UvHoCI/AAAAAAAALDo/MIsTFzNQeiA/IMG_8304%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">The filling is then put on one side, before cooking until golden brown. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_8588XswcJk/UHZ87g8F9wI/AAAAAAAALDw/59rG7AVUcNY/IMG_8306%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Yummm…!!!</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-44212167121424849872012-10-09T08:36:00.000+11:002012-10-09T23:48:22.235+11:00JP2012 - Fushimi Inari Shrine<p align="justify">Fushimi Inari Shrine in southern Kyoto, is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails on the sacred Mount Inari.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rGfITamPtls/UHQb_Lc1gdI/AAAAAAAAK74/72hWlhma9HQ/IMG_8266%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">As the head shrine of Inari, the Shinto god of rice, the Shrine has ancient origins and predates the capital’s move to Kyoto in year 794. The shrine became the object of Imperial patronage during the early Heian period, and most commoners worship Inari for wealth.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ha8miJB2OLk/UHQcAGp-yII/AAAAAAAAK8A/eNLvxobNGUI/IMG_8230%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--s2oUG0dHow/UHQcCPjwdVI/AAAAAAAAK8I/yLgaNk0d-7M/IMG_0228%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lyGPby8_EMU/UHQcDOJSHYI/AAAAAAAAK8Q/JWxNXcJg7T4/IMG_8233%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Jcq_zIq7DP0/UHQcF7qGInI/AAAAAAAAK8Y/K7lTx34-OA0/IMG_8235%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hEg4aMoH_Y8/UHQcH9vEzSI/AAAAAAAAK8g/lr9F-CF65YY/IMG_8239%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tc7UYMFZNB8/UHQcJf_gpWI/AAAAAAAAK8o/vOYHjv8Q_Iw/IMG_8240%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-efjZ3fi2PnQ/UHQcKnorxDI/AAAAAAAAK8s/cZlM3pwlr5o/IMG_0229%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-H1LgoB2Wc9E/UHQcL2u6TYI/AAAAAAAAK84/FxarvDBWXCY/IMG_0230%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w_yVJLHaAMk/UHQcNWX28rI/AAAAAAAAK9A/SmfECV8XU7M/IMG_8243%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I5ejIDHGRV4/UHQcOn4yXtI/AAAAAAAAK9I/VbGe6zGhmRo/IMG_8245%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mWVy4VSMVWY/UHQcQMi5ggI/AAAAAAAAK9Q/B-9kv_tl7gs/IMG_8247%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L0sWtEw7BhY/UHQcRRGksiI/AAAAAAAAK9Y/PEOuF_-t0x4/IMG_8248%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QopaZ3qSXek/UHQcTFOxzfI/AAAAAAAAK9g/IgDzzIA57BE/IMG_8246%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-B1wJDiBmTGk/UHQcUPt9j6I/AAAAAAAAK9o/_qNsFQ4ApXU/IMG_8250%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IsvZuTN68vg/UHQcVkQdpnI/AAAAAAAAK9s/GrI9eMUWIP0/IMG_8249%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s__59uOT-p8/UHQcXKj3RuI/AAAAAAAAK94/beDqrvF3FA8/IMG_0232%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Since foxes are thought to be Inari's messengers, fox statues can be found across the shrine grounds. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QhQoTBJIVI0/UHQcYpEpWKI/AAAAAAAAK-A/Re03a2EsUxk/IMG_8307%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uv0g-w5dyjk/UHQcaJ_382I/AAAAAAAAK-I/z1fMTJ6sO7c/IMG_8237%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Rt9prd5vpPI/UHQcbST7c4I/AAAAAAAAK-Q/hLC00yeLbJQ/IMG_8238%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_UXHYIa4yj8/UHQcdJJLXGI/AAAAAAAAK-Y/XVVI6j-4XI0/IMG_8241%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nzlDadj5Q8g/UHQcekj3u_I/AAAAAAAAK-g/lByNDb7Q67w/IMG_8242%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">I suppose, the primary reason most foreign visitors visit Fushimi Inari Shrine is to explore the mountain trails.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-j6QMsRM4jn0/UHQcgoo2aRI/AAAAAAAAK-o/HOWHKt0eqyE/IMG_0233%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">At the very back of the shrine's main grounds is the entrance to the torii gate covered hiking trail, which starts with two dense, parallel rows of gates.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6h1Hh1fzgwo/UHQch_efEnI/AAAAAAAAK-w/-sZ-sk3K5V4/IMG_8258%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pa8f3PO5vdg/UHQcjfqxTYI/AAAAAAAAK-4/1tBfbt6qi1E/IMG_0234%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jGjjgfD2PYc/UHQclMRsXEI/AAAAAAAAK_A/VTUta97K9LU/IMG_8262%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-C1-F-DPH3tE/UHQcmbu-_pI/AAAAAAAAK_I/Zj2epins57U/P6290220%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DiCLumyPMoQ/UHQcoYO5-NI/AAAAAAAAK_Q/_9L3178kfPU/IMG_8264%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kTYUvw0G-L4/UHQcp4TvhnI/AAAAAAAAK_Y/BsXWuZMdDx0/IMG_8265%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_jcKLz3rrwQ/UHQcrd5hdiI/AAAAAAAAK_g/oIs-vaA7ycI/IMG_8299%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sJKDGU6kyus/UHQcsyQIsVI/AAAAAAAAK_o/oXveFvkZiCY/IMG_8298%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">The gates are generally donations by individuals and companies, and the donator’s name is usually inscribed on the back.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MtkEJG9e9yo/UHQcufkpxVI/AAAAAAAAK_w/0FjjlMrVfLs/IMG_8272%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0tpgsvsRoTY/UHQcvoar9II/AAAAAAAAK_4/r5cPePVaHrA/IMG_8273%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xGHVZsfUvYw/UHQcwwVc1EI/AAAAAAAAK_8/gEAGsfUPiG0/IMG_8274%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AEiUzSg2Vus/UHQcyJUsKyI/AAAAAAAALAI/7vaesOhyNgs/IMG_8275%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-34DF0RwX9Zo/UHQczFVIDdI/AAAAAAAALAQ/ThPPbsDHH0A/IMG_8276%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mGwOT_tXofU/UHQc01igLEI/AAAAAAAALAY/QjN9rtzGZ5c/IMG_8277%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EEPTRAgptJQ/UHQc2cgaHuI/AAAAAAAALAg/QjQt-UMgplo/IMG_8283%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xCLrivtEDEU/UHQc4JXtgSI/AAAAAAAALAo/U6c35mwwFFk/IMG_8284%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gUsMpuJml4o/UHQc6l6Ut1I/AAAAAAAALAw/YPUeBDV8VVg/IMG_8285%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IPCk4Xk_fXg/UHQc8Su-zVI/AAAAAAAALA4/0wx3UDPGcjE/IMG_8290%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--GVqhYgqcss/UHQc-Fg7k7I/AAAAAAAALBA/Iv-bCWb1OiA/IMG_8291%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">The hike to the summit of the mountain and back takes about three hours. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tQJD57TieYQ/UHQc_bBDOYI/AAAAAAAALBI/lFax3K2oUyM/IMG_8294%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">However, most would stop at Yotsutsuji intersection, just half way up the mountain. I guess, that is because there is a gradual decrease in the density of torii gates.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hERuSnNBCiM/UHQdAQPnX2I/AAAAAAAALBQ/gSzvIAFvgsg/IMG_8292%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OQbGitLXzSw/UHQdBpuq29I/AAAAAAAALBU/8MM74D7-360/IMG_8293%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p0K3KgRoQRY/UHQdDAb6JjI/AAAAAAAALBc/IcGjgwyWzA8/IMG_8295%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">At this intersection is where some nice views over Kyoto can be enjoyed (if they were to trim the branches).</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rSziwrxU-uc/UHQdEQHycmI/AAAAAAAALBo/kEvXQxrLDJk/IMG_8289%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> <br /> <br />And please watch out for wild monkeys!!</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-77790612124638402582012-10-07T08:52:00.000+11:002012-10-07T08:52:00.165+11:00JP2012 - HUB<p align="justify">Operating a national chain of English pubs, HUB currently has 49 stores across Japan.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-htIkc_qf0FY/UHAJdr070QI/AAAAAAAAK5k/TViu6IsBlrs/IMG_8217%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">With its British pub theme, it is the place to hang out for beer, music, and sports (through the TV).</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XLc16c3lWMw/UHAJe1JW36I/AAAAAAAAK5s/yU6rX8bl8Jo/IMG_8219%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gI9CU99MvuI/UHAJgR4wsHI/AAAAAAAAK50/gYt_BIQp2aQ/IMG_8224%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">And during Happy Hours, one could easily score cocktails at half the price!!</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C0HXHLzmzCo/UHAJh2QGi0I/AAAAAAAAK58/ZfcPVK2WWD8/IMG_8223%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">But the real highlight of the HUB is their serving of Fish and Chips!!</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jlZofNeRRuk/UHAJjC_HkdI/AAAAAAAAK6E/5D9IxgcJZC4/IMG_8221%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UQY_6h9YViE/UHAJkhaDGcI/AAAAAAAAK6M/fhcrZu5P9Tk/IMG_8225%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZIWj3Lklxo4/UHAJmsQN0fI/AAAAAAAAK6U/7kTHM-EJ0po/IMG_8226%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">The only weird thing though, is to eat it with vinegar!! </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0h6gCv-ZZSk/UHAJn5DIGFI/AAAAAAAAK6c/S8LqD3r21rA/IMG_8228%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Apparently, it is the English tradition to serve Fish and Chips with salt and vinegar. However, I reckon that chicken salt is still the best condiment for Fish and Chips!!</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><em>HUB <br />B1F, Cocon Karasuma, Karasuma-dori, Shijo-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan. <br />+81 75 353 4858 <br /><a href="http://www.pub-hub.com/">http://www.pub-hub.com/</a></em></p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-28285881613068413702012-10-05T08:37:00.000+10:002012-10-05T23:04:25.519+10:00JP2012 - Kyoto Royal Hotel and Spa<p align="justify">Centrally located on Kawaramachi Street, Kyoto’s main restaurant and entertainment avenue, the Kyoto Royal Hotel and Spa provides easy access to Japan’s ancient capital’s famous sights.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i2LO2d6QEU8/UG7aawpmTtI/AAAAAAAAK1w/53rxP4CDNo4/IMG_0392%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gnH39SxyrG0/UG7acaE51RI/AAAAAAAAK14/gS6FXuTz-Ls/IMG_0413%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oQC8h1s7GvY/UG7ad2oBCQI/AAAAAAAAK2A/VtHfunqZ8Ww/IMG_0414%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">While there, we stayed at the Business Suite, a semi-double suite with a separate bedroom and living area. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VutMFioeM6I/UG7afd7n6nI/AAAAAAAAK2I/z-andTu6Cxc/IMG_0227%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">To do that, they literally combined two standard rooms into a suite. So, it did took us a while to get used to the fact that we have a non-functional door in the bedroom.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d9RXxtn-YrI/UG7agg4Q1HI/AAAAAAAAK2M/y6RxCcUFenA/IMG_0225%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Other than that, the comfortable and well appointed room is considered extremely modern, if compared to all the World Heritage Sites in Kyoto. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1rKB66PkHwM/UG7ah0qDmxI/AAAAAAAAK2Y/Edr7sW8s14Y/IMG_0209%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YyI5lqJDnQM/UG7ajs4Y5II/AAAAAAAAK2g/NvLpTh0cdbY/IMG_0211%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-meeqQ6hvdfM/UG7alBVigJI/AAAAAAAAK2o/9oOt0y14BF8/IMG_0212%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NcDWoFfEcXs/UG7am5xhdxI/AAAAAAAAK2w/lMbfq1jWPDU/IMG_0213%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XJKRHOo2Go4/UG7aodHpUXI/AAAAAAAAK24/a54hSukGlg4/IMG_0214%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pJZckrM8ybU/UG7apROw6wI/AAAAAAAAK3A/EKizi0pPVps/IMG_0215%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Kv1Bicq157E/UG7arQhnh5I/AAAAAAAAK3I/k1SP6iwZUN0/IMG_0216%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-edLDyVKYs90/UG7asfpIzAI/AAAAAAAAK3Q/7VNKhWiwEgY/IMG_0217%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ldShVNwITk4/UG7at0-DTaI/AAAAAAAAK3Y/LpmJKEH05BI/IMG_0218%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xmguqxBtBiM/UG7avWXEoDI/AAAAAAAAK3g/8WkKlaAip9I/IMG_0219%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GVQGUK7gQDw/UG7awqQOHxI/AAAAAAAAK3o/XTu99m0MCiM/IMG_0220%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CBX8vZRLgJE/UG7ax4nrHfI/AAAAAAAAK3s/boM0y6WXXSs/IMG_0221%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y1YP84tgIBA/UG7ayx7F1gI/AAAAAAAAK34/6b-w2F4Sjj8/IMG_0222%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w_dZ2enVciQ/UG7a0FzdNqI/AAAAAAAAK4A/TPUQDoKXO18/IMG_0224%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0X-xXrLx7qE/UG7a1f6ClhI/AAAAAAAAK4I/jRIQyd8PBXc/IMG_0223%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">I guess, the main advantage of staying at Kyoto Royal Hotel and Spa is its accessibility to all major tourist spots, public transport, dining and shopping arcades by foot.</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-21581570151395589262012-10-03T08:59:00.000+10:002012-10-03T08:59:00.300+10:00JP2012 - Hasedera Temple<p align="justify">Another famous temple in Kamakura is Hasedera, well known for its eleven-headed Kannon statue. The 9.18 meter tall, gilded wooden statue is regarded as one of the largest wooden sculptures in Japan, and can be viewed in the temple's main building, the Kannon-do Hall. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BYbYbnbqxeo/UGmLUmC725I/AAAAAAAAKv4/uVRjrZbpaOE/IMG_9937%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Unfortunately, photography is not allowed in the Hall.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Gdxb4sfXT98/UGmLVxlRQGI/AAAAAAAAKwA/6WB7oxm6_fs/IMG_9981%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Lcl2bGYNNTc/UGmLXZhuPnI/AAAAAAAAKwI/4CpdgHHMyI8/IMG_9920%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sX0m7YN4HMU/UGmLYuTGWbI/AAAAAAAAKwQ/Y7xdxZXzoMQ/IMG_9923%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xanf0QzizJA/UGmLZz4JWaI/AAAAAAAAKwY/05RdWarJvO0/IMG_9924%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Built along the slope of a wooded hill, typical Japanese gardens are found at the base as we enter the temple’s compound. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0wyCxGxuaNQ/UGmLbdyUiDI/AAAAAAAAKwg/BLKEoeSiWpM/IMG_9976%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mLkxFDok10w/UGmLcyK7AQI/AAAAAAAAKwo/iIxhEWJPXs8/IMG_9961%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jEMJCfpsjBk/UGmLeSG8VtI/AAAAAAAAKww/sENAa_pQfkU/P6270188%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="537" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZhxTxsuJ0Gw/UGmLfyWYWjI/AAAAAAAAKw4/xSWKR5XSEAw/IMG_9962%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lUewQVz9L6M/UGmLhm1swRI/AAAAAAAAKxA/bMmdp3O1_h4/IMG_9975%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6kVJXNfdr6M/UGmLjQve8FI/AAAAAAAAKxI/5WMd4br63q0/IMG_9960%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Lq5pMjVHG_Q/UGmLlMDYF0I/AAAAAAAAKxQ/ruj5SK77Whg/IMG_9952%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Next to the temple gardens is a small cave dedicated to Benten, a goddess of feminine beauty and wealth. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kdFQK1BNHKA/UGmLm1gSCDI/AAAAAAAAKxY/eXjypoaguPo/IMG_9963%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gdMkfmjN_Zc/UGmLoAElO2I/AAAAAAAAKxg/klrHXomGx10/IMG_9966%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aZq27099Rks/UGmLpphZ81I/AAAAAAAAKxo/dMZIqsNrMAc/IMG_9969%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">All other temple buildings, such as the Kannon-do Hall and the Amida-do Hall, are built further up the slope, reached via stairs.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HQ8xu0svumk/UGmLrbgPKLI/AAAAAAAAKxw/oddV6dW-Tlo/IMG_9935%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jPvld-CUnNc/UGmLszvygbI/AAAAAAAAKx4/14PlKRyvB5Y/IMG_9936%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7bTBcQT9f7Q/UGmLuVMu4bI/AAAAAAAAKyA/83V5dC9Rczk/IMG_9947%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">There’s even a hall built specifically to house a wooden bookshelf.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ol8SFKgjhKU/UGmLvj-hMSI/AAAAAAAAKyI/gt6YJPDNGBA/IMG_9953%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sNQsrIIVPKk/UGmLxLUxSDI/AAAAAAAAKyQ/sdJIWEm2NkU/IMG_9954%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6uP8KPGIx1M/UGmLyrN5CjI/AAAAAAAAKyY/NfnHdczt7rU/IMG_9955%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">At the top, there is also an observation deck with views over the coastal city of Kamakura.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6GNmmh3VT7U/UGmL0csFJhI/AAAAAAAAKyg/nOR4xUzeTxw/IMG_9938%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_qZBSNuJJ0A/UGmL1HGZjTI/AAAAAAAAKyo/F58wGl_MZJk/IMG_9946%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mKqQPvyunZI/UGmL2keQBJI/AAAAAAAAKyw/EOwALCh1wdg/IMG_9940%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-K2FDCaBg-UM/UGmL4MU1_bI/AAAAAAAAKy4/0VzuYieatgk/IMG_9941%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uO23pBx0y04/UGmL5FHFHXI/AAAAAAAAKzA/-Eq32NXkr_k/IMG_9942%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CrYEQgf1KXM/UGmL6tk_2bI/AAAAAAAAKzI/bGQ-lcY1jK4/IMG_9943%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SJaYsp6XVYA/UGmL77VRykI/AAAAAAAAKzQ/OEAdDdc5eek/IMG_9945%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">And if visitors are here at the right season, they can also take part in Hasedera’s famous annual hydrangea viewing event. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GfLh-vnKxSU/UGmL9OknkQI/AAAAAAAAKzY/LqVh9-FTO1k/IMG_9926%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Lc9mqA9_rfw/UGmL-vWg4NI/AAAAAAAAKzg/Jzxtk5PYxjU/IMG_9928%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0LmJ4P1XKKw/UGmL_1qSJPI/AAAAAAAAKzo/0qrsWszHX40/IMG_9949%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l-9VVl2MmEw/UGmMB4NBvLI/AAAAAAAAKzs/uBqkUns54Oo/IMG_9979%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-d5eTy8Poui4/UGmMC2qehQI/AAAAAAAAKz4/vPLYU7k6t4Y/IMG_9980%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FmWMEewYLQk/UGmMEcwOFsI/AAAAAAAAK0A/wEPTZu5gXmk/IMG_9956%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Definitely more popular than we had expected!!</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Qn-KilcKXKw/UGmMFqfE0EI/AAAAAAAAK0I/CBOJjFJy5GQ/IMG_9927%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fZmugaJInOc/UGmMHDvIxCI/AAAAAAAAK0Q/px0VcY9yuSs/IMG_9958%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">As a result, a queuing system is in place to ensure that the huge crowd is manageable. Through this system, a number is issued to every visitor to indicate their waiting time on the queue. Generally, everyone is expected to wait in line for about 2 hours. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G7sJRAk6k3Y/UGmMITPFmCI/AAAAAAAAK0Y/-Kil0fgsStc/IMG_9939%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Judging by the number of people who were willing to queue up, it may actually be worth the time!!</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-86236745204411835682012-10-01T08:04:00.000+10:002012-10-01T08:04:00.489+10:00JP2012 - Raijindou<p align="justify">Besides the <a href="http://alexchseng.blogspot.com/2012/09/jp2012-kotokuin-temple.html">Great Buddha</a>, Kamakura is also well known for its delicious senbei.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ASwuaqjw0Ow/UGb5IEYGJnI/AAAAAAAAKuM/3gU_N1fKKBI/IMG_9917%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Raijindou is probably the most famous local brand, due to its central location along the main streets in Kamakura. Another reason for that is also because Raijindou has over 40 stores in the Kanto region.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZmLNxyW8gLc/UGb5JvaWPgI/AAAAAAAAKuU/ShyhzX3Sd4I/IMG_9918%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T0jEtY7Q4Io/UGb5KzPeZYI/AAAAAAAAKuc/bXfpYrv2n78/IMG_9915%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Freshly grilled on a daily basis, Raijindou’s rice crackers are sold in packs or hot of the charcoal grill, right in front of you!!</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Vi_jycwEBkQ/UGb5MI9gPVI/AAAAAAAAKuk/NoOsvtKMiPA/IMG_9916%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">And if you buy them off the street stalls, the senbeis are usually served with a freshly toasted piece of nori. While flavours can range from sweet to savoury, it is the plain senbei with the fresh nori that tasted the best!!</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p><em>Raijindou <br />3-7-21 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan. <br />+81 46 723 6698 <br /><a href="http://www.e-fujiichi.co.jp/">http://www.e-fujiichi.co.jp/</a></em></p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-49307056216790079242012-09-29T08:41:00.000+10:002012-09-30T09:57:42.106+10:00JP2012 - Marion Crepes<p align="justify">Marion Crepes is probably the most famous crepes chain in Asia, with over 90 stores across Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the USA. Since we didn’t try Marion Crepes in <a href="http://alexchseng.blogspot.com/2012/08/jp2012-angels-heart.html">Harajuku</a>, we made up for it while visiting Kamakura.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EWTXvh7ERMI/UGWt6H3bHqI/AAAAAAAAKsI/J1Wy6Q-2hJw/IMG_9911%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">With a huge selection of cold and hot crepes, we decided to try their seasonal special, the Purple Sweet Potato with Matcha Whipped Cream.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3qzZKOWU1VY/UGWt7sTzVbI/AAAAAAAAKsQ/0pbv-f5iQEo/IMG_9914%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ChwnIkCGsqM/UGWt8xRQC2I/AAAAAAAAKsY/jQHXc9sfUpQ/IMG_9907%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">And here are the three simple steps on how our order was made:</p> <p align="justify">Step 1: Lay the crepes.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-supeiER8TGo/UGWt-WMG5rI/AAAAAAAAKsg/ML6gRM6QMX0/IMG_9908%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Step 2: Add ingredients, which include whipped cream, matcha syrup, ice cream and sweet potato jelly.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PObc5LAm2H4/UGWt_8qtHUI/AAAAAAAAKso/94BcRfkEZFY/IMG_9909%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Step 3: Roll it up into Marion’s signature wrapper.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9OheAAgAhlY/UGWuBH87-lI/AAAAAAAAKsw/q2i-NDlAfHc/IMG_9910%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VIvaT6zfFXM/UGWuCW1mLXI/AAAAAAAAKs4/RlEaMF0842U/IMG_9912%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Yummmm!!! Will definitely be back next time for their Deluxe Crepes!!</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p><em>Marion Crepes <br />1-16-20 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan <br /><a href="http://www.marion.co.jp/">http://www.marion.co.jp/</a></em></p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-81821095805157010562012-09-27T07:31:00.000+10:002012-09-28T12:06:42.640+10:00JP2012 - Kotokuin Temple<p align="justify">Home to The Great Buddha of Kamakura, Kotokuin Temple houses the second tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dFjYuWFgsiU/UF7yraTlgmI/AAAAAAAAKl4/Wr_0Fe9maXc/IMG_9897%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">The statue was casted in 1252 and was originally located inside a large temple hall. However, due to typhoons, tidal waves and tsunami, temple buildings were destroyed multiple times in the 14th and 15th centuries. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pcj7XFlW17k/UF7ysyOQmmI/AAAAAAAAKmA/qx4Rb2BaDrQ/IMG_9919%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dL2SbetvXPI/UF7yuq-lT1I/AAAAAAAAKmI/hpcPvG1CK4k/IMG_9884%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Bt_aE1DVMAA/UF7ywbQ3zRI/AAAAAAAAKmQ/hixIHAennGo/IMG_9883%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JDZoFLUN_KY/UF7yx36FxwI/AAAAAAAAKmY/dhe6cVsLe4Q/IMG_9886%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jMdFwuemomM/UF7yzOBDJ9I/AAAAAAAAKmg/Kkf6tZAkTcQ/IMG_9892%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6oxmCNJx-LI/UF7y0vJFSGI/AAAAAAAAKmo/kCHcmfjTHcM/IMG_9887%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rVx06uYiOkQ/UF7y2CmGwcI/AAAAAAAAKmw/pC5GOdjqh-s/IMG_9888%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l_NbtDCbuvk/UF7y3v4S0PI/AAAAAAAAKm4/KYe7BvvH0l0/IMG_9889%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AD8X0IqYE58/UF7y48fVV0I/AAAAAAAAKnA/U3gdOgx9OWU/IMG_9891%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R-NiJ0spWRY/UF7y6fje4yI/AAAAAAAAKnI/F1OWGoiN7qM/IMG_9894%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_3ye3Qqken8/UF7y77aycOI/AAAAAAAAKnM/mkthG-huSN8/IMG_9896%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wZy3F0SDTto/UF7y8zgWXjI/AAAAAAAAKnY/t9zSrYZ1wSs/IMG_9898%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Since 1495, the Buddha has been standing in the open air.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wQwWUkDRhiY/UF7y-q_lpuI/AAAAAAAAKng/eI71MX4QLQw/IMG_9899%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">If interested, visitors can also enter the hollow statue for an additional 20 yen. Inside, the structural details on how the 93 tonne statue was joint is outlined.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MDLHm99-jOc/UF7zACagdtI/AAAAAAAAKno/FNk9zHiPxD4/IMG_9902%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MTOvMVkFYn8/UF7zB3r3__I/AAAAAAAAKnw/f3jNjby9yEw/IMG_9900%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HFXmjziflk8/UF7zDXzL9zI/AAAAAAAAKn4/EvwDZ623Ego/IMG_9901%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kFkF7854_RI/UF7zE6z8u3I/AAAAAAAAKoA/BasxlfsN_y4/IMG_9903%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">But, definitely not a place to be for the claustrophobic!!</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cln7v4IBHlw/UF7zGbJaNpI/AAAAAAAAKoI/BtOCsxnI700/IMG_9893%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Interestingly, a pair of Buddha’s slippers (and possibly the largest pair in Japan) is also on display. Till now, I couldn’t find out the relationship between Buddha and the pair of slippers, but would be really interested to learn more about it.</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-7935630111697194772012-09-25T08:11:00.000+10:002012-09-25T08:11:00.185+10:00JP2012 - bills<p align="justify">Internationally renowned for his easy-going approach to cooking, the “egg master”, Bill Granger, opened a total of three restaurants in Japan. And at the <a href="http://alexchseng.blogspot.com/2012/09/jp2012-red-brick-warehouse.html">Red Brick Warehouse</a> is where his second international bills is located.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yn3KksNzpcY/UF1R178rdVI/AAAAAAAAKjY/KOSgrIsd3q8/IMG_0323%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">The airy white and blue-grey, canteen-style interior compliments the historic architecture of the building while the glass-enclosed terrace offers stunning views of Yokohama Bay.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KOdq-T2r60Q/UF1R3L6zoOI/AAAAAAAAKjg/ainhK6bop6o/IMG_0309%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">After our one hour queue, we were finally seated to taste the egg master’s specialties, …</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vlqrm61ggH4/UF1R4I1lioI/AAAAAAAAKjo/9yCp-66bvds/IMG_0310%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ttHG_wRvCVA/UF1R5XJfd0I/AAAAAAAAKjw/oleUBqdeIFM/IMG_0312%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0311" border="0" alt="IMG_0311" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WixXaH50Hgw/UF1R6k7Fs3I/AAAAAAAAKj4/4WVQrDpwvas/IMG_0311%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">… the Scrambled Organic Eggs with Toasts.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IGd-xCwQbFg/UF1R704mS4I/AAAAAAAAKkA/3qrmccac1Xk/IMG_0315%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Accompanying that are the Ricotta Hotcakes, Fresh Bananas and Honeycomb Butter …</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8pfIpLsNlEI/UF1R9WBhg4I/AAAAAAAAKkI/u-UAEoPNlh0/IMG_0320%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">… and Berry Berry Pancakes with Berry Butter.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nWuB6qSnsjY/UF1R-sz8eTI/AAAAAAAAKkQ/XaY_UiZvi3U/IMG_0321%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">As for drinks, the Pineapple, Kiwifruit and Mint Smoothie, …</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ir2VOPbWQjA/UF1R_tqcz-I/AAAAAAAAKkY/1GEkA6wdffc/IMG_0317%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">… and the Raspberry and Strawberry Frappe …</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-w3uqWKyCmrA/UF1SA9bZvcI/AAAAAAAAKkg/5FHKKV41Prw/IMG_0319%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">… caught our attention. For something healthier, we also ordered the Chamomile Tea, Cassis and Berry.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vuBT7chAZcg/UF1SCBwiLcI/AAAAAAAAKko/VmIgjcJPKRk/IMG_0318%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">I guess, I should now check out bills in Sydney, and hopefully, they don’t have such crazy queues!!</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p><em>bills <br />Red Brick Warehouse Building 2, 1-1-2 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture 231-0001, Japan. <br />+81 45 650 1266 <br /></em><a href="https://bills-jp.net/"><em>https://bills-jp.net/</em></a></p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-81950357618935250002012-09-22T08:04:00.000+10:002012-09-23T18:58:57.051+10:00JP2012 - Beer Next<p align="justify">One of the larger restaurants in the <a href="http://alexchseng.blogspot.com/2012/09/jp2012-red-brick-warehouse.html">Red Brick Warehouse</a>, Beer Next provides a nice atmosphere, suitable for a relaxing meal with friends in various settings. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hePJXdnzqrU/UFsMdxDp67I/AAAAAAAAKgU/iCmXSVvG1oA/IMG_0275%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Guests can choose to dine at the bar, …</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YMZvpZCvZw4/UFsMfaDPZZI/AAAAAAAAKgc/Y8sOnOz1K-Q/IMG_0297%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">… inside the glass-walled function room, …</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-84upCbU_Z6Y/UFsMgmfzmXI/AAAAAAAAKgk/6Ik4CWijTnw/IMG_0295%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vB4jvWGdgbY/UFsMiXYelfI/AAAAAAAAKgs/HEKvR43fqHM/IMG_0296%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">… outdoors at the terrace, or in the main dining area.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZQ4CjroWABY/UFsMjqps7sI/AAAAAAAAKg0/tuVZ5r34gak/IMG_0281%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WYZp7Tu08DQ/UFsMlFHKVII/AAAAAAAAKg8/-jxDIiMrq8M/IMG_0279%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Browsing through their snacks menu, we literally ordered everything on offered.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tOWXqyfmQW4/UFsMnp4AS8I/AAAAAAAAKhE/IjaPECXJYcI/IMG_0284%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RcyxmE0RuuU/UFsMookTgNI/AAAAAAAAKhI/Y_s8tAHHt80/IMG_0292%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Among them included omelette rice, …</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-R8_LqFMudE0/UFsMpg_SLzI/AAAAAAAAKhU/QT21KStRSEo/IMG_0287%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">… deep fried chicken nuggets, …</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_pZXb2QQn0k/UFsMrZ4JJkI/AAAAAAAAKhc/Kq8fR0ennqg/IMG_0291%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">… cold cheese fondue, …</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--oiSno_qc8Q/UFsMs4Fo8aI/AAAAAAAAKhk/jfLTe610GXM/IMG_0293%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">… fish n chips, …</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--_EZmxuudJU/UFsMuGbirKI/AAAAAAAAKhs/1WWhxi-T8vc/IMG_0288%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">… pizza with chicken chorizo potato and olive, …</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eAq-kH6qGzw/UFsMvB002PI/AAAAAAAAKh0/V7HWw5Vzr0Y/IMG_0289%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">… and pizza salsiccia and broccoli with tomato sauce.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--BF63iX1DeA/UFsMwxfW2DI/AAAAAAAAKh8/PbfWbpUzAq8/IMG_0290%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">But I suppose, the major highlight of our snacking session is, the non-alcoholic beers!!!</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5Ob3hN2F7mU/UFsMyGWzmRI/AAAAAAAAKiA/LMIgzQmkQk0/IMG_0283%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Yes, our first take on beers that do not have any alcohol content in it.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WTaHz18Jdtk/UFsMz0WdOBI/AAAAAAAAKiM/kSGbXf01wXc/IMG_0286%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">While it smelt like beer, it tasted like a watered-down version of beer!! LOL!!</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p><em>Beer Next <br />Red Brick Warehouse, 1-1-2 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, 231-0001, Japan. <br />+81 45 226 1961 <br /></em><a href="http://www.yokohama-akarenga.jp/shops/235.html"><em>http://www.yokohama-akarenga.jp/shops/235.html</em></a></p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143313710900254696.post-19596515004792115992012-09-20T08:42:00.000+10:002012-09-20T19:10:23.621+10:00JP2012 - Red Brick Warehouse<p align="justify">The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is a historical building that is currently used as a complex that includes a shopping mall, restaurants and event spaces.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QHtamJVfTfE/UFhS0IC3lXI/AAAAAAAAKeA/_WP5IC0xW_I/IMG_0300%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GMYi9jsy6tw/UFhS1Dhvk8I/AAAAAAAAKeI/QtdUSBYfJQE/IMG_0299%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZOIjKEv2Tew/UFhS1zdtj1I/AAAAAAAAKeQ/Xc4demULTwU/IMG_0306%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P4Y0sbi0hNA/UFhS2lO1EFI/AAAAAAAAKeY/cWKPILEi7bs/IMG_0307%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Built to be a customs house, the buildings were later used as a major trans-shipment base for the American troops in World War II, before reverting back to their original function. The buildings ended their role as customs house in 1989.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-U9XNIGIW7QU/UFhS3tuCVQI/AAAAAAAAKeg/lZENd4oDgjc/IMG_0298%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ALPIzrDvDVA/UFhS4SYIeTI/AAAAAAAAKeo/dEB6_ENy9Ok/IMG_0305%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HtuV9HfQOBM/UFhS5eAWE7I/AAAAAAAAKew/PpBfWA0c9hs/IMG_0301%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dkF0_1j5qHo/UFhS6XnpruI/AAAAAAAAKe4/nvt5mpiNDgY/IMG_0302%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-acRLxfCBN98/UFhS7kt5eKI/AAAAAAAAKfA/-QFKCXx7DZQ/IMG_0303%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="540" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kdVR-sAax-8/UFhS8gK4QeI/AAAAAAAAKfI/5lMjyZQFYS0/IMG_0304%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Restoration works were then carried out up until 1999, before the buildings were reopened as the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse in April 2002.</p> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00832255344989338496noreply@blogger.com0