22 Aug 2009: O-Waraji from Hozomon Gate
In the past, people were bringing straw sandals (waraji) as offerings to temples, hoping to have healthy feet and to receive travel protection. Even if today people don't use waraji anymore (only ... »
3 comments 20 Aug 2009: Reflections, photo 9 - Sofmap
Today was the last day of this trip in Japan. I'm happy, I have done almost everything I wanted to (and a little more...), I've seen and learned a lot of new things and I took thousands of photos. ... »
4 comments 19 Aug 2009: Some Wonders of Kamakura
Kamakura is definitely a "must see" place in Japan, but there are a lot of "must see" places in Japan... and you rarely get to see everything you want. :)
So during my first trips to Japan I ... »
7 comments 18 Aug 2009: The Tokyo Sky Tree tower - progress report
I love tall buildings, especially the towers, so one year ago, when the construction of the Tokyo Sky Tree tower was started, I was enthusiastic.Today, I went in Sumida to see the site and the ... »
13 comments 16 Aug 2009: A fulfilled desire, Mount Fuji in twilight
I wrote two weeks ago, when I started my trip to Japan, that this year I have a special desire, to see Mount Fuji from Tokyo. Yesterday, when I was in the Tokyo Metropolitan Building, I catched a ... »
14 comments 15 Aug 2009: Blossoming Lotus in Shinobazu Pond
Since ancient times, in Asia, the lotus was a symbol of purity.Several weeks ago, on the Shinobazu Pond in Ueno, the lotus flowers started to blossom. I couldn't miss such an event, so I ... »
13 comments 14 Aug 2009: Fukagawa Hachiman 'water-throwing' Festival
Today I visited the Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, where the Fukagawa Hachiman Festival just started. The Fukagawa Hachiman, dating back to 1642, is one of the three major Edo festivals, along with ... »
3 comments 13 Aug 2009: The Gates from Yokohama Chinatown
I have never seen a Chinatown before (only in the movies) and I was very curious about the Yokohama Chukagai, which is the biggest Chinatown in Asia. There are over 500 restaurants and shops, but ... »
6 comments 12 Aug 2009: An evening in Yokohama
After some bad weather days, today was perfect to enjoy a promenade on the shore. So, I spent a wonderful day in Yokohama today. Here are some pictures taken in the evening on the Minato ... »
10 comments 11 Aug 2009: Washinomiya Shrine, the Otaku sacred place
Today I visited the Washinomiya Shrine, famous because it is the oldest Shrine in Kanto (since year 660), but also because it is the setting for the anime series Lucky Star.The mixture between ... »
5 comments 09 Aug 2009: The Benzaiten Temple in Inokashira
One of today's destinations was one of the best-known temples of Benzaiten, the one from the Inokashira Park.Benzaiten is the Japanese name of the Hindu Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of ... »
6 comments 06 Aug 2009: Hiroshima Day, 64 years...
64 years ago, Tatsuo Yamamoto went to Hiroshima after the atomic bombing to search for his uncle, but he found only a flame from the bombing burning in the ruins of his uncle's house.
He took the ... »
12 comments 05 Aug 2009: Bon Odori at Tsukiji
If you're in Japan in August, you must participate at a Bon Odori. So, tonight I went to the Tsukiji Hongwan-ji Temple.I arrived there around 6pm, when it was still daylight, and in the ... »
6 comments 04 Aug 2009: Shopping in Akihabara
Coming back in Akihabara for the third year in a row, I've experienced the same feeling like the first time: many nice and joyful people.
The commercials changed (I immediately noticed Sebastian ... »
7 comments 03 Aug 2009: Relaxing in Tokyo - Shinagawa Aquarium
After a matsuri, I felt the need to relax. How to relax in Tokyo? One solution is to watch some fishes. :)
So, I went to the Shinagawa Aquarium.
Watching fishes, sharks, dolphins, sea lions, ... »
2 comments 02 Aug 2009: I was a Mikoshi bearer...
...at Furusato Kumin Matsuri - Setagaya Summer Festival!I always wanted to see a Mikoshi parade and, as I wrote, I scheduled my visit to Japan accordingly.Today I participated to the ... »
6 comments 01 Aug 2009: Edogawa-ku Fireworks Festival
Tonight I went in Edogawa-ku, at a big fireworks festival. I watched an impressive and enchanting show (about 14,000 fireworks), augmented with the lovely exclamations used so often by the Japanese ... »
6 comments 31 Jul 2009: Unusual Architecture in Tokyo - Reversible Destiny Lofts Mitaka
Today I discovered in Tokyo a strange yet beautiful building complex, Reversible Destiny Lofts. This unusual architectural concept, created by Shusaku Arakawa and Madeline Gins, is ... »
17 comments 30 Jul 2009: Glimpse of Mount Fuji, viewed from the airplane
Part of the desire I was writing about yesterday it's already fulfilled...
Today, while as usual, I was looking out from the airplane's window, right before the landing, I caught a glimpse of ... »
2 comments 28 Jul 2009: To view Mount Fuji from Tokyo
Last post before takeoff... :)
Someone just asked me if I have a special desire for this journey. Thinking about it... this time, I would like to see the Mount Fuji from... Tokyo.
There are ... »
5 comments 27 Jul 2009: Japanese Narrow Buildings - Photo 3
Another photo with a narrow building from Tokyo, this time a very modern one, from Shibuya, close to the United Nation University.
I wonder where are the stairs...
You can go around it in ... »
5 comments 25 Jul 2009: More photos from Mizudome-no-Mai
For those of you who asked me about my yesterday's article (that was a blog matsuri entry, with some special requirements), here are more photos from this little known matsuri.
The Mizudome-no-Mai ... »
3 comments 24 Jul 2009: Wonderful in Japan
If I had to choose between all the unusual aspects that I like about Japan...
I can say that the most wonderful thing are the traditional festivals, matsuri.
And if I had to choose what I like ... »
13 comments 23 Jul 2009: Religion in Japan - Architectural connections - Karadou Torii
Connections between Shinto and Buddhism, the two great religions in Japan, can be found everywhere, but for me, an interesting aspect is the blending of the religious architecture ... »
3 comments 22 Jul 2009: Earthquake resistant architecture in Japan: Ishidorii
The Ishidorii Torii from the Nikko Toshougu Shrine was ingeniously designed to be earthquake resistant.The construction is very heavy, because it was built from granite, but at the same ... »
9 comments 16 Jul 2009: The swans from the Imperial Palace
I love to photograph birds. After a visit to the Imperial Palace, in the moat next to the Otemon Gate, I captured this beautiful swan. For several moments, it looked like it was posing for ... »
9 comments 15 Jul 2009: Casual sightseeing in Tokyo - Wandering around Tokyo Tower
Wandering through Tokyo at night, I discovered some places that, although ordinary looking in daylight, are fascinating during night time.
That was the case with this gate next to the Tokyo Tower, ... »
3 comments 10 Jul 2009: Hozuki Ichi (Chinese lantern plant fair)
Since the Edo period, the Hozuki Ichi (Chinese Lantern Plant Fair) is held on every year, on July 9th and 10th, at the Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa.
Hozuki it's cultivated as an ornamental plant and ... »
25 comments 08 Jul 2009: Iriya Asagao Ichi (Morning Glory Fair)
Between 6th and 8th July, at Iriya Kishimojin Temple in Ueno, it was held the Iriya Asagao Ichi (Morning Glory Fair).The schedule varies every year, so if you want to participate in 2010, you ... »
10 comments 05 Jul 2009: Casual sightseeing in Tokyo - Another "hidden" shrine from Asakusa
Another small Shinto shrine, discovered in Asakusa, hidden between buildings:
Hardly noticeable from the street, the torii is camouflaged by two big trees and it is the same color as the ... »
2 comments 02 Jul 2009: Japanese Narrow Buildings - Photo 2
Another photo with a very narrow building, squeezed between the street and the train rails, found in Setagaya, close to Gotoku-ji temple:
And the Google Maps location:
O altă ... »
1 comment 01 Jul 2009: Japanese Narrow Buildings - Photo 1
I don't know how it is for those who live or work in this very narrow building from Tokyo, but for me, these buildings are delightful.Photo taken in Shibuya, close to 109:
Nu ştiu ce ... »
6 comments 27 Jun 2009: Casual sightseeing in Tokyo - A Shinto Shrine from Edo Dori
Another small shrine, hidden between tall, modern buildings, on Edo Dori, in Asakusa:
The Torii is located behind a small fence and could easily pass unnoticed:
I discovered it just ... »
5 comments 26 Jun 2009: Old and New Architecture in Tokyo - Photo 2
Like I wrote three weeks ago, for me, part of Tokyo's charm consists in the combination of old and new buildings.
Here's another photo, this time from somewhere between Shibuya and Harajuku, near ... »
3 comments 24 Jun 2009: Favorite Japan places - Jisho-in Mausoleum
Close to the entrance to the Edo Tokyo Open Air Museum, surrounded by greenery, there is a monument from the Edo period, the most beautiful building in the museum. I was delighted by the beauty and ... »
4 comments 23 Jun 2009: Manseibashi Koban
The approx 100 years old Suda-cho koban (police box), from the Edo Tokyo Open Air Museum, was built at the end of Meiji Period, at the foot of the Manseibashi in Kanda. It suffered severe damage in ... »
Comment 22 Jun 2009: Guardians - Sarugami
At the entrance of the Hie shrines, dedicated to Sannou, the deity from Mount Hiei (near Kyoto), there are usually two statues of monkey gods (Sarugami), a male and a female, guardians against evil ... »
4 comments 21 Jun 2009: Guardians - Kitsune
At the entrance to the shrines of Inari, kami of fertility, rice, agriculture and industry, there are usually two statues of kitsune (foxes), a male and a female, the messengers of Inari and ... »
2 comments 20 Jun 2009: Travel tips for visiting Tokyo
When I make plans for holiday, in addition to maps and data about the places I wish to visit, I always search travel tips and information about discounts for tourists.After accommodation and ... »
27 comments 18 Jun 2009: Ugly architecture in Asakusa
I wrote many times about beautiful buildings in Tokyo, but I think it would also be interesting to show the... other side.
This building from Asakusa, with those three cow sculptures, the mock-up ... »
2 comments 17 Jun 2009: Reflections, photo 8 - Another image on the beer glass
Just another reflection on the "beer glass".
Încă o fotografie cu clădirea în formă de pahar cu bere.You may also like:Reflections, photo ... »
Comment 15 Jun 2009: Reflections, photo 6&7 - Shibuya reflections
Reflections in Shibuya...Reflexii în Shibuya...
You may also like:Reflections, photo 8 - SumidaReflections, photo 9 - Akihabara ... »
1 comment 14 Jun 2009: Guardians - Zuijin
Flanking the Yomeimon Gate, at the Toshougu Shrine in Nikko, there are two statues of kami guardians, protectors against the evil spirits.They are known as Zuijin (or Zuishin), name ... »
5 comments 13 Jun 2009: Guardians - Nio statues
On the entrance of most of the Japanese Buddhist temples, you can see a pair of guardians, the Nio (Benevolent Kings), protectors against the evil spirits (similar to the koma-inu from the shinto ... »
3 comments 12 Jun 2009: Funny architecture in Tokyo - photo 2
An "American club" in Kabukicho, with a huge gorilla (King Kong? :-k), at the limit between funny and kitsch:Un club "American" din Kabukicho, cu o gorilă imensă (King Kong? :-k), ... »
2 comments 11 Jun 2009: Favorite Japan places - Zojo-ji Temple
One of the best examples of beautiful contrast between the old Japanese architecture and the newer structures in Tokyo is this view of Tokyo Tower, from inside the Zojo-ji complex. More ... »
2 comments 10 Jun 2009: The sumo wrestlers from Ryogoku
At the Ryogoku station (close to the Kokugikan), there's a statue of sumo wrestlers. With stylized faces and bodies, the statue looks like a 3D representation of an ukiyo-e painting.The darker ... »
Comment 06 Jun 2009: Casual sightseeing in Tokyo - Inari Shrine in Nihonbashi
The article from yesterday, about the little Inari Shrine from Akihabara, was very well received (and had a big spike in traffic) and I was asked if I know more of those small shrines hidden in the ... »
2 comments 05 Jun 2009: Casual sightseeing in Tokyo - Inari Shrine in Akihabara
Deviating from the usual tourist routes in Akihabara, I discovered this small Inari Shrine, a jewel hidden among the high buildings, somewhere behind the Ishimaru store.
If you have the ... »
5 comments 04 Jun 2009: Old and New Architecture in Tokyo - Photo 1
For me, a part of Tokyo's charm consists in the combination of old and new buildings. Even more when the older buildings are really small and the new ones are imposing...
Photo taken in ... »
2 comments 03 Jun 2009: The bamboo cutter from the Hato Mori Hachiman Shrine
I was just finishing the visit at the Hato Mori Hachiman Shrine and I was looking at the sky, worried by the heavy clouds gathered. Then I heard an unusual noise and, out of curiousity, I searched ... »
2 comments 02 Jun 2009: Funny architecture in Tokyo - photo 1
The Kappabashi street (Kappabashi-dori), located between Ueno and Asakusa, also known as Kitchen Town, is famous for its restaurant supply shops, selling from knives, furniture and ovens to the ... »
3 comments 01 Jun 2009: Favorite Japan places - Toshougu Shrine Ueno
I visited the Toshougu Shrine from Ueno on a hot July day, guided by my friend Naoki.
Into the inner courtyard, next to the main building, it was a little shady so I was able to take some ... »
Comment 31 May 2009: Reflections, photo 5 - Takashimaya at sunset
Shinjuku Takashimaya Times Square, viewed at sunset.
Shinjuku Takashimaya Times Square, fotografiat în lumina amurgului.
You may also like:Reflections, ... »
1 comment 29 May 2009: Tokyo Scanner - subjects for telephoto
Watching this video I wondered what places would I choose to photograph/film if I would have the chance to fly over Tokyo.
I searched my photo archive and I found some answers: some of the same ... »
1 comment 26 May 2009: Hondoji, the Temple of Hydrangeas
I like hydrangea, I photographed it whenever I had the chance, both in Romania and in Japan.
Here is one from the Sumida Park:
This video made by Aqua Geographic convinced me to visit the ... »
Comment 23 May 2009: The crows from Tokyo, again
I found out from Asashi Shinbun that the Tokyo governor declared war to the city's crows.For me, as a tourist, the crows are funny. I photographed them when I had the chance. I stood next to ... »
2 comments 21 May 2009: My favorite place in Japan, Meiji Jingu
Not infrequently, events I couldn't control and that messed up my tight schedule, where more good than bad. An event like this happened on my first visit to Meiji Jingu, when a strong rain caught ... »
33 comments 20 May 2009: Reflections, photo 4 - Sunset in Shinjuku
Just another photo from Shinjuku, at sunset...
Încă o fotografie din Shinjuku, la apus... You may also like:
Reflections, photo 14 - Tokyo ... »
3 comments 19 May 2009: The Hakone Tozan Line
With operations starting in 1919, the Hakone Tozan Line was the first mountain railroad in Japan. Constructed in zig zag, with a maximum slope of 8% (meaning that the train climbs 1 meter ... »
10 comments 18 May 2009: Casual sightseeing in Tokyo - Night stroll in Ginza
A photo taken on a side alley in Ginza, an ordinary place during daylight, but with charm at twilight.
La plimbare prin Tokyo - Noaptea prin Ginza
O fotografie facută pe o ... »
1 comment 17 May 2009: Reflections, photo 3 - Clouds on the "beer glass"
I shot this photo on a hot summer afternoon, on the shores of Sumida River.
The clouds, reflected on the beer glass building, made me forget, for a few moments, about the scorching ... »
4 comments 16 May 2009: Reflections, photo 2 - Inter-dimensional Gate
Another SciFi discovery in Shinjuku, Inter-dimensional Gate: :)
Altă descoperire science fiction, de data aceasta o poartă interdimensională.
Tot în Shinjuku. ... »
Comment 15 May 2009: Reflections, photo 1 - Inter-dimensional Mirror
I found this Inter-dimensional Mirror in Shinjuku, near Park Hyatt Hotel. :)Am găsit această oglindă interdimensională în Shinjuku, în apropiere de hotelul Park ... »
3 comments 11 May 2009: Japanese traditional house
The first time I visited a traditional Japanese house was at the Edo Tokyo Open Air Museum. What surprised me was that the house had openings on three sides, so it was quite drafty inside. I stayed ... »
2 comments 07 May 2009: Casual sightseeing in Tokyo - A Sunset in Sunshine City
A sunset seen from Sunshine City, captured during the several magic seconds when the last ray of golden light crosses over the city.
La plimbare prin Tokyo - Apus de soare văzut din ... »
Comment 30 Apr 2009: Casual sightseeing in Tokyo - Night view on Yurikamome
Yesterday, the Golden Week started in Japan. I have to wait a few months until I'll visit Japan again, but wondered what would I do if I was now in Japan. One answer will be a night walk in Odaiba. ... »
Comment 25 Apr 2009: Sightseeing Tokyo - Anime characters in raincoats
It's raining outside and this just reminded me of the kawaii anime characters (Anpanman, Doraemon and others) from the Bandai headquarters, Asakusa. Those statues made me smile on every rainy day, ... »
12 comments 24 Apr 2009: Akiba mascots
Yodobashi Akiba gave up to their old mascot, the waving hands friendly train...
...and replaced it with a maid: ;) foto: Akihabara News
Drawn in the same style, with a wondering ... »
Comment 21 Apr 2009: Casual sightseeing in Tokyo - The fountain at Nihonbashi Bridge
Near Nihonbashi Bridge, there's a big fountain, a half-round wall on which the water falls continuously. A relaxing and refreshing place, especially on a hot July day.
There was nobody around ... »
Comment 20 Apr 2009: A Summer Night at Senso-ji
During my first visit in Tokyo, I stayed at a hotel in Asakusa. Arriving early, after I left my luggage at reception, until the hour when I could check-in the room, I took a walk in the area, eager ... »
17 comments 19 Apr 2009: Kingyo Sukui
First time when I went to a matsuri, last year at Senso-ji, at Hozuki-ichi (Chinese Lantern Plant Festival), when I was strolling next to the stalls filled with flowers, sweets and beverages, I ... »
3 comments 17 Apr 2009: Favorite Japan places - The Suibansha
Suibansha, the sacred fountain from Toshougu Shrine at Nikko, is said to be the first washing place in a shrine using a water basin instead of a river or spring. The granite water basin was donated ... »
1 comment 13 Apr 2009: The most popular places in Tokyo
From Japan Probe, I learned that the most visited places in Japan by the foreign tourists, are the Tsukiji fish market, Tokyo Disneyland, Pokemon Center and Roppongi Hills.Somehow, I managed to ... »
2 comments 11 Apr 2009: Old and new photos - Buddha statues at Senso-ji Temple
A photo from the Old Japan site draw my attention today, with the two Buddha statues from Senso-ji, photo taken in 1880.The bronze statues, 2.36m in hight, represents Bodisattva Avalokiteshvara ... »
1 comment 06 Apr 2009: Less visitors at Ueno Zoo
Two years ago, when I visited the Ueno Zoo, I was amazed by the huge attraction that was the giant panda Ling Ling. To see him, I waited several minutes and it was so crowded that I could barely ... »
Comment 03 Apr 2009: Old and new photos - Toshougu Shrine
On the Japanese Old Photographs In Bakumatsu-Meiji Period site, I found this photo with the carvings from the corridor of Yomeimon Gate at Toshougu Shrine, Nikko, photo taken from almost the same ... »
Comment 02 Apr 2009: A flat in central Tokyo
The narrow buildings in Tokyo have, for me, a unique beauty, they're somehow charming. I always wondered how it looks on the inside.However, after I've seen this video on Akihabara News, ... »
1 comment 01 Apr 2009: Sakura Sakura
These days the trees started blossoming in Bucharest.
Waiting for Hanami, I will publish a selection of melodies with sakura, on My Daily J-Music.
Here is the first one, the well known Sakura ... »
3 comments 30 Mar 2009: Roppongi art festival
One of the attractions at Roppongi art festival was the Giant Torayan, a 7.2 meter spitting fire robot, created by the sculptor Kenji Yanobe.photo: Pink Tentacle
Learned via Pink ... »
Comment 28 Mar 2009: Romantic walks in Tokyo - ship cruise on Sumida River
This video made by Aqua Geographic reminded me a very romantic night in Odaiba, near Rainbow Bridge.It was silent, warm and, from time to time, a gentle breeze brought the scent of the ... »
Comment 27 Mar 2009: Old and new photos - Shinobazu pond
I like to study photo albums with old photos, many of them are good resources on photo composition.
Yesterday, one photo from Japanese Old Photographs In Bakumatsu-Meiji Period draw my attention, ... »
Comment 26 Mar 2009: The deers from Rinno-ji Taiyuin
Unlike the Toshougu Shrine, which was full of noisy school children running all over the place, the Rinno-ji Taiyuin Mausoleum was completely silent. The dense forest surrounding the mausoleum, the ... »
Comment 25 Mar 2009: Cherry blossoms in Asakusa
Every time I'm going to Tokyo, I'm going to a hotel in Asakusa. I leave my luggage at the hotel and take a little stroll to Senso-ji and in Sumida Park. Only after that I feel like I've returned to ... »
Comment 19 Mar 2009: Mt Fuji and cherry blossoms
This movie, created by Aqua Geographic, with Mount Fuji and sakura, reminded me of some ukiyo-e paintings: Mount Fuji seen throught cherry blossom by Hokusai, Lake Kawaguchi by Koitsu and Mt Fuji ... »
1 comment 18 Mar 2009: Toyota Auto Salon Amlux
An unforgettable image, the building of Toyota Auto Salon Amlux from Ikkebukuro, taken in a night when everything was lighted in blue... my favorite color...
O imagine de neuitat: ... »
Comment 14 Mar 2009: Again, photos with photographers
Back to one of my favourite subjects, the photographers at events in Japan.
So, here are more photographers... photographed... :photo:
...at Gonshoji Temple, during Mizudome no Mai (Dragon Dance) ... »
Comment 13 Mar 2009: Tokyo aerial
I admired and photographed Tokyo from high buildings many times and every time I discovered something new.I wish to have the opportunity to fligh over the city, like in this video created by ... »
Comment 09 Mar 2009: Old and new photos - Lake Ashi
A photography from Old photos of Japan, from Hakone, with Lake Ashi...
Hakone 1932 • Hakone Lake
... and my photo, also with Lake Ashi.
Fotografii vechi şi noi - Lacul ... »
Comment
- Most popular searches:
» Kyoto travel
» Castles in Japan
» Night time photos from Japan
» Trains in Japan
» Modern Japanese architecture
» Japanese gardens
» Travel tips for visiting Japan
Do you like muza-chan.net? Please recommend it: Join over 56000 people following muza-chan.net:
13400+
people have Muza-chan in Google+ circles
36300+
Twitter
followers
4600+
RSS
subscribers
or subscribe
by e-mail
2200+ FriendFeed subscribers
"A friend calculated that since I started working on this website, I lived in Japan approx. 8% of my life. Is this much or little? If you ask my family and friends, it’s a lot. I agree that it’s a lot more than a normal traveler spends in a foreign country… but if you ask me, this is just the beginning.
I want to share with you my travels through Japan and my readings about this wonderful culture, to see Japan through my eyes, from the temples and shrines to the cities and people of Japan, from places filled with history and spirituality, to the the modern Japan with skyscrapers and pop culture."
Muza-chan's Gate to Japan includes:
» Travel notes on visiting Japan, travel reviews, sightseeing, tourist attractions, historical and cultural facts, travel photos, travel tips
» A series of daily Japan photos, covering Japan places (Tokyo, Yokohama, Kamakura, Nikko...), traditional and modern Japanese culture, lifestyle, architecture, people, interesting facts
» Japan's most famous customs and traditions with photos, videos, stories, background and historical information plus some travel tips
» Daily selections of Japanese music (J-Pop, J-Rock, traditional music, enka and more...)
These works are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 License
If you quote or use photos from this site, you must provide a backlink to muza-chan.net
Powered by 