Japan: A Personal Pictorial

I lived in Japan for a while.

Ever since news of the March 11th earthquake reached my ears and eyes I can't stop thinking about it....

or reading about it...

or talking about it...

or feeling it...

I'm driving everyone around me mad.

I feel foolish writing about my feelings, because they're insignificant compared with those who are actually living it.

Instead, I'd like to share some photo's I took during my time there. I'm fully aware these will probably bore you to death, so I apologise in advance for the quantity (all 63 of them).

Within the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo, are many smaller neighborhoods. I lived in Ookayama (OhOhhhhhhKayama)

This is my old shopping street

My neighborhood flower shop (ikebana anyone?)

The fish monger on my old street. I "startled" the first time I ever heard him bellow, “Irasshaimase!” (いらっしゃいませ, meaning “Welcome to the store!” or “Come on in!”)

After seeing my reaction, it became a game between him and me :)

1. Could he catch me off guard again?

2. Could I sneak by without him noticing?

A typical scene inside a Tokyo train during off peak time (I don't have rush hour pics because I was too busy trying to stay alive). The OCD in me misses the controlled atmosphere.

Things that are discouraged:

Mobile phone usage

Loud conversation

Eating & drinking (except for children)

Running around

Littering

Wearing your backpack while standing (space issue)

Sitting in the courtesy seats (unless your male & sleeping *snark*)

Doing anything to draw attention to yourself in general

So, you can imagine why the other passengers didn't know what to make of this!

Everyone just ignored us.

One morning we woke up to snow, and it was as if the entire population of Tokyo had taken ecstasy. I've never seen so many euphoric people running around with macro lenses!

I love looking at photo's of other people in front of various places, but I always feel like a complete ass doing it myself. I'm only including this one to prove a point and because it depicts China town... in Japan.

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Random sights that made me smile.

*snort*

Sakura Matsuri (cherry blossom fesitval) is embraced by all the Japanese with unabashed joy. During this time, the approximate day the blossoms will bloom in various locations is well publicised. Employees take off work for this! A few people are designated to scout a good location (which is then 'saved' by placing several plastic covers over the spot). The rest will bring the food and beverage, and a leisurely day will be spent in the company of good friends under the lightly falling petals. It's a surreal experience.

Speaking of surreal... An all Japanese traditional Swiss Alpine band.

Even the drain covers are Kawaii! (cute)

Fuji-san! Seeing Mt. Fuji with your own eyes is awe inspiring.

That was odd.

I can't take authority that looks like this seriously!

It's hot during the summer. My boy in a cooling Jimbei.

You will see signage like this throughout Japan. Kawaii desu ne?

The Japanese are not a particularly religious society, yet this is a common sight.

Contrary to how I envisioned Japan before I arrived, there are very few homes left like these in Tokyo.

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Typically downtown Tokyo

Tokyo is a city as far as the eye can see. You can drive for hours and still be in 'it'.

But, if you're persistent you will be rewarded with sights such a these.

Tokyo Tower

Every once and a while, I would ask someone to take my picture just to prove I was there.

'Talking condoms' and 'LOVE promoting beer' make me smile.

The Rainbow bridge

Ginza at night

Japanese "Hot or Not"

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The next few photo's are from the shrines and temples of Nikkō. This is a must see if you ever find yourself in Japan.

I was really looking forward to taking a photo of The "Sleeping Cat". Too bad I screwed it up and only had a 8x zoom!

Detail of an elephant on Toshogu Shrine. According to history, the craftsman had never seen one, which actually explains everything.

Details. I love the details...

S'il vous plaît pardonnez-moi, mais je ne parle pas japonais ou en anglais

The three wise monkeys over the sacred stable.

The sacred white horse

I was lucky enough to visit Nikkō during Autumn. The colours are insane!

The details can overwhelm you

I love the smell of incense

Maybe I can come back as a monk. It's looks so peaceful.

The 'pose' never fails to make me smile.

The five-storied pagoda.

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Miscellaneous shrine shots.

These are images of Jizo Bosatu. This deity is very significant to pregnant women and to those who's children have died.

Jizo Bosatu (another representation)

People will often adorn idols, like the one's pictured above, to either ask or to thank them for answering a request.

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Another site not to be missed is Meiji-jinju Shinto Shrine.

The structure is amazing!

The Torii is HUGE!

Sacred Sake (yes, there is such a thing!) is a common sight at shrines.

You might wanna memorize these Kanji before you go. You never know when you'll find yourself without the assistance of Romanji!

If you'd like to see a traditional Japanese wedding, go to Meiji-jinju Shrine on a weekend.

She is so beautiful.

The father of the bride actually pulled me out of a watching crowd so I could take better photo's! He was so proud and I was so thankful.

I find the mens Kimono just as beautiful as the women's!

I like the combination of traditional dress and modern technology.

In Japan, the back of the neck on a women is considered very alluring.

Sometimes I feel like getting married again so I can wear something like this!

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Not far from Meiji-jinju Shrine, and Omotesando Dori, is Harajuku Stn. Where you will see:

I miss the Tokyo train system.

I wanted to buy one of these outfits as a souvenir before I left, but almost choked when I saw the price!!! Good God!

I was digging the mask.

All men are the same!

This group was not shy!

The girl on the left has mastered looking demure.

Hanging out in front of GAP at the end of Omotesando Dori.

Thank you for bearing with me.

With Love,

Tess