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200 images Created 16 Dec 2018

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  • Rainbow Bridge with moon at night. Built 1987-1993 in Tokyo, Japan. Sumida River Dinner Cruise on a Yakatabune traditional Heian Period Japanese boat, in Tokyo, Japan. Depart from Harumi Asashio Small Craft pier on Harumi Island, at Reimei Bashi Bridge, 5-min walk from Kachidoki Station of Oedo line. Harumiya company's "Odaiba & Skytree route". Seating is at horigotatsu low table with a sunken floor to comfortably stretch your legs. Rainbow Bridge has an arching suspension designed named for its shape (and changing night-time illuminations also resemble a rainbow).
    1810JPN-0800.jpg
  • Japanese girls in kimonos in Asakusa district, Tokyo, Japan.
    1810JPN-0435.jpg
  • Ukiyo-e (“picture[s] of the Floating World") is a genre of Japanese art which flourished from 1600s-1800s. The private "Amuse Museum – Textile Culture and Ukiyo-e Art Museum" opened in 2009 in Asakusa, Tokyo, near Sensoji temple and Ueno Park. The museum houses a collection of everyday clothing and other textiles from the private collection of folklorist Chūzaburō Tanaka. It is operated and owned by the talent and entertainment agency Amuse. The museum is curated with the concept "Don't be wasteful", based on the environmental and social activism of Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai. The museum's collections were started with over 30,000 everyday clothing items from the collection of the folklorist Chūzaburō Tanaka.
    1810JPN-0513.jpg
  • Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower is a 204-metre (669 ft), 50-story educational facility in the Nishi-Shinjuku district in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. The building is home to three educational institutions: Tokyo Mode Gakuen (fashion vocational school), HAL Tokyo (special technology and design college), and Shuto Ikō (medical college). Completed in October 2008, the tower is the second-tallest educational building in the world and is the 17th-tallest building in Tokyo. It was awarded the 2008 Skyscraper of the Year by Emporis.com.
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  • Breakfast at Tsukiji Kagura Sushi, in the Tsukiji Outer Market, Tokyo, Japan. In Central Tokyo southeast of Ginza.
    1810JPN-0022.jpg
  • Skyscrapers rise above Tokyo Imperial Garden, Japan. Tokyo Imperial Palace and Garden, the current residence of Japan's Imperial Family. The current Imperial Palace is on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo, a short walk from Tokyo Station. Edo Castle was formerly the seat of the Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603-1867. In 1868, the shogunate was overthrown, and the country's capital and Imperial Residence were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. In 1888 construction of a new Imperial Palace was completed. The palace was once destroyed during World War Two, and rebuilt in the same style, afterwards.
    1810JPN-0149.jpg
  • Imposing, closely-fitting rock wall polygons. Tokyo Imperial Palace and Garden, the current residence of Japan's Imperial Family. The current Imperial Palace is on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo, a short walk from Tokyo Station. Edo Castle was formerly the seat of the Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603-1867. In 1868, the shogunate was overthrown, and the country's capital and Imperial Residence were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. In 1888 construction of a new Imperial Palace was completed. The palace was once destroyed during World War Two, and rebuilt in the same style, afterwards.
    1810JPC1-018.jpg
  • Tokyo International Forum is a multi-purpose exhibition center built in 1996 with striking architecture. It is adjacent to Yurakucho Station near the Yurakucho business district, but is administratively in the Marunouchi district in Tokyo, Japan.
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  • A courtesan of the Yoshiwara Pleasure Quarters in Edo (now Tokyo) is contrasted with an image of Mount Koya and an accompanying poem in the upper right. By Kitagaw Utamaro (1735?-1806). The Tokyo National Museum is the oldest and largest of Japan's top-level national museums. Located in Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan.
    1810JPN-0266.jpg
  • Yoroi type samurai armor, with purple lacing in the saka omodaka style, by Zennosuke in the Meiji era, 1900s. The Tokyo National Museum is the oldest and largest of Japan's top-level national museums. Located in Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan.
    1810JPN-0294.jpg
  • Zen Patriarch Linji (Study) dated 1897 (Meiji 30) by Hasimoto Gaho (1835-1908), pencil and ink on paper.  The Tokyo National Museum is the oldest and largest of Japan's top-level national museums. Located in Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan.
    1810JPN-0319.jpg
  • Incense (osenko) is burned for healing power at Japanese temples. Founded in 645 AD, the popular Buddhist temple Sensoji (or Asakusa Kannon Temple) was completely rebuilt several times, mostly after World War II, in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan.
    1810JPN-0439.jpg
  • Founded in 645 AD, the popular Buddhist temple Sensoji (or Asakusa Kannon Temple) was completely rebuilt several times, mostly after World War II, in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    1810JPN-0449-56-Pano.jpg
  • Sumida River Dinner Cruise on a Yakatabune traditional Heian Period Japanese boat, in Tokyo, Japan. Depart from Harumi Asashio Small Craft pier on Harumi Island, at Reimei Bashi Bridge, 5-min walk from Kachidoki Station of Oedo line. Harumiya company's "Odaiba & Skytree route". Seating is at horigotatsu low table with a sunken floor to comfortably stretch your legs. Rainbow Bridge has an arching suspension designed named for its shape (and changing night-time illuminations also resemble a rainbow).
    1810JPN-0688.jpg
  • Kachidoki Bridge was built in 1940 for the commemoration of the victory of the Japanese army at Lushun during the Russo-Japanese War. This bridge is the only drawbridge on the Sumida River, and has not been raised since 1970. Sumida River Dinner Cruise on a Yakatabune traditional Heian Period Japanese boat, in Tokyo, Japan. Depart from Harumi Asashio Small Craft pier on Harumi Island, at Reimei Bashi Bridge, 5-min walk from Kachidoki Station of Oedo line. Harumiya company's "Odaiba & Skytree route". Seating is at horigotatsu low table with a sunken floor to comfortably stretch your legs. Rainbow Bridge has an arching suspension designed named for its shape (and changing night-time illuminations also resemble a rainbow).
    1810JPN-0720.jpg
  • Chuo-Ohashi Bridge, built 1993 across Sumida River, in Tokyo, Japan. Seen from a Sumida River Dinner Cruise on a Yakatabune traditional Heian Period Japanese boat. Depart from Harumi Asashio Small Craft pier on Harumi Island, at Reimei Bashi Bridge, 5-min walk from Kachidoki Station of Oedo line. Harumiya company's "Odaiba & Skytree route". Seating is at horigotatsu low table with a sunken floor to comfortably stretch your legs. Rainbow Bridge has an arching suspension designed named for its shape (and changing night-time illuminations also resemble a rainbow).
    1810JPN-0774-p1.jpg
  • Sumida River Dinner Cruise on a Yakatabune traditional Heian Period Japanese boat, in Tokyo, Japan. Depart from Harumi Asashio Small Craft pier on Harumi Island, at Reimei Bashi Bridge, 5-min walk from Kachidoki Station of Oedo line. Harumiya company's "Odaiba & Skytree route". Seating is at horigotatsu low table with a sunken floor to comfortably stretch your legs. Rainbow Bridge has an arching suspension designed named for its shape (and changing night-time illuminations also resemble a rainbow).
    1810JPN-0884.jpg
  • Myojin bridge over the Azusa River. Kamikochi ("Upper Highlands") is a high valley within the Hida Mountains, in Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Last logged in the mid 1800s, it is now a popular nature resort. Embraced within the "Northern Alps" of the Japanese Alps, the valley floor ranges from 1400 m (4600 ft) to 1600 m (5200 ft) elevation. Its highest peak is Okuhotakadake (3190 m or 10,470 ft). This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    1810JPN-0998-1004-Pano.jpg
  • The comfortable Tokusawa-en mountain hut is an easy walk of 7.5 km with 100 meters gain from Kamikochi. Kamikochi ("Upper Highlands") is a high valley within the Hida Mountains, in Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Last logged in the mid 1800s, it is now a popular nature resort. Embraced within the "Northern Alps" of the Japanese Alps, the valley floor ranges from 1400 m (4600 ft) to 1600 m (5200 ft) elevation. Its highest peak is Okuhotakadake (3190 m or 10,470 ft). This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    1810JPN-1071-74-Pano.jpg
  • Karasawa Goya hut, 2360m/7740ft elevation. Karasawa cirque is cradled by the Hotaka Mountains, in the "Northern Japan Alps" (Hida Mountains) in Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Japan. Within the cirque, two lodges provide beds and meals for hikers and climbers: Karasawa Goya and Karasawa Hutte. Also known as Mount Hotaka or Hotaka-dake, the Hotaka Mountains reach 3190 meters elevation atop Mount Oku-Hotaka, Japan's third highest peak. About 2000 meters in diameter, the cirque bottoms out at 2300 m elevation. Snow melting here forms the River Azusa which flows through Kamikochi valley below.
    1810JPN-1326.jpg
  • Karasawa cirque is cradled by the Hotaka Mountains, in the "Northern Japan Alps" (Hida Mountains) in Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Japan. Within the cirque, two lodges provide beds and meals for hikers and climbers: Karasawa Goya and Karasawa Hutte. Also known as Mount Hotaka or Hotaka-dake, the Hotaka Mountains reach 3190 meters elevation atop Mount Oku-Hotaka, Japan's third highest peak. About 2000 meters in diameter, the cirque bottoms out at 2300 m elevation. Snow melting here forms the River Azusa which flows through Kamikochi valley below. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    1810JPN-1394-95-Pano.jpg
  • Mount Yari (Yarigatake, 3180m or 10,433 ft, fifth highest in Japan) is in the Hida Mountains (Northern Japan Alps), in Chubu-Sangaku National Park, on the border of Omachi and Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture and Takayama in Gifu Prefecture. Its shape resembles a spear (yari) thrust into the sky, and it is known as the Matterhorn of Japan.
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  • Mount Oku-Hotaka (or Okuhotakadake), Japan's third highest peak, rises above Karasawa Goya hut in Karasawa cirque. Karasawa cirque is cradled by the Hotaka Mountains, in the "Northern Japan Alps" (Hida Mountains) in Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Japan. Within the cirque, two lodges provide beds and meals for hikers and climbers: Karasawa Goya (2360 m or 7740 ft elevation) and Karasawa Hutte. Also known as Mount Hotaka or Hotaka-dake, the Hotaka Mountains reach 3190 meters or 10,466 ft atop Mt Oku-Hotaka. About 2000 meters in diameter, the cirque bottoms out at 2300 m elevation. Snow melting here forms the River Azusa which flows through Kamikochi valley below. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    1810JPN-1527-1544-Pano.jpg
  • Also known as Mount Hotaka or Hotaka-dake, the Hotaka Mountains reach 3190 meters elevation (10,466 ft at center right) atop Mount Oku-Hotaka (Okuhotakadake), Japan's third highest peak. At left is Mt Mae-Hotaka 3090.5 m. Right is Mt. Karasawa 3103.3 m. Karasawa cirque is cradled by the Hotaka Mountains, in the "Northern Japan Alps" (Hida Mountains) in Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Japan. Within the cirque, two lodges provide beds and meals for hikers and climbers: Karasawa Goya and Karasawa Hutte. About 2000 meters in diameter, the cirque bottoms out at 2300 m elevation. Snow melting here forms the River Azusa which flows through Kamikochi valley below. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    1810JPN-1595-98-Pano-.jpg
  • Mount Mae-Hotaka 3090.5 m / 10,138 ft. Karasawa cirque is cradled by the Hotaka Mountains, in the "Northern Japan Alps" (Hida Mountains) in Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Japan. Within the cirque, two lodges provide beds and meals for hikers and climbers: Karasawa Goya and Karasawa Hutte. Also known as Mount Hotaka or Hotaka-dake, the Hotaka Mountains reach 3190 meters elevation atop Mount Oku-Hotaka, Japan's third highest peak. About 2000 meters in diameter, the cirque bottoms out at 2300 m elevation. Snow melting here forms the River Azusa which flows through Kamikochi valley below.
    1810JPN-1600.jpg
  • The summit of Mount Kitahotaka, 3106 m elevation (10,190 ft, Japan's 9th highest) in Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Japan. Right here is the highest hut in Japan, excluding those on Mt Fuji. I hiked Kitahotaka (or Kitahotaka-dake) 4km round trip from Karasawa Goya hut via a steep trail secured with chains & ladders ascending 800 meters. Mt Kitahotaka is the second highest peak on Mount Hotaka (Hotaka-dake or the Hotaka Mountains), which are in the "Northern Japan Alps" (Hida Mountains). North of Kitahotaka-dake lies an exposed 3.5+ hour scramble via Daikiretto Gap helped by chains and ladders, connecting with Minamidake Mountain Hut. I avoided the Daikiretto by returning to Karasawa cirque, then walking all the way back to a comfortable dorm slot reserved at Tokusawa-en backcountry lodge (16 km, 800 meters up, 1615 m down). This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    1810JPN-1612-15-Pano.jpg
  • The high limit for trees begins the alpine zone in Karasawa cirque, which is cradled by the Hotaka Mountains, in the "Northern Japan Alps" (Hida Mountains) in Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Japan. Within the cirque, two lodges provide beds and meals for hikers and climbers: Karasawa Goya and Karasawa Hutte. Also known as Mount Hotaka or Hotaka-dake, the Hotaka Mountains reach 3190 meters elevation atop Mount Oku-Hotaka, Japan's third highest peak. About 2000 meters in diameter, the cirque bottoms out at 2300 m elevation. Snow melting here forms the River Azusa which flows through Kamikochi valley below.
    1810JPN-1625.jpg
  • Foggy Karasawa cirque is cradled by the Hotaka Mountains, in the "Northern Japan Alps" (Hida Mountains) in Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Japan. Within the cirque, two lodges provide beds and meals for hikers and climbers: Karasawa Goya and Karasawa Hutte. Also known as Mount Hotaka or Hotaka-dake, the Hotaka Mountains reach 3190 meters elevation atop Mount Oku-Hotaka, Japan's third highest peak. About 2000 meters in diameter, the cirque bottoms out at 2300 m elevation. Snow melting here forms the River Azusa which flows through Kamikochi valley below. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    1810JPN-1628-30-Pano.jpg
  • Byobuiwa rocks in Yokoo Valley, Hida Mountains, Chubu-Sangaku National Park, in the "Northern Alps" of the Japanese Alps, near Kamikochi, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    1810JPN-1647-50-Pano.jpg
  • Fall foliage colors in Yokoo Valley, Hida Mountains, Chubu-Sangaku National Park, in the "Northern Alps" of the Japanese Alps, near Kamikochi, Nagano Prefecture, Japan.
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  • Footbridge over Azusa River at Yokoo Sanso hut. Kamikochi ("Upper Highlands") is a high valley within the Hida Mountains, in Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Last logged in the mid 1800s, it is now a popular nature resort. Embraced within the "Northern Alps" of the Japanese Alps, the valley floor ranges from 1400 m (4600 ft) to 1600 m (5200 ft) elevation. Its highest peak is Okuhotakadake (3190 m or 10,470 ft). This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    1810JPN-1674-76-Pano.jpg
  • Shinmura Bridge near Tokusawa-en mountain hut. Kamikochi ("Upper Highlands") is a high valley within the Hida Mountains, in Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Last logged in the mid 1800s, it is now a popular nature resort. Embraced within the "Northern Alps" of the Japanese Alps, the valley floor ranges from 1400 m (4600 ft) to 1600 m (5200 ft) elevation. Its highest peak is Okuhotakadake (3190 m or 10,470 ft).
    1810JPN-1712.jpg
  • Fall foliage colors at the foot of Byobuiwa rocks in Yokoo Valley, Hida Mountains, Chubu-Sangaku National Park, in the "Northern Alps" of the Japanese Alps, near Kamikochi, Nagano Prefecture, Japan.
    1810JP2-034.jpg
  • Fall foliage colors. Kamikochi ("Upper Highlands") is a high valley within the Hida Mountains, in Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Last logged in the mid 1800s, it is now a popular nature resort. Embraced within the "Northern Alps" of the Japanese Alps, the valley floor ranges from 1400 m (4600 ft) to 1600 m (5200 ft) elevation. Its highest peak is Okuhotakadake (3190 m or 10,470 ft).
    1810JPN-1786.jpg
  • Fall foliage colors. Kamikochi ("Upper Highlands") is a high valley within the Hida Mountains, in Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Last logged in the mid 1800s, it is now a popular nature resort. Embraced within the "Northern Alps" of the Japanese Alps, the valley floor ranges from 1400 m (4600 ft) to 1600 m (5200 ft) elevation. Its highest peak is Okuhotakadake (3190 m or 10,470 ft).
    1810JPN-1806.jpg
  • A side stream flows towards Azusa River. Kamikochi ("Upper Highlands") is a high valley within the Hida Mountains, in Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Last logged in the mid 1800s, it is now a popular nature resort. Embraced within the "Northern Alps" of the Japanese Alps, the valley floor ranges from 1400 m (4600 ft) to 1600 m (5200 ft) elevation. Its highest peak is Okuhotakadake (3190 m or 10,470 ft).
    1810JPN-1827.jpg
  • The Azusa River drains Mount Hotaka (Hotaka-dake or the Hotaka Mountains), whose highest peak is Okuhotakadake (3190 m or 10,470 ft), in the "Northern Japan Alps" (Hida Mountains) in Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Japan. This is Kamikochi ("Upper Highlands"), a high valley last logged in the mid 1800s, now a popular nature resort. The valley floor ranges from 1400 m (4600 ft) to 1600 m (5200 ft) elevation. The karamatsu, or Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi or Larix leptolepis) is a tree native to Japan, in the mountains of Chubu and Kanto regions in central Honshu. Its needle-like leaves are light glaucous green, turning bright yellow to orange before falling in autumn. The scientific name honours Engelbert Kaempfer.
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  • Japenese students explore the Old Town streets of Takayama. The city of Takayama ("tall mountain") lies in the heart of the Japan Alps, in the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. Commonly differentiated as Hida-Takayama, city has the largest geographic area of any municipality in Japan.
    1810JPN-1893.jpg
  • Honored in a stylized statue, this tanuki, or Japanese raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus) is a subspecies of Asian raccoon dog, in the canid family. In Japanese folklore, the legendary tanuki is reputed to be mischievous and jolly, a master of disguise and shapeshifting, but somewhat gullible and absentminded. The tanuki is a common theme in Japanese art and statuary. "Tanuki" is often mistakenly translated into English as "badger" or "raccoon" (as used in the US version of the movie Pom Poko and outlined in Tom Robbins' book Villa Incognito), two unrelated types of animals with superficially similar appearances.  The city of Takayama ("tall mountain") lies in the heart of the Japan Alps, in the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. Commonly differentiated as Hida-Takayama, city has the largest geographic area of any municipality in Japan.
    1810JPN-1907.jpg
  • Gassho-zukuri farmhouse and fall foliage colors. Ogimachi is the largest village and main attraction of the Shirakawa-go region, in Ono District, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Ogimachi village hosts several dozen well preserved gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some more than 250 years old. Their thick roofs, made without nails, are designed withstand harsh, snowy winters and to protect a large attic space that was formerly used to cultivate silkworms. Many of the farmhouses are now restaurants, museums or minshuku lodging. Some farmhouses from surrounding villages have been relocated to the peaceful Gassho-zukuri Minka-en Outdoor Museum, across the river from the town center. Gassho-zukuri means "constructed like hands in prayer", as the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer.
    1810JPN-2173.jpg
  • Kanda House Folklore Museum in Hida Shirakawa-go. Ogimachi is the largest village and main attraction of the Shirakawa-go region, in Ono District, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Ogimachi village hosts several dozen well preserved gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some more than 250 years old. Their thick roofs, made without nails, are designed withstand harsh, snowy winters and to protect a large attic space that was formerly used to cultivate silkworms. Many of the farmhouses are now restaurants, museums or minshuku lodging. Some farmhouses from surrounding villages have been relocated to the peaceful Gassho-zukuri Minka-en Outdoor Museum, across the river from the town center. Gassho-zukuri means "constructed like hands in prayer", as the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    1810JPN-2025-31-Pano.jpg
  • Attic roped together without nails. Kanda House Folklore Museum in Hida Shirakawa-go. Ogimachi is the largest village and main attraction of the Shirakawa-go region, in Ono District, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Ogimachi village hosts several dozen well preserved gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some more than 250 years old. Their thick roofs, made without nails, are designed withstand harsh, snowy winters and to protect a large attic space that was formerly used to cultivate silkworms. Many of the farmhouses are now restaurants, museums or minshuku lodging. Some farmhouses from surrounding villages have been relocated to the peaceful Gassho-zukuri Minka-en Outdoor Museum, across the river from the town center. Gassho-zukuri means "constructed like hands in prayer", as the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer.
    1810JPN-2138.jpg
  • Attic roped together without nails. Kanda House Folklore Museum in Hida Shirakawa-go. Ogimachi is the largest village and main attraction of the Shirakawa-go region, in Ono District, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Ogimachi village hosts several dozen well preserved gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some more than 250 years old. Their thick roofs, made without nails, are designed withstand harsh, snowy winters and to protect a large attic space that was formerly used to cultivate silkworms. Many of the farmhouses are now restaurants, museums or minshuku lodging. Some farmhouses from surrounding villages have been relocated to the peaceful Gassho-zukuri Minka-en Outdoor Museum, across the river from the town center. Gassho-zukuri means "constructed like hands in prayer", as the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer.
    1810JPN-2142.jpg
  • In Ogimachi, the peaceful Gassho-zukuri Minka-en Outdoor Museum displays farmhouses relocated from surrounding villages. Ogimachi is the largest village and main attraction of the Shirakawa-go region, in Ono District, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Ogimachi village hosts several dozen well preserved gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some more than 250 years old. Gassho-zukuri means "constructed like hands in prayer", as the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. Their thick roofs, made without nails, are designed withstand harsh, snowy winters and to protect a large attic space that was formerly used to cultivate silkworms. Many of the farmhouses are now restaurants, museums or minshuku lodging.
    1810JPN-2276.jpg
  • Red tree branches pruned in fractal pattern. The city of Takayama ("tall mountain") lies in the heart of the Japan Alps, in the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. Commonly differentiated as Hida-Takayama, city has the largest geographic area of any municipality in Japan.
    1810JPN-2354.jpg
  • Sunset. The city of Takayama ("tall mountain") lies in the heart of the Japan Alps, in the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. Commonly differentiated as Hida-Takayama, city has the largest geographic area of any municipality in Japan.
    1810JPN-2364.jpg
  • Tateyama Cable Car (funicular) station. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route carries visitors across the Northern Japan Alps via cablecars, trolley buses and a ropeway. Completed in 1971, this transportation corridor connects Toyama City in Toyama Prefecture with Omachi Town in Nagano Prefecture. The Tateyama Mountain Range lies within Chubu Sangaku National Park.
    1810JPN-2409.jpg
  • A pond reflects snowy Mount Tate (Tate-yama or Tateyama, 3015 m or 9892 ft) on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, at Murodo, Toyama Prefecture, Chubu Sangaku National Park, Northern Japan Alps. Along with Mount Fuji and Mount Haku, Tateyama is one of Japan's "Three Holy Mountains" (Sanreizan). This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    1810JPN-2585-p1-Pano.jpg
  • Sunset at Murodo. At 2450 meters elevation, Murodo is the highest point along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, offering lodging, hiking and views of the Tateyama Mountain Range. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route carries visitors across the Northern Japan Alps (Hida Mountains) via cablecars, trolley buses and a ropeway. Completed in 1971, this transportation corridor connects Toyama City in Toyama Prefecture with Omachi Town in Nagano Prefecture. The Tateyama Mountain Range lies within Chubu Sangaku National Park.
    1810JPN-2634.jpg
  • Tateyama Murodo Sanso mountain hut in snow. At 2450 meters elevation, Murodo is the highest point along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, offering lodging, hiking and views of the Tateyama Mountain Range. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route carries visitors across the Northern Japan Alps (Hida Mountains) via cablecars, trolley buses and a ropeway. Completed in 1971, this transportation corridor connects Toyama City in Toyama Prefecture with Omachi Town in Nagano Prefecture. The Tateyama Mountain Range lies within Chubu Sangaku National Park.
    1810JPN-2793.jpg
  • Kurobe Dam is Japan's tallest dam at 186 meters / 610 ft. Built with many difficulties over 7 years, it was completed in 1963. Over 170 people lost their lives to the project. Its hydropower plant supplies electricity to the Kansai Region. Kurobe Dam spans across Kurobe Lake in an arc, and it can be accessed via electric bus from the east or the cablecar from the west. Visitors walk over the dam to get between the bus and cablecar stations in about 10-15 minutes. At the eastern end of the dam, a long flight of stairs leads up the concrete-covered mountain slope for an aerial view of the dam and its surroundings. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route carries visitors across the Northern Japan Alps via cablecars, trolley buses and a ropeway. Completed in 1971, this transportation corridor connects Toyama City in Toyama Prefecture with Omachi Town in Nagano Prefecture. The Tateyama Mountain Range lies within Chubu Sangaku National Park. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    1810JPN-3108-p1-Pano.jpg
  • Kurobe Dam spillway. Kurobe Dam is Japan's tallest dam at 186 meters / 610 ft. Built with many difficulties over 7 years, it was completed in 1963. Over 170 people lost their lives to the project. Its hydropower plant supplies electricity to the Kansai Region. Kurobe Dam spans across Kurobe Lake in an arc, and it can be accessed via electric bus from the east or the cablecar from the west. Visitors walk over the dam to get between the bus and cablecar stations in about 10-15 minutes. At the eastern end of the dam, a long flight of stairs leads up the concrete-covered mountain slope for an aerial view of the dam and its surroundings. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route carries visitors across the Northern Japan Alps via cablecars, trolley buses and a ropeway. Completed in 1971, this transportation corridor connects Toyama City in Toyama Prefecture with Omachi Town in Nagano Prefecture. The Tateyama Mountain Range lies within Chubu Sangaku National Park.
    1810JPN-3079.jpg
  • Long stairways lead to viewpoints above Kurobe Dam, on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Northern Japan Alps. Kurobe Dam is Japan's tallest dam at 186 meters / 610 ft. Built with many difficulties over 7 years, it was completed in 1963. Over 170 people lost their lives to the project. Its hydropower plant supplies electricity to the Kansai Region. Kurobe Dam spans across Kurobe Lake in an arc, and it can be accessed via electric bus from the east or the cablecar from the west. Visitors walk over the dam to get between the bus and cablecar stations in about 10-15 minutes. At the eastern end of the dam, a long flight of stairs leads up the concrete-covered mountain slope for an aerial view of the dam and its surroundings. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route carries visitors across the Northern Japan Alps via cablecars, trolley buses and a ropeway. Completed in 1971, this transportation corridor connects Toyama City in Toyama Prefecture with Omachi Town in Nagano Prefecture. The Tateyama Mountain Range lies within Chubu Sangaku National Park.
    1810JPN-3124.jpg
  • Kurobe Dam's spillway forms a rainbow above Kurobe River on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Kurobe Dam is Japan's tallest dam at 186 meters / 610 ft. Built with many difficulties over 7 years, it was completed in 1963. Over 170 people lost their lives to the project. Its hydropower plant supplies electricity to the Kansai Region. Kurobe Dam spans across Kurobe Lake in an arc, and it can be accessed via electric bus from the east or the cablecar from the west. Visitors walk over the dam to get between the bus and cablecar stations in about 10-15 minutes. At the eastern end of the dam, a long flight of stairs leads up the concrete-covered mountain slope for an aerial view of the dam and its surroundings. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route carries visitors across the Northern Japan Alps via cablecars, trolley buses and a ropeway. Completed in 1971, this transportation corridor connects Toyama City in Toyama Prefecture with Omachi Town in Nagano Prefecture. The Tateyama Mountain Range lies within Chubu Sangaku National Park.
    1810JP2-082.jpg
  • Mount Fuji seen from a farm north of Fujino Station in Midori-ku, Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa-ken, Japan. Mount Fuji (Fujisan) is the highest mountain in Japan, at 3776.24 m (12,389 ft).
    1810JPC1-220.jpg
  • Moonrise, a swan and red bridge reflect in the moat of Matsumoto Castle, which was built 1592-1614 in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Matsumoto Castle is a "hirajiro" - a castle built on plains rather than on a hill or mountain, in Matsumoto. Matsumotojo's main castle keep and its smaller, second donjon were built from 1592 to 1614, well-fortified as peace was not yet fully achieved at the time. In 1635, when military threats had ceased, a third, barely defended turret and another for moon viewing were added to the castle. Interesting features of the castle include steep wooden stairs, openings to drop stones onto invaders, openings for archers, as well as an observation deck at the top, sixth floor of the main keep with views over the Matsumoto city.
    1810JP2-092.jpg
  • As seen by the castle's red bridge at night, the Moon rises over Matsumoto Castle, which was built 1592-1614 in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Matsumoto Castle is a "hirajiro" - a castle built on plains rather than on a hill or mountain, in Matsumoto. Matsumotojo's main castle keep and its smaller, second donjon were built from 1592 to 1614, well-fortified as peace was not yet fully achieved at the time. In 1635, when military threats had ceased, a third, barely defended turret and another for moon viewing were added to the castle. Interesting features of the castle include steep wooden stairs, openings to drop stones onto invaders, openings for archers, as well as an observation deck at the top, sixth floor of the main keep with views over the Matsumoto city.
    1810JPN-3218.jpg
  • Exterior. Tamozawa Imperial Villa (Tamozawa Goyotei) blends traditional Edo and early modern Meiji Period architecture throughout its 106 rooms. The villa was erected in Nikko in 1899, using parts of a residence that originally stood in Tokyo, Japan. Before being moved to Nikko, the building served initially as the Tokyo residence of a branch of the Tokugawa family and was later temporarily used as the Imperial Palace. In Nikko, it was enlarged into a summer residence and retreat for the Imperial Family, but suffered neglect after World War II. In 2000, the villa was opened to the public after extensive renovation works. Tamozawa Imperial Villa is one of the largest remaining wooden buildings in Japan. The interior of the villa is a curious mix of Japanese and Western styles: many floors are carpeted and elaborate chandeliers hang from the ceilings, yet Japanese elements include sliding paper doors and tatami flooring. Although still impressive in size and grandeur, Tamozawa Imperial Villa currently occupies only one third of its original area. It now functions as a museum and memorial park. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    1810JPN-3348-p1-Pano.jpg
  • Tamozawa Imperial Villa (Tamozawa Goyotei) blends traditional Edo and early modern Meiji Period architecture throughout its 106 rooms. The villa was erected in Nikko in 1899, using parts of a residence that originally stood in Tokyo, Japan. Before being moved to Nikko, the building served initially as the Tokyo residence of a branch of the Tokugawa family and was later temporarily used as the Imperial Palace. In Nikko, it was enlarged into a summer residence and retreat for the Imperial Family, but suffered neglect after World War II. In 2000, the villa was opened to the public after extensive renovation works. Tamozawa Imperial Villa is one of the largest remaining wooden buildings in Japan. The interior of the villa is a curious mix of Japanese and Western styles: many floors are carpeted and elaborate chandeliers hang from the ceilings, yet Japanese elements include sliding paper doors and tatami flooring. Although still impressive in size and grandeur, Tamozawa Imperial Villa currently occupies only one third of its original area. It now functions as a museum and memorial park.
    1810JPN-3316.jpg
  • Ornate wood bird carving at 1600s Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Japan. Toshogu Shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. Ieyasu is enshrined at Toshogu as the deity Tosho Daigongen, "Great Deity of the East Shining Light". Initially a relatively simple mausoleum, Toshogu was enlarged into the spectacular complex seen today by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu during the first half of the 1600s. The lavishly decorated shrine complex consists of more than a dozen buildings set in a beautiful forest. Countless wood carvings and large amounts of gold leaf were used to decorate the buildings in a way not seen elsewhere in Japan. Toshogu contains both Shinto and Buddhist elements, as was common until the Meiji Period when Shinto was deliberately separated from Buddhism. Toshogu is part of Shrines and Temples of Nikko UNESCO World Heritage site. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    1810JPN-3629-p1-Pano.jpg
  • 5 story pagoda. Toshogu Shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. Ieyasu is enshrined at Toshogu as the deity Tosho Daigongen, "Great Deity of the East Shining Light". Initially a relatively simple mausoleum, Toshogu was enlarged into the spectacular complex seen today by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu during the first half of the 1600s. The lavishly decorated shrine complex consists of more than a dozen buildings set in a beautiful forest. Countless wood carvings and large amounts of gold leaf were used to decorate the buildings in a way not seen elsewhere in Japan. Toshogu contains both Shinto and Buddhist elements, as was common until the Meiji Period when Shinto was deliberately separated from Buddhism. Toshogu is part of Shrines and Temples of Nikko UNESCO World Heritage site.
    1810JPN-3458.jpg
  • An imagined elephant carving by an artist who had never seen one. Toshogu Shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. Ieyasu is enshrined at Toshogu as the deity Tosho Daigongen, "Great Deity of the East Shining Light". Initially a relatively simple mausoleum, Toshogu was enlarged into the spectacular complex seen today by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu during the first half of the 1600s. The lavishly decorated shrine complex consists of more than a dozen buildings set in a beautiful forest. Countless wood carvings and large amounts of gold leaf were used to decorate the buildings in a way not seen elsewhere in Japan. Toshogu contains both Shinto and Buddhist elements, as was common until the Meiji Period when Shinto was deliberately separated from Buddhism. Toshogu is part of Shrines and Temples of Nikko UNESCO World Heritage site.
    1810JPN-3476.jpg
  • The maxim "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" was popularized from the 1600s carving of the proverbial three wise monkeys on a storehouse in Toshogu shrine in Nikko, Japan. One interpretation is to be of good mind, speech and action. But in the Western world, the phrase often refers to those who deal with impropriety by turning a blind eye. The monkeys are Japanese macaques, a common species in Japan. The three monkeys are Mizaru, covering his eyes, who sees no evil; Kikazaru, covering his ears, who hears no evil; and Iwazaru, covering his mouth, who speaks no evil. Outside of Japan, the last two of the monkeys' names have sometimes been corrupted, resulting in Mizaru, Mikazaru and Mazaru. Hidari Jingoro may have carved these panels to incorporate Confucius's Code of Conduct, using the monkey as a way to depict man's life cycle. Out of eight panels, the iconic three wise monkeys are panel 2. The philosophy likely originated with a Tendai-Buddhist legend, from China in the 700s (Nara Period). The figures may represent the three dogmas of the so-called middle school of the sect. Toshogu Shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. Ieyasu is enshrined at Toshogu as the deity Tosho Daigongen, "Great Deity of the East Shining Light". Initially a relatively simple mausoleum, Toshogu was enlarged into the spectacular complex seen today by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu during the first half of the 1600s. The lavishly decorated shrine complex consists of more than a dozen buildings set in a beautiful forest. Toshogu contains both Shinto and Buddhist elements, as was common until the Meiji Period when Shinto was deliberately separated from Buddhism. Toshogu is part of Shrines and Temples of Nikko UNESCO World Heritage site.
    1810JPN-3468.jpg
  • Ema ("picture-horse") are small wooden plaques, common to Japan, in which Shinto and Buddhist worshippers write prayers or wishes. The ema are left hanging up at the shrine, where the kami (spirits or gods) are believed to receive them. They often carry images or are shaped like animals, or symbols from the zodiac, Shinto, or the particular shrine or temple. In ancient times people would donate horses to the shrines for good favor; over time this was transferred to a wooden plaque with a picture of a horse. Once inscribed with a wish, Ema are hung at the shrine until they are ritually burned at special events, symbolic of the liberation of the wish from the writer. Toshogu Shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. Initially a relatively simple mausoleum, Toshogu was enlarged into the spectacular complex seen today by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu during the first half of the 1600s. Toshogu contains both Shinto and Buddhist elements, as was common until the Meiji Period when Shinto was deliberately separated from Buddhism. Toshogu is part of Shrines and Temples of Nikko UNESCO World Heritage site.
    1810JPN-3483.jpg
  • Door pattern. Toshogu Shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. Ieyasu is enshrined at Toshogu as the deity Tosho Daigongen, "Great Deity of the East Shining Light". Initially a relatively simple mausoleum, Toshogu was enlarged into the spectacular complex seen today by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu during the first half of the 1600s. The lavishly decorated shrine complex consists of more than a dozen buildings set in a beautiful forest. Countless wood carvings and large amounts of gold leaf were used to decorate the buildings in a way not seen elsewhere in Japan. Toshogu contains both Shinto and Buddhist elements, as was common until the Meiji Period when Shinto was deliberately separated from Buddhism. Toshogu is part of Shrines and Temples of Nikko UNESCO World Heritage site.
    1810JPN-3489.jpg
  • Ornate peacock carved in wood. Toshogu Shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. Ieyasu is enshrined at Toshogu as the deity Tosho Daigongen, "Great Deity of the East Shining Light". Initially a relatively simple mausoleum, Toshogu was enlarged into the spectacular complex seen today by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu during the first half of the 1600s. The lavishly decorated shrine complex consists of more than a dozen buildings set in a beautiful forest. Countless wood carvings and large amounts of gold leaf were used to decorate the buildings in a way not seen elsewhere in Japan. Toshogu contains both Shinto and Buddhist elements, as was common until the Meiji Period when Shinto was deliberately separated from Buddhism. Toshogu is part of Shrines and Temples of Nikko UNESCO World Heritage site.
    1810JPN-3524.jpg
  • The Sleeping Cat Carving (Nemurineko) protects the entrance gate to the grave of Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu. Toshogu Shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. Ieyasu is enshrined at Toshogu as the deity Tosho Daigongen, "Great Deity of the East Shining Light". Initially a relatively simple mausoleum, Toshogu was enlarged into the spectacular complex seen today by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu during the first half of the 1600s. The lavishly decorated shrine complex consists of more than a dozen buildings set in a beautiful forest. Countless wood carvings and large amounts of gold leaf were used to decorate the buildings in a way not seen elsewhere in Japan. Toshogu contains both Shinto and Buddhist elements, as was common until the Meiji Period when Shinto was deliberately separated from Buddhism. Toshogu is part of Shrines and Temples of Nikko UNESCO World Heritage site.
    1810JPN-3569.jpg
  • Carvings on Yomeimon Gate, one of Japan's most intricately decorated structures. Toshogu Shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. Ieyasu is enshrined at Toshogu as the deity Tosho Daigongen, "Great Deity of the East Shining Light". Initially a relatively simple mausoleum, Toshogu was enlarged into the spectacular complex seen today by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu during the first half of the 1600s. The lavishly decorated shrine complex consists of more than a dozen buildings set in a beautiful forest. Countless wood carvings and large amounts of gold leaf were used to decorate the buildings in a way not seen elsewhere in Japan. Toshogu contains both Shinto and Buddhist elements, as was common until the Meiji Period when Shinto was deliberately separated from Buddhism. Toshogu is part of Shrines and Temples of Nikko UNESCO World Heritage site.
    1810JPN-3613.jpg
  • Toshogu Shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. Ieyasu is enshrined at Toshogu as the deity Tosho Daigongen, "Great Deity of the East Shining Light". Initially a relatively simple mausoleum, Toshogu was enlarged into the spectacular complex seen today by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu during the first half of the 1600s. The lavishly decorated shrine complex consists of more than a dozen buildings set in a beautiful forest. Countless wood carvings and large amounts of gold leaf were used to decorate the buildings in a way not seen elsewhere in Japan. Toshogu contains both Shinto and Buddhist elements, as was common until the Meiji Period when Shinto was deliberately separated from Buddhism. Toshogu is part of Shrines and Temples of Nikko UNESCO World Heritage site.
    1810JPN-3619.jpg
  • Ornate wood bird carving at 1600s Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Japan. Toshogu Shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. Ieyasu is enshrined at Toshogu as the deity Tosho Daigongen, "Great Deity of the East Shining Light". Initially a relatively simple mausoleum, Toshogu was enlarged into the spectacular complex seen today by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu during the first half of the 1600s. The lavishly decorated shrine complex consists of more than a dozen buildings set in a beautiful forest. Countless wood carvings and large amounts of gold leaf were used to decorate the buildings in a way not seen elsewhere in Japan. Toshogu contains both Shinto and Buddhist elements, as was common until the Meiji Period when Shinto was deliberately separated from Buddhism. Toshogu is part of Shrines and Temples of Nikko UNESCO World Heritage site.
    1810JPN-3623.jpg
  • Toshogu Shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. Ieyasu is enshrined at Toshogu as the deity Tosho Daigongen, "Great Deity of the East Shining Light". Initially a relatively simple mausoleum, Toshogu was enlarged into the spectacular complex seen today by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu during the first half of the 1600s. The lavishly decorated shrine complex consists of more than a dozen buildings set in a beautiful forest. Countless wood carvings and large amounts of gold leaf were used to decorate the buildings in a way not seen elsewhere in Japan. Toshogu contains both Shinto and Buddhist elements, as was common until the Meiji Period when Shinto was deliberately separated from Buddhism. Toshogu is part of Shrines and Temples of Nikko UNESCO World Heritage site.
    1810JPN-3701.jpg
  • Toshogu Shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. Ieyasu is enshrined at Toshogu as the deity Tosho Daigongen, "Great Deity of the East Shining Light". Initially a relatively simple mausoleum, Toshogu was enlarged into the spectacular complex seen today by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu during the first half of the 1600s. The lavishly decorated shrine complex consists of more than a dozen buildings set in a beautiful forest. Countless wood carvings and large amounts of gold leaf were used to decorate the buildings in a way not seen elsewhere in Japan. Toshogu contains both Shinto and Buddhist elements, as was common until the Meiji Period when Shinto was deliberately separated from Buddhism. Toshogu is part of Shrines and Temples of Nikko UNESCO World Heritage site.
    1810JPN-3728.jpg
  • Shinkyo Bridge was built in 1636 at the entrance to Nikko's shrines and temples, and technically belongs to Futarasan Shrine. Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.
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  • Bus ride. Nikko National Park, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.
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  • Ryuzu Waterfall (Ryuzu no Taki, "dragon head waterfall") on Yukawa River near its discharge into Lake Chuzenji, in Nikko National Park, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Autumn foliage colors typically peak here in early October, but we saw good colors on October 23, 2018. Follow the river upstream for 300 meters for more views of the rushing river, then catch the bus, or continue on the trail towards Senjogahara Marshlands.
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  • Ryuzu Waterfall (Ryuzu no Taki, "dragon head waterfall") on Yukawa River near its discharge into Lake Chuzenji, in Nikko National Park, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Autumn foliage colors typically peak here in early October, but we saw good colors on October 23, 2018. Follow the river upstream for 300 meters for more views of the rushing river, then catch the bus, or continue on the trail towards Senjogahara Marshlands.
    1810JPN-3775.jpg
  • Kegon Waterfall (Kegon no taki, 97 metres or 318 ft) is the thundering outlet of Lake Chuzenji. Paying for the 100 meter deep elevator gives more impressive views than the free viewing above. Kegon Waterfall  is a short walk from Chuzenjiko Onsen bus terminal. Nikko National Park, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.
    1810JPN-3879.jpg
  • Lake Chuzenji drains via side falls at Kegon Waterfall, Nikko National Park, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Kegon Waterfall (Kegon no taki, 97 metres or 318 ft) is the thundering outlet of Lake Chuzenji. Paying for the 100 meter deep elevator gives more impressive views than the free viewing above. Kegon Waterfall  is a short walk from Chuzenjiko Onsen bus terminal.
    1810JPN-3889.jpg
  • Kegon Waterfall (Kegon no taki, 97 metres or 318 ft) is the thundering outlet of Lake Chuzenji. Paying for the 100 meter deep elevator gives more impressive views than the free viewing above. Kegon Waterfall  is a short walk from Chuzenjiko Onsen bus terminal. Nikko National Park, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.
    1810JPN-3979.jpg
  • Views from upper Chuzenjiko Skyline Road, Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. This area is especially beautiful in mid to late October, when the autumn colors reach their peak. See panoramic views of Lake Chuzenji along the Chuzenjiko Skyline, an eight kilometer long former toll road accessible by bus or car, which also connects to scenic hiking trails. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    1810JPN-4021-p1-Pano.jpg
  • Tour boat on Lake Chuzenji (Chuzenjiko), a scenic lake in the mountains above the town of Nikko, in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It's at the foot of Mount Nantai, Nikko's sacred volcano, whose eruption blocked the valley below, thereby creating Lake Chuzenji 20,000 years ago. Chuzenjiko's shores are mostly undeveloped and forested except at the eastern end where the growing hot spring town of Chuzenjiko Onsen was built. Chuzenjiko is especially beautiful in mid to late October, when the autumn colors reach their peak along the lake's shores and surrounding mountains. See panoramic views of Lake Chuzenji along the Chuzenjiko Skyline, an eight kilometer long former toll road accessible by bus or car, which also connects to scenic hiking trails.
    1810JPN-4107.jpg
  • Mount Nantai, Nikko's sacred volcano. Lake Chuzenji (Chuzenjiko) is a scenic lake in the mountains above the town of Nikko, in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Chuzenjiko is at the foot of Mount Nantai, Nikko's sacred volcano, whose eruption blocked the valley below, thereby creating Lake Chuzenji 20,000 years ago. Chuzenjiko's shores are mostly undeveloped and forested except at the eastern end where the growing hot spring town of Chuzenjiko Onsen was built. Chuzenjiko is especially beautiful in mid to late October, when the autumn colors reach their peak along the lake's shores and surrounding mountains. See panoramic views of Lake Chuzenji along the Chuzenjiko Skyline, an eight kilometer long former toll road accessible by bus or car, which also connects to scenic hiking trails.
    1810JPN-4114.jpg
  • Mount Fuji = 12,388 ft, seen 100 miles to the southwest, from atop a trail accessible from the top of Chuzenjiko Skyline. Lake Chuzenji (Chuzenjiko) is a scenic lake in the mountains above the town of Nikko. It's at the foot of Mount Nantai, Nikko's sacred volcano, whose eruption blocked the valley below, thereby creating Lake Chuzenji 20,000 years ago. Chuzenjiko's shores are mostly undeveloped and forested except at the eastern end where the growing hot spring town of Chuzenjiko Onsen was built. Chuzenjiko is especially beautiful in mid to late October, when the autumn colors reach their peak along the lake's shores and surrounding mountains. See panoramic views of Lake Chuzenji along the Chuzenjiko Skyline, an eight kilometer long former toll road accessible by bus or car, which also connects to scenic hiking trails.
    1810JPN-4090.jpg
  • Brackets of fungi cover a tree trunk. Lake Chuzenji (Chuzenjiko) is a scenic lake in the mountains above the town of Nikko, in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It's at the foot of Mount Nantai, Nikko's sacred volcano, whose eruption blocked the valley below, thereby creating Lake Chuzenji 20,000 years ago. Chuzenjiko's shores are mostly undeveloped and forested except at the eastern end where the growing hot spring town of Chuzenjiko Onsen was built. Chuzenjiko is especially beautiful in mid to late October, when the autumn colors reach their peak along the lake's shores and surrounding mountains. See panoramic views of Lake Chuzenji along the Chuzenjiko Skyline, an eight kilometer long former toll road accessible by bus or car, which also connects to scenic hiking trails.
    1810JPN-4195.jpg
  • Swan pedal boats on Lake Chuzenji (Chuzenjiko), a scenic lake in the mountains above the town of Nikko, in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It's at the foot of Mount Nantai, Nikko's sacred volcano, whose eruption blocked the valley below, thereby creating Lake Chuzenji 20,000 years ago. Chuzenjiko's shores are mostly undeveloped and forested except at the eastern end where the growing hot spring town of Chuzenjiko Onsen was built. Chuzenjiko is especially beautiful in mid to late October, when the autumn colors reach their peak along the lake's shores and surrounding mountains. See panoramic views of Lake Chuzenji along the Chuzenjiko Skyline, an eight kilometer long former toll road accessible by bus or car, which also connects to scenic hiking trails.
    1810JPN-4275-p1-Pano.jpg
  • Late October, fall foliage colors at Lake Chuzenji (Chuzenjiko), a scenic lake in the mountains above the town of Nikko, in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It's at the foot of Mount Nantai, Nikko's sacred volcano, whose eruption blocked the valley below, thereby creating Lake Chuzenji 20,000 years ago. Chuzenjiko's shores are mostly undeveloped and forested except at the eastern end where the growing hot spring town of Chuzenjiko Onsen was built. Chuzenjiko is especially beautiful in mid to late October, when the autumn colors reach their peak along the lake's shores and surrounding mountains. See panoramic views of Lake Chuzenji along the Chuzenjiko Skyline, an eight kilometer long former toll road accessible by bus or car, which also connects to scenic hiking trails.
    1810JPN-4189.jpg
  • Fall foliage colors at Kirifuri Waterfall (Kirifuri no taki, "falling mist"), an impressive, 75 meter high, two-tiered waterfall below the Kirifuri Highlands, a few kilometers northeast of the temples and shrines of Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Foliage colors turn red, orange and gold in autumn, best around late October to early November. Walk 10 minutes to the observation deck from the parking lot and bus stop, near two restaurants and public toilets.
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  • Delicious yakisoba dinner.  <br />
Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.
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  • See Mount Fuji (3776.24 m or 12,389 ft), the highest mountain in Japan, from Arakura Sengen Shrine in Fujiyoshida city, Yamanashi Prefecture, Honshu. This dormant stratovolcano last erupted in 1707–1708. Mount Fuji lies about 100 kilometers (60 mi) south-west of Tokyo, visible on a clear day. Its symmetrical cone is snow-capped for about 5 months a year. Mount Fuji is one of Japan's "Three Holy Mountains" (Sanreizan). UNESCO recognizes 25 sites of cultural interest nearby.
    1810JPC1-399.jpg
  • Chureito Pagoda, Fujiyoshida city, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. This five storied pagoda overlooks Fujiyoshida City. In clear weather it offers iconic views combined with Mount Fuji in the distance. The pagoda is part of the Arakura Sengen Shrine and was built as a peace memorial in 1963, nearly 400 steps up the mountain from the shrine's main buildings.
    1810JPN-4429.jpg
  • Dragons are a common motif in the fountains or chozuya provided in temples and shrines for cleansing the hands and mouths of worshipers before prayer. Chureito Pagoda, Fujiyoshida city, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. This five storied pagoda overlooks Fujiyoshida City. In clear weather it offers iconic views combined with Mount Fuji in the distance. The pagoda is part of the Arakura Sengen Shrine and was built as a peace memorial in 1963, nearly 400 steps up the mountain from the shrine's main buildings.
    1810JPN-4400.jpg
  • Japanese manhole cover / hatchcover. Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan.
    1810JPN-4543.jpg
  • Japanese manhole covers / hatchcovers (center photo by Tom, the other six by Carol Dempsey).
    1810JPN-4543-plus-6-Carol-Edit.jpg
  • Outward views from upper floors of Matsumoto Castle, built in 1614, in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Honshu, Japan. Matsumoto Castle is a "hirajiro" - a castle built on plains rather than on a hill or mountain, in Matsumoto. Matsumotojo's main castle keep and its smaller, second donjon were built from 1592 to 1614, well-fortified as peace was not yet fully achieved at the time. In 1635, when military threats had ceased, a third, barely defended turret and another for moon viewing were added to the castle. Interesting features of the castle include steep wooden stairs, openings to drop stones onto invaders, openings for archers, as well as an observation deck at the top, sixth floor of the main keep with views over the Matsumoto city. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    1810JPN-4622-p1-Pano.jpg
  • Costumed Japanese samurai & woman with parasol and fan. Matsumoto Castle is a "hirajiro" - a castle built on plains rather than on a hill or mountain, in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Matsumotojo's main castle keep and its smaller, second donjon were built from 1592 to 1614, well-fortified as peace was not yet fully achieved at the time. In 1635, when military threats had ceased, a third, barely defended turret and another for moon viewing were added to the castle. Interesting features of the castle include steep wooden stairs, openings to drop stones onto invaders, openings for archers, as well as an observation deck at the top, sixth floor of the main keep with views over the Matsumoto city.  To license this Copyright photo, please inquire at PhotoSeek.com.
    1810JPN-4739.jpg
  • Costumed Japanese woman with parasol and fan. Matsumoto Castle is a "hirajiro" - a castle built on plains rather than on a hill or mountain, in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Matsumotojo's main castle keep and its smaller, second donjon were built from 1592 to 1614, well-fortified as peace was not yet fully achieved at the time. In 1635, when military threats had ceased, a third, barely defended turret and another for moon viewing were added to the castle. Interesting features of the castle include steep wooden stairs, openings to drop stones onto invaders, openings for archers, as well as an observation deck at the top, sixth floor of the main keep with views over the Matsumoto city.
    1810JPN-4730.jpg
  • Costumed Japanese samurai & woman with parasol and fan. Matsumoto Castle is a "hirajiro" - a castle built on plains rather than on a hill or mountain, in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Matsumotojo's main castle keep and its smaller, second donjon were built from 1592 to 1614, well-fortified as peace was not yet fully achieved at the time. In 1635, when military threats had ceased, a third, barely defended turret and another for moon viewing were added to the castle. Interesting features of the castle include steep wooden stairs, openings to drop stones onto invaders, openings for archers, as well as an observation deck at the top, sixth floor of the main keep with views over the Matsumoto city.
    1810JPC1-438.jpg
  • Matsumoto Castle can best be admired by its red bridge. The castle was built from 1592-1614 in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Matsumoto Castle is a "hirajiro" - a castle built on plains rather than on a hill or mountain, in Matsumoto. Matsumotojo's main castle keep and its smaller, second donjon were built from 1592 to 1614, well-fortified as peace was not yet fully achieved at the time. In 1635, when military threats had ceased, a third, barely defended turret and another for moon viewing were added to the castle. Interesting features of the castle include steep wooden stairs, openings to drop stones onto invaders, openings for archers, as well as an observation deck at the top, sixth floor of the main keep with views over the Matsumoto city.
    1810JPN-4762.jpg
  • At dusk, Matsumoto Castle can best be admired by its red bridge. The castle was built from 1592-1614 in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Matsumoto Castle is a "hirajiro" - a castle built on plains rather than on a hill or mountain, in Matsumoto. Matsumotojo's main castle keep and its smaller, second donjon were built from 1592 to 1614, well-fortified as peace was not yet fully achieved at the time. In 1635, when military threats had ceased, a third, barely defended turret and another for moon viewing were added to the castle. Interesting features of the castle include steep wooden stairs, openings to drop stones onto invaders, openings for archers, as well as an observation deck at the top, sixth floor of the main keep with views over the Matsumoto city.
    1810JPN-4816.jpg
  • Lit at night, Matsumoto Castle reflects in the moat by its red bridge. The castle was built from 1592-1614 in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Matsumoto Castle is a "hirajiro" - a castle built on plains rather than on a hill or mountain, in Matsumoto. Matsumotojo's main castle keep and its smaller, second donjon were built from 1592 to 1614, well-fortified as peace was not yet fully achieved at the time. In 1635, when military threats had ceased, a third, barely defended turret and another for moon viewing were added to the castle. Interesting features of the castle include steep wooden stairs, openings to drop stones onto invaders, openings for archers, as well as an observation deck at the top, sixth floor of the main keep with views over the Matsumoto city.
    1810JPN-4845.jpg
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