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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.
    1810JPC1-409.jpg
  • Odd seafood in Tsukiji Outer Market In Central Tokyo southeast of Ginza, Honshu, Japan.
    1810JPN-0026.jpg
  • 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
  • See Mount Fuji (3776.24 m or 12,389 ft), the highest mountain in Japan, from Chureito Pagoda, 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.
    1810JPN-4464.jpg
  • 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.
    1810JPC1-404.jpg
  • Odd seafood in Tsukiji Outer Market In Central Tokyo southeast of Ginza, Honshu, Japan.
    1810JPN-0027.jpg
  • Buddhist statue of Jizo / Ojizo-sama at Seiganto-ji Temple in Wakayama Prefecture, on the Kii Peninsula, Honshu, Japan. In Japan, Buddhist statues of Jizo (or respectfully Ojizo-sama) can sometimes be seen wearing tiny children's clothing or red bibs, or with toys, placed by grieving parents to protect their lost ones. Ojizo-sama is one of the most loved of Japanese divinities. His features are commonly made more baby-like to resemble the children he protects. His statues are a common sight along roadsides and graveyards. Traditionally, he is seen as the guardian of children, and in particular, children who died before their parents. Jizo has been worshipped as the guardian of the souls of mizuko, the souls of stillborn, miscarried or aborted fetuses ("water children"). Jizo is a Japanese version of Ksitigarbha (Sanskrit for "Earth Treasury", "Earth Store", "Earth Matrix" or "Earth Womb"), a bodhisattva revered in East Asian Buddhism. Ksitigarbha is usually depicted as a Buddhist monk with a halo around his shaved head. He carries a staff to force open the gates of hell and a wish-fulfilling jewel to light up the darkness.  Seiganto-ji (Temple of the Blue Waves) is a Tendai Buddhist temple. Don't miss the iconic view of thundering Nachi-no-Taki waterfall (133 m, Japan's tallest) paired with Seiganto-ji pagoda. According to a legend, it was founded (near a previous nature worship site) by the priest Ragyo Shonin, a monk from India. Seiganto-ji is part of the Kumano Sanzan shrine complex and is one of the few jingu-ji still in existence after the separation of Shinto and Buddhism forced by the Japanese government during the Meiji restoration. Seiganto-ji is is stop #1 on Kansai Kannon Pilgrimage, and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed as the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". Access: by bus from Nachi Station (20 min) or Kii-Katsuura Station (30 min). Ask driver to stop at base of the Daimonzaka trail ("Daimonzaka" stop); or at
    1810JPN-5765.jpg
  • One of many buildings at Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine, in Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, on the Kii Peninsula, Honshu, Japan. Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine was built in homage to Nachi-no-Taki waterfall's kami (spirit god). Don't miss the iconic view of thundering Nachi-no-Taki waterfall (133 m, Japan's tallest) paired with Seiganto-ji pagoda. Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine fuses Buddhist and Shinto influences along the 1000+ year pilgrimage routes of Kumano Kodo. For most of their history, the Buddhist Seiganto-ji and Shinto Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine functioned as one religious institution. The "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" form an impressive entry on UNESCO's List of World Heritage Sites. Access: by bus from Nachi Station (20 min) or Kii-Katsuura Station (30 min). Ask driver to stop at base of the Daimonzaka trail ("Daimonzaka" stop); or at the entrance to Nachi Waterfall ("Taki-mae"); or at the bus terminus 10 minutes climb below Nachi Shrine ("Nachi-san"). Cars can park at Seigantoji Temple. I recommend this remarkably scenic, short walk (3.5 km with 265 meters gain): starting from Daimon-zaka bus stop, ascend a stone-paved path, humbled by massive evergreens, up to the gates of Nachi Taisha shrine, descend to Seiganto-ji pagoda, then to the falls, just below Taki-mae bus stop.
    1810JPN-5717.jpg
  • Running at speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph), the shinkansen are Japan's reliable high-speed bullet trains, operated by Japan Railways (JR). The shinkansen, or "new trunkline", began with the Tokaido Shinkansen (515.4 km, 320.3 mi) in 1964. As of 2018, the network connects Japan's main islands of Honshu, Kyushu and Hokkaido for 2764.6 kilometers (1717.8 miles) with maximum speeds of 240–320 km/h (150–200 mph). The shinkansen is famous for efficiency, punctuality (often to the second), comfort (relatively silent cars with spacious, always forward facing seats), and safety (no fatal accidents in its history). The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) makes the shinkansen a great travel value for foreign tourists in combination with Japan's standard rail network (much cheaper than what Japanese residents pay). The original Tokaido Shinkansen, connecting Japan’s three largest cities of Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka, is one of the world's busiest high-speed rail lines. At peak times, the line carries up to thirteen trains per hour in each direction with sixteen cars each (1323-seat capacity plus standing passengers) with a minimum headway of three minutes between trains. In the one-year period preceding March 2017, it carried 159 million passengers.
    1810JPN-3274.jpg
  • Kyoto Station, Japan: shinkansen ("new trunkline") reliable high speed trains are operated by Japan Railways (JR). Running at speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph), the shinkansen are Japan's reliable high-speed bullet trains, operated by Japan Railways (JR). The shinkansen, or "new trunkline", began with the Tokaido Shinkansen (515.4 km, 320.3 mi) in 1964. As of 2018, the network connects Japan's main islands of Honshu, Kyushu and Hokkaido for 2764.6 kilometers (1717.8 miles) with maximum speeds of 240–320 km/h (150–200 mph). The shinkansen is famous for efficiency, punctuality (often to the second), comfort (relatively silent cars with spacious, always forward facing seats), and safety (no fatal accidents in its history). The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) makes the shinkansen a great travel value for foreign tourists in combination with Japan's standard rail network (much cheaper than what Japanese residents pay). The original Tokaido Shinkansen, connecting Japan’s three largest cities of Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka, is one of the world's busiest high-speed rail lines. At peak times, the line carries up to thirteen trains per hour in each direction with sixteen cars each (1323-seat capacity plus standing passengers) with a minimum headway of three minutes between trains. In the one-year period preceding March 2017, it carried 159 million passengers.
    1810JPN-7444.jpg
  • Seiganto-ji (Temple of the Blue Waves) is a Tendai Buddhist temple within the Kumano Sanzan shrine complex, in Nachikatsuura, on the Kii Peninsula, on the island of Honshu, Japan. Don't miss the iconic view of thundering Nachi-no-Taki waterfall (133 m, Japan's tallest) paired with Seiganto-ji pagoda. According to a legend, it was founded (near a previous nature worship site) by the priest Ragyo Shonin, a monk from India. Seiganto-ji is part of the Kumano Sanzan shrine complex and is one of the few jingu-ji still in existence after the separation of Shinto and Buddhism forced by the Japanese government during the Meiji restoration. Seiganto-ji is is stop #1 on Kansai Kannon Pilgrimage, and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed as the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". Access: by bus from Nachi Station (20 min) or Kii-Katsuura Station (30 min). Ask driver to stop at base of the Daimonzaka trail ("Daimonzaka" stop); or at the entrance to Nachi Waterfall ("Taki-mae"); or at the bus terminus 10 minutes climb below Nachi Shrine ("Nachi-san"). Cars can park at Seigantoji Temple. I recommend this scenic, short walk (3.5 km with 265 meters gain): starting from Daimon-zaka bus stop, ascend a stone-paved path, humbled by massive evergreens, up to the gates of Nachi Taisha shrine, descend to Seiganto-ji pagoda, then to the falls, just below Taki-mae bus stop.
    1810JPN-5727.jpg
  • Seiganto-ji (Temple of the Blue Waves) is a Tendai Buddhist temple within the Kumano Sanzan shrine complex, in Nachikatsuura, on the Kii Peninsula, on the island of Honshu, Japan. Don't miss the iconic view of thundering Nachi-no-Taki waterfall (133 m, Japan's tallest) paired with Seiganto-ji pagoda. According to a legend, it was founded (near a previous nature worship site) by the priest Ragyo Shonin, a monk from India. Seiganto-ji is part of the Kumano Sanzan shrine complex and is one of the few jingu-ji still in existence after the separation of Shinto and Buddhism forced by the Japanese government during the Meiji restoration. Seiganto-ji is is stop #1 on Kansai Kannon Pilgrimage, and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed as the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". Access: by bus from Nachi Station (20 min) or Kii-Katsuura Station (30 min). Ask driver to stop at base of the Daimonzaka trail ("Daimonzaka" stop); or at the entrance to Nachi Waterfall ("Taki-mae"); or at the bus terminus 10 minutes climb below Nachi Shrine ("Nachi-san"). Cars can park at Seigantoji Temple. I recommend this scenic, short walk (3.5 km with 265 meters gain): starting from Daimon-zaka bus stop, ascend a stone-paved path, humbled by massive evergreens, up to the gates of Nachi Taisha shrine, descend to Seiganto-ji pagoda, then to the falls, just below Taki-mae bus stop.
    1810JPN-5726.jpg
  • Seiganto-ji (Temple of the Blue Waves) is a Tendai Buddhist temple within the Kumano Sanzan shrine complex, in Nachikatsuura, on the Kii Peninsula, on the island of Honshu, Japan. Don't miss the iconic view of thundering Nachi-no-Taki waterfall (133 m, Japan's tallest) paired with Seiganto-ji pagoda. According to a legend, it was founded (near a previous nature worship site) by the priest Ragyo Shonin, a monk from India. Seiganto-ji is part of the Kumano Sanzan shrine complex and is one of the few jingu-ji still in existence after the separation of Shinto and Buddhism forced by the Japanese government during the Meiji restoration. Seiganto-ji is is stop #1 on Kansai Kannon Pilgrimage, and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed as the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". Access: by bus from Nachi Station (20 min) or Kii-Katsuura Station (30 min). Ask driver to stop at base of the Daimonzaka trail ("Daimonzaka" stop); or at the entrance to Nachi Waterfall ("Taki-mae"); or at the bus terminus 10 minutes climb below Nachi Shrine ("Nachi-san"). Cars can park at Seigantoji Temple. I recommend this scenic, short walk (3.5 km with 265 meters gain): starting from Daimon-zaka bus stop, ascend a stone-paved path, humbled by massive evergreens, up to the gates of Nachi Taisha shrine, descend to Seiganto-ji pagoda, then to the falls, just below Taki-mae bus stop.
    1810JPN-5743.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
  • 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.
    1810JPN-1873.jpg
  • 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. Yokoo Valley, Hida Mountains, Chubu-Sangaku National Park, in the "Northern Alps" of the Japanese Alps, near Kamikochi, Nagano Prefecture, Japan.
    1810JPN-1663.jpg
  • Nachi-no-Taki waterfall (133 m, Japan's tallest), in Nachikatsuura, on the Kii Peninsula, on the island of Honshu, Japan. Don't miss the iconic view of thundering Nachi-no-Taki waterfall (133 m, Japan's tallest) paired with Seiganto-ji pagoda. According to a legend, it was founded (near a previous nature worship site) by the priest Ragyo Shonin, a monk from India. Seiganto-ji is part of the Kumano Sanzan shrine complex and is one of the few jingu-ji still in existence after the separation of Shinto and Buddhism forced by the Japanese government during the Meiji restoration. Seiganto-ji is is stop #1 on Kansai Kannon Pilgrimage, and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed as the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". Access: by bus from Nachi Station (20 min) or Kii-Katsuura Station (30 min). Ask driver to stop at base of the Daimonzaka trail ("Daimonzaka" stop); or at the entrance to Nachi Waterfall ("Taki-mae"); or at the bus terminus 10 minutes climb below Nachi Shrine ("Nachi-san"). Cars can park at Seigantoji Temple. I recommend this scenic, short walk (3.5 km with 265 meters gain): starting from Daimon-zaka bus stop, ascend a stone-paved path, humbled by massive evergreens, up to the gates of Nachi Taisha shrine, descend to Seiganto-ji pagoda, then to the falls, just below Taki-mae bus stop.
    1810JPN-5709.jpg
  • Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine was built in homage to Nachi-no-Taki waterfall's kami (spirit god). Don't miss the iconic view of thundering Nachi-no-Taki waterfall (133 m, Japan's tallest) paired with Seiganto-ji pagoda, in Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, on the Kii Peninsula, Honshu, Japan. Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine fuses Buddhist and Shinto influences along the 1000+ year pilgrimage routes of Kumano Kodo. For most of their history, the Buddhist Seiganto-ji and Shinto Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine functioned as one religious institution. The "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" form an impressive entry on UNESCO's List of World Heritage Sites. Access: by bus from Nachi Station (20 min) or Kii-Katsuura Station (30 min). Ask driver to stop at base of the Daimonzaka trail ("Daimonzaka" stop); or at the entrance to Nachi Waterfall ("Taki-mae"); or at the bus terminus 10 minutes climb below Nachi Shrine ("Nachi-san"). Cars can park at Seigantoji Temple. I recommend this remarkably scenic, short walk (3.5 km with 265 meters gain): starting from Daimon-zaka bus stop, ascend a stone-paved path, humbled by massive evergreens, up to the gates of Nachi Taisha shrine, descend to Seiganto-ji pagoda, then to the falls, just below Taki-mae bus stop.
    1810JPN-5693.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. Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine was built in homage to Nachi-no-Taki waterfall's kami (spirit god). Don't miss the iconic view of thundering Nachi-no-Taki waterfall (133 m, Japan's tallest) paired with Seiganto-ji pagoda, in Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, on the Kii Peninsula, Honshu, Japan. Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine fuses Buddhist and Shinto influences along the 1000+ year pilgrimage routes of Kumano Kodo. For most of their history, the Buddhist Seiganto-ji and Shinto Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine functioned as one religious institution. The "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" form an impressive entry on UNESCO's List of World Heritage Sites. Access: by bus from Nachi Station (20 min) or Kii-Katsuura Station (30 min). Ask driver to stop at base of the Daimonzaka trail ("Daimonzaka" stop); or at the entrance to Nachi Waterfall ("Taki-mae"); or at the bus terminus 10 minutes climb below Nachi Shrine ("Nachi-san"). Cars can park at Seigantoji Temple. I recommend this remarkably scenic, short walk (3.5 km with 265 meters gain): starting from Daimon-zaka bus stop, ascend a stone-paved path, humbled by massive evergreens, up to the gates of Nachi Taisha shrine, descend to Seiganto-ji pagoda, then to the falls, just below Taki-mae bus stop.
    1810JPN-5671.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.
    1810JPN-4645.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.
    1810JPN-4613.jpg
  • View of larch trees from atop the Panorama Course trail, above our entry hike along Azusa River. 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. 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-1437.jpg
  • Fish head meal sample in restaurant window. Kabukicho entertainment and neon red-light district in Shinjuku ward, in Tokyo, Japan. Kabukicho was named from late-1940s plans to build a kabuki theater which never happened.
    1810JPN-8741.jpg
  • Fall foliage colors at Ginkaku-ji ("Temple of the Silver Pavilion"), officially named Jisho-ji ("Temple of Shining Mercy"). Ginkaku-ji is a Zen temple along Kyoto's eastern mountains (Higashiyama), in Japan. Despite its name, Silver Pavilion was never covered in silver, though silvery moon light reflecting off its former black lacquer may explain its name. In 1482, shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa built his retirement villa on the grounds of today's temple, modeling it after Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), his grandfather's retirement villa at the base of Kyoto's northern mountains (Kitayama). The villa was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimasa's death in 1490.
    1810JPN-8276.jpg
  • Koko-en is a Japanese style garden opened in 1992 on the former site of of the feudal lord's west residence (Nishi-Oyashiki) in Himeji, Japan. Kokoen has nine separate, walled gardens designed in various styles of the Edo Period (and used for movie-sets), including: a pond with a waterfall in the garden of the lord's residence; a tea ceremony garden and house; pine tree garden; bamboo garden; and flower garden. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    1810JPN-7688-p1-Pano.jpg
  • Many restaurants on atmospheric Pontocho dining alley provide back window views to Kamo River (Kamo-gawa, "duck river") in Kyoto, Japan.  Pontocho is a narrow alley running from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, one block west of the Kamogawa. The alley is packed with restaurants on both sides offering a wide range of dining options from inexpensive yakitori to traditional and modern Kyoto cuisine, foreign cuisine and highly exclusive establishments. Check for English menus and variable operating hours.
    1810JPN-6846.jpg
  • Bridge over pond in Gonaitei Garden at Otsunegoten (Imperial Residential Palace) in Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho), the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. Kyoto Gosho is within spacious Kyoto Imperial Park (Kyoto Gyoen National Garden) which also encompasses Sento Imperial Palace. The current Imperial Palace was reconstructed in 1855 after it had burnt down and moved around town repeatedly over the centuries. The complex is enclosed by long walls and has several gates, halls and gardens. The enthronement ceremonies of Emperors Taisho and Showa were held in the palace's main hall. Tokyo Imperial Palace is now used for enthronement ceremonies. The palace grounds (but not the buildings) can now be entered and explored without joining a tour and without any prior arrangements.
    1810JPN-6795.jpg
  • Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, a scholar and politician who was unfairly exiled by his political rivals. A number of disasters were attributed to Michizane's vengeful spirit after his death in exile, and these shrines were built to appease him. Kyoto, Japan.
    1810JPN-6376.jpg
  • Tuna auction in Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. In Nachikatsuura, don't miss the impressive tuna market auction at 7:00am, easily viewed from above in the open public gallery. (In contrast, Tokyo's restrictive early morning fish auction at Toyosu Market limits viewers via registration and a wall of glass). Japan is the world's biggest consumer of tuna.
    1810JPN-5602.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.
    1810JPN-4372.jpg
  • Decaying old 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-4267.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
  • 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
  • Kurobeko station of Kurobe Cablecar. 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-3001.jpg
  • Tent sites rented by Karasawa Hutte, 2309m/7575ft 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-1486.jpg
  • Shinjuku Park Tower, second-tallest building in Shinjuku, Tokyo. It was designed by Kenzo Tange and completed in 1994. Seen from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Tocho) in Shinjuku, Japan. Tokyo Tocho offers free observation decks for panoramic views of Tokyo and beyond. The 243 meter tall building has two towers, and each houses an observatory at a height of 202 meters.
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  • "The mother looks to the future while the new child looks at her with trust." 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. Art work on storehouse in Toshogu shrine in Nikko, Japan. The monkeys are Japanese macaques, a common species 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. 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.
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  • Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo, Japan. Shinjuku Gyoen originated during the Edo Period (1603-1867) as a feudal lord's Tokyo residence. Later it was converted into a botanical garden before being transferred to the Imperial Family in 1903 who used used it for recreation and the entertainment of guests. The park was almost completely destroyed during World War II, but was eventually rebuilt and reopened in 1949 as a public park. Access Shinjuku Gyoen park via three gates: Shinjuku Gate is a ten minute walk east from the "New South Exit" of JR Shinjuku Station or a five minute walk from Shinjukugyoenmae Station on the Marunouchi Subway Line. Okido Gate is a five minute walk from Shinjukugyoenmae Station on the Marunouchi Subway Line. Sendagaya Gate is a five minute walk from JR Sendagaya Station on the local Chuo/Sobu Line. The distinctive cigar-shaped 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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  • Woman in wedding dress sips a soda in Kabukicho entertainment and neon red-light district in Shinjuku ward, Tokyo, Japan. Kabukicho was named from late-1940s plans to build a kabuki theater which never happened.
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  • Kabukicho entertainment and neon red-light district glows brightly at night in Shinjuku ward, Tokyo, Japan. Kabukicho was named from late-1940s plans to build a kabuki theater which never happened.
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  • Godzilla (Gojira) head and claw on Hotel Gracery (2015), in Kabukicho entertainment and neon red-light district, in Shinjuku ward, in Tokyo, Japan. The character first appeared in Ishiro Honda's 1954 film Godzilla and became a worldwide pop culture icon, appearing in various media, including 32 films produced by Toho, three Hollywood films and numerous video games, novels, comic books and television shows. It is often dubbed "the King of the Monsters", a phrase first used in "Godzilla, King of the Monsters!", the Americanized version of the original film. Hotel Gracery supports a life-sized bust of Godzilla on the eighth floor, a tribute to the legendary movie monster and production company Toho Co. The building hosts a 12-screen cinema and IMAX theater. Kabukicho was named from late-1940s plans to build a kabuki theater which never happened.
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  • Godzilla (Gojira) head and claw on Hotel Gracery (2015), in Kabukicho entertainment and neon red-light district, in Shinjuku ward, in Tokyo, Japan. The character first appeared in Ishiro Honda's 1954 film Godzilla and became a worldwide pop culture icon, appearing in various media, including 32 films produced by Toho, three Hollywood films and numerous video games, novels, comic books and television shows. It is often dubbed "the King of the Monsters", a phrase first used in "Godzilla, King of the Monsters!", the Americanized version of the original film. Hotel Gracery supports a life-sized bust of Godzilla on the eighth floor, a tribute to the legendary movie monster and production company Toho Co. The building hosts a 12-screen cinema and IMAX theater. Kabukicho was named from late-1940s plans to build a kabuki theater which never happened.
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  • Wood dragon sculpture. Kiyomizu-dera ("Pure Water Temple") is an independent Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto, Japan. Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera temple is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities) UNESCO World Heritage site. Kiyomizu-dera was founded on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the early Heian period, in 780 by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro. Ordered by Tokugawa Iemitsu, its present buildings were built entirely without nails in 1633.
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  • Fall foliage colors reflect in Hojo Pond at Eikando (formally known as Zenrinji Temple), in Kyoto, Japan. Eikando belongs to the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism. It is found just north of the large temple complex of Nanzenji. A court noble of the Heian Period (710-1185) donated his villa to a priest, who converted it into a temple named Zenrinji ("temple in a calm grove"). At its founding, Zenrinji was part of the Shingon sect. In the 11th century, Zenrinji had a popular head priest named Eikan, after whom the temple is popularly named Eikando ("Eikan Hall").
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  • Folding fans for sale along the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto's Higashiyama district, Japan. The pleasant stone Philosopher's Path follows a canal lined with cherry trees. The 2-kilometer path begins at Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) and ends in Nanzenji neighborhood. A famous Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro was said to meditate while walking this route to Kyoto University. This is part of Lake Biwa Canal which tunnels 20 kilometers through the mountains to Lake Biwa in nearby Shiga Prefecture. Built during the Meiji Period to revitalize the stagnating local economy, the canal powered Japan's first hydroelectric power plant.
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  • At Fushimi Inari Taisha, a big Shinto shrine, thousands of vermilion Torii gates straddle trails, in Kyoto, Japan. Bright vermilion Senbon Torii ("thousands of torii gates") straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari (233 meters). Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Foxes are thought to be Inari's messengers, honored in many statues. The shrine predates the capital's move to Kyoto in 794. The torii gates are donated by individuals and companies, as inscribed on the back of each gate. Prices for small to large gates run from 400,000 to over one million yen.
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  • Popular for its path through a small bamboo grove, Arashiyama is a touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto, in Japan. Pleasure boats can be rented on the river near Togetsukyo Bridge.
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  • Rooftop fish sculpture "for fire protection" on Himeji Castle, built 1609, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Himeji Castle is both a national treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike many other Japanese castles, it was never destroyed by war, earthquake or fire and survives to this day as one of the country's twelve original castles. History: Starting as forts built in 1333 and 1346, Himeji Castle (aka White Heron Castle or White Egret Castle) was remodeled in 1561, remodeled in 1581, enlarged in 1609 to its present complex, extensively repaired in 1956, and renovated in 2009-15. Displayed inside are historic samurai armour and swords. From the upper floors, view fish-shaped roof ornaments that are believed to protect from fire. Across the moat, visit Koko-en, a pleasing reconstruction of former samurai quarters, nine Edo period homes, plus movie-set gardens. Himeji Castle starred in the 1967 James Bond movie "You Only Live Twice"; in Akira Kurosawa's 1980 film "Kagemusha" and 1985 "Ran"; and in the 1980 television miniseries Shogun (portraying feudal Osaka castle). By train, Himeji is 3 hours round trip from Kyoto.
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  • Rooftop fish sculpture "for fire protection" on Himeji Castle, built 1609, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Himeji Castle is both a national treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike many other Japanese castles, it was never destroyed by war, earthquake or fire and survives to this day as one of the country's twelve original castles. History: Starting as forts built in 1333 and 1346, Himeji Castle (aka White Heron Castle or White Egret Castle) was remodeled in 1561, remodeled in 1581, enlarged in 1609 to its present complex, extensively repaired in 1956, and renovated in 2009-15. Displayed inside are historic samurai armour and swords. From the upper floors, view fish-shaped roof ornaments that are believed to protect from fire. Across the moat, visit Koko-en, a pleasing reconstruction of former samurai quarters, nine Edo period homes, plus movie-set gardens. Himeji Castle starred in the 1967 James Bond movie "You Only Live Twice"; in Akira Kurosawa's 1980 film "Kagemusha" and 1985 "Ran"; and in the 1980 television miniseries Shogun (portraying feudal Osaka castle). By train, Himeji is 3 hours round trip from Kyoto.
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  • Dragon carving on the Kondo building, which was rebuilt in 1954 after a 1949 fire destroyed 80-85% of its wood. Horyuji Temple was founded in 607 by Prince Shotoku, an early promoter of Buddhism in Japan. Horyuji Temple was founded in 607 by Prince Shotoku, an early promoter of Buddhism in Japan. Horyuji is one of the country's oldest temples and contains the world's oldest surviving wooden structures. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Horyu-ji is in Nara Prefecture, Japan.
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  • Horyuji Temple's five-story pagoda (32 meters or 122 feet high) is the oldest wooden building existing in the world. The wood used in the center pillar of the pagoda is estimated through a dendrochronological analysis to have been felled in 594. Horyuji Temple was founded in 607 by Prince Shotoku, an early promoter of Buddhism in Japan. Horyuji is one of the country's oldest temples and contains the world's oldest surviving wooden structures. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Horyu-ji is in Nara Prefecture, Japan.
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  • Kyoto Shibori Museum opened in 2001 in Kyoto, Japan, to protect and pass down the knowledge of this traditional fabric dyeing technique.  To license this Copyright photo, please inquire at PhotoSeek.com.
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  • On September 4, 2018, typhoon Jebi (strongest in 25 years) snapped trees and extensively damaged the grounds of Kurama Temple. During our visit in November, the cablecar was required to reach walking trails to the main hall; and the steep 1-hour hiking trail between Kurama and Kibune was closed until further notice. Kurama-dera is a peaceful Buddhist temple along the steep wooded mountainside above the rural town of Kurama, in the northern mountains of Kyoto City, Japan. A cablecar takes you halfway up the mountain.
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  • Bridge over pond in Gonaitei Garden at Otsunegoten (Imperial Residential Palace) in Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho), the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. Kyoto Gosho is within spacious Kyoto Imperial Park (Kyoto Gyoen National Garden) which also encompasses Sento Imperial Palace. The current Imperial Palace was reconstructed in 1855 after it had burnt down and moved around town repeatedly over the centuries. The complex is enclosed by long walls and has several gates, halls and gardens. The enthronement ceremonies of Emperors Taisho and Showa were held in the palace's main hall. Tokyo Imperial Palace is now used for enthronement ceremonies. The palace grounds (but not the buildings) can now be entered and explored without joining a tour and without any prior arrangements. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
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  • Nijo Castle (Nijo-jo) was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867). His grandson Iemitsu completed the castle's palace buildings 23 years later and further expanded the castle by adding a five-story castle keep. After the Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867, Nijo Castle was used as an imperial palace for a while before being donated to the city and opened to the public as a historic site. Its palace buildings are some of the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era, and the castle was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994.
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  • Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple whose top two floors are covered in gold leaf, in Kyoto, Japan. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Kinkakuji was the inspiration for the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu's grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the other side of the city a few decades later. Kinkakuji overlooks a large pond. It has burned down numerous times throughout its history including twice during the Onin War, a civil war that destroyed much of Kyoto; and once again more recently in 1950 when it was set on fire by a fanatic monk. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955. The first floor is built in the Shinden style used for palace buildings during the Heian Period. The second floor is built in the Bukke style used in samurai residences, with its exterior completely covered in gold leaf. The third and uppermost floor is built in the style of a Chinese Zen Hall, is gilded inside and out, and is capped with a golden phoenix. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    1810JPN-6300-p1-Pano.jpg
  • Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple whose top two floors are covered in gold leaf, in Kyoto, Japan. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Kinkakuji was the inspiration for the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu's grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the other side of the city a few decades later. Kinkakuji overlooks a large pond. It has burned down numerous times throughout its history including twice during the Onin War, a civil war that destroyed much of Kyoto; and once again more recently in 1950 when it was set on fire by a fanatic monk. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955. The first floor is built in the Shinden style used for palace buildings during the Heian Period. The second floor is built in the Bukke style used in samurai residences, with its exterior completely covered in gold leaf. The third and uppermost floor is built in the style of a Chinese Zen Hall, is gilded inside and out, and is capped with a golden phoenix. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
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  • Boats in Nachikatsuura harbor at sunset, Kii Peninsula, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan.
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  • Sea stacks seen on a scenic coastal day-cruise from Nachikatsuura fishing village, Kii Peninsula, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan.
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  • Tuna auction in Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. In Nachikatsuura, don't miss the impressive tuna market auction at 7:00am, easily viewed from above in the open public gallery. (In contrast, Tokyo's restrictive early morning fish auction at Toyosu Market limits viewers via registration and a wall of glass). Japan is the world's biggest consumer of tuna.
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  • Restaurant plastic food examples. Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. In 2015, Nagoya's population was 2,283,289 (3rd largest incorporated city in Japan), with a metropolitan area commuter population of 9,107,414.
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  • Odaki Falls (Male Waterfall) on preserved feudal Nakasendo route from Tsumago to Magome, Japan. Tsumago preserves an Edo Period post town on the feudal Nakasendo route between Kyoto and Edo (present-day Tokyo). To enforce historic ambiance, phone lines and power cables are concealed, and cars are prohibited during daytime. Visitors are encouraged to stay in minshuku and ryokan lodging, and to hike a portion of the trail preserved between Tsumago and Magome villages, via pleasant rural and forest scenery. The Nakasendo, or "Central Mountain Route", was one of Five Routes (Gokaido, begun in 1601) which helped the Tokugawa shogunate to stabilize and rule Japan (1600-1868). Tsumago is in Nagano Prefecture, Japan.
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  • Japanese dinner at a minshuku (family pension). Tsumago preserves an Edo Period post town on the feudal Nakasendo route between Kyoto and Edo (present-day Tokyo). To enforce historic ambiance, phone lines and power cables are concealed, and cars are prohibited during daytime. Visitors are encouraged to stay in minshuku and ryokan lodging, and to hike a portion of the trail preserved between Tsumago and Magome villages, via pleasant rural and forest scenery. The Nakasendo, or "Central Mountain Route", was one of Five Routes (Gokaido, begun in 1601) which helped the Tokugawa shogunate to stabilize and rule Japan (1600-1868). Tsumago is in Nagano Prefecture, Japan.
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  • Tsumago preserves an Edo Period post town on the feudal Nakasendo route between Kyoto and Edo (present-day Tokyo). To enforce historic ambiance, phone lines and power cables are concealed, and cars are prohibited during daytime. Visitors are encouraged to stay in minshuku and ryokan lodging, and to hike a portion of the trail preserved between Tsumago and Magome villages, via pleasant rural and forest scenery. The Nakasendo, or "Central Mountain Route", was one of Five Routes (Gokaido, begun in 1601) which helped the Tokugawa shogunate to stabilize and rule Japan (1600-1868). Tsumago is in Nagano Prefecture, Japan.
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  • Tsumago preserves an Edo Period post town on the feudal Nakasendo route between Kyoto and Edo (present-day Tokyo). To enforce historic ambiance, phone lines and power cables are concealed, and cars are prohibited during daytime. Visitors are encouraged to stay in minshuku and ryokan lodging, and to hike a portion of the trail preserved between Tsumago and Magome villages, via pleasant rural and forest scenery. The Nakasendo, or "Central Mountain Route", was one of Five Routes (Gokaido, begun in 1601) which helped the Tokugawa shogunate to stabilize and rule Japan (1600-1868). Tsumago is in Nagano Prefecture, Japan.
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  • 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.
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  • Stairs inside Matsumoto Castle, built 1592-1614. Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Matsumoto Castle is a "hirajiro" - a castle built on plains rather than on a hill or mountain. 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.
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  • Old pistol firearm. 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.
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  • The grey heron (Ardea cinerea) is a long-legged predatory wading bird of the heron family, Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia and parts of Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but some populations from the more northern parts migrate southwards in autumn. A bird of wetland areas, it can be seen around lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes and on the sea coast. It feeds mostly on aquatic creatures which it catches after standing stationary beside or in the water or stalking its prey through the shallows. Photo from Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • Delicious yakisoba dinner.  <br />
Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.
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  • 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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  • Irohazaka Downward Winding Road, Nikko National Park, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Irohazaka is a pair of winding roads with 48 hairpin turns that connect central Nikko to the higher elevations of the mountainous Okunikko region. "Iroha" are the first three of 48 syllables of the formerly used Japanese alphabet (which is now known as "aiueo"), and "zaka" means "slope". Today's downward road was built in 1954 and the upward one in 1965, among Japan's first toll roads, but were later free. Spectacular autumn colors along Irohazaka can usually be enjoyed from late October to early November. Due to the autumnal popularity of Nikko, traffic can get very bad along the Irohazaka, causing delays to both cars and buses. Visitors are advised to avoid weekends and national holidays and to try to go as early as possible.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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-3617.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
  • Fall foliage colors in Kurobe River valley 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.
    1810JPN-3121.jpg
  • Snow & fog on Mount Tate (Tate-yama or Tateyama, 3015 m or 9892 ft). Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, 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-2685-p1-Pano.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-2555-p1-Pano.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
  • Myozenji Buddhist Temple 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-2181.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-1948.jpg
  • Side streams combine downhill 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). This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    1810JPN-1837-39-Pano.jpg
  • Delicious beef stew dinner. 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).
    1810JP2-044.jpg
  • Kita-hotaka Mountain Hut perches near the summit of Mount Kitahotaka, which reaches 3106 m elevation (10,190 ft, Japan's 9th highest) in Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Japan. This 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).
    1810JPN-1617.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).
    1810JPN-1111.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
  • 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
  • The Tokyo Skytree is a television broadcasting tower and landmark of Tokyo, in the Sumida City Ward, near Asakusa. With a height of 634 meters (2080 ft), it is the tallest structure in Japan and the second tallest in the world upon completion in 2011. It is the world's tallest freestanding tower.
    1810JPN-0510.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.
    1810JPN-0459.jpg
  • Japanese girls in kimonos in Asakusa district, Tokyo, Japan.
    1810JPN-0435.jpg
  • "One monkey faces the world head on, while another, looking down with trepidation is encouraged by a friend." 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. Art work on storehouse in Toshogu shrine in Nikko, Japan. The monkeys are Japanese macaques, a common species 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. 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-3471.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.
    1810JP2-010.jpg
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