 Japan 2004
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9-19 July |
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FujiFilm Finepix S7000 |
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<-- This picture of a Sally Lightfoot Crab, taken in the Galapagos,
was entered in the digital category of Wanderlust Magazine's 2003 photo competition, which subsequently won a "photographic commission" to Japan,
through the generous sponsorship of the Japan National Tourist Office and ANA.
The itinerary consisted of about three days each in Tokyo, Ehime (Shikoku) and Hiroshima. I was accompanied in each region by professional and/or volunteer guides, and/or officials of the local
tourist office, who I'd like to thank profusely for their help, cultural insights and generosity, and for generally making me feel at ease throughout. |
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Tokyo |
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1. Tsukiji Fish Market - the tuna auction which starts around 0530, I got up at 0500 on my first morning in Japan to be there!
2. Tsukiji Fish Market - porter loading tuna for transport, the fish are all sold by 0630.
3. Tsukiji Fish Market - stall holder making the first cut in the tuna --> sushi process.
4. Tsukiji Fish Market - it's not just tuna, here are some octopi, big and small, for sale.
5. Tsukiji - on the way to the fish market is also a bustling street market with narrow, intersecting paths. |
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6. Asakusa - chinese lantern flower stall near the Sensoji temple during the "Hozuki Ichi" Fair.
7. Ginza - the steel and glass Tokyo Forum building which is a conference centre.
8. Ginza - roof detail of the Tokyo Forum building. It reminds me of a ship's superstructure.
9. Shibuya - crossroads. Incredible intersection of people and traffic lit by glowing neon.
10. Shibuya - rooftop football in the metropolis, where I suppose land is at a premium. |
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11. Meiji Shrine - sake barrels offerings from the manufacturers.
12. Meiji Shrine - Shinto wedding party, with the bride and groom in traditional japanese dress.
13. Meiji Shrine - japanese maple tree.
14. Harajuku - girls in "cosplay", a japanese subculture based on dressing up as characters from manga, anime and games.
15. Harajuku - more "cosplay" girls, cosplay is a contraction combining the words "costume" and "play". |
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16. Roppongi Hills - Mori Tower building and the "Maman" spider sculpture.
17. Shinjuku - NTT DoCoMo Yoyogi Building and some trees. Well, I think there is a connection in the similar shapes.
18. Shibuya - street scene at night, experimenting with the camera's capabilities in long shutter speed and narrow aperture.
19. Ehime, Omishima Island - ancient camphor tree at Oyamazumi Shrine.
20. Ehime, Omishima Island - Shinto nun wrapping plaques at Oyamazumi Shrine. |
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Ehime |
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1. Matsuyama - locals enjoying a foot soak at a hot spring. I had a soak too and it's surprisingly hot.
2. Uchiko - roof detail of a traditional japanese house, using intricate tiles.
3. Uwajima - Tenshaenn japanese garden, lots of green everywhere with a scenic mountain background.
4. Uwa - view of the Uwa sea.
5. Uwa - festival mask in the Museum of Ehime History & Culture, housed in a fine example of modern architecture. |
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6. Ozu - a solitary crane standing beside the river. Taken with a telescopic lens adapter bought cheap in Tokyo!
7. Ozu - derelict old house & flowers. My attempt at an "arty" shot.
8. Matsuyama - the illuminated bell tower at the Dogo Onsen hot spring, legend says the crane healed its foot in the spring.
9. Matsuyama - origami cranes offerings at the Ishite-ji temple.
10. Matsuyama - the pagoda at the Ishite-ji temple. |
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11. Imabari - Imabari Castle. One of several castles I saw during the trip, but this had the bluest sky as a backdrop.
12. Ozu - the shed shell of a cicada beetle, their loud chirpings were a constant cacophonous accompaniment in Ehime.
13. Kurushima Strait - Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, one of several bridging the Seto Inland Sea.
14. Oshima Island - senior citizen fishing the day away.
15. Iwagi Island - carp in a temple pond with reflected vegetation. |
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16. Iwagi Island - painting the jetty at the ferry port. The red and green caught my eye.
17. Kurushima Strait - the obligatory sunset and silhouette scene.
18. Kurushima Strait - the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge at sunset.
19. Omishima to Ikuchijima - cable stays detail of the Tatara Bridge.
20. Omishima to Ikuchijima - Tatara Bridge. |
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Hiroshima |
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1. Onomichi - Senkoji temple, Jizo figures offered to protect children from harm.
2. Onomichi - Kaiunto pagoda and a view of Onomichi.
3. Onomichi - a narrow old street, which is often used a film set for historical dramas.
4. Onomichi - Jodoji temple.
5. Fukuyama - a buddhist monk at the Taichoro temple. |
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6. Fukuyama - a street vendor of barbequed conger eel, delicious!
7. Hiroshima - a dragonfly on a lotus leaf in the Peace Bell pond.
8. Hiroshima - the atomic bomb dome which was the Industrial Promotion Hall.
9. Hiroshima - traditional & modern dress in juxtaposition.
10. Hiroshima - the atomic bomb dome at night. |
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11. Miyajima - a soy sauce shop. Retail goods in Japan are beautifully packaged & wrapped.
12. Miyajima - a serene Buddha statue in the Daisho-in temple complex.
13. Miyajima – the river running through Momijidani park.
14. Miyajima - the famous Torii gate, on the leisure resort island of Miyajima.
15. Miyajima - another view of the Torii gate. |
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16. Miyajima - yep, one last view (I promise) of that gate but this time reflected.
17. Iwakuni - the port festival fireworks display. We arrived at around 7pm to get a good space on the sea front.
18. Iwakuni - Japanese families all around us were much better prepared with rugs, stools, picnics and drinks.
19. Iwakuni - A quite spectacular display, considering that this is a minor festival in comparison to nearby bigger cities.
20. Iwakuni - the Kintai bridge on the Nishiki river. |
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