Tag Archives: japan

Travel: Himeji Castle, Japan

Himeji Castle was the first place in Japan to become a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, after this there were dozens of others named. It’s actually the largest and arguably most impressive castle in in Japan and has 83 buildings. It takes hours to walk around inside of it, like a medieval Disneyland,  it’sContinue reading “Travel: Himeji Castle, Japan”

Travel: Tenryu-ji temple and gardens Arashiyama Kyoto

Tenryū-ji is a temple and gardens founded by Ashikaga Takauji in 1339. It’s purpose at the time was to venerate Gautama Buddha. It’s considered as one of Kyoto’s so-called Five Mountains. In 1994, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tenryuji dates from the Muromachi period in Japan’s 14th-16th century. Among its manyContinue reading “Travel: Tenryu-ji temple and gardens Arashiyama Kyoto”

Travel: Bustling Ueno markets, Tokyo

Ueno markets are tucked into a unique pocket of Tokyo filled with interesting characters selling unusual goods. It’s a world within a world. The funky music you are hearing is by 70’s British funk band Cymande, the track is called Dove. It gives the video a lovely vintage feel. I don’t own copyright to theContinue reading “Travel: Bustling Ueno markets, Tokyo”

Travel: A curious history of Nara’s holy deer

Nara has had sacred significance long into the ancient mists of time in Japan. Long before Tokyo and Kyoto became the capital of Japan, Nara reigned as the most important city in Japan, its capital from 710-784 AD, before this mantle was passed on to Kyoto. By decree of the emperor of Japan in 724AD,Continue reading “Travel: A curious history of Nara’s holy deer”

Every picture tells a story: Harajuku girls go all freaky

I came across this lovely graffiti on a wall outside of a shop in Harajuku. Although you should also see this exquisite collection of quilts that was captured by Jonelle Patrick. The Japanese have an aesthetic sense that is far superior to most other places, I think.

Every picture tells a story: A pristine Japanese afro

This guy had the coolest hair in Tokyo. Him and his mate were so chill, just smoking and shooting the shit, talking about life in a back alley near Shibuya. People in Tokyo tend to do wild things to their appearance to differentiate themselves from everyone else. As a result, nobody bats an eyelid ifContinue reading “Every picture tells a story: A pristine Japanese afro”

Every picture tells a story: Rainbow neon street scene in Asakusa

Here’s another photo I took strolling around at night in Asakusa in Tokyo. In these little alleys, there is an air of intimate and cosy homeliness, I guess this is thanks to the locals. On a micro scale, these alleys had a really neighbourly and friendly vibe, this is completely contrary to what I thoughtContinue reading “Every picture tells a story: Rainbow neon street scene in Asakusa”

Every picture tells a story: Cutsey pancake van in Shinjuku

Like most things in Tokyo, I had only a vague notion of what the hell was going on here. It looks like a pancake van on cute steroids. Apparently to sell anything the best way to do it is to go over level 9000 on cuteness, sexiness or sexy cuteness. Anything less is totally pointless.Continue reading “Every picture tells a story: Cutsey pancake van in Shinjuku”