Around Japan

Tama Monorail Line

2011-09-30T21:03:00.004+09:00

One of my favorite lines, because it goes to Tama Zoo and also it travels in hilly area. It starts at Tama Center station and the middle crosses very busy JR line Tachikawa. It even stops at North and South side of this big station. Further it travels over flat urban area till station Kamikitadai. I was filming rail switiching at this very last station - Kamikitadai.

Nanjing-Shanghai high speed train

2011-07-09T15:03:00.006+09:00

I am trying out new train in China. Amazingly, inside and outside looks like Japanese shinkasen. Rail line was opened in year 2010 and top operational speeds are around 350km/h.

Train serves highly populated Yantzee river delta area, between stations Shanghai and Nanjing in Jiangsu province. Major stops are Shanghai (13m inhabitants), Suzhou (6m), Wuxi (4.5m), Changzhou (4.5m) and Nanjing (7m).

There are ticket vending machines in stations, but all foreigners need to buy ticket at station window and show passport. My suggestion is to make photocopy of Chinese visa, as photocopy is also valid. Staff will enter Chinese visa number on ticket.

Two days in Shanghai

2011-04-22T01:52:00.061+09:00

Shanghai is most populous city in China. It is also important destination for Chinese domestic tourism. There are also many foreign tourists and workers from overseas visible through the city. Shanghai has big regional airport where can fly from many cities in Asia (Beijing airport has more international connections). Other airports with easy access to Shanghai are Nanjing and Hangzhou.

City is extremely huge. Most densely populated area is circled by line 4. Other areas are being built up and still waiting for people to settle from inside China to Shanghai.

Major attractions in city are The Bund, Yuyuan garden, Shanghai Zoo (panda lives there), city's parks (try out iBoats in Centry park - highly recommended) and you (if you enjoy attention)! As far as I know tourist offices are located in Shanghai South railway station, Nanjing road, under Bund etc. There can get free English map in South railway station tourist office, which is pretty good.

Photo: When entering Shanghai International Airport, visitors are greeted with words LOVE in many languages. It very sweet!

Immigration to China is straight forward, because access is only with visas. Right side of immigration card need to be retained for departure. There was be many people offering taxis, when I came out. It somehow entertaining, but I just firmly walked past them.

In airport can buy prepaid SIM card for mobile phone. It costs 150 Chinese monies. Two companies operate in China - China Mobile and China Unicom. With China Mobile can send and receive SMS from abroad, but with China Unicom can call abroad. Both cards can receive calls from abroad. SIM card (from China Mobile)is also useful when getting access to internet in Starbucks (your phone should not be locked on your home operator).

Photo: Shanghai street view, this is Suzhou Creek

Almost all ATM machines can serve VISA or Mastercards, but need to check first if ATM displays logo of VISA or Mastercard. Popular currencies can be changed in banks with ease. Need to show passport and there might be limitation of currency amount (need to keep receipts so can change money back to foreign currency before leaving China). There is also lunch break in banks for about 1 to 2.5 hours, so going that time will result in long wait. 100 and 50 banknote have metallic stripe inside, so it easy to tell if it’s real or not. It looks that virtually any bank can handle Visa card. Some peopel prefer Bank of China, I prefer ICBC.

Photo: Look over Huangpu River, which divides Shanghai into two parts - Puxi and Pudong (pronounced as Pushi and Pudon). This is Pudong side looking towards Puxi

Metro line 2 connects airport to downtown. There is also magnetic levitation line - Maglev for 50 one way. Maglev will cut out boring ride on subway and will connect again with line 2. For ease of use of public transportation, can buy Shanghai metro card for 130 moneys (20-30 is deposit and rest can use). It can be returned before departure from China. Buying single tickets is very slow process. Metro is also fastest way to move around and one ride can be 2-7 RMB. Its also nice to use ferry to cross the river, which you can see in video. Again, you can use this Shanghai metro card to pay for ferry or for taxis, or for Maglev from airport.

There are plenty of budget hotels to choose from, price range from 150 to 300. They provide shower and internet, too. Motel 168 (Motel 268) is one of the best. Need to leave 100-300 deposit, too. I suggest paying with cash for hotel, than credit card and deposit can only be paid in cash. Shanghai is very big city, so hotels in good spots get booked out quickly. They are clean inside.

Nobody comes to China for food, but where to eat anyway ? I think supermarket is best and safiest option. Best and cheapest is Carrefour, followed by Century Mart and Wal-Mart. In other areas, you can find plenty of McDonalds and KFCs, which are extremely popular with locals. Not to forget Burger King, Pizza Hut! For restaurants look at all length of Nanjing road, area around Xujiahui station (Line 1), stores around Lujiazui station (Line 2) etc. Foreigners hang around Xintiandi area, which is area with many bars and restaurants. For drink, can suggest area around Hengshan road station (Line 1), sit outside and watch people pass by on street.

Image: where Shanghai eats

There are several places in underground metro stations, where to buy cheaper products. Usually need to bargain. I managed to bargain 5times off for clothing item. I did not like it, but since I pushed price that much low I bought it. Most of items made from synthetic fibers, which is not what I like. What I can recommend it getting haircut, because it costs about 15 RMB (1.5 EUR) for men. Styling women’s hair is also reasonably priced.

With laptop free internet is available in Starbucks, but need to receive access code on mobile phone. Internet is very slow, almost impossible to use. Postal services are very slow and sometimes unreliable. Sending postcard between China and Japan can take about 3 weeks!

Safety can be some concern, when walking on the street. Cars are allowed to make right turn, when facing red traffic light signal. Pedestrians have to watch out for cars. Its better constantly look around all directions when walking somewhere. Accidents happen seldom as traffic is pretty slow. In China, there is no “pedal till the metal” culture and I never saw drivers getting angry etc.

There might be no or limited emergency medical services (ambulance). Need to call or flag down taxi to go to hospital in emergencies. Prepayment is required in any medical institution.

Other locations to explore outside Shanghai could be Suzhou and Nanjing. Nanjing has more feel of "real" China. Hangzhou is easy to reach too and very popular for domestic tourists, but might not be so interesting for foreigners.

Video: Shanghai view from The Bund, waterfront area. Many people from China take photos with those tall buildings in background.

Picture: Street view Shanghai

Picture: Street corner vendor

Some words you might need:
Zhe shi shenme ? (Che she shenma) – what is this ?
Duo shao qian? (Duo shao chien) – how much ?
Laowai - that’s you – foreigner!
Mei you qian (mei you chien) – I have no money
Mei yisi (mei isi) – its boring/I am bored
Xie xie (shieshie) – thank you

Around Pusan – Busan

2011-01-16T00:02:00.014+09:00

This is Pusan – city in Korea’s southern part. City has 3.6 million inhabitants and has amazing natural features - mountains and sea right in the middle of city. The name of city might be confusing – in Korea it is spelled in English as Busan, but China and Japan it is spelled as Pushan or Pusan, respectively.

I have arrived by both airplane and ferry. There are good tourist information offices in airport and ferry terminal. Ferry terminal from Japan is right next to downtown. Pusan has subway system in town, so it’s easy to move around.

Image: Look from the port

Over couple of days, I visited several places. Near to main train station is Chinatown. It doesn’t really look like Chinatown apart from Chinese style gate. Inside mostly shops selling clothes and signs with Uzbekistan and Russian flags. While walking there some entirely Korean looking ladies said something in Russian to me.

Hotels are reasonably priced. I choose to stay at youth hostel first, but then moved to hotel. Price difference was really minor. I found hotels very comfortable and hospitality level was good.

Food is a bit spicy and has seafood elements in it. Some dishes seem to be influenced by Japanese cuisine as well. I tried some traditional looking eateries and can say that it’s a bit tastier in Seoul than Pusan. There are many small shops as well as eateries in department stores. Most of shopping goods like clothes imported from China, as China is really very close. I could not find many things made in Korea.

City has subway system. Lines are long and take longer time to move from one corner of city to another. It’s easy to anywhere, where heart wants.

There are several beaches. Haeundae is most famous in Korea. I preferred Gwangalli beach which is closer to city center. On the beach are lockers and showers. Water is a bit cold somehow. Songdo beach is in another side of city. There is more foreigners and touristy place with winder sand area on beach. When walking from Songdo beach there is nice view from Namhang bride. On the bridge can cross into Yeongdo island. Many people choose to walk this bridge.

Image: Look from Namhang bridge

Two temples in city are famous for foreigners – Beomeosa temple and Haedong Yonggungsa temple. Beomeosa is easy to reach by subway and bus. There is also hiking trail which starts near temple. Hiking trail can lead to Geumjeongsan mountain (801 m), from there splendid view over city.

Image: Geumjeongsanseong fortress

Image: North gate, Geumjeongsanseong fortress

Video: some views around city

Image: Moon is shining bright over the city

Flying in Asia, ranking of my preferences

2011-01-04T14:27:00.018+09:00

I am not frequent flier, but I always try some new airline. Flying in Asia is different from flying in European countries. First of all airplanes are bigger with more passengers and ticket prices are more expensive. It also seldom possible to check-in online as not many airlines and airports provide this kind of services. Yet, Asian airports are better connected with cities by subways and trains as they handle more people.

I came up with my personal preferences of the best airlines flying in Asia. Every time I try to use different airline, so now I can compare. What I value the most is ease of use – that seats are wide enough and soft, easy booking of tickets and check-in, smooth operation etc. What I don’t care is the food offered in flight. I am not flying to eat, but to get from point A to point B and airplane food is not healthy anyway. I also never tried airlines from Korea, Taiwan and Indonesia.

Top airline which I liked the best was Delta (former Northwest). Just for one reason – that their seats are pretty wide. Other airlines which come to my preferred list are Malaysia airlines and Thai airways. One can see that Malaysia airline is trying hard to win the customer – they bring bread and drinks after short intervals. I am not really into their food, but still I appreciate the service.

Image: This screen will tell where Makkah is, Malaysia Airlines

Not the best, but good experience was with ANA, Air China and China Eastern Airways. ANA is cheapest and I am using it often. ANA seats are narrow and also surface is hard, so it’s difficult to sit. Sometimes ANA is concerned about my visa of the destination country, even border control is not into their business scope. China Eastern Airways I liked slightly better than Air China, just China Eastern Airways don’t have booking system in English, just in Chinese and seats are narrow. Air China has online booking system in English.

Image: Boarding Air China jet. It was already 5th or 7th passport check in the airport. I am 130% sure that only those with right tickets got on the plane.

Next airlines which also provide good experience were KLM and Lufthansa. With KLM sometimes I flew old airplanes (on local routes), yet they have most liberal prices. One time we went out to airplane and other passengers were questioning among themselves if that aircraft will fly. But then flight crew was cheerful and if they were in such good mode, it seemed ok. Hope they can upgrade someday. Lufthansa has newer airplanes but I seldom can see their stewardesses at job but chatting at the back of airplane. Does Lufthansa need stewardesses at all ?

Airlines were experience was not so fully enjoyable were Cathay Pacific and SAS. Cathay Pacific operates around/from China. It was interesting that some passengers were walking around while airline took off. I was surprised and it was intense moment to see people opening luggage compartment, while airplane rises from ground. SAS flies to Copenhagen and has very strict luggage rules up till grams and what are they doing with things passengers have to leave in airport in hassle ?

Another thing which I noticed is that when trying to book Asiana airways or Korean air, is that it’s not possible to book flight earlier than 5 days before departure... System just don’t allow to book and says that day is too soon. I don’t know what I will be doing after 5 days really and I am not planning that far.

I mean its very subjective, other passengers might have different experiences. After all what’s most important for passengers is time.

Video: here I am enjoying flight out of Nagoya airport

Taking tran from Yokohama to Tokyo

2010-11-15T13:15:00.005+09:00

This is all route from Yokohama to Tokyo in just 6 minutes. I increased speed 3 times, which makes this train look like it is running at speed 300 km/h.

Video: riding it fast

Image: Keikyuu train waiting in Kawasaki station

Some years ago I posted similar video.

Climbing Fuji from Fujinomiya trail

2010-11-03T00:55:00.006+09:00

It was perfect and bright day. Not often in summer can get such a clear sky day, so I was rushing to mountain even a little busy that time. Views from mountain was fanastic, because of little cloud cover and sunny day.

Image: at the trail entrance

Fujinomiya Trail is mostly used for those who come from West side of Japan: Osaka, Nagoya etc. I tried to fit climb into one day, but failed. When returned from mountain, path was very busy so there was delays.

Video: some moments from climb

Image: look towards ocean

Image: crater of Fuji

Image: city is sleeping somewhere there, but for me long way down

Christmas in Hong Kong

2010-11-02T20:09:00.002+09:00

When thinking about Christmas what usually comes into your mind ? It's holiday time, so most of us will be returning home, sleeping and eating, browsing for Christmas discounts in stores, discovering that there is nothing on television, sleeping again and thinking when to get back to work again... Basically very quiet and slow time. That's not how you should spend Christmas - go to Hong Kong!

There - roads are closed for traffic, almost all people are out on the streets, songs and dances everywhere and surely many wishes of "Merry Christmas"! While walking around Hong Kong during Christmas Eve I felt being in completely surreal place. All performances seems to be spontaneous and coming from people's initiative. This is real Christmas Capital of the World! Recommended to visit for fun and interesting Christmas.

Video: some scenes from the street

Traveling from Japan to Korea by ship

2010-08-23T01:18:00.009+09:00

This was enjoyable overnight ferry trip from Japan to Korea. It was in the middle of hot and windless days, so even at sea I could not feel much cooler than on ground.

In the morning arrival in Pusan port, where nice views of port and city.

Image: leaving Shimonoseki port

Image: night scene on the sea

Image: splendid view of Pusan port in the morning

Access: Shimonoseki port is connected to Shimonoseki station by walkway. After arrival into port need to check in and fill some forms. After arrival in Korea next morning, there is 2 hours waiting time for unknown purposes. In Pusan, subway station is within walk from port. Busan station is next stop on subway.

Erawan Shrine in Bangkok

2010-06-01T01:48:00.001+09:00

Probably the most popular attraction in Bangkok. Inside some dancing ladies and musicians “on duty”. There can also buy set of things to pray. Always people and something going on.

Boats on Chao Phraya river in Bangkok

2010-03-14T00:19:00.009+09:00

This is one of the things I found very entertaining during my visit to Bangkok. These boats serve most of the tourists spots. Easy to take and ride, favorite transportation for locals and tourists.

Video: views from boats

Image: Boats are lifeline on the river

Image: Only one pedal and gearbox, look at the drivers seat

Image: Seems that boats run on some kind of bio diesel

Access: Skytrain BTB station Saphan Taksin

Sounds of Kuala Lumpur

2010-01-14T18:25:00.043+09:00

Traveling in Malaysia is relatively more easy if compared with travel in East Asian countries that I have visited so far. So, really not much to say or to note. I spent most of the time in Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur is capital city of Malaysia, which was estblished around 1850. It was only made capital city after independence in 1957. Now Kuala Lumpur is seat of government and has population of 1.6 million people. Compare with total population of Malaysia which is 28 million people.

Major attractions in the city are Petronas Twin Towers, KL Towers, Merdeka Square, markets, mosques, Chinatown, parks, museums, shopping etc. Tourist crowds are in KLCC shopping mall and Chinatown. There is limited access to Petronas Twin Towers for tourists and KLCC shopping mall is located below those towers. City is not that big, given time and effort can walk everywhere needed.

There is fast train from Kuala Lumpur International Airport for 35 ringgit. It takes about 30 minutes to city's main station. Airport is very well connected. For example, while going back it took me just 2 hours from getting out of the bed till time airplane was rolling on the runway. I thought I will be late, but airport employees function fast and efficient.

Train from airport will arrive at station called Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station. There can change to Rapid KL or KL Monorail for downtown or other destinations. There is a tourist office inside Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station. There can get some maps or ask information regaring travel.

Image: Kuala Lumpur, building which can be seen near Merdeka square

Image: Kuala Lumpur, traditional and more modern arhitecture

There are many accommodations around city. When contacted by e-mail, they are fast to reply. So really not hard to book room what one's heart desires.

Changing money is extremely easy. There are numerous counters around the city. In couple of those I have visited, there is no commission fee and selling/buying margin is low. Paper money has metallic stripe on right side so it is easy to spot if money is counterfeited or not. Counters operate all days of the year, if one is close can find another one nearby. There is a long list of currencies they can change.

Internet can be used in McDonalds and Starbucks. No need to pay just go on and access with own laptop and wifi card. Almost all McDonalds had internet. No worries.

Obtaining pre-paid SIM card is easy. Need to show some kind of document. There are numerous counters around city. I took Maxis which is biggest mobile phone network. Sometimes it's written HOTLINK or something on the ads. Need to top up when bought to use for first time. Another visible, but smaller network is Digi.

It is hot all year round, but Malaysian houses are built with hot weather in mind. Windows have special design to let air flow through the house. They also use air conditioners, but because of this wind there is no smell in the room when using air conditioner. I felt very comfortable. Night time is around 20C and day time 30C. There is occasional thunderstorms in the afternoon, but they pass after one hour or so.

Image: Storm have just passed over Kuala Lumpur

People are used to foreigners, so they are not anxious or think that every white person is American. I observed that more Europeans travel to Malaysia. I met some persons who had one or several family members working or studying in Europe. Many tourists in Malaysia come from Middle East, Scandinavian countries and Russia.

Malaysia is a Muslim country and many women wear headscarf. It is also possible to visit mosques at limited times per day, usually early afternoon. It's better to wear long trousers and not shorts, as locals do. I was wearing long trousers so I can visit any spot I want. Women have to cover head to visit mosque. Shorts are for the beach here, people dress properly when they are on the street.

There are some internet pages writing about crime in Malaysia. I felt pretty much safe. In places, where people are gathering through the city, can be seen police men or private guards. They are not just standing, but actively watching people and probably are ready to engage if something happens. Felt assuring.

Prices for everything is cheap in Malaysia, especially buses and taxis. Probably thanks to money Malaysia gets from selling oil, they can subsidize public transport and also police force.

There is another thing which is popular in Malaysia - bargaining. When going to street market, prices are usually not displayed. Let's take for example T-shirt. It costs 5 to 20 ringgit in super market, but seeing foreign tourist vendor might ask 2-3 times higher price. Now when vendor announces price, tourist wants to bargain. Let's say price asked was 45 ringgit, but tourist bargains down to 40 ringgit. Still its rather expensive, but tourist person might feel happy about being able to strike a bargain. Other side - seller is also happy because still he managed to sell that thing for 3 times higher price. Situation is pure win. Yet, I found bargaining very time consuming and I don't know all techniques of walk-aways etc. etc. So, I was looking for places with prices already displayed or what price locals are paying.

Image: Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur where tourists hang around

Everyone appears to be friendly. During first day I could not understand how to cross street safely. There were few traffic lights and they seem always showing red. Next day I tried to cross streets in the middle of the traffic. To my surprise drivers noticed me and drove around me. No honking or something. So, it's virtually easy to cross street of several lines almost at any point. People just walk like that. Some drivers stopped to let me cross the street even there was no pedestrian crossing. Anyway system works, because people are kind to each other. I saw even when they bump into each other while walking somewhere, they just smile. Thats how it is settled.

What I found interesting in Kuala Lumpur was sounds of bus engines. They are somehow different. I will give you idea with this video.

Video: sounds of bus engines and traffic jams

What else you need to know ?

I could not find soap in shops. Only liquid soaps are available.
Jalan means street in Malay.
Puduraya is a big bus station in Kuala Lumpur from there buses go to other cities and Singapore.
Pasar Seni or central market is place where to buy some traditional stuff if you like that stuff.
Terima Kasih means thank you!

Two flying videos

2010-01-05T00:53:00.020+09:00

Two flying video - one while going to Hong Kong and other one is while taking off from Hong Kong.

In the first video I am flying over Fuji on day before Christmas. It was clear weather day and Fuji was without cloud cover. Since airplane was about 9 km high there is about 6 kmm distance between Fuji top and airplane.

Video: Fuji from the sky

Image: Flying over stars

Second video is while taking off from Hong Kong airport. There was thick fog in the morning and I thought that all flights will be canceled. To my surprise our flight was in time.

Image: thick fog covers airport

Image: where are other airplanes ?

How pilot can take off because fog was so thick that at times it was impossible to see even wing tips. Not a time for even driving car on the road. I don't think pilot can see that center line on the runway to steer airplane. Luckily flight was eventful.

Video: taking off during fog

I mean I am not in that much hurry. I would have prefered for fog to clear before traveling further.

A new toy from China - laughing dog

2009-12-20T14:51:00.008+09:00

I don't know what it is but saw it in store. There is sensor in front of toy and when I move hand it triggers speaker. Toy rolls around with help if its "tail".

At the end bonus scene - singing bear, who hits his stomach with lamps while singing. He was singing lovely tune and standing with help of shelf post as drunk persons do when having difficulties.

Laughing dog toy

New Zealand's giant rubgy ball came to Tokyo

2009-11-08T14:30:00.006+09:00

It was part of New Zealand Tourism and World Rurby Cup 2011 promotion. In the background you can see Giant Rugby ball and people getting into it.

Inside big ball, happy tourism movie is projected on its walls. Idea and concept is really amazing. Also, all organization goes pretty smooth. I saw that many people gather everyday.

It was a bit too cold morning for Tokyo that day. Nevertheless, we were warmed by nice songs. Hear beautiful Maori language from the centre of Tokyo.

Video: Maori song performance

Image: movie is being projected on walls inside rugby ball

Image: looking up to light up Tokyo Tower

Hula dance

2009-10-21T18:58:00.004+09:00

This dance originated from Hawaii. There are many hula dancers in Japan - every self respected town has hula dance studio. Dances are often performed in town festivals etc.

Video: hula, part 1

Video: hula, part 2

High school student, singer and songwriter HALU

2009-10-14T17:23:00.006+09:00

Saw this wonderful performance while walking past Kawasaki station. It was very noisy in front of busy station with people passing and some were campaigning for elections nearby with loudspeakers.

Girl’s name is Haru and she is song writer and singer. I imagined that Haru could be Japanese version of young American singer and songwriter - Taylor Swift. One very beautiful song for your attention. This stong stuck in my head for several days.

Video: beautiful song from performance

It's in front of busy station, so sorry about noise and cuts in movie.

Tanuki eat cereal

2009-10-09T14:47:00.004+09:00

This is tanuki or Japanese raccoon dog. Here they come to eat food left by some people. Both tanuki appears to be couple. While one tanuki is eating other is looking around.

They are scared of people and run away when approached. I left camera nearby and moved away, which made them less afraid.

Video: tanuki couple having late dinner

Western Union in Japan and about money when traveling

2009-09-25T13:27:00.005+09:00

I was checking their website other day and noticed that service is not available in Japan. Please be aware if you are traveling to Japan. I used Western Union before and it is quick and good service for money transfer. Needless to say that is great help for travelers in emergency situations, when money can be transferred from friends and relatives at home.

Western Union not offering money transfer in Japan came as a big surprise. They have very extensive list of countries where they offer services – starting from Afghanistan and ending with Zimbabwe. I guess in Japan many people want to send remittances home as it is popular country for guest workers. I wonder what happened ?

Also I wanted to add that exchange rates in Japan are expensive in banks and foreign exchange counters. Depends from country where you start journey, but it is probably cheaper to change currency to yen outside Japan. When I travel I bring yen and then change in foreign country. Yen is accepted almost everywhere in the world.

In Japan, credit cards can be used in post office ATM machines (I tried and it works). Yet, I think travelers cheques is smart choice when traveling abroad. They can be recovered when lost and sometimes there is no fee for cashing them. I used to buy Thomas cook travelers cheques in pounds and cash them in Thomas cook offices in UK without any charge, whereas if I would have used credit card I would have to pay much higher commission fee.

Tateishi festa 2009

2009-09-08T14:46:00.013+09:00

This is Tateishi festa in Aoto district of Tokyo. This time they had some nice performances and also samba parade. As I understand many foreigners live in that area.

For your attention two songs from two performances I found interesting. First one is two string instrument from China called erhu or Chinese violin. It was good idea to have accompaning music on speakers.

Video: Erhu or Chinese violin

It's unusual to see country band in Asia, I think. This group warmed our hearths with cheerful bluegrass songs. Group has banjo, guitar, violin, mandolin and second banjo.

Video: country music band Upstone

Festival page is here in Japanese.

Young band playing near to Kawasaki station

2009-08-26T16:24:00.007+09:00

Band is called Theta and you can check their website here.

Video: one song from performance

Earthquakes

2009-08-14T15:17:00.011+09:00

While living in Japan can sometimes experience earthquakes. It’s impossible to get used to them, but with some years of experiencing them I got somewhat a bit less panic than initially (depending from building type where I am). There are various types – little ones and far away ones – they just shake or tremble, more powerful will have violent and long swings and most destructive will have up and down movements.

Its very bizarre feeling during earthquake, because everything moves. Buildings have cracking sounds (depends from type of building). I also noticed that most unpleasant place to be during earthquakes is in high buildings – above 10th floor. Then even small shake seems like crazy disco party. Other dangerous places are mountain sides – as there is risk of landslide and underground tunnels like subways – risk of being drowned if water enters tunnel.

Another aspect of earthquakes is that they are unpredictable. As I remember from middle strength earthquakes, first push was really powerful and then it calms down gradually. There is not other way in nature that earthquake starts calmly and then increases strength. But as I understand from literature, before super strong earthquakes there can be some build up period and several small earthquakes happen before super strong ones.

After earthquake happens there are 2-3 days when it sends aftershocks - smaller than initial earthquake.

There are several risks from earthquakes such as:
1. being hit by falling object – furniture, broken windows etc.,
2. fire, flood if dams bursts, tsunami waves
3. collapse of buildings, bridges etc.
4. chemical hazard from factories releasing poisonous gasses due to leakage, destruction, lack of electricity etc.

Not much is known about earthquakes. If builders were honest and used enough cement in construction, then building probably can survive most of earthquakes.

As I understood so far, biggest risk when destructive earthquake strikes big cities is from falling windows and debris. Glass fall from big heights (top of buildings), hits the pavement and ricochets into all possible directions. It’s actually safer inside building than outside, still need to stay away well away from glass.

One day I met man from Kobe on train in Yokohama. Totally stranger to me, but I started to talk with him and we got in our conversation to earthquakes. While traveling to Tokyo he was actually prepared for possible earthquakes and had items like torch, water etc. He asked me what kind of shoes I am wearing and I showed my hiking boots as I was just coming from forest. He said it’s a right type of footwear and then he mentioned about broken glass. So yeah, buildings with glass walls look modern and stylish, but can be dangerous during earthquakes.

So, if outside is not really wide enough open area to avoid falling objects, its possibly better to stay inside building when earthquake strikes. Pedestrians should seek shelter inside buildings. Also, should not use elevator, because when some shake starts elevators will stop and person would be trapped until technician arrives. Usually there is no way to manually operate elevator door. Also, should stay away from windows and be careful when using staircases after earthquake has passed.

It’s also good to note where are fire exits in the building. Similarly as it is done in airplanes, because with panic it’s not possible to think and take deliberate action. Good airline companies will make stewardesses to show passengers all emergency procedures and show exits by hand (not just carelessly show everything on blurry match box size seat screen).

Other occasions:

When in subway it is safer to be in front or last carriage as there is emergency exits and you can observe when staff is doing.

Being inside train is safe I guess, but should be very careful when getting off train after earthquake or train accident as electrical wires might be in contact with train body and when getting off train can get electrical shock. Basically should get off train when it is safe to do it.

Edogawa fireworks show 2009

2009-08-02T17:49:00.012+09:00

Summer in Japan means festivals, mikoshi, Obon dancing, beach, ice cream, watermelons, soft cream, surfing, summer kimonos, wooden shoes and fireworks! This is Edogawa fireworks show on river Edogawa, which separates Tokyo city and Chiba prefecture. One of biggest in Tokyo - 14 000 rockets shot in 75 minutes on sight of 1.5 million spectators watching from both sides of the river.

I am not extremely addicted fireworks fan, but I love buzz and festival atmosphere around it. Also, post about fireworks is absolutely necessary on Japan blogs, so here is my version.

Video: some moments from fireworks show

I should also mention that everything surrounding fireworks show is very well organized in Japan. When arriving at station there will be extra staff to handle huge number of passengers and also in town special staff is guiding people and organizing traffic.

Other biggest fireworks shows in Japan are – All Japan fireworks show - 30 000 rockets in Gifu city, Sumidagawa fireworks in Tokyo – 22 000 rockets from 2 locations and Nagaoka festival fireworks – 20 000 in two days. I have seen Nagaoka fireworks once and was pretty impressed.

Blogging festivities and ranking of best towns in Japan where to travel

2009-06-19T12:13:00.015+09:00

I have been blogging on blogspot for more than two years and now its time to look back and recall what’s happened during this time. Also, I will offer videoglobe.blogspot.com jubilee special – my very subjective view of best towns to travel to in Japan.

My blogging on blogspot have been great success – I was able to keep this place on internet for more than two years. Before this I rented domains in two countries, which involved some administrative annoyances etc. basically too much bothering. In contrast, blogspot is free and I don’t have to display any advertisements. Only disadvantage on blogspot in comparison to webpage is that I could not include some fancy design elements I would like to use. Yet, advantage of blog is growing community and that is relatively easy to see what is being posted and when.

I post mainly videos. Text and pictures just add missing information or something I could not include in video. If I have not used text in blog, I would have to narrate video, which would be too much time consuming. Since I use videos I have to depend on video sharing sites. It’s probably future of the internet, but now it’s a new thing. It is costly for video sharing sites to provide their services as video downloads takes lot of internet bandwidth. I doubt they are making profit, but they are working hard now to get market share for future cash flows. We all benefit from this competition.

Now that I have been to almost all prefectures of Japan (it took me much longer time than this blog), I will give my very subjective ranking of towns which I have traveled through and liked.

For selecting towns my criteria are very simple – interestingness, preserved historical or natural sites, ease and friendliness for tourists to navigate town, availability of places to “chill out” etc.

Here it is from top to down (from town I liked the most):

1.Nagasaki, Nagasaki pref – what I liked was feel of town, peace park, old buildings, nice restaurant avenue near pier, night view from Inasa hill, street car
2.Inuyama, Gifu pref – harmony of living town, beautiful castle, nearby Meiji museum (+), feeling of true Japan (was my top one for a long time, before I saw Nagasaki)
3.Shimonoseki and Kitakyushuu, Yamaguchi pref – historical buildings, ease of sightseeing, openness to tourists, uniqueness, engineering wonders – bridge, undersea tunnel
4.Hakodate, Hokkaido – hill view, old brick and wooden buildings, streetcar, undersea tunnel (+) – need to take train from Aomori
5.Kamakura, Kanagawa pref – temples and feel of town, street car with views on sea

Hmm, ranking pretty much covers all 4 islands of Japan, with two sites being on Kyushu island. I also liked towns in Shikoku - Matsuyama and Takamatsu.

Note - this is ranking of towns and not places or tourist objects.

I would love to hear comments about your favorite town in Japan, where travel to.

Image: Nagoya Catholic Church

Image: Kamakura temple

Image: Kamakura sunset

Yokosuka line - Tokyo underground section

2009-05-27T01:38:00.007+09:00

This is Yokosuka line, which travels along Tokyo bay. In middle part, it goes below central part of Tokyo in underground tunnel. Fast way to cross Tokyo with few stops. See what camera eye can see in the dark tunnel.

Video: front view, speeded up 2x

Steel Pan band

2009-05-09T20:34:00.017+09:00

Wonderful street performance by steel band consisting of 8 musicians called Pan Note Magic. I was moving around town called Machida, when I heard this really fantastic sound. People were also overjoyed and I was completely intoxicated by steel pan music.

Video: some moments from performance

I read that this musical instrument originated from Trinidad Island. It was made from steel barrel (one where you store oil) and perfected by several inventors during last 50 or so years, for example more notes and sharps have been added to initial three. Top of steel barrel is hit with hammer until it caves in. Then by using template, note areas are drawn on steel and each note area are grooved with small chisel. This allows one note area to vibrate seperately from other, otherwise neaby notes will vibrate togather. You can see in video, when I zoom into steel pan that there can be seen different areas inside steel pan. Finally, steel pan is tuned with hammer again - stretching note areas as needed. Instrument is chromed afterwards and gets this shining look.

Here another example of crazy steel pan (steel drums) playing in Japan at Narita Drum Festival in Alison’s-san blog (third video, they are playing variation of song Dollar Wine).

Yokohama Parade No 54 2009

2009-05-07T20:13:00.018+09:00

This is yearly event, therefore I believe number is 54. Parade starts in area near Yamashita park and then proceeds to Redbrick warehouses, turns there and comes to finish near Kannai station. I took video while standing somewhere not far from finish.

All parade lasts somewhere less than 5 hours and there are 46 participating groups, so its very long. There are large gaps between groups as they have to cross road with traffic (it is regulated with intervals). There was really a lot of policemen as you can see in video.

Video: some moments from parade

You can see scouts, brass bands, cheer girls, samba dancers, high school students, beauty contest winners, Korean school children, Peru musicans etc.

Homepage of parade.

Bonus video:
Yokohama Flower Art Festival

Video: see flower leaves lied down in mosaic

Yurikamome line in Odaiba

2009-05-06T12:23:00.011+09:00

This is Yurikamome line in Odaiba district Tokyo. This is automatic train line, so there is no driver.

Odaiba area is an artificial island (landfill). Tourists are usually brought there and its a must see place in Tokyo. You can see there a lot of space and new construction is going on.

Video: front view while riding around Odaiba. I speeded up 8 times

It is pretty expensive to take all this line. So, what I did - I took this line till the end while standing near front window with camera in hands and then came back to previous station with following train. In Japan there is no need to pay if not getting out of station. It means that I am enjoying the ride, but in the same time not going anywhere. I also did not see any conductor, but if they requesting to show ticket and ask what is your destination, need to pay adjustment.

Image: train passes modern buildings and vast meadows

Super typhoon Jangmi in Taipei

2009-05-03T19:38:00.016+09:00

This was biggest typhoon Taipei has experienced in 2008. Wind speed was assumed to be more than 227 km/h (it was fastest wind speed metrological bureau can record). Using umbrella - impossible because it breaks down instantly in the wind. Going out makes clothes and body completely wet - I looked like I have just returned from fully clothed swimming.

Video: typhoon in Taipei

I thought where it could be more fun to enjoy this typhoon on top of Taipei 101, which is highest building in the world and engineering wonder. No questions if I want to pay that high entry ticket again - I am going to enjoy this typhoon at maximum. Yet, disappointment came that Taipei 101 was closed because of typhoon. There was many tourists hanging around and it was pity a bit.

Also cafes and shops where closing, except for some convenience stores. I bought many cakes and drinks in convenience store to give my little support to brave business people. Another attraction which still kept working perfectly in these odd conditions was Taipei MRT - metro. If you work in Taipei MRT and are reading this, I wanted to say that you are employed by the best public transportation company in the world. I was impressed!

So, people were not on the streets and I guess everyone was watching TV. TV stations went live reporting about this typhoon. I returned to youth hostel, where other residents were sitting leisurely by TV. So, it’s good to be back in Japan and I am returned with flight next day.

Image: McDonalds embraces for typhoon

Image: All Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is my, my, MY!

Image: apparently there is a hole in the roof

Trip to Pingshi and Shihfen waterfall

2009-04-23T15:43:00.051+09:00

I am back in Taipei and two full days left in this country. Taiwan is beautiful and also surprising that there are many things to see and explore just outside Taipei. I am starting to explore Taipei surroundings with trip to Pingsi (Pingshi or Pingxi if you want to type this word in Chinese on computer).

It is easy to reach – on the railway line for direction to Hualien need to change to local train at station Ruifang. There can buy daily pass for Pingsi (Pingshi) line and also get some free map etc. Basically, it’s easy and fun to reach. You can see train coming to Ruifang station that’s where video starts.

Video: around Shinfen town and Shihfen waterfall

There are many small stations on Pingshi line and need at least a day as minimum to explore some part of this area. I got down at Shihfen station, where Shihfen (Shifen) waterfall is located nearby. Here is interesting that train moves trough streets of this town. Probably you got seen this scene in many brochures about Taiwan. Here I met three girls and lady traveling with and gladly joined their company for a half a day. In the video you can see we are inside station master office and he is explaining railway signaling on this line. Very kind man!

Image: Three Taiwan girls

This railway was built as coal transporting railway and later transformed to only passenger line. It is single track and trains can only exchange at Shihfen station. Whole ride till end station will take just 30 minutes. Token railway signaling is used on this line and tokens are exchanged at Shihfen station. For example for railway section from Shihfen station to Jington stations token with round hole is taken by driver. Driver is permited to be on the rail with token which corresponds to railway track section he currently is on.

Image: token is put into leather pocket and train driver is about to leave Shihfen station to Jington

Next to Shihfen waterfall. It has a lot of water, because of continuous rain previous night. Water drop is about 20 m high and I really liked energy of waterfall.

Image: Shinfen waterfall - you can see cloud comming from waterfall

Image: Smiling Buddha will meet you at the waterfall

On the way to waterfall near railway bridge, I came to one shocking encounter. I saw a dog without one front leg begging for food from passersby. Poor doggy I thought – must victim of some traffic accident. Then nearby – another dog... but without one rear leg. Now what are odds of an accident where one dog looses front leg and another – rear ? Could not even think.

Image: Life near railway

At the end of video, you can see sky lantern. Tourist booklet said that in the old days it was used as notification for safety or danger. Today tourists can buy sky lantern themselves and send it into sky. There is also Sky Lantern festival between Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival, which is around begining of the year. Here is one nice video of many lanterns being released on Comus-san blog. I did not try to send sky lantern, but I got this suveniour Taiwanese friends.

Map
Shihfen station is on left bottom corner (blue circle), Shihfen waterfall - on right top corner (green mark). On the way from station visitors centre and nice trail along river.

View Larger Map

At the end of day, I am traveling to the end of Pingshi line, which is Jingtong station. In the video you can see small mining train completly overed with small bamboo sticks with wishes.

Video: traveling to the end of Pingshi line

Next day super typhoon came and I could only stay in Taipei.

Getting information
Again this guide I bought about Taipei county was very good with small pictures and detailed maps (in Chinese). There are also nice small tourist brochures about Shihfen and Pingshi town, which can be picked up at tourist office (in English). And I came to know about this place through guide books in Japan (in Japanese) as it has some historical connection with Japan.

So now you know - if you have free weekend in Taipei, go and visit Pingshi.

Bonus video:

Video: Taking Pingsi train in rain and night

Chiba Monorail

2009-04-22T17:15:00.014+09:00

In video I am taking Chiba monorail from Chiba railway station.

Video: look from front window

I will explain more about this monorail with information from their homepage. There are 4 wagons in monorail train and one can hold up to 79 persons (42 sitting and 37 standing). Self-weight of wagon is 21 tons. Supplied electricity – 1500 volts. This train can achieve velocity up to 65 km/h and acceleration speed is 3.5 km/h per second. To give you an idea how fast it is – it will reach velocity of 50 km/h in about 15 seconds (compare with standard 20 ton trolleybus acceleration to 50 km/h – about 30 seconds). They also have equipped with emergency chutes (similar to those in airplanes) for extraordinary situations so that passengers can slide down safely.

Chiba monorail website claims that it is longest suspended monorail system in the world with total length 15.2 km. There are two lines, which goes out from Chiba station. At the beginning of video – I am taking line No 2, which has total length of 12km and then line No 1 – 3.2 km.

Here is Chiba monorail homepage. They are also working on the new design of this train. I also hope they will extend this line to keep world record - for example, it would be nice to take monorail to some nice beach...

Map
This is that big junction, just after leaving Chiba station. Here lines split.

View Larger Map

Yoyogi park musicians

2009-04-10T14:34:00.014+09:00

There are many videos on the internet about Yoyogi park in Tokyo, but I could not resist to upload my version.

I think this is one of most interesting things to see in Tokyo. Park only gets busy during weekends. As you can see in video many foreign tourists also enjoy performances.

Video: musical activities

Here are links to some bands I could find:
Bably swing singing girl and jazzy band
Loovee they sing at the beginning and end

Only sakura

2009-04-08T00:48:00.012+09:00

Could not resist to post some sakura (cherry tree) flower pictures and video. These moments I captured in Tokorozawa town, Saitama prefecture.

Video: closer look on sakura

Image: sakura just started to bloom. Some flowers are not even open

Image: another sakura

Image: riverside sakura tree

Bonus video:
While comming back saw group of people advertising new pachinko.

Video: funny marketing specialists

Kawasaki girl

2009-04-03T15:12:00.008+09:00

Some of music performers on the streets are really talented. Girl singing in the video has really good voice. You can also check artist's blog.

Video: two songs from performance

It’s just so cool to stand there and listen for a couple of minutes.

Kaohsiung to Taipei by train

2009-03-14T11:54:00.007+09:00

Here you can see how landscape changes. I also showing other rooms and lady selling lunch boxes.

Video: views from train window. Sorry about background noise - being bad tourist I am listening to laud music on earphones

Image: crossing Taiwan in 4 hours

When I arrived in Taipei I have finished circling the island. Still I have 2 full days left in country. Next day going to Pingshi town in Taipei county.

Anping tree house

2009-03-14T11:19:00.009+09:00

Interesting place, where house has grown into trees. These are banyan tree roots and they can grow like this - in the air.

Video: Anping tree house

It was old warehouse for a salt production company. Banyan tree roots have started to grow since 1935, when salt bags were stored. Late abandoned, grew completly into banyan tree roots and now is major tourist attraction. Place to take many photos.

Image: can feel a bit apocalyptic

Image: hey, let me out

Map:
House looks like a tree from the sky

View Larger Map

Around Tainan

2009-03-04T19:59:00.033+09:00

Today to Tainan, which is short train ride away from Kaohsiung. Tainan is port town and place, where most Chinese arrived into Taiwan island and then spread to other towns. Area around Tainan is vast plain without mountains.

When I just got outside Tainan station several men approached me and tried to sell their taxi and other services. They were circling around that it was not possible to walk. With firm actions and strong determination, I got away. There is tourist office outside station, where can pick some map or ask something.

Image: view on street in Tainan. Pedestrians walk under overhanging second floor. It provides shade against sun or shelter in case of rain. Every house has sidewalk at different level.

Also, when walking in Tainan I felt I am the most popular person in Taiwan, because all taxi drivers gave laud horn signals when seeing me. They probably believed that some kind of rich American tourist has landed in their town.

Here you can see one of central streets in Tainan. Do you think I walking through somebody’s kitchen or these are restaurants by the way ?

Video: Life is going on the streets in Tainan

First to see Chihkan tower, which is major tourist attraction in the town. I circled area several times and then saw organized entrance and ticket booth, which was encouraging to enter Chihkan tower grounds. Chikan made me smile, because in Japanese it means molester.

Image: Chihkan tower

It was built by Dutch colonists in 1653 and named Fort Providentia. Building itself got Chinese style feel and could not really tell it was built by Dutch. So, I assume it was probably rebuilt several times.

Video: Chihkan tower

Anping Old Fort - built by Dutch collonists in 1924 and initially called Fort Zeelandia. There is also tower to have look on surrounding plain and museum with various Dutch things displayed.

Image: tower inside Anping Old Fort

Image: small fort where once was shore line. Canons are also displayed there

Next to see Anpin tree house.

Other
This Chinese style graveyard located not far from fort. Some graves have photos displayed and I thought about similarity to Russian graves. Bigger huts appears to be small mausoleums.

These graveyards are different from those which I saw on East coast of Taiwan. They were mostly Christian style with small crosses.

Image: graveyard in Taiwan

Riding moped in Kaohsiung

2009-02-23T15:02:00.014+09:00

Basically if you think about transportation in Taiwan, it is mopeds (scooter). I also got a chance to ride. This wonderful experience togather with friends Jane and Melody.

Sometimes ride was a little bit scary, so I just closed my eyes and filmed. Now you and me can enjoy night time views from comfortable chair infront of computer.

Video: looks from the road

Image: what I have been told that should not leave Kaohsiung without sampling this desert!

Next day round the island tour continues to Tainan.

Around Kaohsiung

2009-02-19T13:44:00.018+09:00

In video, I am taking Kaohsiung metro. Offical name is Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit System (MRT).

I already liked Taipei metro, but Kaohsiung metro was even better.

Video: Taking Kaohsiung metro and street view

Image: Inside Kaohsiung metro station

Image: person who eats in Kaohsiung metro will cry

Here some other photos from city:

Image: This is tallest building in city

While walking around town I came upon this very unusual sight – dog in a cage. Dog was actually crying and sound was not bearable. I did not film, because I could not watch it afterwards. It seems that poor animal can feel its fate. Then how about other people living in this area, can they bear this heartbreaking sound all day ?

Image: dog in cage

Next ride around Kaohsiung on moped.

Five and more temples in Kaohsiung - Confucius Temple

2009-02-17T20:37:00.013+09:00

Finaly reached Confucious Temple, which is almost on the opposite side across Lotus lake from Tiger and Dragon temple. Temple grounds are realy vast.

Video: look around Confucious Temple, dancers inside temple grounds

Image: inside is beautiful

Image: Confucius temple grounds

Image: Confucius temple

I was already tired and said to myself - no more temples today.

Look from above here:

View Larger Map

Five and more temples in Kaohsiung - praying at the temple

2009-02-15T21:45:00.017+09:00

Maybe here I have to explain how to pray in Taoist temple. This is what I did with the advice from friends and temple employees. First, person who goes into temple should have some kind of wish or question to the God. It seems that people don’t go to temple just to pray or organize thoughts as we do in church, for example.

When in temple I bought golden money – it is a set of yellow papers of different sizes, eatable crackers and incense sticks. It cost 100 Taiwan dollars for the set. Then I followed these simple steps, which are used to get answer to question or prayer:
1. At the beginning, set of golden papers and everything is placed in front of main altar – there is big table in front of it – in the picture see A.

2. Now it’s time to burn incense sticks - totally fifteen. Need to light them so that all are emitting smoke (not burning) and then back to altar, have to get on the knees on the red mat and bend three times, while holding incense sticks in front.
3. Now should place incense sticks in various pots around the main altar and in two smaller altars. At the rear pot stick three sticks, three - in the pot on the table, three - in small altar to the right, three - in small alter to the left and finally – three- in the very small alter below central altar. It might depend from temple to temple, so it is good to ask somebody before doing this.
4. Then should pray again while holding two red wooden pieces, which are in the shape of moon.
5. It’s time to get some feedback – have to throw two red pieces in front on the ground. If they land on the opposite sides it’s time to proceed again.
6. There will be pot full with sticks with numbers – in picture see B, from which have to choose one stick and place on the table in front of altar
7. Now need to throw two moon shapes again. If they fall on the opposite sides two times it means that God says that number on the stick is right. If moon shapes fell on the same side, need to pick another stick with number and start over again from point number 6.
8. Now after everything is done, time to get answer to question or prayers – the main reason why person came to temple. There will be shelves with many numbers, need to pick paper from that shelf with corresponds to number on the stick. Then paper is given to a professional working at the temple to explain person’s question.
9. I listened carefully explanation. Even I didn’t understand Chinese; I appeared interested and listening carefully.
10. After official part is over, it is time to burn golden papers. Golden paper set which was left on altar at point 1 is taken and need to pray again while holding all set in front while being on knees on red mat.
11. Then should to go out to oven and burn all set. First should start with big papers and next proceed to smaller ones and then very small ones.
12. At the end, eat crackers and it’s done!

Video: it is not connected with above, but you can see burning of money there

Since I am also a beginner in Chinese culture, description might not be very exhaustive, but at least it is good to provide some information for the internet.

Next to Confucious temple.

Image: Looking at You!

New Year's Parade in Yokohama Chinatown

2009-02-12T12:14:00.011+09:00

Lunar New Year festivities in Yokohama Chinatown still continue one week after New Year’s Day. This time was interesting parade.

Video: parade

Image: dances on the stage were performed earlier during the day

Earlier I wrote about lion dances, which happened one week before parade event.

Asakusa and Senso-ji temple

2009-02-03T13:36:00.016+09:00

Pretty popular place for tourists. Buildings around this area has old time feel. There are also shops with pretty decent selection of souvenirs. Not to omit rickshaw ride for those who have a little bit more free time. I did not try myself, but prices were moderate if comparing to rickshaw ride in other towns in Japan.

If you are in Tokyo, it is a good spot to visit – show yourself and see others.

Video: sights around Asakusa

Image: inside temple yard

Image: Asakusa temple another side

Image: Asakusa rickshaw

It is also place where famous Asakusa Samba Carnival is held at the end of summer.

Other
Senso-ji temple has very nice homepage, which has pages in English.

Five and more temples in Kaohsiung - Yuan Di Temple

2009-02-02T12:09:00.012+09:00

Video: Around Yuan Di Temple

This temple is devoted to Supreme Lord of the Dark Heaven - God who can remove evil spirits and demons. His one leg is placed on turtle and snake.

Continue to next temple

Map:
This statue on Google map

View Larger Map

Chinese New Year in Yokohama Chinatown

2009-01-27T17:16:00.016+09:00

This time to the year Yokohama Chinatown is full with people that it is even difficult to move around. Everybody comes to visit temples, see lion dances and to enjoy meals.

Here I added two videos with lion dances on the first day of Chinese New Year - 26th January, 2009. Dances were performed by local school children and adults. In the red envelope is some money for lion as reward. I guess how much money is there inside depends from shop to shop - the bigger shop the bigger is amount they put in envelope.

Video: lion visits shops

Image: Chinatown gate

Five and more temples in Kaohsiung - Spring and Autumn Pavilions

2009-01-16T13:00:00.022+09:00

Next temple is really great - it looks like dragon. Can walk inside and it goes up and down. There are interesting pictures on the walls.

On the dragon - statue of Goddess - Kuan Yin. She is also known as Goddess of Mercy and worshiped in Buddhist world. In Japanese, Goddess is called Kannon or Kannon-sama to be more polite.

I just crossed street from Taoist temple and got into Buddhist world.

Image: look on the dragon from Chi Ming Tang

In the video you can see turtles and figures of storks. Both symbolize longevity in Chinese folklore.

Video: see pond with turtles and inside dragon

Next to Yuan Di Temple

Big dragon seen very clearly on Google map:

View Larger Map

Other:
While seeing dragons in Taoist temples one thing puzzles me the most - if dragons really existed ? If so why no traces or remains in fossil form could be found ? If they did not existed – what gave inspiration for ancient people ? Nothing can really be created “out of the blue”.

Five and more temples in Kaohsiung - Chi-Ming-Tang

2009-01-06T14:16:00.065+09:00

This temple was really big and judging by Gods worshiped there probably the most important. Chi Ming Tang means Temple of Enlightment. Sign in English at the entrance was very welcoming to see inside.

There are four floors in the temple. First is at the hight of outside oven, second floor has front altars (which you can see in video at the begining), third floor is semifloor between fourth and second, and has small inner yard with fountain and dragons. Forth floor is the main floor.

Video: follow me inside Chi-Ming-Tang

I did some research and will try to explain what can be seen in this temple.

On the wall of inside yard, statues of God of Thunder Lei Kung and his helper Tien Mu. God of Thunder is easy to recognize – he holds hammer and chisel. His assistant has mirrors and is creating lightning flashes during thunderstorm.

In the video, you can see dragons and fountain itself from this inside yard.

Image: God of Thunder and his assistant, right to left

Here I have to explain that in Taoism, both heaven Gods and canonized important historical persons are worshiped.

These historical persons could be for instance commanders of armies who won important battles, persons who had supernatural capabilities during their life time, scholars who made important contribution to religion and literature etc. Most of the Gods are from this category.

Image: dragons and pearl, above fountain

Next, I am going into a big hall on topmost - forth floor to see statues of more important Gods, who can give people happiness, wealth, health, success etc. These Gods are worshiped. Statues of most important Gods are located in the center.

Image: look inside upper floor

On the altar are small yellow plates with the name of God, statue represent.

Image: Statues of Shui Kuan (God of Water), Tien Kuan (God of Heaven) and Ti Kuan (God of Earth)

These three Gods have their own function - Shui Kuan averts evil, Tien Kuan gives happiness and Ti Kuan grants remission of sins.

Image: God's statue inside temple - Tai Shang Lao Jun

Upper part has decorative doors. On the doors drawings of Four Heaven Kings . They hold items or talismans, which allowed them to concur their enemies in the past, for example, mandolin – changed direction of wind, sword - caused tornado etc. As Four Heaven Kings are drawn on the doors, they can act as protectors of devine Gods.

Image: Kind holding mandolin - represents direction of East

Image: another King

Image: altar on the side

Image: drawing on the side of upper hall. I tend to think that picture on the right is for God of Examinations - Kuei Hsing

Other:

Image: drawing on temple wall - this picture is typical - scholar and assistant enjoying tea under beautiful scenery

Image: Flowers outside temple

Image: oven outside of temple to burn golden money

Next temple is Sping and Autumn Pavilion.

Google map:
Red roof on the left is main hall. Between both red roofs is dragon fountain.

View Larger Map

Five and more temples of Kaohsiung - Dragon Tiger Tower

2009-01-06T13:22:00.018+09:00

Today I am ready to experience some Chinese culture and I am heading to see temples. There is area near Lotus pond, where many temples are located. I could only manage to visit six of them. Every temple is different and need at least a day to explore this area.

Image: Dragon Tiger Tower - front look

First temple or pagoda is Dragon Tiger Tower. Pictures of these two pagodas usually can be seen in tourist brochures about Kaohsiung. When approaching temple have to fight off post card sellers.

Video: sights inside and outside Dragon Tiger Tower

Have to enter dragon and come out from tiger. Inside is donation box - after giving donation can receive small card with picture of pagodas, which is nice memory.

There were no other tourists inside pagodas. So, I was rushing to enjoy it in silence (yeah, major tourist attraction in Kaohsiung was just for me). See pictures and views from pagodas in the video.

Image: look from pagodas. Now no water in pond

Pagodas on the Google map:

View Larger Map

Continue to Chi-Ming-Tang.

Other:
Not far from temple saw this Taiwanese squirrel playing.

Image: Taiwan squirrel

Night in Kaohsiung

2009-01-05T13:16:00.010+09:00

I am in Kaohsiung, which is second biggest city and located on the Southwest side of Taiwan. City is in tropical belt so it’s warm all year round. Tourist guide said that there is a sixth-largest container harbor in the world and 35% of population is able to communicate in English.

Image: Love river during night

Love river promenade is the place where most tourists and locals hang around. I took a boat ride, which you can see in video. Beautiful sight and warm summer night made me overly melancholic.

Video: some sights in Kaohsiung. City is really trendy and modern. It has many things to see and enjoy

Other places shown on video are Urban square and shopping district. There is also pachinko as in Japan with sign pachinko in Japanese.

Image: Pachinko

As this was furthest point of my trip, I bought a telephone card and called home from public phone located right on the street. Distance is probably over 9000 km, but quality was superb – it was like talking in the same room. I still keep this telephone card as souvenir of high quality telecommunications.

Image: Fish statue with some small cloud (ghost?)

Next heading to Kaohsiung temples in morning.

Meeting New Year in Kamakura

2009-01-02T18:17:00.017+09:00

This is New Year’s Eve of 2009 in Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine in Kamakura town. Pretty cool event. I liked idea with television screen and everything - can enjoy watching some videos and advertisements before going into shrine and making this year’s wish. Comparing with last year in Kawasaki, waiting time at this shrine was very fast - partially because of good time we arrived. Crowds usually come before New Year and later - after people met New Year at home.

Video: midnight and morning

I was browsing food stalls with hopes to find lovely New Year’s Cinderella serving fried chickens, but nobody was into chicken business at this place. Only takoyaki, takoyaki which is not my field.

Celebrating togather with friends from Thailand - they can’t take too much cold outside. Later on, we slept on chairs in some café and went to watch sunrise at the beach. Sunrise was really fast and I could not capture first moments - when I got out camera, sun was already 30% out from mountains. On the other side was good sight on Fuji in the snow.

I thought my friends become small ice cubes in this cold, but to my surprise they were very genki after seeing sunrise.

Image: sun is about to come

Image: Konnichi wa!

It was cold, but New Year is New Year and it’s always cold this time.

Happy New Year and Happy Every Day!

Taitung to Kaohsiung by train

2008-12-29T13:26:00.012+09:00

Image: Train linking Taiwan in the South

Luckily after typhoon rail and train were still there. With slow train traveled to Kaohsiung. It was raining, but views from train were fantastic. Especially, when crossing mountain range.

Video: Taitung to Kaohsiung. Not much can be seen as it was raining most of time

In the train I was sitting next to Chinese lady who is living in Taitung. One good thing I observed in Taiwan is that people don’t miss a chance to talk with foreigners if they can speak English. She wanted to hear me speak something and then she said she knew I am not American. I let her to guess where I am from and she called many countries, including Austria*, but still she could not guess.

They are curious, but maybe sometimes a little afraid. World is really diverse – I hope I contributed a little to internationalization of Taiwan.

In Kaohsiung, I went to see a bit of night city.

Other
* Austria is sometimes missunderstood for Australia in Asia, because both names sound similar.

Walk around Taitung market and departure

2008-12-29T11:55:00.015+09:00

Next day weather cleared and it was pity to leave this town filled with sun. Taitung was last stop on the East coast and when crossing mountains to the West side I will be in Kaohsiung.

Streets were completely different from typhoon day and were really lively. I randomly walked around Taitung market. Even this town is so far from capital, I spotted Christian Dior and other brand shops. People really like brands, I thought and here they are not missing out anything from life in Taipei.

Video: Taitung market

Bus took me to Taitung station, which are some miles out of town. New station is in the middle of meadows and nothing much to do while waiting for train, so it’s time to do shopping.

Image: Another Taitung bus station. I got my bus to Taitung railway station from here. Sign says - mountain line

This mysterious fruit, which was sold outside station, captured my attention. I asked name of it and to obtain one. As soon as I was told, I forgot its Chinese name, but later at home I found out that in English it can be called - sugar apple. Taiwanese guy, who was selling fruits, gave me one for free (well, getting something for free doesn’t happen so often, right ?).

Image: sugar apple

He talked continuously, so I understood that he is trying to explain how to eat it. I encouraged him to communicate using gestures and what I understood is that it can be eaten while breaking in 2 parts and then using spoon or – another way - breaking peace by peace and eating with hand. It is really tasty and after one such fruit I felt really full.

Seller guy did not seemed to be one of those regulars at Christian Dior shop (fruits was really cheap). So, I gave him some money for fruits and nice explanation. It was first time I spoke with Taiwanese, even we could just communicate by using body language. I wanted to know more about their daily lives. Where do they live ? What they do for a living ? I assumed they live near to those big mountains, but are they all farmers ?

Video: Look outside Taitung new station. Wooden sculptures

Next train to Kaohsiung.

Other
There is just one bus per hour to Taitung station. It costs 22 NTD.

Typhoon day in Taitung

2008-12-11T20:24:00.026+09:00

Even typhoon was strong I could not enjoy warm hospitality of KFC for ever. I spotted 7 eleven and bought map in Chinese (see cover). Immediately asked staff – show me where I am. Now with reading road signs and following geometry of streets I could find one of hotels I spotted on internet. It was great relief.

Typhoon was really setting in, but at times there were periods of no rain. I got out of hotel and was enjoying sweet cakes in street cafe while being entertained with James Blunt songs. Cakes are like magnet for local stray dogs, but when given one they run away like devil from cross. Is their interest not gastronomical ?

The best place to see full power typhoon - is near ocean. There I met with police officers, who were not allowing curious spectators to approach ocean. Surprisingly came across two other foreign tourists. You can see them in video - they are even enjoying this typhoon.

Video: This is how it looks during typhoon

There was another unusual thing I saw in Taitung. On the street side, stage was set up on the opposite side to temple entrance and some performance was going on. But wait, where are spectators ?

Later I got to know that this is Taiwanese opera and they are singing for God. Good to see it.

Video: Taiwanese opera

It looks like all roles are played by women. Lady playing boy's role is singing in lower voice - falsetto. Actors seemed also a little bit surprised to see foreigner there.

Bonus video – musical garbage disposing truck.

Video: musical truck

Next day typhoon has passed.

Hualien - Taitung by bus

2008-12-08T16:11:00.027+09:00

After relaxing day in Hualien I was ready for more filming. Since, train line did not follow coast from Hualien to Taitung I choose bus. There is one direct bus per day as to my knowledge. Other buses go till border of Hualien County and maybe it is possible to catch another bus to Taitung about which I was not sure. (Japanese guidebook which I read in bookstore says there are 6-8 daily buses, but I could not confirm this)

Image: Next morning clouds cleared impressive mountains behind Hualien. I did not wanted to leave this town after seeing mountains

Image: mountain behind Hualien. Red building is bus station

I upload longer video with scenes outside window. This definitely it the most beautiful bus route in the world. No music just natural sound. See ocean, mountains and houses.

Video: scenes from window

From Hualien, bus was half-full, but soon most of people got out and we were a few people riding. Close to Hualien are nice penthouses and built up areas, but later on - simple houses.

Other passengers were local people. This time I could observe Taiwanese people closely. They talked language, which I heard first time and seemed not to notice me – I was just another passenger. Conversations were flowing enthusiastically in the bus that sometimes I was keen to jump in and talk, but I have no idea what is being discussed really.

Image: This is the bus I was traveling

This bus route crosses tropic of cancer line. So there is special monument to mark this place.

Image: monument marking tropic of cancer belt

As closer it got to Taitung, the less people were in bus. Soon I was only the one passenger.

After arriving in Taitung, typhoon became strong and I had my shelter in KFC (Thank you, KFC!). With tourist pamphlet in English and no signs around, I had no clue, where I have arrived.

Check next entry about my time in Taitung.

Kawazu Nanadaru seven waterfalls in Izu peninsula

2008-11-24T16:13:00.017+09:00

Interesting seven waterfalls located in close distance from each other in Izu peninsula. Each waterfall has its name and number.

Video: look at seven waterfalls

In the middle of video, sign which says - wishing rock can be seen. After insserting 100 en in box, can make a wish and then throw three small rocks one by one to attempt landing them inside area encloded by rope. If pebble lands inside rock, it means that wish will come true. Simple, isn't it!

Image: No 7 - Ou daru - the big waterfall, 30 m hight

Image: No 5 - Kani daru - crab waterfall

Image: No 4 - Syokei daru, 10m hight

Access:
Pretty long way from Tokyo. First by Tokaido line from Shinagawa to Atami, then change to line to direction of Izu Shimoda. Get off at Kawazu (Kawadzu). Then bus.

Night open air concert in Hualien

2008-11-11T17:12:00.030+09:00

Decided to post several songs from night concert in Hualien on the blog. It was very enjoyable event and I wish to share with my readers. Video is rather long - about 30 min, so it is splited into 4 parts.

At the begining were Taiwanese traditional dances. Surprisingly, music is somehow close to Malay or Indonesian music.

Some moments from festival performance. It is rather long video

Taiwanese dances were followed by performances of modern dance, which was really professional. I tried to zoom on artists faces, because expressions of their faces tells story itself. I recorded dance for you with Chinese motives.

Last tap dance troupe on the stage was fantastic. It was something new and it grabbed attention of the public.

Next day left Hualien to Taitung.

Around Hualien town

2008-11-11T17:09:00.014+09:00

It was really hot in Hualien. Town is not big, but it is spread over wide area. It is popular destination for tourists, who are going to Toroko gorge. I rented bicycle and kept getting lost all the time. I went around several areas in town looking for interesting things.

Image: Hualien street scene

Image: Local Mickey

Video from Hualien: street scenes, street market and night beach volley

Later in evening open air concert in meadow near art museum and library. It was one of best things I saw in Taiwan and really enjoyed that night.

After concert, I was riding bicycle back to hotel while being intoxicated with music from concert. Here are some night scenes just from the road.

Video: while riding night streets of Hualien

Taipei - Hualien by train

2008-11-02T10:11:00.014+09:00

I am leaving Taipei to travel around island by train and to see as much as possible from other towns.

Trains in Taiwan are different sorts and price also varies accordingly – have to pay extra for speed, but can save if taking slower train. While hanging around Taipei station, I bought Taiwan rail pass for about 1700 Taiwan dollars. Don’t know how much round the island trip would cost without pass, but probably combined costs could be about the same or even cheaper with local trains. So, with rail pass I enjoyed fastest trains possible to have maximum benefit of it.

Trip from Taipei un Hualien by train could be up to 440 Taiwan dollars for fastest and less for slower trains.

Here I will explain a little bit about Taiwan rail pass (see cover in the picture). From date rail pass is stamped and dated on front cover it is valid for 60 days and round the island trip should be finished within 15 days from first trip. Maximum allowed trips are seven. Once journey has started can not travel opposite direction or make repetitions. Important that before getting into train, need to go to ticket counter and reserve seat. Ticket person will write destination, train number, car, seat etc. on inside pages.

Trains in Taiwan are nice and entirely different experience from other countries – totally recommended! In video, you can see how landscape changes while going form Taipei to Hualien – there are cities, mountains and at times train goes very close to ocean. In the middle of video you can see island in the ocean. It is Turtle Island.

Video: look from train window on Taipei – Hualien route with natural sound in cabin

In middle of journey, sales lady moved around and sold obento – lunch boxes. Soon I heard everybody lunching happily in the train. There is also another lady who tours forth and back with big plastic bag – its garbage collecting lady. I enjoyed idea, even I had no garbage, I could see reason why trains are clean.

Image: this is a house I observed from train. One half of it is gone – construction ? But then there are bed, bottles and books standing on the shelves like somebody was living there and just went out to buy cart of milk. Notice how simple houses are built.

After arriving it is time to see a little Around Hualien.

Video: Here I am using ticket machine. Just to give you idea how to buy train ticket

Halloween parade in Kawasaki

2008-10-27T16:14:00.037+09:00

This scary event took place in Kawasaki. In my mind just one word (as in minds of other spectators) - sugoi (in Japanese - spectacular, surprising etc).

Masks were very interesting - some were scary, but some caused wave of laugh. There were masks based on game characters as well (I know because I visited Tokyo Game Show before). Some ladies gave candies to the children observing parade. No candies for me, but instead I got air kiss. :)

Video: Halloween parade

Parade was going around shopping arcades, but they had to cross big streets with traffic. That’s why parade participants had to form groups and wait for light to turn green. Between those big streets sometimes they had to run, that’s why you can see some participants running.

Image: make up here - a masterpiece. It was scary!

Image: impossible not to laugh

Other masks:

Image: scaring others is not an easy job

Image: after parade some masks were dropped and we saw participants

A Very Scary Halloween to You All!

Tokyo Game Show 2008

2008-10-20T19:34:00.037+09:00

Some moments I captured there. Time runs fast at Tokyo Game Show 2008! Costume players were most interesting and for some masks people actually lined up to take photos.

Video: costume players, booth girls, sayonara dance in KDDI booth, waving in Hudson booth, one song in another booth

These non-stop photo flashes are quite annoying for the eyes. My appreciation to the booth girls - its not an easy job!

Image: custome players - two of my favorite players

Image: Hey, we are Northon girls

Image: this girl was very good looking

Image: Come, come! and PRESS START

Other photos from the exibiton in slideshow:

Confucius Temple and Longshan Temple in Taipei

2008-10-17T18:52:00.018+09:00

Videos from two temples in Taipei – Confucius Temple and Longshan Temple (sometimes refered in Taiwanese maps as Lungshan Temple).

Video: ceremony near Confucius Temple

First, in afternoon to Confucius Temple. I don’t know what is going on there – some kind of ceremony. I can only keep wondering and film.

Image: interesting drawing on the temple wall. Also shown in video

Image: dragon sculpture

Image: in the small park nearby to temple

Other temple – Longshan, I visited during the night. It has really nice decorations, which looked somehow mysterious in the dark. I immersed myself into quiet music and mythical atmosphere of the temple.

Video: night time in Longshan temple

I really liked this place and I wanted to stay more, but at times I felt I am like a farmer right from the field – stomping dusty boots into clear waters of the spring. I could only appreciate devotion of these people and try to stay invisible as possible.

Image: front gate of Longshan Temple

Image: here is look inside. Picture below is look to the right from the same place

Image: table where people have brought fruits and other items for blessing

It was already late when I visited Longshan Temple. Next day leaving to Hualien.

Taipei 101

2008-10-16T15:59:00.009+09:00

I read somewhere on internet that this is currently tallest building in the world. There are observation floor on 89th floor – last or pre-last floor of main body, and then there is smaller house and antenna on top of it. According to guide I picked up in subway, Taipei 101 is 503 m tall and there are 101 floors. From both 89th and 88th floors big mass ball can be observed. It supposedly reduces building movements during strong wind, which I could not verify. Elevator there was really fast!

Image: Some views from Taipei 101 89th floor

I came back to Taipei 101 after one week when weather was not good - hoping for more spectacular views, but observation platform was closed due to typhoon. I hoped there will be discount as in Yokohama Landmark tower on bad weather days.

Image: Taipei 101 as it is seen accros half of city

Next to see famous temples in Taipei.

Other:
It costs 400 Taiwan dollars to go up to 89th floor.

Building on Google map looks like this. You can still zoom in.

View Larger Map

Look around Taipei and metro ride

2008-10-09T18:56:00.025+09:00

First day in Taipei is for a bit of history. So, I started with visit to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. It’s a mausoleum for previous Taiwan leader. A really vast space in the middle of city. I have not been to such places before, so scale of it surprised me. I am not interesed in politics, but I recommend to see once in Taipei. Inside of big white house is a museum. It appears they change topic time to time. This time theme was mammoths.

Image: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, front view

Image: mammoth inside Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Taipei traffic seems very chaotic. There are also so many mopeds, which are coming out of every street corner. In the morning, saw small and painful accident between two mopeds in the same place I am filming traffic. Luckily both persons were ok and after small chat later saw them continuing their rides. What I notice that moped riders are "early starters". That means they will start to move some second before red light turns into green. Confusing at the beginning, but can get used to it.

In the video, you can see look from bus perspective on Taipei traffic.

Video: around Taipei

Next to another Taipei "must see" - National Palace Museum. It was not allowed to take pictures inside, so I am showing only outside look. What I enjoyed the most was old Chinese calligraphy and old paintings. It gave small impression what life was in China centuries ago.

Image: National Palace Museum as it is seen from nearby park

It’s easy to move around Taipei with metro – Taipei MRT. I liked system with magnetic chips. These chips are reusable and therefore friendly to environment. They can not be damaged so easy in pocket as tickets. Can more cities in the world follow this example of Taipei metro ?

Video: taking Taipei metro

Next is world famous Taipei 101 and Taipei temples.

Other:
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall from the sky. This place is so huge that no need to zoom really.

View Larger Map

Around Taiwan in eleven days

2008-10-07T19:35:00.050+09:00

Next entries and videos are about trip to Taiwan.

I went to Taiwan pretty much on good luck. All information, I had is a wall map of Taiwan in English, which I bought at foreign book store near Tokyo central station. My big journey plan was to travel around island with train and bus and possibly visit and stay in more towns as possible. This plain map was not very good guide, but when in Taiwan I bought local guidebooks in Chinese as soon as I got into the new region. These were the best source of information.

Some towns had to be dropped from travel plan, because hotel booking proved to be difficult in smaller places. One reason was that hotels did not put out any information in English on their homepages and second - they don’t reply to e-mails (one hotel did!). Difficult to guess the reason, but I assumed then that not many foreigners travel in Taiwan. More foreigners can be seen in Taipei and especially in Taipei 101, which is major attraction of Taiwan. I opted for youth hostels, because English was understood there. Reservations in Taipei and Kaoshiung - two biggest cities, were ok, nice and easy.

It’s possible to walk in and ask for room in hotel, but then it is recommended to have printed major phrases in both English and Chinese. Then conversation with hotel staff is possible by pointing finger to appropriate phrase on paper. Conversations did happen nicely in such way!

People to whom I met said that they thought I am ether English teacher or an American on business in Taiwan. No, I am neither of them - I am just traveling and enjoying. Then some wanted to know WHY ? Why did I choose to travel to Taiwan ? Why whole of Taiwan ?

As in Korea, sometimes in Kyushu and this time in Taiwan, I observed my small diet – lunch in McDonalds or KFC and for dinner I bought plain bread in seven 11. It proved to be big success and plus extra benefit that I lost some weight. BUT! Even lunch at McDonalds was beneficial in many ways, after seventh or eighth day has passed, entering into and just thinking about going to McDonalds proved to be very difficult (impossible). Good to know that Taiwan also has MosBurger, which gave me much needed variety (they sell hotdogs!).

Other important thing what travelers should know is money exchange. I advise to buy all needed local currency at the airport, right after arrival. It is still possible to do foreign currency exchange inside Taiwan, but for not know reasons I was turned away from several banks, which had sign “foreign exchange” clearly displayed on their front doors. I was only able to sell foreign currency at offices of Bank of Taiwan (I entered other banks on purpose to find out if it’s really true). Besides finding Bank of Taiwan branch, filling form with address and telephone takes time. Every time I had to show my passport and cashier asked me various questions, like - what is my job ? what I do in Japan ? In one word – waste of time for a half a day!

Hotels cost around 500 TWD to 1500 TWD. For 1500 TWD can get true luxury. Those hotels 2000 TWD and above are for foreigners, local people don't pay that much.

Back to the trip – from Tokyo, airplane flew through edge of typhoon. It was shaking at times, but still was bearable. ANA airplane had front view camera, which was interesting to watch during take-off. It was not allowed to switch on when landing in Taipei for not know reasons, but when coming back and landing in Tokyo - views from pilots’ perspective were wonderful. Flying becomes more fun and fun, even ticket prices go up and up.

Video: some moments in airplane, we are passing close to typhoon, but look outside window is clear

When in Taipei, I bought ticket in airport and waited for bus to city centre. Here it is advisable to show needed bus stop on the map or plan to the driver, otherwise he will assume that every passenger is riding to the last stop and he will make shortcuts. (I guess how much driver sticks to route also depends from bus company. When we arrived - driver called that stop aloud and I was sure to be in right place even in night time)

That’s all what’s needed – some money and accommodation. Now, its time to see around Taipei.

Other:
Expat in Taiwan - probably has the best information about Taiwan in English language. I go some information from this blog before going.

Itinerary
1.Day - in Taipei, its good to spare one day in capital before going into country
2.Day - Hualien, train to, foreign tourists come to Hualien and its easy there
3.Day - Taitung, bus to, I wished for more days there to talk with people
4.Day - Kaohsiung, train to, here I took slowly and needed more days
5.Day - Kaohsiung
6.Day - Tainan, train to and back, could not find hotel, so reverse trip back to Kaohsiung, which is also my recommendation
7.Day - Taipei, train to
8.Day - Taipei, I really wished to spend more days in Taipei county

Trip to Kyushu

2008-10-06T15:20:00.038+09:00

This is diary entry about trip to Kyushu island in the south of Japan. From all Kyushu, I am especially eager to see three spots – Shimonoseki and Nagasaki, plus volcano – Sakurajima in Kagoshima city.

Shimonoseki is located near narrow straits between Honshu and Kyushu islands. Nagasaki is further away West and Kagoshima is in the far South. All these destinations are slightly apart and are different in some ways. It is noticeable that towns in north of Kyushu are favorite destination for Asian tourists, especially from Korea.

Places I visited on Kyushu map:

People in Kyushu seemed to be very talkative. I don’t know how much they can speak English; put probably it is best place to study Japanese. If going to Kyushu, get ready for some nice communication.

Itenary was as follows:
1. Day - travel from Yokohama to Hiroshima
This was massive train ride across half Japan. Early start from Yokohama at 5AM and all day long I was changing local trains. Trains are very well organized and after I got to the last stop of one, there is another waiting for next section. Most of cases just short walk on from platform to platform is needed. I counted in some delay of about 1 hour, but this time all trains were on time.

Small stop to see Akashi Kaikyo bridge near Kobe.

Video: train ride from Hiroshima to Shimonoseki

2. Day - Shimonoseki and Fukuoka
After night in youth hostel, train ride to Shimonoseki. Train goes close to sea and from it - nice view on sea and coast. Shimonoseki surprised me with many interesting places. At least one day is needed to enjoy a bit of everything.

Town on the opposite side of Shimonoseki is called Mojiko. Seems that both towns Shimonoseki and Mojiko are competing with each other for having more tourist attractions as possible – Shimonoseki has view tower and Mojiko has view tower, Shimonoseki has Meiji era buildings and Mojiko has Meiji era buildings, Shimonoseki has British double-decker bus – Mojiko has rickshaws etc. I crossed to Kyushu by undersea pedestrian tunnel.

Next to Fukuoka is about one hour away by train. Fukuoka has very good selection of hotels for reasonable prices. It’s a big city like Tokyo or Nagoya, so nothing much to see in the city centre. Many big shopping malls there and beautifully built up canal area.

3. Day - travel by bus to Nagasaki
Here is highway bus to Nagasaki. Also, going by train to Nagasaki is possible or taking bus to Kagoshima.

Nagasaki is more rural and traditional. There are many places to explore beyond guidebooks. It was also interesting Chinatown, which is different from other Chinatowns in Japan, because it’s natural and live town - people actually live there.

Not far from Chinatown are European style buildings. These are turned into museums and therefore very calm area.

4. Day - travel by train and ferry to Kumamoto

I arrived in Kumamoto and it was very hot like being in the hottest place of oven. Notice that very few people on the streets.

I stick to Kumamoto town only and here I saw Kumamoto castle and Suisenji gardens. One day is very much enough for those two. Here is good selection on hotels in this town.

5. Day - travel to Kagoshima by train
Here reaching furthest point of trip. During my stay there was Sakurajima matsuri with fireworks.

6. Day - Kagoshima
7. Day - travel back to Hiroshima

This day again massive train ride to Hiroshima. I stayed in interesting hotel in city centre. It was cheap with many rooms on my floor, but there were virtually no other customers. My room door had big gap in the bottom. If somebody wanted, he/she could bend down and see everything in my room. There was internet included and night was uneventful, so it was ok at the end.

Image: Hiroshima castle during night

8. Day - travel back to Yokohama

Left this interesting hotel in early morning. Again massive ride back to Yokohama, this time with stop in Kobe. It was really refreshing to walk around nice shopping malls and get breeze of sea wind.

Other
It was difficult to find where to connect to internet in Kyushu and I also forget to check if hotels have internet connection, when I book them. I was expecting some kind of access in hotel lobbies at least, but it was not the case.

Shimonoseki and Kanmon straits

2008-10-04T15:37:00.027+09:00

Shimonoseki is town at the very end of Japanese mainland. Kyushu can be seen just across Kanmon straits. It is busy shipping way and ships can be seen going continuously.

First I visited Kaikyo Yume tower to see from highest point what this town is all about. According to booklet I received at entrance, tower itself is 153 m tall, where viewing platform is 143 m high. Sides of tower is covered with 8 700 sheets of glass. On the top of tower is café with very nice view on Kanmon straits. Probably this café has the best view in Japan. Highly recommended.

Image: English style building and Kaikyo Yume Tower in the background

Video: Look from Kaikyo Yume tower

After seeing Kaikyo Yume tower I followed seafront area and moved towards bridge and came upon Akama Jingu.

Image: history can be felt while walking around Shimonoseki town

There are several ways to cross Kanmon straits. I choose to walk... in undersea tunnel.

Video: look around Kanmon straits

Image: Look inside tunnel. This line indicates border between Kyushu and Honshuu islands

Image: schematic outline of tunnel - yellow color is road tunnel, light brown - pedestrian, blue is water collector. Road tunnel is located above pedestrian.

Next to Kokura and further to Fukuoka.

Akama Jingu in Shimonoseki

2008-10-01T15:15:00.025+09:00

Akama Jingu is one of the most interesting shrines in Japan. Here I have to explain that word shrine or jingu in Japanese means worship place for Shinto religion, which is Japan’s traditional religion, and temple – worship place for Buddhist religion, which is more modern and introduced to Japan from abroad.

Akama Jingu is located close to Kanmon straits in Shimonoseki and it is even possible to observe ships going and coming from shrine grounds.

Image: Akamu Jingu, front gate

It was very hot day and I was hanging in the shadows of shrine for a while, enjoying silence of peaceful break between masses brought by tour buses. I started talking with shrine maidens in neat white and red dresses and received small pamphlet in English, which explains history of Akama jingu. Below I will give small summary of it for your information.

Once upon time or more precisely - 800 years ago, during battle of Dannoura between fighting clans of Heike and Genji, eight years old Emperor Antoku together with his men from Heike clan plunged into the sea and drowned in the narrowest place of Kanmon straights. During hollowing years, spirits of Heike clan warriors would haunt people around Shimonoseki – ghosts wondered around ships passing straights at night, swimmers were pulled under water and drowned. To appease those dead souls of warriors and young Emperor, Buddhist temple - Amidaji was built in present location, called – Akamagaseki.

After many years, temple was changed into a shrine. In 1940, shrine was renamed to Akama Jingu and was given first-class status shrine by government. Soon after that, shrine was burnt down during air raids. After the war, shrine was restored and finally completed in 1965.

Now after you have read the story, watch the video.

Video: Look around Akama Jingu

Google map showing location of Akama Jingu 赤間神宮:

View Larger Map

Click on map to see other places in Kyushu:

Kokura and Fukuoka

2008-09-29T01:33:00.016+09:00

Video: look around Kokura station and castle

Next travel to Fukuoka city. It was already late, but I manage to go to Fukuoka Canal City - big shopping arcade. From inside it looks like giant bee nest. On the ground are some sculptures on the water.

Video: fountain inside Fukuoka Canal City

Next morning traveling from Fukuoka to Nagasaki by bus. Views from road are fantastic. Notice that there are no billboards on this highway.

Video: bus from Fukuoka to Nagasaki

Next day I spent in Nagasaki.

Click on map to see other places in Kyushu:

Nagasaki

2008-09-18T14:59:00.032+09:00

After arriving in Nagasaki I instantly liked this city. No doubt it turned out to be most interesting of all Kyushu trip. First I went to see Nagasaki Peace Park and used these old Nagasaki trams to move around.

Video: Nagasaki tramway

Next to spectacles bridge, which is oldest arch bridge in Japan. If you look carfully in the photo below, bridge and its reflection in water is a little bit forming spectacles shape.

Even this bridge is so old it is in use today and cars can freely cross it. Around this area are also other interesting bridges.

Image: Nagasaki spectacles bridge

Next are views around Chinatown. First from new part, where are most shops located. Finaly look into European quarter in Nagasaki. These buildings are also original - they survived atomic bombing, because bomb felt on the opposite side of town.

Video: spectacles bridge, Chinese quarter and European style buildings

Image: Temple in China town

Image: Nagasaki Chinatown

Image: Men are playing table game. I did not ask how much are stakes

Image: Most of the things in Chinatown seems old and real

In the evening, just before dawn I took ropeway up to Inasa hill. On top is view platform from which is possible to see around the hill. One side has nice view on the town and other side - small islands scattered in sea.

Video: view from Inasa hill on Nagasaki

Image: look on the small islands from Inasa hill

Image: Sunset on the top of Inasa hill

Next my jounrney continue by train to Kumamoto city.

Click on map to see other places in Kyushu:

Shimabara railway, travel from Nagasaki to Kumamoto

2008-09-18T14:59:00.027+09:00

Video: travel from Nagasaki to Kumamoto

Lovely small train, which makes way through rural areas. Sometimes is possible to see the sea. But where is water gone ?

Image: train and sea

Click on map to see other places in Kyushu:

Kumamoto city and castle

2008-09-10T14:41:00.014+09:00

Kumamto is more inland and hotter as compared to other places in Kyushu. New bullet train line is being built here, so everywhere seems some construction going on.

After arriving, I noticed that many people were watching me (more than in other cities in Japan). You came to watch attractions, but sometimes you become attraction yourself – it’s just natural, I thought. So, I expected to see no other foreigner in town, but it was not true. There were other foreign tourists.

Kumamoto castle and Suizenji Jojuen Garden are two famous tourist spots here.

Image: statue infront of castle

Kumamoto castle is one of biggest I have seen so far. It was built around 1600 to 1607. Main tower burned down and the current building is reconstruction. Steep fence is surrounding castle and smaller towers around the perimeter are watch towers. They were used to look out for enemy approaching. One watch tower survived and is original, according to booklet I received at the gate.

Video: Some moments around Kumamoto castle

Image: main tower of Kumamoto castle

Image: from main tower is nice look on surrounding mountains and city.

Image: another look on the castle showing walls

Suizenji Jojuen Garden is Japanese traditional style garden. There are also turtles swimming in the pond.

Image: inside Suizenji Jojuen Park

Image: inside Suizenji Jojuen Park

Video: some moments I captured in garden

My journey continues to Kagoshima city.

Asakusa Samba Carnival

2008-09-03T15:05:00.011+09:00

This is the most, most interesting event in Tokyo. Samba dancers and masks walk along two streets in Asakusa district. It takes around 6 hours for 30 samba schools to walk by. I usually go to see this event.

Image: Samba parade in Asakusa

Image: Samba parade in Asakusa

This year it started to rain in the middle of the parade. I thought that parade is over with the rain, but to my surprise next samba school was coming out of the corner, like nothing has happened. It was not light drizzle, but really heavy rain. As you can hear in video, even speakers in the truck have electrical short-circuits. Despite of the rain, samba dancers were walking and giving sunny smiles for us - people standing with umbrellas on the street side. I can only adore those dancers for their passion and love for samba dance.

Not everything is on video, because I was trying clap and wave. Still some moments I captured for you.

Video: Samba Carnival - part 1 of 3

Video: Samba Carnival - part 2 of 3

Video: Samba Carnival - part 3 of 3

Azabujuban matsuri

2008-08-27T15:58:00.019+09:00

Pretty interesting matsuri (summer festival) in Azabu juban and Roppongi area of Tokyo. People in video dance Japanese traditional dance - bon dance. It was raining almost all day, but this place was under roof.

Video: outdoor stores selling food and bon dancing near Roppongi Hills

The cloth dancers are wearing is not kimono. It is called yukata and direct translation from Japanese means bathing cloth. Yukata is also weared after taking bath or hot spring (onsen), but these yukata, dancers wear, are more colorful and used for going out.

Image: Bon dancers dance around stage

Image: all generations enjoy matsuri

Here I wrote more about Roppongi Hills.

Kagoshima city

2008-08-18T11:37:00.025+09:00

Kagoshima is most Southern of big cities in Japan. It has around 600 000 inhabitants and lies on the same latitude as Shanghai in China. It’s warm till late autumn.

As I was starting from Kumamoto that day, access to Kagoshima was no easy one. There is bus from Fukuoka city, but not from Kumamoto. Shinkansen train is built and available from Kumamoto to Kagoshima. I choose local train and it took me 4-5 hours. Ride was one of most beautiful in Japan as train was going close to seaside and it was often possible to see people swimming.

Video: from train window while traveling from Kumamoto to Kagoshima

After arriving in Kagoshima, I notice how sky was blue. Usually in other parts of Japan it is cloudy or hazy in summer. Then there are a lot of monuments in the city, which is not possible to see in other Japanese cities. Most of these monuments commemorate events, which took place around 150 years back, when Japan tried to modernize technology and administrative system. For example, near Kagoshimachuo station can be seen monument for Satsuma students, who were sent to England and later knowledge they brought back was very beneficial for Japan.

Image: Statue of Satsuma students infront of Kagoshima station

Image: old fortification wall

Image: another monument for you!

Main purpose to come to Kagoshima was to see Sakurajima volcano. It can not be missed as it is seen from almost all parts of city. From some streets it looked like giant wall. Vulcano is considered to be active and when it last erupted in 1914 it spew so much lava that it covered other small islands nearby. I think volcano formed before people arrived here.

Video: View around Kagoshima city from Shiroyama park, street scenes and U-tram

Other things to see and enjoy is Kagoshima is:
- Traveling by ferry to Sakurajima to observe volcano
- Seeing Kagoshima City Aquarium
- Observe city from Shiroyama park
And other.

Click on map to see other places in Kyushu:

Nagasaki Peace Park

2008-08-09T11:29:00.014+09:00

First after arriving in Nagasaki, I visited Peace Park and place where atomic bomb exploded. It is called Atomic Bomb Hypocenter.

Video: walking around Atomic Bomb Hypocenter and Peace Park

Place to commemorate explosition center is area about size of a football field with some trees and is surrounded by roads and dwelling houses. On one side is located black monument, which indicates center of explosition and on opposite side is monument of mother holding child with date and time on it. There are some benches under trees, where I saw group of Japanese school children sitting and chatting lively. Only adults were quiet and came in groups to stand silently in front of the black monument.

Image: monument showing place where atomic bomb exploded

I read what information stand says - atomic bomb exploded on August 9, 1945, 500 m above this place. It killed or injured 150 000 people. It also says that people believed that this area would lack vegetation for 75 years. This indicates how little that time was known about radiation. I watched children and black monument again and thought - life is really powerful, even most murderous weapon can not destroy it. Pictures on information stand show destruction and death, but now this place is full with sounds of busy city and children’s voices.

Not far is located Peace Park. Centrally located is statue of a man with a raised arm. This statue is usually displayed in photographs about Nagasaki. There are also beautiful fountain, which symbolizes victims thirst for water. After bombing they endured burns and were asking for water.

There are also several other statues in the park. Overall idea, concept of sculptures and fountain in this peace park is very well done. If possible, more tourists who visit Japan should be encouraged to visit Peace Park. It is place to remember tragedy for all of us, for all of mankind.

Image: Scuplture in Nagasaki Peace Park showing mother and child

Image: bell in Nagasaki Peace Park

Here is other post about Nagasaki town.

Nagasaki Peace Park on Google map:

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Kagoshima City Aquarium

2008-08-05T13:15:00.009+09:00

Two videos from dolphin show at Kagoshima City Aquarium.

Very inspiring to watch dolphins in action. These trained dolphins know and can respond to 70 commands. Whats funny that two hieroglyphs of word dolphin in Japanese 海豚 means sea pig. Very intelligent animals I must say.

Video: Dolphin show, part 1

Video: Dolphin show, part 2

Other: Link to aquarium page in Japanese

Sakurajima island in Kagoshima city

2008-07-31T15:32:00.016+09:00

Sakurajima is active vulcano island close to Kagoshima city. Seeing Sakurajima was main reason why I came to this city. During first day Sakurajima vulcano was silent, but during second day it send some brown light clouds into the sky.

Image: Sakurajima from Shiroiyama view point

Image: Sakurajima can be seen from many streets. It looks like giant wall sometimes

In video, I am taking ferry from Kagoshima to Sakurajima. On last weekend of July, Fire island festival is celebrated with fireworks. Fireworks tries to resemble past Sakurajima eruptions.

Video: Sakurajima fire island festival

Google map showing location of Kagoshima and Sakurajima vulcano.

View Larger Map

Crabs

2008-07-01T15:02:00.012+09:00

I wanted to post video about crabs before, but there is difficulty to find crabs and it also takes longer time to stand infront of their house before they feel comfortable to come out.

There are many spieces of crabs and these on video are small in size. This was filmed on rocks near the coast.

Video: crabs eating and moving around

It seems that mostly crabs spend their time eating, fighting, eating again etc. They were so used to me standing and filming that did not run away when I tried to move away.

Image: crabs have well adapted to surrounding environment. This crab is difficult to spot

Image: crabs seem to eat non-stop

Image: female and male crab

Other: MSN encarta article about crabs.

Hawks

2008-06-17T11:25:00.004+09:00

Another day I was by the ocean and after long winter desperately trying to get some pigmentation under bright afternoon sun. It’s about time to enjoy some meal in this vast open space I decided. By holding food in one hand and chopsticks in another, I balanced myself on an old tree. All of a sudden, one hawk dived into my salad plate. Hey, that’s not fair! All I could notice was sound of scary, sharp nails, but they were useless to grab anything from macaroni salad.

Image: Sign warning about sudden attacks from the sky. When I saw this sign, I though that they are afraid of humans anyway. Who cares about this ?

Everyone is into Italian food. Do hawks really like macaroni ? What food they have for lunch ? I put salad on old tree to see what they will do with it.

Video: simulated hawk attacks. Please, never try this at home!

As you can see in video, there are many hawks on the beach and they are not afraid of people. They were even appeared to be interested in my book I was holding in hands. Only probable reason I can think of, why hawks are not afraid, is that they are being fed by the affectionate people.

Enjoying day at port

2008-06-16T20:17:00.016+09:00

Small video about ships coming and going into Yokohama port.

At port all economy is running before eyes - cars shipped to America, raw materials are brought from China and containers transported to Asia.

Video: ships at Yokohama port.

Image: Asia Symphony

Image: APL Philippines

Image: CCWI Arica

Bukou mountain near Chichibu town

2008-06-02T20:29:00.026+09:00

It is 1304 metres high and located near Chichibu town in Saitama prefecture. Good place for day hike out of Tokyo. Interesting that this mountain lost one half and become lower due to lime mining activities. Many factories line up one side of mountain.

Limestone is extracted in open mines, put on belts and transfered to factories. Probably all people who live in Chichibu and nearby villages work or otherwise is connected to this limestone mine.

Image: Bukou mountain as its seen from Chichibu town side

Image: Cement factory on the hillside

Trail is wide and not steep, but pretty long walk. Forest around trail is being very well kept (probably thanks to nearby mine).

Video: some moments from hike

On the top there are flat meadow with some huts and old temple. Highest point is flat rock from where it is possible to see all of Chichibu town and a little bit peek down into mine.

Image: temple on the top

Mountain on the Google map.

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Access:
From Ikebukuro station by Seibu railway till station Yokoze 横瀬 - which is one stop before last - Seibuchichibu 西武秩父. Journey takes around 100 minutes. From there have to follow signs 武甲山 or Bukousan. From top can descent towards station Urayama 浦山, which is on the other side of mountain and from there take train back to Chichibu town.

Zushi town, Fuji and HD video test

2008-05-21T15:39:00.025+09:00

We had small tropical cyclone over Tokyo area in the morning. After that sun came out, plus extra show - show covered Fuji.

First time, I am trying to upload videos in high definition from Canon video camera. This new service I discovered http://eyevio.jp/ allows direct upload in format run by video camera. So there is no need to convert to other formats. Quality is better than other video upload services. Video appears to be shaky since I did not use tripod.

Video: walking along the coast and visiting small shrine near sea

Here are also some photos.

Image: zooming on Fuji

Image: trees braving wind near coast

Shrine on the Google map. You can zoom it out for larger area.

View Larger Map

Autobahn in Seoul and Changdeokgung Palace

2008-04-20T17:49:00.027+09:00

I went to Seoul in the early days of April. Travel to Seoul in ANA airplane was pure luxury – there were almost no other passengers. I felt I am flying my private jet or I have chartered whole plane!

After airplane climbed to cruise altitude, I spotted Fuji just outside my window. It seemed so small from such height. I could easily spot my climbing route and rocks around crater. My heart rejoiced as seeing old friend.

Image: Fuji from airplane

Korea from sky is different from Japan – not so high mountains, many houses with blue roofs, straight roads, many factories etc. Just before landing I filled landing and customs cards. There was questions like do you have firearms, explosives, poisons, fake goods etc. These cards mentally prepare passengers that customs and border crossing is not an easy deal.

Border guard asked if I have friends in Korea. I replied that not yet and I am here to make friends... After official part was over in airport, I found myself in Korea.

Seoul airport bus
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Video: airport bus

I did not have any guide book or information about Seoul. Luckily I reserved hostel just before leaving Japan. Free Seoul map I picked up in hostel was my guide for next 4 days and it’s pretty well made.

First impressions about Seoul – everything in Korean and I could not understand anything, streets and shops reminds me China, small dust everywhere – on shop windows, cars etc. Also - people are very helpful on the street. It’s easy to approach anybody and ask for directions. Some people are even ready to help me when just seeing me walking with the map. There is also some danger – bikes and mopeds sometimes ride on sidewalk, so really have to watch and give way to them. Cars can take right turn on the red light, which is different from Japan.

First day program is seeing - Changdeokgung Palace and N-tower. Changdeokgung Palace provides just guided tours. Only tour in Japanese language was left for that day, so I got myself of Japanese tour.

Image: Changdeokgung Palace and N-tower in one picture. They are actually far apart

Seoul castle tour

Video: touring palace

When spotting me in Japanese tourist crowd, others probably thought – why this strange foreigner joined tour in Japanese language ? Thoughts running through my head were – I do not think I really left Japan or did I ? Changdeokgung Palace tour was interesting, but they did not show all palace. It is much bigger. Probably self-guided tour is the best (they are only on Thursdays from April to November). We spotted plum trees blooming and also some pupils who just graduated and came to palace for some kind of ceremony.

Next stop – N Seoul Tower. It is 360 m high tower above sea level for TV, radio, telecoms broadcasts with observation platform and restaurant floors. Tower itself is not high, but is located on the top of hill and could be visible from large area of Seoul. Around tower is park, where people go jogging and for walks. I got lost in those roads, so I had to take cable car to the top. I also have to mention that after dark there is laser show and moving images are being projected on tower wall. This all is accompanied with music. Pretty interesting place indeed!

Image: View from Seoul N-tower

Changdeokgung Palace from the sky:

View Larger Map

Other pictures and observations:

Image: Seoul during twilight

Image: Famous Korean food - topoki is being prepared in the street stall. Rice paste cooked with red pepper souce. Tastes very well!

Other:
What I liked about Seoul is that it’s very easy to go online – ether at paid or free wifi spot and what I disliked was air pollution and sand dust everywhere.

I should also mention that Korea is country where it's most easy to become millionaire - need just 560 euros, which is one million Korean won!!!

Next:
Trip to Suwon
Climbing highest mountain in Seoul area

Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon city

2008-04-14T14:53:00.026+09:00

During second day, visited Suwon city to see old fortification wall and some old castles. Suwon is within very easy reach with subway. In train, I noticed that some people carry big size luggage. What are in those big bags ? There were also people selling some stuff on train, which I found entertaining. They were good organized - when one seller left for next cab, other seller came. Image: Scene inside Seoul metro Suwon tour, I am starting with Hwaseong Fortress wall. Its a short bus ride away from Suwon station. Probably, the best way to explore fortress is to go clockwise. Walk starts with long uphill climb. It’s more like a park in this section - people running and exercising, others are having spring picnics etc. Very few tourists. Later wall goes into more urban area with houses and streets around. It is possible to see old houses inside and modern, tall buildings outside. Here I met more local tourists from Korea.

Video: Some moments I captured at Hwaseong Fortress. It starts with ringing of bell. It costs 1000 won for 3 hits and if you go there you should not miss it

Its very easy to walk around fortress wall. Whole walk with stops took me around 3 hours. See other pictures from wall. Image: Command and watch tower Image: yellow flowers were blooming this time Image: most interesting tower built on small river Image: wall continues into more urban areas There is also second, smaller castle in the middle of Hwaseong Fortress. It is also place where some Korean TV dramas with historical topics have been filmed.

Video: video from smaller castle in the middle of Hwaseong Fortress. It is called Hwaseong Haenggung palace Image: some of the exibits in the castle This place on Google map:
View Larger Map Access: Click here for a map.

Baegundae in Bukhansan National Park

2008-04-10T15:07:00.010+09:00

In this video I am climbing Baegundae (834 m) in international team with Ms. Precious from Korea and Satoru-san from Japan. Mountain is located in Bukhansan National Park, which was very easy to reach by subway. Path is very stony and is like walking on stairs. There were really many people, so sometimes we had to stand and wait before proceeding in some narrow places. Near summit, we also met two students of Buddhism from Israel and Czech Republic. Baegundae is very international mountain indeed.

Image: There were many climbers on the route. This scene just after leaving bus. Soon afterwards path splits into many directions

Video: some scenes from climbing

Image: Look from Baegundae. Some haze prevented from seeing far, but scenery around mountain was good. Seoul is somewhere nearby behind cloud cover

Image: Look from Baegundae

Access:
Subway line No.3 till Gupabal station and then bus 704. Actually most of people will be waiting for bus 704. Around bus stop place to shop for supplies.

Mihara vulcano on Izu Oshima island

2008-03-15T23:34:00.026+09:00

Izu Oshima is volcanic island 120 km South of Tokyo. It lies close to Izu peninsula and on clear day can be seen from Izu peninsula and sometimes from Shonan beach as well. It belongs to Tokyo actually, so I put it under Tokyo in blog.

In first video, I am going by hydrofoil. This hydrofoil is like an airplane, it even had airplane style safety card and individual life jackets. Passengers had to use seatbelts all the time, because in case hydrofoil hits large object like whale, it could send passengers flying in the cabin. Hydrofoil was twitched by waves somehow differently than boat. When it stopped in port, its nose dived down a little bit.

Mihara Oshima I
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Video: Going to Izu Oshima by hydrofoil

After arrival took bus to Mihara volcano directly from port. Mountain is not high - it is just under 800m. Last erruption here was 20 years ago, but small one. Today it is very silent. Below top, traces of lava flow can be seen as small canyons. Next to vulcano is wast field with long grass which looks like savanna. Savanna gradually turns into forest with small trees. In this forest I actually got lost a little, but its just part of travel - to be lost sometimes.

Oshima Mihara II
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Video: Some scenes around vulcano

Image: Small tori gate on vulcano top. One vulcano side has concrete access trail

Image: Looking into crater

Image: Look on vast lava field

Image: Savanna type field continues up to horizon

I did not see any supermarkets or 24h kiosks (konbini) on island. Maybe they were on other side of island. I had some food which I bought before coming to island. When traveling to remote islands, some light, but high calories food, is essential.

Access:
Tokaikisen ferry links to Izu Oshima. They have hydrofoil and night ferry. Night ferry takes one night to reach Izu Oshima, while hydrofoil makes it in one hour. Here is town homepage information about tourst attractions.

Saint Patricks Day

2008-03-10T21:42:00.011+09:00

This is Saint Patricks Day in Yokohama, Motomachi. Motomachi is cosy shopping district, which is built in Western style. They also sell many foreign things like cakes, chocolates etc.

Parade was small, but good quality. They had everything - dancers, brass band, acrobats, scouts, dogs etc. Parade went both ways on the street, so brass band is included twice (They are US Army Band).

I received booklet which explains in English and Japanese that on St. Patricks day (March 17th) people honor most important legends in Ireland - St.Patrick. He is guarding saint of Ireland. During 4th to 5th centuries St. Patrick spreaded, Christianity in Ireland. This day is national holiday in Ireland and is also celebrated in America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

StPatrick day parade
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Video: something from parade. Not everything I was able to capture.

Image: Everyone likes balloon girls

Image: Motomachi street were full of people

Almost sandstorm in Tokyo and plum tree flowers

2008-02-24T15:07:00.031+09:00

Strong winds blowing over Tokyo and yesterday clouds turned into slightly brownish color. It was amazing scene and people came out on the streets to look on this phenomenon. I have never seen clouds in such color before. Seemed that it will start to rain in any minute, but it was not close to that. All dust and sand on the streets has been flying and soon eyes become itchy. Wind was blowing from North - Northwest direction, which means that dust was heading from Tokyo towards the sea and was probably pushed up with warm ocean air.

Image: Looking from Yokosuka in South of Yokohama towards Tokyo sky

Image: This picture I borrowed from another flickr user CoCreatr. Now you can see how it looks when sandstorm is blasting around

It was much more peaceful in Yokosuka town, which is south of Tokyo and Yokohama. Here some plum tree flowers were already blooming in Taurabairin park in Yokosuka. This garden features some 2700 plum trees and just 75 000 daffodils.

I also received booklet from person siting in the booth in park. Here is map in PDF and link to guide page (in Japanese and I don't know person who maintains that page).

Image: Its too cold for plum trees to bloom, but some flowers are open

Yokosuka
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Video: Look from the hill in plum garden

This is look from Taurabairin garden last year.

Access:
From Shinagawa station with JR Yokosuka line (dark blue) till station Taura 1 hour then walk 25 min. Alternative - from Shinagawa station by Keikyuu line (red trains) till station Keikyuu taura 45 min and then walk 30 min.

Yokohama Chinatown

2008-02-18T23:56:00.012+09:00

If I would have free afternoon in Yokohama, where I would go ? One of interesting places is Yokohama Chinatown.

It is located not far from famous Yamashita park and Yokohama passenger port. After entering through decorative gates, it feels somehow different and lively. Many shops and restaurants, street vendors selling food and also giving free samples, tourists and locals buzzing around etc.

Chinese New Year
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Video: my walk around Chinatown during Chinese New Year. Notice decorations.

There are two big temples and following photos are from one of them.

Image: roofs of Chinatown

Image: temple decorations - dragon

Image: just before Chinese New Year Yokohama was blessed with snow. This is how Chinatown looked then

All of Chinatown fitted into this one picture:

View Larger Map

Access:
From Shibuya by Toyoko line (pink) 35 min till station Motomachi-Chukagai (Chinatown). Toyoko line turns into Mintaomirai line after station Yokohama. Althernative - from Shinagawa by Keihin-Tohoku line (blue) till station Kannai and then walk around 10 min.

Sunshine City

2008-02-17T13:03:00.010+09:00

View from Sunshine City tower in Ikebukuro area of Tokyo. Once this building was tallest in Tokyo. Now there are offices and shops to explore on winter days.

It was not so easy to find way to the top. I don't remember how I found, but elevators are located somewhere inside building. Special here - open air platform on the top.

SunshineCity
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Video: views from top

Interesting to see that tall buildings are located on big street sides, but inside are many small houses.

Image: Shinjuku from far distance

Image: Ikebukuro station

Access
From Ikebukuro station almost all signs and maps are pointing towards Sunshine City. It is also big shopping mall.

In Google map, I zoomed very close to the rooftop of Sunshine City. You can clearly see outside panorama platform. You can zoom out by clicking "-".

View Larger Map

Landmark Tower

2008-02-03T23:15:00.009+09:00

Today was snowing and I decided to go to Landmark tower. It is tallest building in Japan - 296m. Seeing clouds going by was interesting and now I know why people call tall buildings - skyscrapers. So this is what I saw from top to Landmark tower.

Landmark tower
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Video: Landmark tower and snow

Image: Landmark tower when looking from station

Image: Landmark tower when looking accross all Yokohama

Image: Landmark tower during clear sky day

Access:
From Shinagawa, Tokyo station by Keihin-Tohoku line (blue color) till station Sakuragicho, 30 min from Shinagawa station.

This whole area of Minatomirai on the Google map. With this you can spot places shown on video. Landmark tower is in the center and dropping big shadow to the right.

View Larger Map

Around Japan - sitemap

2008-01-30T13:07:00.039+09:00

Aichi prefecture
Prefecture which hosts Nagoya city

Meiji mura museum features buildings and feel of Japan more than hundred years ago

Midland square in Nagoya city

Chiba prefecture
Prefecture close to Tokyo on the East side

Yoro Valley in Otaki town

Ohara Hadaka Matsuri - popular naked men festival, went there in 2007

Trip to Nokogiri Mountain and Nihonji

Trip to Choshi town and Inobosaki Cape

Gunma prefecture

Street singers in Takasaki station

Kanagawa prefecture

Miura peninsula and coast - southern tip of Kanagawa prefecture

Tokyo
Capital city here are too sections - urban area and rual

Asakusa and Senso-ji temple

Roppongi Hills tower

Tokyo Midtown complex

Hiking close to Tokyo

Mihara volcano on Izu Oshima island

Mitake forest and shrine

Events here:

Other things:
Animals

Crabs - their life on Miura coast

Kagoshima City Aquarium - dolphin show

Hawks - on Shonan beach in Kanagawa prefecture

Parade

Transportation

Chiba monorail - hanging from above train

Yokosuka line underground section - view inside tunnel as train passes central section of Tokyo

Yurikamome line in Odaiba - also called traveling observatory - see line which serves popular weekend spot in Tokyo

Ofuna monorail - another monorail line. This serves Ofuna and Enoshima in Kanagawa prefecture

Street perfomers
Various musicians as seen near stations and parks

Yoyogi park musicians scenes from popular park near Harajuku in Tokyo

Kawasaki girl girl singing solo near Kawasaki station

Side trips outside Japan -
Hong Kong
Three videos from Hong Kong - Hong Kong sights, Wong Tai Sin temple, bus ride

Korea

Taiwan
Clickable map below

New Year celebrations

2008-01-03T22:23:00.001+09:00

In the video, you can see fireworks at Minatomirai area of Yokohama. They were short, but nice. After enjoying fireworks, moved to temple in Kawasaki city as most people would visit temple during new years night.

In temple was too dark to film and we had to wait more than hour to get in, during peak time - 2AM-3AM. There was really many people. Police took care of controlling crowd. People were allowed to approach temple after previous people have left. It was well organized, I must say. After coming out of temple, there are many shops open during new years night. Special food is sticky rice cake - mochi. We tried some spicy chicken. New thing this year - two booths were selling Turkish kebabs.

Image: people shop for typical new year food and other snacks

Image: chicken was popular during new years night

Temple on Google map, daytime:

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Skiing in Echigo-Yuzawa, Niigata

2007-12-28T10:55:00.000+09:00

Went to ski in Niigata prefecture. Early leave at 4 o'clock in morning to fit my trip into one day. On the way in Gunma prefecture, saw early morning frost on grass and car windows, but no snow. This year suprise again, because Niigata gets so little snow. Some slopes are closed and just biggest ones are open. Snow was icy, as you can see in video it was shaking like riding over potato field.

Image: weater was perfect to see all over Echigo-Yuzawa area

Image: from top of ski slope

Image: Taking a lift, very few people this time

Video: downhill skiing view, beginning is slow

Winter lights in Tokyo

2007-12-24T10:57:00.001+09:00

These photos I captured just outside Tokyo station, near Imperial Palace. If you look closer in photo, you could see drawings on candles. Those were done by pupils who live in Tokyo area.

Image: Candle latterns

Image: Some of trees still have autumn colors

Image: Entrace to garden

Video: candles burning

Yoro valley in Otaki town

2007-12-03T18:18:00.001+09:00

Yoro valley or Yorokeikoku is located in middle of Chiba prefecture. I arrived there in the peak of the autumn foliage season, so it was my most crowded experience outside Tokyo so far.

There are several hiking courses - longest is around 7.5 km and it goes on one side of river bank. Path will lead to Awamata waterfall. Some photos from this hike.

Image: Photoenthusiasts taking photos of train. This photo I took form front window of train

Image: Some of the rocks were impressive

Image: Inside Suigetudera Temple, which is located in the middle of hike

Image: Valley is beautiful in autumn colours

Access:
From Chiba to Goi station. At Goi change to diesel powered train to station called Youroukeiko. Journey takes around 1h from Goi station. Nice views from train.

Extra:

Image: While comming back, I saw girl playing keyboard infront of Chiba station. Later on she and boy with her started to sell recordings and give autographs. She smiled and shook hands with every customer. Group of other people including me were watching whats going on there. Here photos photos speak better than video.

Foliage in Japan - leaves in their autumn colors

2007-11-25T23:41:00.002+09:00

This foliage I observed in Oyama, Kangawa prefecture. Perfect day to see as far as Tokyo bay and Shinjuku. Since I already put video about Oyama, this time I will add just short video and photos.

Image: Look from Oyama - perfect day to see almost all Kanagawa prefecture

Image: Look on mountains

Image: Trees were light up

Image: Autumn foliage during light-up

Video: look from top of Oyama, winter look

Design Festa at Tokyo Big Sight

2007-11-19T14:21:00.000+09:00

Pretty interesting exhibition. Booklet I received at entrance said it is Asia’s Biggest International Art Event. Everywhere could feel very relax and democratic atmosphere. I spent most of time in visual arts hall, soaking into colors and shapes of this wild art event.

「DesignFesta2007」のビデオ
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Video: some moments I captured in exibiton

Image: Some of the arts exibited

Image: Artists worked also on the sight of visitors (those key holders on display were really nice)

Image: Horse - painter who made me laugh

Image: Some of arts were really interesting

Image: Painting created by hands

Miura Peninsula and coast

2007-11-09T13:11:00.003+09:00

Miura Peninsula is located South of Tokyo. Although it is close to Tokyo, it is not well known. There are interesting lava fields, which extends right into sea. Sea water, sun played with these rocks and turned them into various figures. No vulcano around there, so I really wonder how these lava fields were formed.

Image: Lava field which extends into sea

At the very end of Miura Peninsula is Joushima island. Following pictures are from Joushima island.

Image: Joushima island coast

Image: Interesting rock on Joushima island

Video: some impressions of Miura peninsula

Miura Peninsula on Google map:

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Tokyo Motor Show 2007

2007-11-04T11:45:00.004+09:00

This was most crowded exhibition I have ever been in Japan. Big crowd already formed in station and it took around 5-7 minutes just to get down from platform.

Exhibition was organized in all huge halls of Makuhari Messe plus exhibits, test courses outside. Mostly people concentrated in hall where Japanese cars were displayed. When I appeared there, I was pushed and thorn to various sides, because people were moving all directions and I just somehow managed to swim in the sea of peoples according to trajectory of Brown particle movements. It was a little more space and air in hall where were European and American cars. Some people came with small children, but I doubt that they could see anything and parents have to keep them on hands for safety reasons.

Image: Racing car from Mitsubishi Motors

At Tokyo Motor Show were exhibitors from 11 countries, although I spotted only those car companies, which are already selling in Japan. Exhibitors put up some shows, which usually involved movies on big screens (you could also see them in CEATEC exhibition as well). I think Volkswagen show was the best in this exhibition. I hear people going “ahhh” at times and must say – Volkswagen surprised me. They also allowed people to sit inside and touch all their cars. Staff were holding big files with data about Volkswagen cars and were ready to explain everything. Good job, Volkswagen!

Image: Pretty girl in the show

Japanese car makers put up video plus girls’ shows. They also had cars on display which were slowly turning on round disc. Speakers above respective car were blasting sounds of extreme overdrive gear changing.

Image: Volvo showed stair driving possibility

Volvo put emphasis on safety and they also got old Volvo car on display, which was very nice. Volvo was also only foreign company in hall for trucks, buses and bikes. Truck companies organized driver seat tryouts for those who wanted.

Image: Future vision truck from Fuso

Image: Lisboa - Dakar racing truck from Hino

Anyway I expected a little more from exhibitors – more interesting entertainment, shows, something creative etc.

Image: Suzuki show

Tokyo Motor show
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Video: Some moments from the show

Makuhari Messe on Google map. Compare Makuhari Meese with nearby stadium to have idea how really huge it is.

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