The
Modern Japan
21st century transportation, people, pop culture, cities and architecture
Japanese
Fashion
The theme of the album is... the same as the title suggests. Things
that probably everyone likes... only that some live in denial. Regardless
of location and sometimes even quantity, the idea is to have fun
finding things you can pack your memories and emotions into. Sometimes
without noticing what you're doing.
Japan
Train
Scenes of train stations that the people who live among them consider
a given. Convenient and fast with the looks and services of an airport,
Tokyo, and Japan in general probably has the most advanced rail
system in the world. And with a network so sophisticated that (
some may think "unfortunately"... ) you can travel directly
from platform to platform to any part of the country.
Tokyo,
Shibuya
Young and energetic entertainment, shopping and fashion district
with views everyone has seen at least once. Often the world debut
stage for music, movies, and games, vibrant and never boring.
Tokyo,
Shinjuku
The heart of Tokyo, Japan, and probably one of the most famous cities
in the world. A more adult version of Shibuya, shopping, dining
and entertainment district, and home of the gigantic and calm imperial
park.
Tokyo,
Harajuku
Trendy and cult fashion district for everyone who likes to be stylish.
World famous for extravagance in people and even food, and the number
of boutiques per square meters is matched nowhere else in the world.
Tokyo,
Odaiba, Tamachi, Tokyo Teleport
Another huge project of architectural wonders, populating the entire
Odaiba Bay. Home of the Rainbow Bridge, amusement parks, business
centers, clubs and the Fuji TV broadcast center.
Yokohama
South of Tokyo, with a population of 3 million people. A huge port
city with a gigantic collection of 21st century architecture at
the Minato Mirai complex. Also hosts many museums and parks by the
bay, and the main attraction, a sparkling gold, red and blue chinatown
catering to the entire Kanto region.
Literally.
Osaka
The heart of Kansai, and probably the second most important city
of Japan, Osaka is a one-of-a-kind modern merchant city with an
attitude. People speak kansaiben ( kansai dialect ) which somehow
has the same ring as their lifestyle... they are friendly, loud,
upfront, and like to live out things. Osaka is also the proof of
the fact that if you eat a lot of healthy food and don't stress
yourself, you'll grow up to be tall, cheerful and healthy.
Kyoto
Has been the capital of Japan for many times and thus it's well
guarding its cultural and architectural history. Offers more beautiful
temples and shrines than any other place, which now coexist with
the modern age centers in a nice blend.
Sapporo
The largest city and the prefectural capital of Hokkaido, it's a
place that the word spacious can describe best. Its geography is
unique to other cities as it was planned well ahead during its foundation
in the 19th century. Almost 2 million people come and go on the
gridlined streets to the gigantic shopping, dining and business
center around the train station in the north, to the entertainment
districts including Susukino on the south, and Odori koen in the
middle. Its most famous icons include the TV Tower, the Odori park
itself, the colonization-era buildings of Akarenga and the Tokei-dai
( clock tower ), the Sapporo Beer-en, Japan's first beer brewery,
and the view from Moiwa yama.
The
People of Japan
Slice of life portraits from the streets of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka
and more
Japanese
People
Slice of life snapshot portraits from the streets of Tokyo, Kyoto,
Osaka and other notable cities in Japan. Catch a glimpse of the
everydays of the people living in the country, get an idea on major
fashion trends, young people meeting up, people shopping for groceries,
waiting for trains, having fun at parks, festivals, in downtown
or the arcades... see traditional, cultic and extreme outfits, and
basically... just get a general idea on what it's like to be sucked
up in this part time social, part time crowded part time familylike
atmosphere.
In case you're looking for a penpal or friend in Japan, click
above to visit JapanZone.
Japanese
Fashion
The theme of the album is... the same as the title suggests. Things
that probably everyone likes... only that some live in denial. Regardless
of location and sometimes even quantity, the idea is to have fun
finding things you can pack your memories and emotions into. Sometimes
without noticing what you're doing.
Japanese
Parks, Gardens and Nature
Remote escapes, natural landscapes, classic and/or practical in-town
green islands
Japanese Gardens
Some are wonderfully well maintained little escapes within the city,
some are several hundred years old places of worship. But in fact
most of them are both.
Noboribetsu
Japan is world famous for its bathing culture and spas, and within
Japan the most famous attraction is definitely Noboribetsu Onsen.
Located deep within a volcanic mountain range is the tourist center
with nothing but hotels, spas, restaurants and shops catering to
the people arriving from all over the country. The water is supplied
from the nearby natural hot springs, visiting its origin is an attraction
itself. Only about ten minutes away from the center you are already
deep within Jigokudani ( Hell valley ), and not much further you
can see the active volcano Hiyoriyama and its lakes, Oyunuma and
Okunoyu, all of them offering views on nature you'll never forget.
Nikko
The nicest place to get faraway yet stay close. Two hours north
of Tokyo, with world heritage Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines
surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and the forests of the
Nikko national park.
Kyoto,
Arashiyama
The northwestern area of Kyoto, with its own train lines leading
to an unbelievable district of Buddhist temples, bamboo groves,
hillside gardens, Shinto shrines and the colorful atmospheric facilities
around the stations catering to the visitors who arrive from all
over Japan.
Kyoto,
Kurama, Kibune
The cute twin valleys hidden on the northernmost of Kyoto offer
an unforgettable walk by Kibune river, with classic ryokans ( Japanese
inns ) and restaurants built in complete harmony with their surroundings,
and a traditional onsen ( hot spring spa ) in Kurama.
Tokyo,
Komagome, Rikugien
Rikugien, beautifully maintained historic traditional Japanese gardens
and strolls displaying famous scenes in all seasons. Located in
Komagome.
Kamakura
A popular field trip destination with lots of historic temples and
shrines... of which none are covered here. Since it's also at the
ocean-side with a well-equipped beach offering views you just can't
catch deep inside the mainland.
Tokyo,
Shinbashi
Shiodome is home to the recently completed project the SIO-SITE
with 21st century high-rise apartment complexes, hotels, media broadcast
centers and malls. At the Tokyo Bay end you'll find the Hama-Rikyu
gardens with breathtaking views.
Tokyo,
Yoyogi
In between Shibuya, Harajuku and Shinjuku, home of the Meiji Jingu
shrine and its surrounding gardens, as well as the Yoyogi park,
the Yoyogi stadium and a colorful lot of people visiting.
Tokyo,
Ueno
Travel back to the 20th century to see more relaxed but somewhat
late scenes of Tokyo. Ueno park is home to many museums, galleries
and a zoo, while the Ameya Yokocho shopping arcade gives you an
idea of the old fashioned downtown markets.
Tokyo,
Nippon Budokan, Kitanomaru Koen
Huge park in the heart of the city, only minutes away from the Imperial
Palace. Home of the Nippon Budokan national martial arts hall.
Historic
and Ancient Japan
Age of places of the past, Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, castles
and palaces
Kyoto,
Arashiyama
The northwestern area of Kyoto, with its own train lines leading
to an unbelievable district of Buddhist temples, bamboo groves,
hillside gardens, Shinto shrines and the colorful atmospheric facilities
around the stations catering to the visitors who arrive from all
over Japan.
Nara
Also a past capital, probably the No. 1 destination for school trips
for its calm strolls of historic sights. Has the second highest
density of temples and shrines to Kyoto, but being one tenth in
size is much more relaxed. Most famous for the Daibutsu Den ( hall
of the great Buddha ) and Nara Koen ( park ) which takes up the
entire eastern area. Filled with deer walking about freely, not
paying you attention unless you possess shika-senbei crackers.
Nikko
The nicest place to get faraway yet stay close. Two hours north
of Tokyo, with world heritage Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines
surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and the forests of the
Nikko national park.
Buddhist
Temple, Shinto Shrine
See a digest album on only Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples from
all around the country. From the places of worship tied to exceptional
natural scenes to local spiritual havens under the shadows of modern
Tokyo skyscrapers, these scenes have been present in the country
since ages and are bound to remain there for a couple more, for
they are in fact as popular amongs all kind of people as they've
ever been.
Japanese
Lanterns
An excerpt from many albums to showcase both traditional paper and
stone lanterns. One of the things you'd never notice to be of such
importance until you travel far away from the country and start
to miss them.
Pagoda
Another excerpt from the collection this time on the graceful design
of pagodas. Mostly seen at buddhist temples, these unmistakingly
recognizable icons watch over the coutyard of many well known historic
sights.
Japanese Architecture
A more general album ( thus probably overlapping many previous ones
) that gathers many scenes from places that still give off the (
more than ) thousand-years old traditions of human meddled stone
and wood.
Kyoto
Has been the capital of Japan for many times and thus it's well
guarding its cultural and architectural history. Offers more beautiful
temples and shrines than any other place, which now coexist with
the modern age centers in a nice blend.
Narita
Narita is not a part of Tokyo, in fact it is about two hours away
by train if you don't pay for the express. But nonetheless well
worth a visit by everyone for its relaxed countryside streets and
alleys. Home of a beautiful, large Buddhist temple-complex on Narita-san,
and a tourist-oriented but cute all the same main street.
Tokyo,
Akasaka, Akasakamitsuke
Home of Hie Jinja ( shrine ) and its famous torii, or shrine gates,
that lead up to the top of the hill. Mainly a business center with
an atmospheric entertainment and dining district for the nearby
residents - thus somewhat close to Roppongi in feeling.
Tokyo,
Yoyogi
In between Shibuya, Harajuku and Shinjuku, home of the Meiji Jingu
shrine and its surrounding gardens, as well as the Yoyogi park,
the Yoyogi stadium and a colorful lot of people visiting.
Osaka
Castle, Central Osaka
The most famous historic sight in Osaka, the Osaka castle stands
right in the middle of the city, equally far from the business complexes
and the busy station of Umeda ( North Osaka
) and the unbelievably vibrant entertainment districts of Namba,
Ebisubashi and Dotonbori ( South Osaka ). It's
surrounded by its own huge park and is neighboring the Osaka Business
Park.
Tokyo,
Asakusa, Azumabashi
Home of Senso-ji temple, Asakusa shrine and the Azumabashi bridge,
the most famous historic views of Tokyo. Also the ideal place to
buy classic souvenirs and see a wide variety of tourists.
Themes
and Icons Japanese Some selected photos that we found to be interesting when
put aside each other
Tokyo
Tower
The most famous icon of Tokyo, overlooking the city in all directions,
offering a perfect view on how vast it actually is.
Tokyo,
Ginza
Elite and somewhat snobbish shopping and entertainment district,
mainly for wealthier audience. Hidden in the smaller streets you
will find all the necessary scenes and stars for a movie about a
never-existed Tokyo.
Jitensha,
Bicycles in Japan
Bicycles. Infiltrated human society for ages and keep on prospering.
Advice for people who don't ride one, don't try to evade them, they'll
evade you.
Japanese
Bridge
Both traditional and modern examples on how to pass over rivers,
roads, other bridges, houses, cliffs or just about anything. Made
for trains, cars, people or simply just for decoration, beautiful
and functional mirror images of the trends in architecture.
Otaru
Only half an hour away from Sapporo, an ideal place to go out hunting
for ( interesting ) food. Its main attraction apart of a large number
of kani ( crab ) and fresh sushi restaurants is the seaside where
a colonization-era scene is photographed by thousands of tourists
each day. The canal and its surrounding buildings bring up a feeling
of the 19th century... Germany.
Osaka,
Shinsekai
Shinsekai means New World, which conveys its purpose of being built
as a new age entertainment and dining district... back in 1969.
It strictly stayed the way it was. Now it's an amazing retro area
with great dining, an ideal place to see how ( depressing ) the
architecture was back then. But most importantly it's the home of
the famous icon of Osaka, the Tsutenkaku tower.
Tokyo,
Akihabara
For those whom this name rings a bell no introduction is needed.
For those who don't know, they probably shouldn't go there. The
world center of Anime, Manga, Games and electronics with a strong
pushover style.
Tokyo,
Shimokita
Hidden on the map but known to everyone who cares, the south gate
exit opens to streets with the best shops for high-school age and
young adults. A likable guide for fashion, music, books, clubs,
and independent theaters.
Tokyo,
Ebisu
Home of Ebisu Garden place, a recently built very stylish looking
shopping, dining and business complex. Less busy than the neighboring
Shibuya, and hidden around the huge station the streets showcase
some of the best clubs and restaurants.
Tokyo,
Kanda, Ochanomizu, Jinbocho
Scenes from Jinbocho, or "Book Town", and its more relaxed
surroundings, of universities and students in Kanda district.
Tokyo,
Odaiba, Tamachi, Tokyo Teleport
Another huge project of architectural wonders, populating the entire
Odaiba Bay. Home of the Rainbow Bridge, amusement parks, business
centers, clubs and the Fuji TV broadcast center.
Tokyo,
Nippon Budokan, Kitanomaru Koen
Huge park in the heart of the city, only minutes away from the Imperial
Palace. Home of the Nippon Budokan national martial arts hall.
Shinkansen
to Kyoto
En route to Kyoto encounter some of the most beautiful landscapes
of the country as a comfortable real-time slideshow. Views include
Fuji san ( mount Fuji ) as well as some typical countryside moments.
Travel
Tokyo and Japan in real life Pictures
Stumble It!
