Fushimi Inari and its 10,000 bright vermilion torii gates are one of the most famous tourist places in Japan. Despite the beautiful pictures you see of it when there is no one there, this video is more representative of the crowds. And this was during the slowest tourist season!
Tokyo Skyline from Sumida River
You can take a public or private cruise on the Sumida river. This unusual view of Tokyo was taken while heading toward Asakusa on a private cruise.
Stating the Obvious – Riding Escalators
The Japanese seem to want to be absolutely sure you have instructions in all situations. So in case you are unclear on the concept of riding an escalator, this banner found in a Tokyo subway clarifies it for you. We’re just not certain if you are required to gender separate as shown on the illustration.
Kimono Forest
This unusual display of Japanese textiles can be found in the Arashiyama station in western Kyoto. Originally a temporary display, it is now permanent and includes hundreds of different patterns displayed in clear, plexiglass housing. Designed to reflect the nearby bamboo forest, these fabrics are lit from within in the evening to create a beautiful path of color.
Asakusa Pavilion
While the Senjo-ji Temple complex can be a cacophonous mess due to tourist crowds, you can still find a moment of visual reflection if you seek it out.
Classic Cookies
The Japanese bring local food as gifts when traveling (the practice is called omiyage), so you will see shops and stands with individually wrapped food throughout Japan. This stand offers some pancake-like cookies in a variety of sizes and box configuration, all beautifully packaged for gift giving.
Today’s Tokaido Road
The Tokaido Road was one one of the primary routes between Kyoto and Tokyo during the years when daimyo were required to travel to old Edo (Tokyo) bi-annually to pay obeisance to the Emperor. Today, one of the remaining sections of the old road is found in Hakone. While part of the road is paved, the towering cypress trees still stand to guide the path of the modern traveler.
Shinjuku Entertainment
Watch some Japanese video right on the street of this electronics store in Shinjuku.
Open in Hakone
The tunnel entrance to the Hakone Open Air Museum gives a glimpse of the art awaiting you in the expansive museum filled with contemporary installation art and sculpture. It features both Japanese and western artists and is often a highlight of a trip to Hakone.
Gion at Dusk
The lights for tea houses and restaurants softly illuminate the classic wooden buildings on a Gion, geisha district, side street.