Japan Photo Guide

Kawasaki is about a 20 minute train ride from Tokyo Station and is between Tokyo and Yokohama. I was only there for about half a day, but to be honest, I wasn’t too impressed. I guess to be fair though, half a day really isn’t enough for anything except for a first impression. Kawasaki has a population of over 1 million, but to me it feels like it is smaller. Kawasaki is not as trendy as some places in Tokyo, it still has its share of “Tokyoesque” architecture, shopping centers and so on.

If you are just visiting Japan for a limited amount of time, Kawasaki should probably not make your shortlist of places to see in Tokyo/Japan, but if you are living in Japan, there are two reasons why you might wanna check out Kawasaki: Kawasaki Daishi and something that is probably not safe for work, Kanamara Matsuri (The Steel Phallus Festival 金まら祭り).

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My buddy Greg has been playing around with some of his photos of Japan in Photoshop. If you like Japan, and like photography, which you probably do, otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this, it is worth checking out. Just thought I would share. Click the photo or the link below for unwatermarked goodness.

Moshi Moshi: More Photoshop Phun by Greg Logan.

Before I had ramen in Japan, I thought ramen only came in the form of “almost tasteless instant ramen” that costs like 30 cents for a single bag. I had no idea how many different kinds of ramen there are(Sapporo and Fukuoka quickly come to mind as two of the most famous kinds) or exactly how delicious ramen can be. If you go almost anywhere in Japan, you will find tons of ramen ( ラーメン ) shops and probably will get something decent at most places. That being said, I have decided to share with you an excellent place in Ikebukro, Tokyo, Nakamoto with their spicy ramen, or I think they call it “tantan-men.”

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I already wrote about Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, but when I went last time, the wholesale part was closed and I only took photos in the consumer market. Unfortunately, from April 2008 the market has apparently restricted tourist access during the peak hours and for the Tuna auctions and only allow tourist in certain areas, so I went in March to get some photos…By the way, I have heard that they have not been too strict so far, anyone recently go? If you have been since April 1st, please leave a comment about your experience…

After going, I understand why they want to stop tourist from coming as no matter how hard I tried, I always felt I was in the way. I went with a friend of mine and he probably saved my life a couple times because the workers drive this mini reverse forklift things around and don’t seem like they would stop if you were in the way… Especially since they might not always be paying attention!


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Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the most famous and popular places for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in Tokyo. The park itself is huge and literally has thousands of cherry blossoms trees, and a few different kinds. It might even be a little too big as I felt like I didn’t really know where to go; however, truth be told, it doesn’t matter so much where you go as I am sure you can find something to your liking.

I am a pretty big fan of Yoyogi Park and after visiting Shinjuku Gyoen, I think I still prefer Yoyogi, but I was really happy I went to see the cherry blossoms there. See more photos and read the rest of this entry »

Since I was across the street at Chidorigafuchi, I decided I might as well stop by the controversial Yasukuni Shrine. Why is it controversial? In a nutshell, this is a shrine dedicated to all those who died protecting Japan during times of war and according to the Official Yasukini Shrine Homepage:

Currently, more than 2,466,000 divinities are enshrined here at Yasukuni Shrine. These are souls of men who made ultimate sacrifice for their nation since 1853 during national crises such as the Boshin War, the Seinan War, the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese wars, World War I, the Manchurian Incident, the China Incident and the Greater East Asian War (World War II). These people, regardless of their rank or social standing, are considered to be completely equal and worshiped as venerable divinities of Yasukuni.

So again, why all this controversy? See more photos and read the rest of this entry »