More Trips

Korea6 April 24


Japan10 November 23


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Korea5 November 22


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Cape Otway April 21


Japan9 October 19


Frangland July 19


Korkong April 19


Japan8 October 18


China4 April 18


Japan7 October 17


Taiwan4 March 17


Japan6 October 16


Europe May 16


Japan5 November 15


Korea2 March 15

Even More Trips

HongJapWan March 2014
Sichuan March 2013
Tokyo3 October 2012
China2 August 2012
Japwan March 2012
China November 2011
Korea September 2011
Taiwan March 2011
London3 June 2010
Japan May 2010
London2 February 2010
London September 2009
SE Asia December 2005

Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Page 5

Day 13 - Thursday, 8 November 2018

Island hopper

Flying from Naha to Fukuoka on an ANA Boeing 767

After an uneventful flight I am in Fukuoka. The airport is about here is about 3 subway stops from the city centre, you could walk it. I would if I were leaving from here but I am not, instead I will take a train to Nagasaki and fly out of there, which is a very long walk.

The weather here is grey, but that is meant to change tomorrow, I had zero rain the entire time I was in rainy tropical Okinawa.
Enough about the weather, let talk about my hotel, thats a super exciting topic.

My hotel here in Fukuoka has a massive room, is dirt cheap and has breakfast included. I dont think it belongs to a chain but it is called the 'Hotel Hakata Nakasu'. The check in staff had zero English but that wasnt really a problem until I asked if breakfast was included, at which point I was escorted to the bathroom.

Taking it back a step. My flight today had no school kids, but Naha airport was full of school kids. Thousands of the little bastards, all going back to Tokyo. Japanese kids basically just travel around on jets. They were creating chaos in the airport just like in Tokyo. I wanted to fight them.

I got to Naha airport too early but that was fine, the check in line was long and then there was a coffee shop with no seats. Me and everyone else buying coffee was wondering how to manage our bags and our hot coffee and hordes of screaming school kids. I did better than the guy that emptied his entire black coffee over his work mates shirt. Furious bowing ensued.

My flight today was on an aging Boeing 767, although that might be a good thing, as the BRAND NEW 737 max that crashed the other day in Indonesia now appears to have crashed when the Boeing computer interpreted false signals form the Boeing sensors and pitched the nose straight down into the ocean!

It is rare for me to fly on a 767, there are zero left servicing Australia on either a domestic or international flight. Compared to modern planes they seem luxuriously spacious, 2-3-2 seating. Thats enough plane nerd.

I need to hurry up and post some sort of half assed witty description for my boring pics from today as I have a lot of steps to get this evening.

Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - My flight wasnt until lunch time and from the city to the airport in Naha is just a couple of stops on the awesome monorail, so I had time to wander a

My flight wasnt until lunch time and from the city to the airport in Naha is just a couple of stops on the awesome monorail, so I had time to wander around and stare at everything that was still shut and annoy the thousands of cats.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - I was mildly disappointed I had missed this outdoor food court place, it has at least 20 little restaurants to choose from. It was very hidden away of

I was mildly disappointed I had missed this outdoor food court place, it has at least 20 little restaurants to choose from. It was very hidden away off the main street.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - The covered shopping streets were dark, mysterious and abandoned. Darker than this photo conveys.

The covered shopping streets were dark, mysterious and abandoned. Darker than this photo conveys.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Japanese graffiti is generally written in English. Just as non American rap music is spoken with an American accent. Racist.

Japanese graffiti is generally written in English. Just as non American rap music is spoken with an American accent. Racist.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - The market was kind of already open. But nothing going on. I found a secret staircase to the secret upstairs eating area. Cats were waiting for me to

The market was kind of already open. But nothing going on. I found a secret staircase to the secret upstairs eating area. Cats were waiting for me to let them in!


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - I do not understand how this market survives, or how its open 18 hours a day.

I do not understand how this market survives, or how its open 18 hours a day.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - There are thousands of cats to keep you company. They all seem quite happy, slightly murderous. Do not turn your back.

There are thousands of cats to keep you company. They all seem quite happy, slightly murderous. Do not turn your back.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Not all parks in Japan are nice! I presume these guys are scaring away the snakes that have been allowed to regroup over the long summer months in the

Not all parks in Japan are nice! I presume these guys are scaring away the snakes that have been allowed to regroup over the long summer months in the long grass.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Naha airport has an observation deck where you can take a photograph without glass between yourself and the view. Happy times!

Naha airport has an observation deck where you can take a photograph without glass between yourself and the view. Happy times!


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Here is the line of school kids for security. It took forever. They were not on my flight but I presume the flight they were on was as horrific as the

Here is the line of school kids for security. It took forever. They were not on my flight but I presume the flight they were on was as horrific as the one I shared with school kids a few days ago.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Here is the view from my hotel room. It is right in between the two main stations of Tenjin and Hakata. Hakata is where Hakata ramen comes from, which

Here is the view from my hotel room. It is right in between the two main stations of Tenjin and Hakata. Hakata is where Hakata ramen comes from, which is the most popular style in Australia due to Gensuke and Ippudo.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - And here is my hotel room. It is comparatively huge.

And here is my hotel room. It is comparatively huge.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Last photo today, I especially kept these 3 ticket stub things to highlight Japanese inefficiency. Each of them is a boarding pass. As you can see, I

Last photo today, I especially kept these 3 ticket stub things to highlight Japanese inefficiency. Each of them is a boarding pass. As you can see, I was issued 3 at various stages of the long winded process. At each of the check points they were all scanned, stamped or manually entered into the computer. The best one was after I sat down on the plane they again checked all 3, just after checking all 3 at the door as I got on. I believe I can solve the labour shortage in Japan, there are roughly 5 times as many staff as required doing this stupid paper shuffling. They can be redistributed to be nurses.


Christmas light hysteria in Hakata

When a department store turns on their xmas lights, its a really big deal

In Fukuoka its the battle of Hakata versus Tenjin for adjacent shopping and dining area superiority. Tonights contestant, Hakata.

The two areas of Fukuoka are less than a kilometre apart, each has its own attractions. For Hakata it is definitely the JR Railway station, and as I found out tonight, the christmas lights, or as they are called in Japan, 'illuminations'.
As I approached the station I could here cheering in the distance. Once I got to the corner I could see tens of thousands of people. But why were they there? At this point I had no idea.
I pushed my way through the crowd, climbed up and around and I was still none the wiser. I assumed one of the pop-star groups with 45 girl members was about to induct a new member and to celebrate they were going to show everyone their underpants, this is the usual reason for a crowd in Japan.

Eventually I decided to give up waiting for something, anything to happen and I ascended to the roof for a different view and then the basement for my predictable ramen. It was only when I came back outside afterwards and all the lights were on that I realised everyone crowded in to see the lights get turned on. Silly people. An hour later and there was hardly anyone there.

Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Fukuoka also has many canals and walkways along them. This is the one near my hotel at dusk. As you can see, still grey, but really warm, I was regret

Fukuoka also has many canals and walkways along them. This is the one near my hotel at dusk. As you can see, still grey, but really warm, I was regretting wearing pants this evening.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Its all coming back to me now, here is a long covered shopping street that leads to CANAL TOWN, the giant mall with the ramen stadium on the top floor

Its all coming back to me now, here is a long covered shopping street that leads to CANAL TOWN, the giant mall with the ramen stadium on the top floor.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Tonights cat photo. I saw real cats but they were less willing to pose for me than the Okinawa cats.

Tonights cat photo. I saw real cats but they were less willing to pose for me than the Okinawa cats.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Hakata station, why are all those people hanging over the balconies?

Hakata station, why are all those people hanging over the balconies?


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - What the hell is this crowd for? There doesnt appear to be anything to look at other than each other.

What the hell is this crowd for? There doesnt appear to be anything to look at other than each other.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Even from above I have no idea. I pushed my way to the front of the people crowded onto the balcony. How many people is it structurally rated to hold?

Even from above I have no idea. I pushed my way to the front of the people crowded onto the balcony. How many people is it structurally rated to hold? I pondered this and then decided to go somewhere else.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Here we have the view from the roof, a rare thing, they normally allow you on the roof but then block the view completely. Its really only half a view

Here we have the view from the roof, a rare thing, they normally allow you on the roof but then block the view completely. Its really only half a view, you cant look down, and the railing gets in the way. I had to heavily crop the photo that was otherwise more than half taken up by the rail.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Have a bit more roof view. My hotel is down that street somewhere.

Have a bit more roof view. My hotel is down that street somewhere.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - The roof also has a small train that runs around it, and a 'train shrine'. Now I dont know what the train shrine is for, but theres a big plaque on th

The roof also has a small train that runs around it, and a 'train shrine'. Now I dont know what the train shrine is for, but theres a big plaque on the wall with about a thousand names on it. Did they all die on Japan Railways? Thats too many names. Maybe its the employees that worked more than 100 years on the railways (Japanese people live a long time).


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Here I am in the basement, waiting for my Ramen. I had reason to be excited.

Here I am in the basement, waiting for my Ramen. I had reason to be excited.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - GOD FIRE RAMEN. They have the same thing in Melbourne. So now I dont know if it was the same brand store as Melbourne or if God Fire Ramen is an actua

GOD FIRE RAMEN. They have the same thing in Melbourne. So now I dont know if it was the same brand store as Melbourne or if God Fire Ramen is an actual thing. The stuff that makes it god fire came out on a separate plate rather than already mixed in and the guy warned me. Pffffft, I added more chilli, chilli oil. It still wasnt particularly spicy.
My camera has a very shallow depth of field, I cant even get a whole plate of ramen in focus. Thats a feature!


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Now we will examine the lights that caused the mass hysteria, heres some lights.

Now we will examine the lights that caused the mass hysteria, heres some lights.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Here is confirmation the crowd was for the lights, and that the turning on time was 18:15, which is about the time I fled the balcony.

Here is confirmation the crowd was for the lights, and that the turning on time was 18:15, which is about the time I fled the balcony.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - One more of the lights at Hakata city. I dont really get the hysteria, they are kind of nice but nothing super special. I wonder if Tenjin has a compe

One more of the lights at Hakata city. I dont really get the hysteria, they are kind of nice but nothing super special. I wonder if Tenjin has a competing set up, I seem to recall that they do.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Last photo tonight, a cool smoky street side restaurant out the front of my hotel. No spare seats.

Last photo tonight, a cool smoky street side restaurant out the front of my hotel. No spare seats.


There are currently 3 comments - click to add

Adriana on 2018-11-08 said:

Fukuoka is famous for it's baiten - street stalls selling ramen. As in your last photo. Go there for the authentic experience.


David on 2018-11-08 said:

At some point it will be. Last time I was here the actual Ramen fair was on, also if I recall, the big shopping mall my hotel is next to has something called Ramen stadium which has an entire floor of ramen places and you can rate them


adriana on 2018-11-08 said:

will it be Hakata ramen for dinner tonight?


Day 14 - Friday, 9 November 2018

Repeat mountain and beyond

Hiking from Dazaifu to Mount Homan and Mount Sangun from Dazaifu station

There will be a lot of pictures today so get that scrolling finger ready. They wont all be of mountains so maybe its worth not scrolling directly to the comments.

Today I went to the excellent Dazaifu (been there before), climbed Mount Homan (climbed that before), then got lost but eventually got to Mount Sangun (not been there before). All up including getting lost it was about 6 hours, and awesome. Dazaifu in general gets my AAAAA (5A) rating for Japan. Both times I have been I thought it was great.

Getting there is really easy, the subway from Tenjin goes to it, theres a special line for the last 2 stops. That gets you to temple town and temple town shopping street, photos below, its super popular, and justifiably so. Even on a Friday they needed crowd control in the afternoon when I returned.

Getting to the Mount Homan trail head is about a 2km walk around or through temple town. I think theres a bus, but there was no way I was waiting for a bus, time to get jogging.

The first part of the hike to the summit of Mount Homan is very popular, last time I think I went on a weekend and had to wait for people constantly, today there were just 50 or so people in total and only one guy to wait for. The climb is relentless, big concrete stairs for 2 hours, no let up, it only get steeper the further you go, I thought it was excellent fun. Unfortunately a little elderly Japanese man was in front of me. I think he wanted to prove to me that he could stay in front of me. I waited for him to get ahead, but then he would wait. And if I tried to pass him, he would just about kill himself to stay in front of me. Eventually I resigned to my fate of following 20 metres behind him. When we got to the summit I said hello, lovely day, nice mountain, he did not even look at me. Weird. Perhaps he was trying to not have a heart attack.
The good news was, thats where I left him, because he went back down from there where as I was only halfway through my own adventure. So little old racist (perhaps deaf?) man, you are half the man I am (literally), Mount Sangun is another 2 hours hiking (if you get lost and jog).

Beyond the temple on the summit of Mount Homan I saw only one other guy, a proper fit looking trail runner with all the expensive gear. He was quite talkative when he passed me while I was heading back, as I was also jogging at that point. The trail after the first summit was flatter for many sections, so you could jog to cut the time.

Unfortunately, I still had to descend the never ending potentially knee ruining steps from Mount Homan. These days I only hike in trail running shoes, not boots, which offer less protection. At one point my foot slide forward and I stabbed my big toe with a rock. Now its bleeding under the folded back nail. It doesnt really hurt but I wonder if the nail will fall off. Oh well.
Now onto the thousands of photos.

Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - There are a huge number of pictures today and I already dribbled on for too long above, so dont expect massive descriptions here. In the early light,

There are a huge number of pictures today and I already dribbled on for too long above, so dont expect massive descriptions here.
In the early light, the colors of the nice gardens around the Kyushu prefectural museum were rather subdued.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - This is the outside perimeter of the main shrine, more on that later.

This is the outside perimeter of the main shrine, more on that later.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - One last pre hike shrine shot before I come back in the afternoon and take more shrine shots because everyone likes shots of a red shrine.

One last pre hike shrine shot before I come back in the afternoon and take more shrine shots because everyone likes shots of a red shrine.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - This is not my mountain, but its looking colorful, nice blue sky. I was very excited at this stage.

This is not my mountain, but its looking colorful, nice blue sky. I was very excited at this stage.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Here is my mountain, and a road. Well its part of the mountain. The range extends along behind it.

Here is my mountain, and a road. Well its part of the mountain. The range extends along behind it.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - I think I took this photo 3 years ago from the same spot, I will check later. Its rice.

I think I took this photo 3 years ago from the same spot, I will check later. Its rice.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Oh my god, they cut the heads off kittens and put them in a bag!

Oh my god, they cut the heads off kittens and put them in a bag!


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Now I am at the secondary shrine at the base of the mountain, where idiots were burning a lot of rubbish, still a common practice in Japan by farmers

Now I am at the secondary shrine at the base of the mountain, where idiots were burning a lot of rubbish, still a common practice in Japan by farmers and shrine owners.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - It was nice and colorful here, I have not been able to work the leaves out on this trip. Am I too early, too late, both?

It was nice and colorful here, I have not been able to work the leaves out on this trip. Am I too early, too late, both?


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Last one of the upper shrine, the rest was too smoky to bother, plus smoke and my camera lens is not a a great idea.

Last one of the upper shrine, the rest was too smoky to bother, plus smoke and my camera lens is not a a great idea.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - I passed by these name tags being handed out to the local Amway conference attendees.

I passed by these name tags being handed out to the local Amway conference attendees.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Todays snake warning sign is particularly scary looking.

Todays snake warning sign is particularly scary looking.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Ahhh, now we start our climb, for the first 3 metres its nice and flat.

Ahhh, now we start our climb, for the first 3 metres its nice and flat.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Then the steps start, not too steep at first.

Then the steps start, not too steep at first.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - I was enjoying the light through the trees, breathing in the rotting decaying leaves.

I was enjoying the light through the trees, breathing in the rotting decaying leaves.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - The trail is mostly closed in until the top, this is one of only 2 spots to take in a view... of the wires above.

The trail is mostly closed in until the top, this is one of only 2 spots to take in a view... of the wires above.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - More steps, getting steeper.

More steps, getting steeper.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Very steep steps. After this theres a few chain / rope pull sections over rock face, but very easy comparatively.

Very steep steps. After this theres a few chain / rope pull sections over rock face, but very easy comparatively.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - I never bring a first aid kit. I probably should. This is a very popular hike so Japan has provided one

I never bring a first aid kit. I probably should. This is a very popular hike so Japan has provided one


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Here is the other view spot.

Here is the other view spot.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - These 3 old dudes were not my old man nemesis. He was waiting 10 steps ahead of me to finish taking this photo so he could continue to get in my way.

These 3 old dudes were not my old man nemesis. He was waiting 10 steps ahead of me to finish taking this photo so he could continue to get in my way.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Some rocks and color.

Some rocks and color.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - I took a brief detour to examine this cave / grave / whatever it is. But this is not where I got lost.

I took a brief detour to examine this cave / grave / whatever it is. But this is not where I got lost.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Very colorful now!

Very colorful now!


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Actually this is the third view spot, the view of the non city side. Its very near the top.

Actually this is the third view spot, the view of the non city side. Its very near the top.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - I thought it was about to get cloudy so decided here was the time for the awesome shot of my huge head. Last night I spotted a throbbing huge vein in

I thought it was about to get cloudy so decided here was the time for the awesome shot of my huge head. Last night I spotted a throbbing huge vein in my forehead. The internet suggests I have one of about twenty fatal illnesses. It is clearly visible here in a 1:1 zoom. I have a long neck like a turtle.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - The top of Mount Homan has a shrine. Last time I was here there was nowhere sit. Just 3 or so other people up here today. Shrinking population at work

The top of Mount Homan has a shrine. Last time I was here there was nowhere sit. Just 3 or so other people up here today. Shrinking population at work.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Now we start with the view. A bit cloudy by now.

Now we start with the view. A bit cloudy by now.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Here is a view framed by rocks. I climbed over rocks to get this rocky view of the rocks. I think it rocks!

Here is a view framed by rocks. I climbed over rocks to get this rocky view of the rocks. I think it rocks!


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Rope / cloud / shrine. In a rare event, this rope is not the black and yellow kind. It is just a much thicker yellow kind. I am an expert on Japanese

Rope / cloud / shrine. In a rare event, this rope is not the black and yellow kind. It is just a much thicker yellow kind. I am an expert on Japanese ropes.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Now some redundant view. That is Fukuoka.

Now some redundant view. That is Fukuoka.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - The other way, I am not going that way.

The other way, I am not going that way.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - This is the way I am going. Mount Sangun is around there.

This is the way I am going. Mount Sangun is around there.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Last view, view with a cool tree. Well, last of the view for now. I cant make any promises there wont be more view.

Last view, view with a cool tree. Well, last of the view for now. I cant make any promises there wont be more view.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - After Mount Homan you have to descend down some chains and ladders before you start your ridge walk. I just came down from the top of those rocks.

After Mount Homan you have to descend down some chains and ladders before you start your ridge walk. I just came down from the top of those rocks.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - After the first summit the path got flatter, more colorful, and devoid of other humans. Soon after this I took a wrong turn, and decided 30 minutes la

After the first summit the path got flatter, more colorful, and devoid of other humans. Soon after this I took a wrong turn, and decided 30 minutes later that the path I was following was going down too far and was too under used to be the right path. I wisely doubled back.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - It did however get cloudy, windy and bit mysterious.

It did however get cloudy, windy and bit mysterious.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - This is nearing the top of Mount Sangun. I like this photo.

This is nearing the top of Mount Sangun. I like this photo.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Hmm, the peak of Mount Sangun has been ruined by radar, mobile phone, tv and godzilla spotting towers.

Hmm, the peak of Mount Sangun has been ruined by radar, mobile phone, tv and godzilla spotting towers.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - I said there would be more view, heres the view from almost the top of Sangun.

I said there would be more view, heres the view from almost the top of Sangun.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - The view from the actual summit was hard to admire properly. I am almost in cloud now, it was very cold at the top.

The view from the actual summit was hard to admire properly. I am almost in cloud now, it was very cold at the top.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - The summit area is a bit disappointing. I dont think many people bother.

The summit area is a bit disappointing. I dont think many people bother.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - So many towers!

So many towers!


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - After a few grey hours, I was back at the bottom, waiting to see if the sun would peak through for a photo of this man made lake. It didnt.

After a few grey hours, I was back at the bottom, waiting to see if the sun would peak through for a photo of this man made lake. It didnt.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - I found an exciting different way to go back to the shrine, it involved a tunnel. Everyone loves a tunnel.

I found an exciting different way to go back to the shrine, it involved a tunnel. Everyone loves a tunnel.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - And then the sun made a reappearance, just in time!

And then the sun made a reappearance, just in time!


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - This place is very popular. School kids again as usual. They dont have schools in Japan, just permanent excursions.

This place is very popular. School kids again as usual. They dont have schools in Japan, just permanent excursions.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Some poor suckers getting married. DONT DO IT!

Some poor suckers getting married. DONT DO IT!


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Look at these annoying idiots taking photos of the shrine getting in the way of me taking a photo of the shrine.

Look at these annoying idiots taking photos of the shrine getting in the way of me taking a photo of the shrine.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - I am always in Japan in time for the chrysanthemum displays. I like the bonsai ones more than these ones.

I am always in Japan in time for the chrysanthemum displays. I like the bonsai ones more than these ones.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - I was damn starving by now, luckily I had arrived back at Dazaifu shopping street. Why didnt I take my trusty calorie mate block with me on the hike t

I was damn starving by now, luckily I had arrived back at Dazaifu shopping street. Why didnt I take my trusty calorie mate block with me on the hike today?


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - I snuck up behind these two playing dress up to take a creep shot. Actually I kind of think they were enjoying being the attention of everyones photos

I snuck up behind these two playing dress up to take a creep shot. Actually I kind of think they were enjoying being the attention of everyones photos.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - And for the last photo of the day, the view up the shopping street from the station. After taking this shot I was interviewed by school kids with a hu

And for the last photo of the day, the view up the shopping street from the station. After taking this shot I was interviewed by school kids with a huge outdated looking video camera. They gave me a paper crane. Their questions are always the same every year when I come to Japan. Standardised textbook I presume.


There are currently 4 comments - click to add

David on 2018-11-09 said:

I ate the custard
I have no idea what the building is, I will check tomorrow, its over the road from here


adriana on 2018-11-09 said:

I like the water photo with the coloured lights reflected. What is the red brick building really? It must be some kind of Victorian era western building. Also like your dinner except hate savoury custard. Did you eat yours?


David on 2018-11-09 said:

hornets are the thing most people are most scared about
they kill people every year
I dont think its hornet season now though


mother on 2018-11-09 said:

According to the sign you were climbing in mamushi - viper area plus hornets and wild boars! looks like you were more in danger of breaking an ankle on all those uneven stairs though.


Surprisingly quiet Tenjin

Exploring the shop filled streets of Tenjin

Hakata versus Tenjin, tonight Tenjin, and it was surprisingly quiet? I had to check my watch to make sure it was Friday.
Last time I was here I remember this place as being bright and crowded. Tonight it was kind of bright, but kind of deserted. Admittedly I did not go very far, its been a 50,000 step day today and I was BUGGERED. Right now I am barely making sense typing this and ready to go to bed at 8:30pm. Good times indeed.

Perhaps in the battle of city centres Hakata had an unfair advantage with the illumination lighting ceremony last night. The good news is I still have time for a round 2, as I still have 2 more nights in Fukuoka before I go to Nagasaki.

Now for an update on my toe. The nail is still on, it doesnt hurt at all.

Now for an update on whats on Japanese tv. In this hotel I get zero English language channels to distract me in the background while I type this. Thats not a problem though because the curling has been on somewhere. That thing where they sweep the ice. Tonight its New Zealand versus Japan and I have never heard such exuberant commentating. If you are Australian and can remember Darrel Eastlake commentating the weightlifting, its like that times 10. Who knew curling was so exciting?

Oh yeah, tonight photos are pretty boring, scroll scroll scroll.

Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Another night, another canal shot. This is a different canal to last night, but its still looking towards canal city. All canals meet at the canal cit

Another night, another canal shot. This is a different canal to last night, but its still looking towards canal city. All canals meet at the canal city shopping centre. That orange dot floating in the sky is a tethered air ship advertising something.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - The local headquarters of the sacred stonecutters. Strange activities go on in there.

The local headquarters of the sacred stonecutters. Strange activities go on in there.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - The main street through Tenjin, looking away from the main part. I am not making a lot of sense here.

The main street through Tenjin, looking away from the main part. I am not making a lot of sense here.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - This guy is struggling to wheel his food cart across the road. At the same time, all the locals are waving hello to him, and hes putting it down to wa

This guy is struggling to wheel his food cart across the road. At the same time, all the locals are waving hello to him, and hes putting it down to wave at them. It was quite amusing. Amusing to me at least. I am easily amused. I just never show it. Stern face always. 1000 yard stare.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - I kicked this guy in his ugly face. His mask fell off.

I kicked this guy in his ugly face. His mask fell off.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - The bright lights but quiet streets of Tenjin. Maybe I missed the main bit tonight?

The bright lights but quiet streets of Tenjin. Maybe I missed the main bit tonight?


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Tonights cat shot! This poor little guy is as tired as I am. I think I could sleep on a clear perspex box also. Japanese hotel beds are nearly that ha

Tonights cat shot! This poor little guy is as tired as I am. I think I could sleep on a clear perspex box also. Japanese hotel beds are nearly that hard. I kind of like it.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - My dinner! Its something different I guess. Soba and lots of other things. I think most are miso related, or tofu related, I didnt really know what mo

My dinner! Its something different I guess. Soba and lots of other things. I think most are miso related, or tofu related, I didnt really know what most of it was. Theres also the savory egg custard under one of those lids with the mushrooms baked in. I think it was all vegetarian, who knows!
I tried for a non blurry food shot tonight, less arty, more standard picture menu shot. Actually it wasnt all vegetarian now that I look at it, the seaweed roll things were full of hunks of raw fish.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Ippudo! I dont know where the original store is, I thought maybe this was it as its large and in a busy area, but then I saw 2 more just like it withi

Ippudo! I dont know where the original store is, I thought maybe this was it as its large and in a busy area, but then I saw 2 more just like it within a few blocks of this one. I still have not been to the Melbourne store due to the huge lines, but I have been to the Sydney, Perth and Taipei stores.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Here is a crappy shot of a crappy shrine in amongst the department stores. You go here to pray for a bargain.

Here is a crappy shot of a crappy shrine in amongst the department stores. You go here to pray for a bargain.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Here is tonights BAITEN. Word courtesy of my mother. They have wisely set up by the torii gate to get more tourists. I dont know what they are serving

Here is tonights BAITEN. Word courtesy of my mother. They have wisely set up by the torii gate to get more tourists. I dont know what they are serving, but I like this photo. Its the only photo from tonight that I like.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Here, have a bit more bright lights of Tenjin, with the fancy stores and their overpasses.

Here, have a bit more bright lights of Tenjin, with the fancy stores and their overpasses.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - This is the Daimaru atrium and its huge Christmas tree. I think it was fancier the last time I was here? I took a photo then, I will check later, or n

This is the Daimaru atrium and its huge Christmas tree. I think it was fancier the last time I was here? I took a photo then, I will check later, or not, I dont know, maybe I cant be bothered, I am just going to trail off in this rant now.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Last time I was here this is where the Ramen fair was. Today its the Fukuoka marathon expo, whatever that is. But when is the marathon? None of the si

Last time I was here this is where the Ramen fair was. Today its the Fukuoka marathon expo, whatever that is. But when is the marathon? None of the signs had a date. Is it too late for me to enter?


There are currently 4 comments - click to add

David on 2018-11-09 said:

I ate the custard
I have no idea what the building is, I will check tomorrow, its over the road from here


adriana on 2018-11-09 said:

I like the water photo with the coloured lights reflected. What is the red brick building really? It must be some kind of Victorian era western building. Also like your dinner except hate savoury custard. Did you eat yours?


David on 2018-11-09 said:

hornets are the thing most people are most scared about
they kill people every year
I dont think its hornet season now though


mother on 2018-11-09 said:

According to the sign you were climbing in mamushi - viper area plus hornets and wild boars! looks like you were more in danger of breaking an ankle on all those uneven stairs though.


Day 15 - Saturday, 10 November 2018

Pollution day in Karatsu

Taking a train to Karatsu, walking along the beach, through a pine forest and up a hill to a garden

Well, today was supposed to be a rest day. Right now I have already done over 40k steps again. Nearly all on roads so for those of you playing along at home, thats over 30km.

It all started with a scroll of google maps, along a train line, until I saw a nice coastal region with islands and a castle. This place was called Karatsu.
Sure the castle is fake, they nearly all are, this one has a lift and anime characters as you shall see, but even fake castles make for nice photos, and a relaxing time. Relaxing was the plan anyway.

Then I saw that theres a famous coastal pine forest. I have never seen a famous coastal pine forest before, so I thought I had better go have a look at that, I planned to walk 2 stations over through the forest.
The forest was nice enough, I did not find any dead bodies, but it was just pine trees. Thats when I saw the small mountain, which clearly had a lookout on the top. There was not even a moments doubt, up the mountain I shall go.

The path was a road, so it made for fast going, as the road was about 5km each way, and the view from the top was spectacular. There were some guys up there about to die hang gliding, but I couldnt wait for them to finish assembling their string and bed sheet contraptions to find out, so I descended back down at the double and wandered through some rice fields to 4 stations over, where I just missed the train.

Waiting for me at Hamasaki station there was a small man inside a booth selling chocolates, I had not really eaten so I bought some peanut m&m's. I suspect I was his only customer this century and my chocolates pre date the atomic bombing.
Anyway, for an unknown stupid reason, the 5 products for sale were behind a locked glass window he could only open from inside his booth, but then he could not see the price. So the process was, I go to the window, motion that I want something. He unlocks the window, I select something, hold it up to him behind the glass. He locks the window and then his booth, comes out from behind the glass and checks the price. He then unlocks his booth, goes back in, re locks it and I hand him 120 yen ($1.50) through the hole in his glass. It only took about 9 minutes to purchase. I still dont understand what would stop anyone from just running off with his 5 products after he unlocked the window. Luckily I did not miss the next train.

Too many photos again today, some of them are ok despite the pollution, I did use the lightroom dehaze filter to try and see through the farmer created burn off smoke, so the colors might look weird in exchange for detail.

Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - We start our journey today with the Tenjin underground shopping streets which extend many kilometres (no exaggeration) and connect multiple stations.

We start our journey today with the Tenjin underground shopping streets which extend many kilometres (no exaggeration) and connect multiple stations. I did not have to go far to get to my station, but since I was early I walked a bit of a lap anyway.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Arriving at Karatsu I was greeted by the pine cone monster. I now understand he was advertising the coastal pine forest.

Arriving at Karatsu I was greeted by the pine cone monster. I now understand he was advertising the coastal pine forest.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Redundant photo of station just so I could remember the name of the place I went to. The city area had nothing of interest, it was all shut while I wa

Redundant photo of station just so I could remember the name of the place I went to. The city area had nothing of interest, it was all shut while I walked through.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - The main street has lots of statues of boys playing flutes. I dont know what to think about this.

The main street has lots of statues of boys playing flutes. I dont know what to think about this.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Before long I arrived at the beach, and could see the full impact of todays burn off pollution. I saw lots of farmers fires from the train. They need

Before long I arrived at the beach, and could see the full impact of todays burn off pollution. I saw lots of farmers fires from the train. They need to stop this bullshit.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Ahhh, beautiful Japan.

Ahhh, beautiful Japan.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Todays cat was pretty cool, very friendly, followed me for ages.

Todays cat was pretty cool, very friendly, followed me for ages.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - The bay has many islands and causeways and breakwaters and boats. There were ferries heading out to islands you cant see through the smoke.

The bay has many islands and causeways and breakwaters and boats. There were ferries heading out to islands you cant see through the smoke.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - The castle was not far from the station despite my longer course along the beach. Before I knew it I was ascending the stairs through an army of guys

The castle was not far from the station despite my longer course along the beach. Before I knew it I was ascending the stairs through an army of guys with leaf blowers and old ladies raking up the blown leaves. Also, Japanese women, cut this shit you do where you pretend to be exhausted climbing a few stairs and making ridiculous exasperated noises and extending a hand to your boyfriend / husband begging for him to hold your arm like that will help. I know its fake. You only do it when you are with your male partner. A group of women on their own do not suffer from this idiotic behaviour.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - I liked this view a lot. As you shall soon see, I took it from various heights, and then later in the day you shall see it again from my surprise moun

I liked this view a lot. As you shall soon see, I took it from various heights, and then later in the day you shall see it again from my surprise mountain lookout.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Here is the steel and concrete castle. A white one not a red one or a gold one. I think theres a silver one too, but most are white.

Here is the steel and concrete castle. A white one not a red one or a gold one. I think theres a silver one too, but most are white.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - I decided it was worth a second photo.

I decided it was worth a second photo.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Another shot of the bay, pollution not as bad from this angle. Those two chimneys are part of a huge industrial complex. Strange place to put it.

Another shot of the bay, pollution not as bad from this angle. Those two chimneys are part of a huge industrial complex. Strange place to put it.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Its about $5 to go in the castle. Its really only worth paying if you want to photograph the higher view. Inside theres a couple of pieces of pottery

Its about $5 to go in the castle. Its really only worth paying if you want to photograph the higher view. Inside theres a couple of pieces of pottery and then the rest of the floors have stuff like this. There is absolutely zero English. I never really read the stuff anyway, but I do like to see Samurai outfits and swords. There were none today.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Now some view shots. Theres that cool ISTHUMUS again, I would head that way after leaving the castle. The small mountain I would go up later is also b

Now some view shots. Theres that cool ISTHUMUS again, I would head that way after leaving the castle. The small mountain I would go up later is also behind it.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Another shot of the islands with a bit of the castle.

Another shot of the islands with a bit of the castle.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - And a higher perspective of the chimneys.

And a higher perspective of the chimneys.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - This is the sizeable town of Karatsu. It looks nice from up here. I think lots of it is abandoned. This shot cleaned up ok!

This is the sizeable town of Karatsu. It looks nice from up here. I think lots of it is abandoned. This shot cleaned up ok!


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Looking along the river however, and you can see lots of smoke hanging around.

Looking along the river however, and you can see lots of smoke hanging around.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - One last anime character to wave goodbye as I left the castle.

One last anime character to wave goodbye as I left the castle.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - I decided to take another shot from the ISTHUMUS, which is todays word of the day.

I decided to take another shot from the ISTHUMUS, which is todays word of the day.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Work time! Notice these trucks have skirts / rails along the side between the wheels and even hanging from the back to stop people / bikes etc going u

Work time! Notice these trucks have skirts / rails along the side between the wheels and even hanging from the back to stop people / bikes etc going under the wheels? I have been asking at work why we dont have that and I never get a straight answer. I am convinced the last 2 fatalities where I work would have been avoided if our trucks had those. I first noticed them in Taiwan, land of the scooter. Trucks in Australia just dont have these, why not?


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - I yelled at this sound level measuring equipment for ages to see if I could set a new high score.

I yelled at this sound level measuring equipment for ages to see if I could set a new high score.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Now its time for the coastal pine forest. It was planted by humans. Its pine trees, the non farming for timber kind, or maybe they just left them to g

Now its time for the coastal pine forest. It was planted by humans. Its pine trees, the non farming for timber kind, or maybe they just left them to grow into weird shapes.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Have a bit more pine forest. You will see later that from above its huge and impressive looking.

Have a bit more pine forest. You will see later that from above its huge and impressive looking.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - At this point I had spotted the mountain lookout, so I bounded across a rice field.

At this point I had spotted the mountain lookout, so I bounded across a rice field.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - And there she is, todays bonus mini mountain!

And there she is, todays bonus mini mountain!


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - There was a huge gate to get you started, also a good place to quietly urinate before jogging up the hill after I had drank a litre of water in prepar

There was a huge gate to get you started, also a good place to quietly urinate before jogging up the hill after I had drank a litre of water in preparation!


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - At about this point, there were lots of GLAMPING spots, which is glamorous camping, they all had no customers. One guy stopped me and tried to sell me

At about this point, there were lots of GLAMPING spots, which is glamorous camping, they all had no customers. One guy stopped me and tried to sell me a camping spot. I told him I was just jogging back to Fukuoka over all the mountains, and that I have no gear, no water, no map.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - The view down the coast was rewarding. So many mountains! Who said Kyushu has no mountains? They are not very tall but look prominent because they exe

The view down the coast was rewarding. So many mountains! Who said Kyushu has no mountains? They are not very tall but look prominent because they exend up out of the ocean.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Obviously at the top, theres a shrine. I rang the bells etc. There was no one there.

Obviously at the top, theres a shrine. I rang the bells etc. There was no one there.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Ahhhhhh, now the excellent view from the top. I was so glad I made the effort of an unplanned mountain. This is probably photo of the day.

Ahhhhhh, now the excellent view from the top. I was so glad I made the effort of an unplanned mountain. This is probably photo of the day.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Here you can see half the coastal pine forest, extending up the ISTHUMUS and over the bridge to the castle with the chimneys in the distance, basicall

Here you can see half the coastal pine forest, extending up the ISTHUMUS and over the bridge to the castle with the chimneys in the distance, basically the path I had walked to get to this point.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - And as you can see, the coastal pine forest extends in the other direction also. I sure did say 'coastal pine forest' a lot today. Also that pointy mo

And as you can see, the coastal pine forest extends in the other direction also. I sure did say 'coastal pine forest' a lot today. Also that pointy mountain that sticks up near the right edge. It looks big but I cant find it on a map. This bugs me as it must be near the ocean and near the train line. I feel it must have trails up it.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Heres the guys about to leap off the cliff with a few poles, bed sheets and bits of wire. Good luck with that.

Heres the guys about to leap off the cliff with a few poles, bed sheets and bits of wire. Good luck with that.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - I was keeping a close eye on my bulging forehead vein!

I was keeping a close eye on my bulging forehead vein!


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - The top of this mountain is car accessible and has a nice park with gardens, a lake, a bridge. I dont think you are supposed to walk up like I did.

The top of this mountain is car accessible and has a nice park with gardens, a lake, a bridge. I dont think you are supposed to walk up like I did.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - I selected some back roads to Hamasaki station. These ones appear earthquake damaged! I saw something similar in Taiwan. I was concerned I might fall

I selected some back roads to Hamasaki station. These ones appear earthquake damaged! I saw something similar in Taiwan. I was concerned I might fall into a sinkhole.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Last pic of the day, looking back into the smoke, over a a rice field, with bonus mountain on the left. Todays rest day was a great day!

Last pic of the day, looking back into the smoke, over a a rice field, with bonus mountain on the left. Todays rest day was a great day!


Reflecting on sumos in ramen stadium

A visit to the Canal City Ramen studio and an encounter with Sumo wrestlers

Tonight I hung around locally, and managed to see the red light district, light reflections in the canal, some sort of concert in canal city and then the tourist trap ramen stadium where I unwisely had ramen for dinner.

The little island between canals my hotel is on is actually the busiest brightest part of Fukuoka. Where I am is quiet and dark, then theres some shops and clubs, then the red light district and then everything comes to a point with numerous little bridges leading from a park to canal city on one side (giant shopping centre) and Tenjin on the other side (department stores everywhere).

There is also a huge number of the eat in pop up little food stands whos name I already forgot, and I should have eaten there, instead me and the other white people in Fukuoka congregated at the ramen stadium in the mall. I suspect the ramen there is not actually very good, but generally ramen is ramen.

The red light district was a bit weird so early in the evening, they seemed to actually want me as a customer, demanding I come in for a look. Very weird because I was wandering around with my big camera while wearing shorts and unshaven. I wouldnt let me in. Maybe business is now so bad they want white middle aged scruffy looking men in camo shorts with big cameras to come in to their weird clubs?

Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - I messed around with this photo for a while to make it look surreal. The metal pipe is cool.

I messed around with this photo for a while to make it look surreal. The metal pipe is cool.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - You say you like reflections, here is a reflection. I reflected on it for a while.

You say you like reflections, here is a reflection. I reflected on it for a while.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Statue and a reflection.

Statue and a reflection.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - OK...now I looked this up. Google tells me these are called Yatai, my mother says they are called Baiten. Googling Fukuoka Yatai gives me thousands of

OK...now I looked this up. Google tells me these are called Yatai, my mother says they are called Baiten. Googling Fukuoka Yatai gives me thousands of pictures of food stalls, googling Fukuoka Baiten gives me none. I think I have been mislead.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - The bridge if flanked by giant teddy bears.

The bridge if flanked by giant teddy bears.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Red light district, no customers.

Red light district, no customers.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Tonights cat is a black kitten. He rules this block. DO NOT CROSS HIM.

Tonights cat is a black kitten. He rules this block. DO NOT CROSS HIM.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - A few little boats go along the canal. If this were China you could walk across the canal on the actual boats there would be that many of them.

A few little boats go along the canal. If this were China you could walk across the canal on the actual boats there would be that many of them.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - The bridge to canal city. Where all your dreams come true, they float them to you up the canal.

The bridge to canal city. Where all your dreams come true, they float them to you up the canal.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Here is a street full of YATAI.

Here is a street full of YATAI.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Inside canal city some woman is singing badly to piano music. A crowd has formed as ever.

Inside canal city some woman is singing badly to piano music. A crowd has formed as ever.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Its a canal inside canal city which is surrounded by canals. Those floating things are strings of millions of lights, presumably turned off while the

Its a canal inside canal city which is surrounded by canals. Those floating things are strings of millions of lights, presumably turned off while the woman is singing so that she gets all the attention.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Its Ramen stadium! There are 10 ramen places. They claim to represent different parts of Japan. I dont really see much difference. Each has miso, soy,

Its Ramen stadium! There are 10 ramen places. They claim to represent different parts of Japan. I dont really see much difference. Each has miso, soy, tonkotsu varieties. Most have a spicy version, you can have with or without egg at each, none were doing the Chicken version like the special Gensuke store in Australia. In Melbourne they have an actual separate store for Chicken so the non pork eaters can be absolutely sure they are not getting pork.


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Hmmm, I didnt really get what was in the picture on the menu out the front. That picture was bright red and the meat looked like it was a think hunk o

Hmmm, I didnt really get what was in the picture on the menu out the front. That picture was bright red and the meat looked like it was a think hunk of something flame grilled. What I got was still nice but I felt a bit ripped off!


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Its a giant wall of CRT televisions with nothing of value displayed on them. How much would it cost to power them all?

Its a giant wall of CRT televisions with nothing of value displayed on them. How much would it cost to power them all?


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Oh no, there goes Tokyo, go go Godzilla!

Oh no, there goes Tokyo, go go Godzilla!


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - Real sumo wrestlers! In blurry photo! I had only one chance for a shot and blew it. Oh well. The sumo is on here next week, just as I leave. People we

Real sumo wrestlers! In blurry photo! I had only one chance for a shot and blew it. Oh well.
The sumo is on here next week, just as I leave. People were bowing and waving at these two, so I presume they are known. Or maybe you just wave at any fat guy in a dressing gown in Japan?


Of course I am back in Japan yet again - Oct and Nov 2018 - This is already picture number 600! A bright busy street of Nakasu.

This is already picture number 600! A bright busy street of Nakasu.


There are currently 2 comments - click to add

mother on 2018-11-10 said:

Sorry forgot that Fukuoka likes to use yatai for baiten. Actually they both have the same meaning of stall or stand, but yatai is used specifically for the food stands there.


jenny on 2018-11-10 said:

That is one built up little isthmus. Not sure why they would all want to live on there.


Contents

Day 0 - Monday, 11 March 2019
  Retrospective
Day 1 - Saturday, 27 October 2018
  Posting from the future
  Posting from the present from the airport
  Singapore airport has no butterflies
Day 2 - Sunday, 28 October 2018
  Narita airport DNA test
  Nakano not Nagano
  I should be more tired
Day 3 - Monday, 29 October 2018
  Far beyond Takao
  Asakusa without the shrine
Day 4 - Tuesday, 30 October 2018
  A tale of two fish markets
  The overrated Shinagawa
Day 5 - Wednesday, 31 October 2018
  My short hike became very long
  The great Shibuya Halloween crush
Day 6 - Thursday, 1 November 2018
  Rocks and clouds on Izu Peninsula
  The unknown metropolis of Kitasenju
Day 7 - Friday, 2 November 2018
  Forced into danger on Mount Myogi
  Omu-Mapo-Tofu in Shinjuku
Day 8 - Saturday, 3 November 2018
  No train day
  I left Japan and went to Roppongi
Day 9 - Sunday, 4 November 2018
  Japan Airlines domestic experience
  Taco rice everywhere
Day 10 - Monday, 5 November 2018
  I found a mountain in Nago
  Night of the many cats
Day 11 - Tuesday, 6 November 2018
  I joined the imperial navy
  Okinawa does not understand beaches
Day 12 - Wednesday, 7 November 2018
  Castles and shopping centres
  I have developed a taste for tarts now
Day 13 - Thursday, 8 November 2018
  Island hopper
  Christmas light hysteria in Hakata
Day 14 - Friday, 9 November 2018
  Repeat mountain and beyond
  Surprisingly quiet Tenjin
Day 15 - Saturday, 10 November 2018
  Pollution day in Karatsu
  Reflecting on sumos in ramen stadium
Day 16 - Sunday, 11 November 2018
  Oops I did it again
  The healthy option
Day 17 - Monday, 12 November 2018
  Greyasaki
  I can see in the dark
Day 18 - Monday, 13 November 2018
  The over sharing of the view
  Leaving port
Day 19 - Wednesday, 14 November 2018
  The never ending hills of Nagasaki
  Crappy photos in Urakami
Day 20 - Thursday, 15 November 2018
  All about the bridge
  Lard night
Day 21 - Friday, 16 November 2018
  Deja Vu
  From Kanda to Harajuku
Day 22 - Saturday, 17 November 2018
  Hiking with others
  Brief trip to Ginza for curry
Day 23 - Sunday, 18 November 2018
  Greasers
  Quiet night in Shimbashi
Day 24 - Monday, 19 November 2018
  Kawagoe by train to see trains
  Roller coasters in the rain
Day 25 - Tuesday, 20 November 2018
  Magnificent Lake Okutama
  The long way back
Day 26 - Wednesday, 21 November 2018
  Long train to large Buddha at Nokogiri
  I warned you all
Day 27 - Thursday, 22 November 2018
  The grey and the train
  The end