I hope he took some of those early photos in an area of Kyoto without the [Ｄｏｎｏｔ　ｆｏｌｌｏｗ　Ｍａｉｋｏｓ　ｉｎ　ｔｈｅ　ｓｔｒｅｅｔｓ] signs.

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According to the museum, the photographs were taken by Swiss photographer Pierre Joseph Rossier (1829-72), who visited Yokohama right after the port opened in the closing days of the Tokugawa shogunate (1603-1867).

The photographs were discovered in 2007 by Terry Bennett, a London-based scholar who has been researching Rossier. Bennett declined to disclose where he obtained the pictures, the museum said.

The photographs will go on display at the Yokohama Archives of History starting April 22.

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[via Foreign Policy]

If you are in Nara, it would be a shame to miss this UNESCO World Heritage Site and in a few weeks there will be a great opportunity. The lanterns are only lit a few times a year (twice I think?) and one of those times is for Obon. The Lantern Festival of Kasuga Taisha takes place August 14th and 15th. As much as I liked it during the day, I can imagine Kasuga Taisha really amazing at night with all the lanterns lit! Anyone ever go at a time when the lanterns were lit?

For more photos and information check out the Japan Photo Guide or for some larger and higher quality photos take a peak at the gallery.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

To be completely honest, Hakodate might be kind of a hit and miss place for you. From what I understand, there are two great things about Hakodate, seafood and the view from the top of Mount Hakodate (often said to be one of the best night views in Japan). For me, I am not a huge fan of seafood and the 2 days I was there it was very cloudy (especially at night) so it was kind of a miss for me. The day I was leaving, I did have a few hours of sunshine where I was able to take this shot, but I am sure some of you have much better shots than I have! For more photos and information check out the Japan Photo Guide or for some larger and higher quality photos take a peak at the gallery.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

This photograph was taken atop a hill that is suppose to have great sunsets; however, what I wasn’t told is that the sun actually goes behind those mountains before it actually sets (but still is a good view I guess). Like Furano, Biei is famous for flowers, open spaces, and a few famous trees that have been used in commercials (one for a cigarette company I think). Again, public transportation is few and far between, so I would recommend renting a car to get around and explore by yourself. For more photos and information check out the Japan Photo Guide or the gallery.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

This photo was (obviously) taken at Farm Tomita, a famous flower and herb farm. If you like flowers (and open space) going to Furano is a must in the summer. Like most places in Hokkaido, getting around by public transportation isn’t exactly easy, so I recommend renting a car for this area. For more photos and information check out the Japan Photo Guide or the gallery.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

The only other thing I have left to say is I really hope I didn’t jinx the wedding by posting this!

***Shameless plug***

Oh and, if you are looking for an affordable wedding photographer in Tokyo, let me know.

***Shameless plug over***

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

This photos was taken just after sunset and just before the daily “festival” that they have during the summer. If you make the trip to Hokkaido, it would not be a waste of time to check out Lake Toya. For more photos check out the Japan Photo Guide or the gallery.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

More specifically, this was taken in Odori Koen in Sapporo. I was walking through the park when suddenly these three college students starting going topless and ran up on the statue. To say they were happy when I showed them the photos I took and told them I would email them to them, is an understatement. They acted as if they had just completed a lifelong accomplishment. Anyway, they were nice guys.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

When he pulled them down towards him, all he could see was the sky, but if he pointed out towards the ocean and islands, the view he wanted to see, he just wasn’t quite tall enough. It took him a couple times to figure out that he couldn’t do it by himself and then he figured out a better solution, “Dad, pick me up!”

Happy Father’s Day.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

This photograph was taken from the 5th stage of Mount Fuji, the highest point you can drive up to on the mountain. The view was spectacular, but I can only imagine that the view from peak of the tallest mountain in Japan has to be amazing. Anyone who has done it got some advice for me?

If you would like more information about Mount Fuji, check out the Japan Photo Guide. If you would like to buy, see more or larger photos take a look at the gallery.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

Here are the other things I learned:

• Tsukiji is interesting.
• Tuna are big.
• Seafood is gross.
• Tourists are in the way.

Yes Tsukiji was really cool, but after going, I realized in fact, Tsukiji is a workplace, and no matter how much the tourists try to follow the rules, we are in their way and sometimes preventing or delaying them from doing their job. Also, it is not exactly a safe place, with everyone in a hurry and driving these mini reverse forklift type cars around narrow alleyways, sometimes while using there cell phone! Actually, what I think Tsukiji should do is take advantage of the fact that so many tourists want to visit this place, charge everyone an entrance fee, and build a really cool observing room over the auction floors.

Apparently they were going to start restrictions for tourists from April 1st, 2008. Restrictions being that one can only enter during a certain time and watch from a certain area. Anyone try to go to the auctions early in the morning since then? I am interested to know how strict they are being…

Anyway, check out the Japan Photo Guide for more information and photos about Tsukiji.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

I apologize for the quality of this photograph, it was a little dark, my train (which comes about twice an hour) was just about to leave and the only camera I had was my cell phone; however, this week’s photo is more about what is really going on, and to answer to the ancient question, “How many people (in this case Japanese) does it take to change a light bulb?”

Apparently eight… and one folding warning sign. To be honest, while it looked like they were changing a light bulb, I don’t really know if anything else is going on (training session maybe) as I was running to catch my train, but it brings up a (not so well maybe?) documented part of Japanese culture.

A lot of people from outside Japan–myself included before living here–have the impression that Japanese people and students work very hard. Of course this is true for some people, but from my experience here, in general, my students are often lazy, my university “classes” were a breeze and many of–not all–my coworkers work for about half the day.

At my workplace, when my coworkers are not teaching, a lot spend the time chatting away, surfing the net, reading the newspaper, and really do anything other than getting work done (of course not always, but in general this happens a lot). Then I hear them complain about how busy they are or how late they have to stay–sometimes until 8 or 9pm. Of course my American influenced mind just wants to give them a huge, “DUH! If you actually did something at work instead of messing around all day you could leave at 5pm!” But I didn’t think this would be good for work relationships, so I decided I would try and understand why this sort of thing happens.

What I finally came to understand is that in general, time spent at work is more valued than productivity. So even though they aren’t always getting things done, they are showing commitment to the group by staying extra late. As far as university goes, apparently it is really hard to pass the entrance exam, but once you get in it does not matter so much what your grades are, just what college you went to. Apparently.

So now you can understand why it takes eight people to change a light bulb. All of them are “working.”

For a slightly outdated, yet pretty dead on, article about “useless workers” in Japan, The Quirky Japan Homepage is worth checking out.

***Personal Disclaimer***
Of course like in any country, Japan has hard workers and lazy ones. I am not implying that all Japanese people are lazy or useless rather I am just sharing some thoughts from my experiences.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

My favorite temple in Kyoto is Nanzenji. Nanzenji is quite massive and has a variety of interesting things to see. My two favorite are this garden and the green tea room. I can’t really explain why, but at these two places I just feel… comfortable. Head over to the Japan Photo Guide for more information and photos about Nanzenji.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

Researchers have determined that a recently discovered photograph could be a picture of the wife of famous samurai Sakamoto Ryoma:

The National Research Institute of Police Science compared the photograph, owned by Naomi Izakura, to the only photograph that has been confirmed to be that of Ryo (1841-1906), wife of Sakamoto, a leader of the movement to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate, when she was about 60 years old. She is popularly known as Oryo.

The institute concluded it was possible the woman, who looks about 30, was a young Oryo, the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum announced Thursday.

In 2001, Teiichi Miyakawa, chief of the Kyoto National Museum’s Archaeology Department, found the photograph of the woman seated in a chair in a book of photographs of leading figures in the last days of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Oryo was ranked 62nd in a 2006 survey of Japanese people’s favorite female historical figures. Her husband was ranked first and second in some other rankings.

Remember the “new” Hiroshima atomic bombing photos that various news sites and blogs reported about last week? Sean L. Malloy, the history professor who publicized the images while promoting the release of his new book, has removed them from his website:

Since making these photographs publicly available, I have received reliable proof that several of these photos are actually of the 1923 Kanto earthquake. While I cannot speak for the entire collection, this evidence raises grave doubts about all of the photos and strongly suggests that the identification provided by the Hoover Archives is incorrect. I take full responsibility for my own failure to take additional steps to verify that the original archival designation was correct. I have removed the photographs, sent a correction to my publisher, and forwarded all evidence that I have received casting doubt on the photos directly to the Hoover Archives so that they can conduct their own investigation.

More information about the photo mishap can be found at Frog in a Well and the International Herald Tribune.

This photo was taken in Nara Koen, where deer roam freely. If you are in the Kansai region and don’t have plans yet for Mother’s Day, why not spend it at Nara Park? In any case, Happy Mother’s Day and if you want more information about Nara Koen head over to Japan Photo Guide for more information and photos of Nara Koen.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

*****WARNING*****
If you click the image it will take you to the post on Japan Photo Guide where the images are NOT blurred and the photos and videos are 100% NSFW. Nothing x-rated, but you probably would not want to look at the photos with your parents, children, grandparents, etc, in the room. IF YOU ARE OFFENDED EASILY, DO NOT CLICK THE PHOTO BELOW!

The photos and videos from Kanamara Matsuri are not for everyone; however, they are somewhat interesting, sometimes surprising, usually inappropriate and definitely bizarre. If this sounds like something that would interest you, head over to Japan Photo Guide for more information, photos and a video of Kanamara Matsuri or see all the photos at the gallery.

This blurred photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

Shinjuku Gyoen is a HUGE park in Shinjuku, Tokyo. As you can tell, I went just after the “peak” time to see the cherry blossoms as some of the blossoms have already fallen…but there were still enough blossoms on the trees to make it seem they were still in full bloom. For me, it is this time that is actually the peak or best time to see the cherry blossoms. Actually, I think if I waited one more day it would have been just perfect, but anyway, take a peak at Japan Photo Guide for more information and photos of Shinjuku Gyoen or see all the photos at the gallery.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

Chidorinoguchi is basically across the street from Yasukuni Shrine and a very famous place to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo. I went on a day when the weather was good and towards the end of cherry blossom season, so in some photos you can actually see the blossoms falling off the trees! Good stuff. Anyway, take a peak at Japan Photo Guide for more information and photos of Chidorigafuchi or see all the photos at the gallery.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

I wanted to post this photo for two reasons, the first being that I like it. The second is to show an example of how you can use cherry blossoms in your photos without making them the main focus. That is why, even though you can barely see the cherry blossoms I decided to post this photo. If you want to learn more about geisha and maiko (actually I pretty sure the girl is this photo is a maiko and not a geisha yet, can anyone confirm this?) click the photo above or check out wikipedia. If you haven’t already checked out the cherry blossom photos at the gallery, here they are or if you wanna see a few more geisha photos there they are.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

The famous photo of Kenji Nagai dying after being shot by Burmese troops has won a Pulitzer Prize:

Reuters won the Pulitzer Prize for breaking news photography on Monday for a picture of a Japanese videographer killed during a demonstration in Myanmar.

Adrees Latif won for “his dramatic photograph of the Japanese videographer, sprawled on the pavement, fatally wounded during a street demonstration in Myanmar,” the Pulitzer Prize board said.

There is a (photography) saying that goes, “beauty is hardest to find in your own backyard,” which essential means it is harder to find and make beautiful photos where you live. There are beautiful cherry blossom trees all over Japan, you don’t need to go to a famous place to get some nice photos, just walk around or ask the locals for a few suggestions! If you haven’t already checked out the cherry blossom photos at the gallery, here they are.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

And the NCAA update… 1st time all four #1 seeds are in the final four, woohoo! My predictions are UNC over Kansas and Memphis over UCLA. Then UNC over Memphis in the championship, 82-77.

I am sure you can find nice spots all around Japan, but Kyoto is really a special place. One reason why is that there are just so many options. Of course you can go to all the famous places but try and walk around, “get lost” and see what you can find by yourself. Which is in fact how I found this street in Kyoto (although it appears that it is find of famous itself, just I found it by mistake). If you haven’t already checked out the cherry blossom photos at the gallery, here they are.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

And the NCAA update… UNC won their first 2 NCAA games by 20+ pts, *I think* the only other two times UNC did that was in 1993 and 2005….both years UNC won the championship!

Live around the Kanto area and love to take photos? Some of the folks at Zooomr have informed us that they will be holding a special photowalk in Yokohama this coming weekend:

Details
What: Tokyo Photowalk
Where: Koganecho, Yokohama, Japan (map on blog)
When: March 30th, from 2pm to 5pm

We already have a variety of people coming out, so it should be a
blast. The important thing is to bring a camera!

As a special bonus, anyone who shows up and mentions that they heard about the event through this Japan Probe post will get a free Zooomr Pro account, which usually costs about $20.

For more details about the photowalk, check out the Official Zooomr Blog.

To be honest, if the weather is nice and if you are with good company, you can’t go wrong at either place….or as it was pointed out by David in last weeks post, it can be just as interesting with the wrong people. Also a great way to make random friends (even if it usually is with drunk salary men). So go out and buy one of those blue tarps, charge your camera batteries and watch as Japan becomes obsessed with cherry blossoms once again. To see more cherry blossom photos, check out the gallery.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

Oh by the way, for everyone back in the states…UNC is going to win the NCAA.

If you are in Japan, it is just a matter of time before you will be participating in hanami, which literally means, “flower viewing.” Basically, hanami is a gathering with friends, co-workers and/or family where you sit under the cherry blossoms eating and drinking the night away. With the right people it is a wonderful time! To see more cherry blossom photos, check out the gallery.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

There are only a few more days to enter the contest at Japan Photo Guide to win $50! There are lot’s of easy ways to enter (subscribing by email, adding a link, buy one of my photos etc.) so anyone can easily enter. Check out the details here!

Almost time! We are getting closer to cherry blossom season and while it is still a little early in March, I will give you something to look forward to: Himeji Castle.

Himeji Castle might be the best castle to visit in all of Japan, and the best time to see it is definitely during cherry blossom season. Not only inside the castle grounds but outside as well, is quite beautiful. If you are lucky enough to make it to Himeji Castle during cherry blossom season, you will not be disappointed! To see a lot more photos of cherry blossoms and Himeji Castle, take a peak at the the gallery.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

I have been to Kyoto upwards of 10 times and have been during all seasons. Without a doubt, during cherry blossom season, the Philosopher’s Path is at its best. To be honest, it really isn’t so impressive during the other times of the year, and sure it gets a little crowded, but trust me, it is a must see when the sakura are in full bloom. To see a lot more photos of cherry blossoms and the philosopher’s path, take a look at the the gallery.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

By the way, only two more weeks to enter the contest at Japan Photo Guide to win $50! There are lot’s of easy ways to enter (subscribing by email, adding a link, buy one of my photos etc.) so anyone can easily enter. Check out the details here!

A large version of the photo with flaws pointed out is here.
Ah the Chinese and their counterfeits. Here on the Probe, we’ve seen fake Disneylands and cardboard filled foodstuffs. But this time it is the media that has been caught red handed trying to make the state’s expensive and environmentally controversial Qinghai-Xizang railway look friendly.

Here are some select excerpts from the article on the propaganda controversy:

The train, which soon brought many visitors to the pristine homeland of Tibetan Buddhists, became a flash point for China’s long simmering tensions with Tibet. During construction, it drew fierce protests from environmentalists who said it would threaten the breeding grounds of the chiru, an endangered antelope species found mainly in China.

When the train service began, a remarkable photograph appeared in hundreds of newspapers, and it eased environmental concerns. The picture, captioned “Qinghai-Tibet railway opens green passage for wildlife,” featured dozens of antelope galloping peacefully across the Tibetan landscape, unfazed as the gleaming silver train raced beside them.

The photo was the work of Liu Weiqing, a 41-year-old photographer who had been camped with his Jeep on the Tibetan plateau since March, as part of a highly publicized series by the Daqing Evening News, a regional newspaper, to raise awareness of the rare Tibetan antelope. Mr. Liu was also under contract with Xinhua to provide photos for China’s largest government-run news service.

Media critics say the photo’s deeper message was hard to miss. “It’s such a perfect propaganda photo,” says David Bandurski a researcher at the University of Hong Kong China Media Project. “They don’t tend to give journalism prizes to reports that rock the boat.”

Suspicions about the photo became public last week after Mr. Liu’s photograph was displayed in Beijing’s subway system.

Cornered by the mounting evidence, Mr. Liu admitted he had indeed used Photoshop to blend two pictures, according to the newspaper.

Mr. Liu resigned from the Daqing Evening News

The Antelope is one of the mascots for the upcoming controversially located Beijing Olympics.

OK on to the photo this week, which as you can tell from the title, is a sunset at Matsushima.

For those of you who don’t know, Matsushima is considered to be one of Japan’s three most scenic views. Having traveled all around Japan, I am not sure if I agree, but at the right time of the day and year, Matsushima can be spectacular. More photos of Matsushima can be see an bought from the gallery.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

By the way the woman was looking at the kids, I just know she was thinking about busting out her own Nintendo DS to start playing with them. Just in case you are curious, this photograph was taken on subway in my favorite city in Japan, Kyoto.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

Top 7 cellphone pics taken by older people in Sugamo

1. Landscapes / Scenery
2. Grandchildren
3. Oneself
4. Pets
5. Akihiro Miwa (it’s lucky to have his picture)
6. Memorable Food
7. Illuminations

… if you are ok with taking photos of strangers, inside trains and around train stations are great places to get some sweet shots of Japan and Japanese culture. Besides, photos of people sleeping are always funny. I mean, where else can you see total strangers all passed out on each other during their daily commute only to (usually) wake up just before their stop? Like always, for larger and a few more photos, here is the gallery.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

A cool photo of the Saigo Takamori statue in Ueno Park, from Mainichi’s coverage of yesterday’s snowstorm

The results shown in the clip:

1. Sumo Wrestlers
2. Kaminari Gate
3. Restaurant Food Sample Displays
4. Meiji Shrine
5. Japanese Cars
6. Anime Figures
7. Silly Tourist Photo-taking Spots (Insert Head into Scene)
8. Subway Maps
9. Smoking Areas
10. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Especially if you have kids, but even if you don’t, the Asahiyama Zoo is pretty sweet. I enjoyed the penguin and polar bear exhibits. It was the first time for me to see real penguins and I couldn’t believe for something so slow and awkward on land they could be so fast and graceful in the water. Good stuff. Anyway, like always, for more information about the Asahiyama Zoo take a look at theJapan Photo Guide or for larger and more photos, here is the gallery.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

The Sapporo TV Tower (not to be confused with the Clock Tower–which might be the most overrated “tourist spot” in Japan) is like a mini Eiffel Tower and offers a great view of Sapporo during the day or night. It is worth the short time it takes to get to the top. For more information about Sapporo take a look at theJapan Photo Guide or for larger and more photos from the tv tower, here is the gallery.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

During the Susukino Ice Festival, which is the same time as the Sapporo Snow Festival, the streets of Susukino are lined with ice sculptures and are lit up at night. The small ice sculptures are not as impressive as the gigantic snow sculptures, but still are pretty amazing to me. Like I mentioned before though, the small ice bars, serving up hot alcoholic drinks and shots down ice slides, are the main attraction here! For more photos of some of the actually sculptures and information see the Japan Photo Guide.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

Held every year towards the beginning of February, The Sapporo Snow Festival is a great festival because there are so many things to do and see in Sapporo at this time. Really the snow sculptures are usually pretty amazing but the other events, activities, and especially the food make it awesome. Also it helps that Sapporo is a great city with wonderful restaurants (Sapporo Ramen is another thing that lives up to its hype, you gotta try the miso butter corn ramen) and nightlife. Actually, I went last year when the weather was not only cloudy and rainy everyday I was there but also as you can tell from the word “rainy,” it was unusually warm and almost ruined the sculptures, but I still really enjoyed it anyway. So much in fact, that while I was writing this post I just decided I am going to try and go back this year even though I detest cold weather. Next week I will post about the Susukino (the nightlife area) Ice Festival.

Anyway, for more photos and information see the Japan Photo Guide or to see larger and more photos take a peak at the Gallery.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

I think I am boycotting posting winter photos just because I can never seem to stay warm here in the winter. So last week we went back to fall and this week we go back (or forward?) to summer.

This is from Takachiho in Miyazaki Prefecture. If you like nature and are too far from Hokkaido, I would recommend taking a trip to Kyushu. I have traveled to a lot of places in Japan and I can honestly say that the scenery, just traveling from place to place was some of the best I have seen. Anyway, for more photos and information see the Japan Photo Guide or to see larger and more photos take a peak at the Gallery.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

After Arashiyama, I think Oirase Stream, in Aomori Prefecture has become my favorite place in Japan. I have only been in the fall but I can imagine it just as beautiful covered in snow in the winter or lush with green in the summer. I’m sure it is ok during the spring as well. For larger and more photos check out the Gallery.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

It is a little early, but since I only post once a week, Merry Christmas to those that celebrate it and Happy Holidays to the rest of us who don’t.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

Mainichi Shinbun has posted a gallery of photographs(Japanese) that highlight the major events of 2007. Some of the photos represent stories we have blogged about on Japan Probe: the Fujiya Scandal, the natto diet fraud, celebrity weddings, the “Baby Post,” Billy Blanks Mania, Riyo Mori becoming Miss Universe, Asashoryu’s Soccer scandal, Nova’s Collapse, the butt-biting bug, and more!

One of these is Roppongi Hills. Roppongi Hills is a modern, high class development with expensive shops, apartments, restaurants and a few other things thrown into the mix. My favorite part of it is the observatory and art museum at the top of the tower. It offers great views of Tokyo and like the rest of Roppongi Hills is beautifully designed. It is really amazing how such a bustling city as Tokyo transforms into a calm and peaceful city from so high up. Anyway, for more photos and information see theJapan Photo Guide.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

A cool glimpse into the past:

Forty-three photos taken in Tokyo in autumn 1945 by a U.S. soldier waiting to rotate home were exhibited Wednesday at Chubu University.

The photos of Tokyo streets and people were donated by the widow of Clifford McCarthy, who stayed for six weeks in Tokyo’s Chofu area, where a U.S. airfield was located. McCarthy had served in a U.S. Army Air Corps photoreconnaissance unit in the South Pacific.

About 10 years ago, the photos were put on private display in Japan. The current exhibition, which is open to the public, will run through Dec. 19 on the university campus in Kasugai, Aichi Prefecture.

“They are valuable photos both historically and artistically. We want as many people as possible to see them and look back on the time,” a university official said.

The photos mentioned in the Japan Times article quoted above can be viewed online on the Mainichi Shinbun’s website (text in Japanese, but it shouldn’t be to hard to navigate the gallery).

Pachinko parlors in Japan are about as common as McDonald’s in America. Even in the most rural of areas, a pachinko parlor usually can be found. Basically, these places are the some of the loudest and smokiest places you can visit in Japan. By the way, if you try to take photos and somebody asks you to stop, you might want to listen as many pachinko parlors have connections or are owned by the Yakuza. For more information about pachinko, check out the Japan Photo Guide or you can buy this photo.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

Towadako is a beautiful lake in the northern part of Japan. I was just in the right place at the right time to catch this rainbow. My girlfriend had been driving for a while and wanted to pull over and rest (as I cannot drive in Japan), so I got out of the car, walked towards the lake and the rainbow was just there waiting for me. Actually, I caught it as it was going away. I think if I were there a few seconds earlier it would have been perfect. For more photos and information take a look at the Japan Photo Guide or for a lot more and larger photos of Towadako, check out my gallery.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

The full ranking:

• 1. Kyoto’s autumn foliage
• 2. Temples lit-up at night
• 3. Maiko / Geisha
• 4. Kinkakuji (Gold Pavilion Temple)
• 5. Tsukemono (pickled vegetables)
• 6. Onsen (hot springs)
• 7. Japanese sweets
• 8. Japanese students on school trips to Kyoto
• 9. Kyoto Tower
• 10. Matsutake Mushrooms
• 11. Kiyomizudera Temple
• 12. Vending Machines
• 13. Omikuji (prayers tied to branches)
• 13. Monks
• 15. Shikansen trains

Arishiyama is just west of Kyoto and is often less visited by foreign tourists; however, if you go to Kyoto it would be a shame if passed up on it. The photo above is over looking the Hozu River. For more photos take a look at the Japan Photo Guide or for a lot more and larger photos of this beautiful place, check out my gallery.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

Nanzenji is a large temple in the eastern part of Kyoto. This photo was taken in one of the gardens that is beautiful during any season (yes I have been to it during all of them) but especially in the fall. There is also a wonderful green tea room if you need to take a break.

For more photos and information take a look at the Japan Photo Guide or my gallery.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

The Oirase Stream is a small but beautiful stream that runs from Towadako, which lays on the border Aomori and Akita Prefectures. I went there a week ago and think I arrived just a few days late. It was still really nice though! A place to keep in mind for you next year if you are in Japan during autumn.

For more photos take a look at the Japan Photo Guide or my gallery.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike.

What do you get when you assemble a group of elderly volunteers and reshoot historic photographs? The art collective Henry VIII’s Wives attempted just that in their Iconic Moments of the 20th Century photo project. Some photos, such as the Vietnamese street execution, were skillfully reproduced. Others, such as the Iwo Jima flag raising shown above, were much harder.

[Via Boing Boing / Laughing Squid]

Arashiyama is just west of the city of Kyoto and about a 45 minute bus/train ride. Arashiyama is really breathtaking during the fall as it is next to the mountains and you can easily climb high enough to get a nice view of the mountains and The Hozu River that runs through them. The best time to go here is in the middle or end of November and I can confidently say you will not be disappointed.

For more photos and access information take a look at the Japan Photo Guide and this week it might be worth it to see even more photos of Arashiyama in my gallery.

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike. If you would like to buy or see more or larger photos take a look at the gallery.