More Trips

Korea6 April 24


Japan10 November 23


Taiwan5 April 23


Korea5 November 22


Korea4 May 22


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

Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Page 7

Day 19 - Wednesday, 8 November 2017

Castle in the fog

Climbing up the slippery hills to get to Gifu castle

Weather update: Misty fog but still really warm.
Health update: Mildly snotty but maybe already getting better?

Today I got to use the plethora of roofs that hover above every street in Gifu.
They took me all the way to the Gifu city garden, which has a surprisingly long challenging series of paths to get to the castle that overlooks the city, if you choose to not use the ropeway.
Of course, I did not use the ropeway. But I was actually expecting a concrete staircase to the top, because this place is really popular, I couldnt be more wrong.
It was surely the most challenging 'climb' of my trip so far. Sure, it was short, but at times I needed my gloves and to think about the way up.

The castle at the top was built in 1950, after being destroyed in world war 2. It is made of concrete. Whilst there are great views from the castle, as you will see below, its really hard to take a photo of a great view including the castle.
It also has a small entry fee and the usual array of swords and samurai outfits inside.
I think this might be the only actual castle I visit on this trip, and its a fake one to boot.

The path down was called the meditation path, supposed to be easier, and it was, but given the moist conditions, I really had to be very careful!
I made it to the bottom unscathed, and dry. What looks like rain is really just fog.

Now I am enjoying a fruit salad that includes tomatoes and very strangely, marshmallows. Not mochi, actual marshmallows. From now on all fruit salad should include marshmallows.

Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The road through the city to the park where you start your ascent to storm the castle was very nice, even in the grey.

The road through the city to the park where you start your ascent to storm the castle was very nice, even in the grey.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - I took a wrong turn and found myself at this temple complex, with some really nice autumn color, well it would have been on a sunny day.

I took a wrong turn and found myself at this temple complex, with some really nice autumn color, well it would have been on a sunny day.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - This woman will be here until march sweeping leaves.

This woman will be here until march sweeping leaves.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The temple itself.

The temple itself.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - They have decided to try and compete with Kyoto with the red gate tunnel. Weak effort, try a different color, be unique.

They have decided to try and compete with Kyoto with the red gate tunnel. Weak effort, try a different color, be unique.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - I have no idea what this place was, but it was really nice and quite a large compound of many buildings.

I have no idea what this place was, but it was really nice and quite a large compound of many buildings.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Now I am at the city park, and if you squint through the fog, you can see the castle on top of the hill. There is an art gallery here with a Michaelan

Now I am at the city park, and if you squint through the fog, you can see the castle on top of the hill. There is an art gallery here with a Michaelangelo exhibition going on. Quite a few buses of domestic tourists.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Also, like all of Japan at this time of year, the flower show. This one has a mini pagoda and bridge as part of the display.

Also, like all of Japan at this time of year, the flower show. This one has a mini pagoda and bridge as part of the display.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - A bit more flower show, there was heaps and heaps of flower show. If you like flower show you would like this park a lot.

A bit more flower show, there was heaps and heaps of flower show. If you like flower show you would like this park a lot.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The garden was large and colorful. I did not explore it all.

The garden was large and colorful. I did not explore it all.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - I did however explore the little pond with lit up neon plastic Japanese historical figures. Note the fish in the water.

I did however explore the little pond with lit up neon plastic Japanese historical figures. Note the fish in the water.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - This was a bonus pagoda. Apparently made from wood from a bridge that collapsed in an earthquake in the 1890's. Although it doesnt say when the pagoda

This was a bonus pagoda. Apparently made from wood from a bridge that collapsed in an earthquake in the 1890's. Although it doesnt say when the pagoda was made, it looks new and they are still finishing the landscaping around it.
It is often very very hard to take a photo without power wires. It annoys me!


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - I selected my path, apparently a path an exiled brother used to sneak up on the castle and murder his entire family and reclaim the throne. Quite comm

I selected my path, apparently a path an exiled brother used to sneak up on the castle and murder his entire family and reclaim the throne. Quite common in Japan to this day.
The so called path was a rock face! I was genuinely surprised, but excited to climb up jagged wet rocks.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - A bit more rock face, it went on and on. My hands are a bit sore now as a result. Needless to say, I saw no one else at all attempting the rock face.

A bit more rock face, it went on and on. My hands are a bit sore now as a result. Needless to say, I saw no one else at all attempting the rock face.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - And now a view of the fog.

And now a view of the fog.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - As far as I can tell, this is only one of two spots to take a photo of the castle. You will see the other later.

As far as I can tell, this is only one of two spots to take a photo of the castle. You will see the other later.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Inside you have your usual array of weaponary.

Inside you have your usual array of weaponary.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - And of course a few suits of samurai armour. Terrible reflecions from the horrendous fluoro lighthing. Buying a few normal lamps would make this place

And of course a few suits of samurai armour. Terrible reflecions from the horrendous fluoro lighthing. Buying a few normal lamps would make this place look 100x better.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Now we do the view, of the fog! And also those damn wires.

Now we do the view, of the fog! And also those damn wires.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - More fog, and the cities famous river. I know its famous, the station has an information board telling me the city is famous for the river and the cas

More fog, and the cities famous river. I know its famous, the station has an information board telling me the city is famous for the river and the castle.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Last view pic. Nice phone tower poking up from the trees. I think the foliage would have looked spectacular on a clear day.

Last view pic. Nice phone tower poking up from the trees. I think the foliage would have looked spectacular on a clear day.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Lets do the stance!

Lets do the stance!


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - This is the other castle view, you have to stand in the entry of the ladies toilets. Nice power wires again.....

This is the other castle view, you have to stand in the entry of the ladies toilets. Nice power wires again.....


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - There is also another museum building included in the price of admission, and a squirrel park. Squirrel park had no squirrels although I did see some

There is also another museum building included in the price of admission, and a squirrel park. Squirrel park had no squirrels although I did see some on my descent.
Bonus museum building had some more armour.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - What the bonus museum really had, was the complete history of the castle, as told in manga. Apparently theres a big budget Japanese movie about this c

What the bonus museum really had, was the complete history of the castle, as told in manga. Apparently theres a big budget Japanese movie about this castle and the various mass killings of everyone.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Time to make my descent down the meditation path. I meditated on not slipping the hell over.

Time to make my descent down the meditation path. I meditated on not slipping the hell over.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - It remained foggy my whole descent, which I enjoyed.

It remained foggy my whole descent, which I enjoyed.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The lower parts were less slippery, but dark and spooky. Todays small walk turned into a technical hike, which was a nice surprise.

The lower parts were less slippery, but dark and spooky. Todays small walk turned into a technical hike, which was a nice surprise.


I have seen all of it

The view from the Gifu observation tower

I am confident I have now seen all there is to see in Gifu. Time to move on to Yokohama tomorrow.
To assist in ensuring everyone can see all of Gifu, the government has built the largest building in the city, and made the top floor observation deck free.
I went up there, and I was the only person up there. Strangely they have installed what appears to be frosted glass, which impacts the photo quality as you will see below.

From the observation tower, I saw a mall, so I guess it was time to head to the mall. I shouldnt have bothered. It had nowhere to eat except mcdonalds, and exactly 4 shops! Book-off, Uniqlo, Tsutaya and a supermarket, and enough car parking for 10,000 cars.
The top floors of the former shopping mall were now all English language learning schools and dentists.

Not to worry, I headed back to the station area and found a vegetarian buffet! Not as good as the FANTASTIC Taiwanese ones, but still good.
Paying for it was quite an ordeal, just like in Taiwan you pay by weight, but this place was a self check out machine that weighed it and made you put cash in. Sounds easy enough, but then it was asking me questions about rice, soup, green tea etc and I had to pick various options.
Eventually the cleaning grandma came and helped me, I think it made her day.
Then finally, I decided my dinner was virtually calorie free so celebrated with a green tea and red bean ice cream. Which was way more ice than cream. I have regrets!

Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The view from the 43rd floor. My building at home has more floors and seems small compared to many around it. Here in Japan, 43 seems really high. Tha

The view from the 43rd floor. My building at home has more floors and seems small compared to many around it.
Here in Japan, 43 seems really high. Thats the train station below.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Some more view. That other big building is also owned by the city government.

Some more view. That other big building is also owned by the city government.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Last of the view pics. It was really hard to take decent photos through the glass.

Last of the view pics. It was really hard to take decent photos through the glass.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Next up, we head to the crappy mall. There was a highway overpass to take a photo from. Its not really up to the standard of the Tennnoji one from the

Next up, we head to the crappy mall. There was a highway overpass to take a photo from. Its not really up to the standard of the Tennnoji one from the other day in Osaka.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - There was nothing else to see in the mall other than perusing the fantastic selection of second hand goods in book-off. They sell lots of second hand

There was nothing else to see in the mall other than perusing the fantastic selection of second hand goods in book-off. They sell lots of second hand clothes also, its hard to tell many are second hand.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - I had no idea what this place is, but they rolled out the red carpet for me.

I had no idea what this place is, but they rolled out the red carpet for me.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - And here is the building I was taking photos from the top of earlier. It was now starting to get foggy again.

And here is the building I was taking photos from the top of earlier. It was now starting to get foggy again.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - My vegetarian buffet dinner. It was a fun activity.

My vegetarian buffet dinner. It was a fun activity.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - I bought my ice cream from a gigantic up market supermarket. This is their curry powder / paste / spice block aisle. I couldnt fit it all in the shot.

I bought my ice cream from a gigantic up market supermarket. This is their curry powder / paste / spice block aisle. I couldnt fit it all in the shot. Do Japanese people eat curry every night?


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - And the rain started to fall just as I got back to the roofed streets once more. This might be the last ever photo you see of Gifu in your life. Remem

And the rain started to fall just as I got back to the roofed streets once more. This might be the last ever photo you see of Gifu in your life. Remember it for its many roofs!


There are currently 4 comments - click to add

David on 2017-11-08 said:

Garden was ok, the castle is fake at the top of the hill but the view is good.
There are no shops, even the station area is lacking.
There is a loft and a takashimaya and thats it.

Best place is still Kyoto I think, there are so many places to go to from there.


jenny on 2017-11-08 said:

So Gifu is dead at night. Does it have shops and other things I would be interested in - like the garden you went to yesterday? What is the best place so far this trip?


David on 2017-11-08 said:

I increase shadows, cut saturation, otherwise it was just fog and no city below
This is only the case in the view of the fog photos


mother on 2017-11-08 said:

I think you made your own path today. There must be a better one than that. Colours in your photos are fluorescent are you sure you're not cranking them up?


Day 20 - Thursday, 9 November 2017

Decline

From Gifu to Yokohama on the Shinkansen

Physical Health Status: Deteriorating fast
Mental Health Status: I want to put every snotty Japanese person who has made me sick to the sword!
Belt Status: Tighter than it should be - physical exercise makes ABSOLUTELY NO DIFFERENCE to how fat you are. NONE.
Foot Status: Still awesome, praise be to the lords of shoe making, Altra.

I am on the decline. I thought I would get better, I didnt, I got worse.
This will be reflected by a lack of photos.
I had many plans of places to go, at this stage, these will be impacted.
If I dont make a rapid improvement I might have to go to the forest.

As I type this an alarm went off in my room for half a second, twice, with a minute or so in between. I did not feel an earthquake though. Maybe North Korea is here.
Update, alarm went for longer with someone talking over it, I went down stairs, and they all bowed and said 'no prob-elem, pleasu ignore...des!' ok.

Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - I got up early and walked around Gifu. This open sewer was quite picturesque in the early sun.

I got up early and walked around Gifu. This open sewer was quite picturesque in the early sun.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The reflection of the leaves on the water and the leaves on the water on the roof of the tunnel of the bridge was quite interesting.

The reflection of the leaves on the water and the leaves on the water on the roof of the tunnel of the bridge was quite interesting.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - On all the previous occasions I went past Fuji on the Shinkanesen, it was raining. Today I could see it, so I took this poor quality photo. As my came

On all the previous occasions I went past Fuji on the Shinkanesen, it was raining. Today I could see it, so I took this poor quality photo.
As my camera has no zoom, its a crop, through pollution, from a moving bullet train.
I have seen other tourists have a tantrum and start crying when they realised they wouldnt get their photo of fuji from the train.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - And last photo for today, my hotel room. Daiwa Roynet again, exact same config as my last Daiwa Roynet in Gifu with a slightly more modern decor. I li

And last photo for today, my hotel room. Daiwa Roynet again, exact same config as my last Daiwa Roynet in Gifu with a slightly more modern decor.
I like it, its large.


Resurgence

Eating Mapo Tofu in Yokohama Chinatown

Its not game over yet. I seem to be going through a resurgence. Maybe it will be brief, maybe it will be lasting, time will tell....time will tell.

I have been to Yokohama before, but only during the day. I thought then that the Chinatown was a bit boring. A few things have changed since then because now its awesome.
First, I think in the years since I have been here, the Japanese appreciation of taking money from Chinese tourists has increased massively. So they have a lot more food options now for actual Chinese people, not just Japanese people wanting to eat Ramen in a place decorated with Chinese gates and lanterns.
Second, I think the place comes alive at night.
My hotel is on the corner of the main Chinatown street, so to Chinatown I went.

I selected Mapo Tofu, and it was very much like the style found in Chengdu, a lot of ma as well as la, and I think this combination might be the main cause of my resurgence.
What I need is for a Chinese chef to follow me around with some Sichuan peppers.

Yokohama is also a very big place, the apricot shading on the map is very very large. I saw only a small part of it, and never actually got to central Yokohama on my walk this evening. I did however injure myself looking at the map.
By some calculations, Yokohama is actually the second biggest city in Japan, with 3.7 million residents, but this is very confusing because its joined on to Tokyo and forms part of the greater Tokyo metro area.
Thats enough geography.

Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The entrance to Chinatown. I was excited to be back amongst my own people.

The entrance to Chinatown. I was excited to be back amongst my own people.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - A lantern dragon.

A lantern dragon.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Hong Kong street, complete with pay to use toilets. Very entrepreneurial.

Hong Kong street, complete with pay to use toilets. Very entrepreneurial.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - With so many world champions of dim sum and cooking you would assume this place would have at least one customer, but they do not. One of their so cal

With so many world champions of dim sum and cooking you would assume this place would have at least one customer, but they do not.
One of their so called champions is also a woman, which is impossible. All great chefs are men.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - I felt like shark fin soup, but it was too expensive. That however is the biggest shark fin I ever saw. Japan has shark fin soup, ivory, whale meat, l

I felt like shark fin soup, but it was too expensive. That however is the biggest shark fin I ever saw.
Japan has shark fin soup, ivory, whale meat, live fish eating. Its all good.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - There were so many reasturants, I decided to make my choice from one of the places on this alleyway, or else I would never choose. The first place I w

There were so many reasturants, I decided to make my choice from one of the places on this alleyway, or else I would never choose.
The first place I went into, I knew what I wanted, saw it on the big sign out the front, house specialty, Taiwan beef noodle.
So I sit down, and out comes the honey chicken menu. I ask for the real chinese menu, in Chinese, and get answered in Japanese. So I left.
Everything on the English menu was also 3x the price.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Next place was dark, old looking, and I saw the chef smoking in the alleyway, so you know hes the real deal. No honey chicken menu here, menu was writ

Next place was dark, old looking, and I saw the chef smoking in the alleyway, so you know hes the real deal. No honey chicken menu here, menu was written in Chinese.
The mapo tofu as I wrote above was fantastic. $7 including soup, rice, dumplings, pickles and dessert which I turned down.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - I am amused that the taxis seem to say 'the contribution to society' which is a term I attribute to reformed criminals.

I am amused that the taxis seem to say 'the contribution to society' which is a term I attribute to reformed criminals.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - THIS IS THE POLE I WALKED INTO. I was reading google maps, and suffered a catastrophic groin injury. I tried to laugh and walk it off. I saw at least

THIS IS THE POLE I WALKED INTO.
I was reading google maps, and suffered a catastrophic groin injury. I tried to laugh and walk it off. I saw at least one guy laughing at me. It was pretty funny.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - This outdoor mall went for many miles. I did not get to the end of it.

This outdoor mall went for many miles. I did not get to the end of it.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - And just because I didnt take enough photos earlier, here is a random street in Yokohama. Quite shiny and new looking.

And just because I didnt take enough photos earlier, here is a random street in Yokohama. Quite shiny and new looking.


There are currently 2 comments - click to add

David on 2017-11-09 said:

I really dont think taking strong codeine before running up a mountain for 8 hours is a good idea.
In fact thats one of the worst ideas of all time.
Any kind of pain killer before physical activity is only going to cause injury.


mother on 2017-11-09 said:

Remembered the comments box again. Glad you are feeling a bit better tonight. Remember I told you once before about the good cold medicine in Japan and how to ask for it.Yes China Town is big and colourful, but we have only been there in the daytime and it was absolutely packed. Maybe it was Chinese New Year or something when we were there. Notice how clean all the street are in Japan - except of course when they put out the rubbish bags and the crows get into them. At least the rubbish men get out of the trucks and clean everything up. That definitely doesn't happen here.


Day 21 - Friday, 10 November 2017

Clinically clean

The modern architecture of Yokohama

Whilst my health is much much better than yesterday, my original plan for today was a 30km round trip up a mountain in a remote location.
I decided I am not quite up to it, yet. Come hell or high typhoon, I will do that tomorrow. That will be Saturday though, so I expect it to be quite busy. Less chance of getting lost or eaten by a bear, harder to find spots for public urination.

So, instead of heading out of Yokohama, I stayed right in it, and walked its length and back, about 30,000 steps on my rest day.
Along the way I saw lots of big modern buildings, wide open avenues with trees, business people, middle aged white men in suits, their wives lounging in fancy bakeries, that sort of thing.
I also noticed when I left this morning that the hotel has plastered apology bow signs in the lift and reception about the false fire alarm yesterday, which was apparently due to an 'unfortunate issue'.

In news events, I can report that Trump visiting China and spending more time with Xi Jinping than he did in Japan wth Shinzo Abe has got everyone here riled up.
Apparently he said a lot of nice things about China, Japan really wanted him to declare war on them and not even go there. The news stations here are literally playing any speech he made in China line by line, pausing it, then having a pannel of 'experts' offer their opinions on what he might have meant.
The assumption that he means anything he says or actually knows what any of his script means is probably where everyone is going wrong.

Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Yokohama is very yellow. Leaves are plentiful, at least 10 leaves fell on my head today just as I was walking around. This keeps an army of people emp

Yokohama is very yellow. Leaves are plentiful, at least 10 leaves fell on my head today just as I was walking around. This keeps an army of people employed sweeping all day. Some even shake trees to make more leaves fall down quicker.
I also saw quite a lot of people being supervised collecting rubbish with tongs, community service perhaps.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Down near the port is a big rose garden. Very un-Japanese.

Down near the port is a big rose garden. Very un-Japanese.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The port tower is still functioning. Crap photo.

The port tower is still functioning. Crap photo.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - This cruise ship was also a hospital ship in WW2, and is now a museum. I thought I might go on it, but no admission before 11AM, so you wont be gettin

This cruise ship was also a hospital ship in WW2, and is now a museum. I thought I might go on it, but no admission before 11AM, so you wont be getting my $3.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The very modern skyline of Yokohama. Looks a lot like an Australian city. The weather today was still amazingly good, and I wished I was wearing short

The very modern skyline of Yokohama. Looks a lot like an Australian city. The weather today was still amazingly good, and I wished I was wearing shorts. Its supposed to be warmer tomorrow also.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - This is the overseas passenger terminal for cruise ships. Its quite an amazing place. Seems to be made of wood and grass and is enormous, really gave

This is the overseas passenger terminal for cruise ships. Its quite an amazing place. Seems to be made of wood and grass and is enormous, really gave a great view inside the ships berthed either side.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - This bridge goes all the way across the bay back to the south east of Tokyo, at some point I believe it turns into a tunnel before becoming a bridge a

This bridge goes all the way across the bay back to the south east of Tokyo, at some point I believe it turns into a tunnel before becoming a bridge again. If only they let you walk over/under the bay using it, I would do that for sure!
Its so long they have 2 sets of 'roadside services' in case you run out of fuel or urgently need ramen whilst crossing.
UPDATE: I checked google maps, this connects up to that bridge / tunnel, nearer to Kawasaki.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - This is how you do a model ship, make it big enough to actually sail in the ocean.

This is how you do a model ship, make it big enough to actually sail in the ocean.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The red house is now a shopping mall, also opens late, so I kept going. Thousands of school kids hanging about pointing at me and hurling insults. Kin

The red house is now a shopping mall, also opens late, so I kept going. Thousands of school kids hanging about pointing at me and hurling insults.
Kind of feels like a cold square in the Soviet Union.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Obviously I am too early for the ferris wheel, but thats ok, I have been on it before.

Obviously I am too early for the ferris wheel, but thats ok, I have been on it before.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - There is actually more than one amusement park, if thats your thing.

There is actually more than one amusement park, if thats your thing.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - This long avenue of colorful trees leads to the Nissan car company global HQ. I had read you could go in and see every old car they ever made on displ

This long avenue of colorful trees leads to the Nissan car company global HQ. I had read you could go in and see every old car they ever made on display. I could not find that, just a modern showroom not worthy of a photo, and a starbucks, and a gran turismo simulator with a busted controller that had the horn button jammed on.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Another example of the clinically cold architecture of modern Yokohama.

Another example of the clinically cold architecture of modern Yokohama.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Its only once you get to the Yokohama central station area that it looks more like the rest of Japan. Quite a small area and still filled with very la

Its only once you get to the Yokohama central station area that it looks more like the rest of Japan. Quite a small area and still filled with very large department stores and underground malls.
This old part of town is a long way from where the Chinatown section and the main people hanging about areas of town are these days.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Guns are a real issue in Japan. Mass shootings are occurring almost daily. Actually I dont know that theres been any gun murders this year.

Guns are a real issue in Japan. Mass shootings are occurring almost daily. Actually I dont know that theres been any gun murders this year.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - On my way back to the hotel, I went past the big baseball stadium, and they were in there training. I could see in and take a photo. What appeared to

On my way back to the hotel, I went past the big baseball stadium, and they were in there training. I could see in and take a photo. What appeared to be a junior player was standing guard at the gate, I asked if I could take a photo and he seemed too shy to answer.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Next to the stadium is this little garden. I have actually been here before. I also saw someone on the internet who went and took photos of a snake in

Next to the stadium is this little garden. I have actually been here before. I also saw someone on the internet who went and took photos of a snake in a tree in here!


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - And then at the Lawson, I found 0 calorie Calpis! How a fermented yoghurt drink can have zero calories is no doubt patented Japanese secret technology

And then at the Lawson, I found 0 calorie Calpis! How a fermented yoghurt drink can have zero calories is no doubt patented Japanese secret technology. It tastes exactly like the calorie laden original to me though.


Ready for action

The boutique shopping street of Motomachi in Yokohama

After 3 or so days of ill health and recovery, I declare myself back to mountain fitness.
Unfortunately, I cant climb a mountain at night, too many hungry bears, so tonight, I went to Motomachi.
I saw other places in lesser cities called Motomachi, so I thought maybe it means something, I still dont know, I think its just a name, when I google it, all the hits are for Yokohama Motomachi, which even gets its own wikipedia article -

'Motomachi is a district of Naka Ward in Yokohama, Japan, located immediately west of Yamate and east of Chinatown. It consists mainly of the Motomachi Shopping Street, a five-block long stretch of boutiques and shops, well known in Japan for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, original fashion, and Western influence.'

I agree with the article. My mother (and only reader) should pay careful attention, assuming you havent been here already. You would like all the little boutiques and bakeries along here.

And now as I type this, we have the sumo technical analysis on tv, complete with graphics and a panel of experts. This features super super high definition slow motion footage whilst all the experts make ooooghhh aaawwwww noises.
The noises are nothing though, I can clearly see one sumo guys asshole, and another guys scrotum, within one minute of viewing. Such an elegant sport.
I had to change channels, next we get the women eating giant mouthfuls of food whilst wearing too much lipstick show. Also featuring high definition slow motion. Thats the entire show! No commentary, no discussion of what they are eating, just cutting to different closeups of stuffing giant amounts of food into well groomed mouth holes.

Time to head back to the main state broadcaster, who is showing the world ice sweeping (curling) championships. I enjoy the frantic commentary.

Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The entry to Motomachi street, with golden eagle.

The entry to Motomachi street, with golden eagle.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - I first walked away from the main area, to check out the poor end of the street, still quite nice.

I first walked away from the main area, to check out the poor end of the street, still quite nice.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - There are lots and lots of dedicated little shops along here. This one sells every kind of honey, honey related products, and honey themed accessories

There are lots and lots of dedicated little shops along here.
This one sells every kind of honey, honey related products, and honey themed accessories. In addition to honey they also sell pictures of bees.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - I do not think they can open this store in Australia without changing the name first, although we do still have coon cheese.

I do not think they can open this store in Australia without changing the name first, although we do still have coon cheese.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The main part of Motomachi is nicely lit up, dont let the swarovski store fool you, its mainly independent stores.

The main part of Motomachi is nicely lit up, dont let the swarovski store fool you, its mainly independent stores.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - There are lots and lots of shoe shops. Hence the golden shoe. Some of the shoe shops seem to be making the shoes, not just selling them.

There are lots and lots of shoe shops. Hence the golden shoe. Some of the shoe shops seem to be making the shoes, not just selling them.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - RAMEN TIME! And it was amazingly good ramen. A new winner for best of the trip so far. I dont know what the flavour base was, maybe a mixture, includi

RAMEN TIME! And it was amazingly good ramen. A new winner for best of the trip so far. I dont know what the flavour base was, maybe a mixture, including chilli. The huge amount of vegetables, some of them pickled, made it great.
The pork was also crispy on the edges, very very good. Finally, the noodles were hand cut rectangular almost Taiwanese style.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - I liked this Ramen so much I took a photo of the outside of the shop to remember if I ever come here again. As you can see they mainly serve the one t

I liked this Ramen so much I took a photo of the outside of the shop to remember if I ever come here again.
As you can see they mainly serve the one thing, every picture on the shop is of that one Ramen dish which I was I ordered, 760 yen including tax, great value!


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Xiao Long Bao man is here to save us all with soupy pork filled brain.

Xiao Long Bao man is here to save us all with soupy pork filled brain.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - And to add a series of different colors to the web page, heres a random fish tank. It is inside a banks little night room where they have a row of ATM

And to add a series of different colors to the web page, heres a random fish tank. It is inside a banks little night room where they have a row of ATM's.


There are currently 3 comments - click to add

mother on 2017-11-10 said:

Good shops - specially shoe shops. Motomachi just mean down town. It's usually used for the old central parts of the city.


David on 2017-11-10 said:

Its like Tokyo, there are many centres.
I will go back to the big fancy areas tomorrow night and take photos at night, when I was there this morning everything was still shut, so I didnt take photos


mother on 2017-11-10 said:

No shops in your photos? I want to see the centre of Yokohama


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Contents

Day 0 - Saturday, 23 March 2019
  Retrospective
Day 1 - Saturday, 21 October 2017
  26 hours door to door then more
  I want to murder your children
Day 2 - Sunday, 22 October 2017
  The journey is still not quite over
  Typhoon Lan
  Saturation point
Day 3 - Monday, 23 October 2017
  Fortunate train cancellation
  Wasted ramen opportunity
Day 4 - Tuesday, 24 October 2017
  Lost on twin peaks
  The new shiny Tokyo
Day 5 - Wednesday, 25 October 2017
  Snot pump
  Bus confusion
Day 6 - Thursday, 26 October 2017
  Mountain goat
  Shimizu ghost town
Day 7 - Friday, 27 October 2017
  Train to mountain stroll ropeway beach bus
  Second opinion
Day 8 - Saturday, 28 October 2017
  Drowning in a sea of tissues
  Artful rain dodger
Day 9 - Sunday, 29 October 2017
  Rain concentrator
  Better than forecast
Day 10 - Monday, 30 October 2017
  Equal best ever scenery
  Its not Halloween
Day 11 - Tuesday, 31 October 2017
  Thwarted
  Halloween was Saturday
Day 12 - Wednesday, 1 November 2017
  The temple run
  Lost in expansion
Day 13 - Thursday, 2 November 2017
  My trusty old friend is a shining light
  Umeda me a hamburg steak
Day 14 - Friday, 3 November 2017
  Primordial typhoon deer attack
  Resurrection
Day 15 - Saturday, 4 November 2017
  The wind arrived
  Surprisingly great
Day 16 - Sunday, 5 November 2017
  First everybody then nobody
  Pyramids of Sannomiya
Day 17 - Monday, 6 November 2017
  The turn for home
  You would never ever get wet
Day 18 - Tuesday, 7 November 2017
  Exposed
  Short visit to big city
Day 19 - Wednesday, 8 November 2017
  Castle in the fog
  I have seen all of it
Day 20 - Thursday, 9 November 2017
  Decline
  Resurgence
Day 21 - Friday, 10 November 2017
  Clinically clean
  Ready for action
Day 22 - Saturday, 11 November 2017
  All the views
  Here are your shops
Day 23 - Sunday, 12 November 2017
  I have returned
  Ueno to Shinjuku is not far
Day 24 - Monday, 13 November 2017
  Central mountain route
  Surprise downpour whilst tired
Day 25 - Tuesday, 14 November 2017
  Value extraction
  Night of the long exposures
Day 26 - Wednesday, 15 November 2017
  Between the tracks
  The last supper
Day 27 - Thursday, 16 November 2017
  Narita procedural update
  The end