“Shugaku-In” Retired Emporer’s Villa

“Shugaku-In” Retired Emporer’s Villa

Shugaku-in was originally constructed by the retired Emperor Go-Mizunoo, starting in 1655, with the initial construction completed in 1659.  At every turn, a new perspective of exquisite gardens and buildings awaits.
Godzilla

Godzilla

He’s an ever-popular movie star in Japan.  Here he is peeping over the parapet of a new Cinema Megaplex in Shinjuku.
Go’o Shrine Naoshima

Go’o Shrine Naoshima

Go’o Shrine The Go’o Shrine 『護王神社』is an Art Project designed by photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto, erected circa 1998 on the island of Naoshima.  It is a re-interpretation of a style of Shinto Shrine architecture. The name Go’o means something like “Protector King”....
Giro Giro Hitoshina – Modern Kaiseki cuisine in Kyoto

Giro Giro Hitoshina – Modern Kaiseki cuisine in Kyoto

Giro Giro Hitoshina is the name of a restaurant in Kyoto serving Modern Kaiseki meals. Trip Advisor rating of 4.5 stars. This is typical of the “finds” which are hidden away in a back street, with minimalist signage that gives no clue as to what lies inside. Kanji...
Gion backstreet Okonomiyaki

Gion backstreet Okonomiyaki

Wander the back streets of Gion at night, beside shallow rippling canals in neat stone borders, to find an un-assuming restaurant just near a small shrine at the intersection of Shirakawa Minami Dori and Shinbashi Dori. Shrine at intersection of Shirakawa Minami Dori...