This is the guy in Owakudani that has the thankless job of putting the eggs (dozens at a time in these wire baskets) into the boiling sulfur water. The smell is unbearable. I suppose he gets used to it. We couldn’t stand to be in this location for more than a minute or two. The kurotamago (黒玉子–black, hard-boiled eggs) that he is transporting are sold to tourists for outrageous prices. Eating them is supposed to give you a longer life. I have a hard time believing that working in sulfur everyday will do anything but shorten your life. Needless to say, we didn’t partake.

Posted on February 28th, 2009 under Japan. Tags: hakone, japan pictures, people. Comments: 1

In my ongoing efforts to liquidate my possessions that aren’t coming with me to Japan in a few months, I’m selling the camera that has taken most of the pictures you see on this blog.

The condition of this camera is like new. There are no scratches, it functions perfectly, and it includes everything you’d receive if buying it new (except software as a more recent version can be downloaded for free here). I’m also throwing in a Gear camera bag ($20 value) for free. The Canon S3 will be shipped in its original box.

The retail price is $499.99. Take it and the camera bag off my hands for $200 plus postage. For more specs see this page.

Posted on February 27th, 2009 under Other. Tags: accessories, travel related goods. Comments: 2

While at Kinkakuji (The Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto I spotted a group of kids all in traditional kimono. I’m not sure why they were all in kimono. It was a Sunday morning. They weren’t with a school group. It wasn’t around seijin no hi (January 14). Nor did these kids look old enough to be turning 20. They looked great whatever the reason.

Posted on February 26th, 2009 under Japan. Tags: japan pictures, kyoto, people. Comments: None

I have finished two more issues (one with a tape) of Nihongo Journal. Let me know if you’d like them to be yours.

Posted on February 25th, 2009 under Japan. Tags: nihongo journal. Comments: None