Marugame seimen (丸亀製麺) udon (near) Kofu, Japan

@marugame_sm

Marugame udon shops are all over Japan these days. The first one was created fairly recently (21st Century), and now there are more than 500. We ate at one near the Shinokubo Station (新大久保駅) in Tokyo several times when we lived in Japan in 2009 and 2010. Today’s photo comes from one on the road between Kofu and Kai in Yamanashi Prefecture.

The concept for these restaurants combines fast food, with fresh food, and low prices. No wonder they have been so successful. The noodles are made right in front of the customers lining up. Customers choose the toppings, also freshly made on the premises, and pay at the end of the line in sort of a cafeteria style.

Posted on October 6th, 2014 under Japan. Tags: food, Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VR G lens, Nikon D600, udon. Comments Off on Freshly made udon noodles

Delicious sandwich (デリシャスサンド) on bullet train with Mount Fuji water

@Visit_Japan

The food you can purchase on Japan’s shinkansen (新幹線) is actually pretty good. And instead of having to pick one sandwich, you can purchase a variety pack with four mini sandwiches. The crust has been carefully cut off of each, making you feel like a four-year old again. 😉

Posted on October 1st, 2014 under Japan. Tags: food, mt. fuji, Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VR G lens, Nikon D600, trains. Comments Off on Train food

USJ Hello Kitty train – JR Yumesaki Line

Posted on September 19th, 2014 under Japan. Tags: amusement parks, hello kitty, Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VR G lens, Nikon D600, osaka, trains. Comments Off on Hello Kitty train on the way to Universal Studios Osaka

Shadow portrait in the middle of the Kilauea Iki Trail (Crater National Park, Big Island, Hawaii)

We didn’t plan much on our trip to Hawaii last month, but every day was fantastic. One day we woke up and decided to drive to Crater National Park. It’s a long drive from Kona, but there were some adventures along the way. We were disappointed to learn at the park that there was no lava flow that could be observed at the time. We were told that the only lava to be seen would be the glow from the main crater of the Kilauea Volcano after the sun went down. We had hours to kill and no idea how to spend them. We asked a ranger what we could do to pass the time. She gave us a trail map and said we had just enough time to walk the Kilauea Iki Trail.

Amazingly enough, even though we hadn’t planned this hike, it ended up being one of the best hikes we’ve ever been on. You pass through lush forests, walk on smooth lava rock, and finish in a lava tube. Highly recommended.

The best time of day to do this hike in the late afternoon, counterclockwise. Not only will it be much cooler (Kona was in the 90s; this walk was in the 70s), but you will get some beautiful shadows and a sunset view beyond the crater at the end.

Posted on September 10th, 2014 under Hawaii. Tags: hawaii, hiking, Kilauea Iki Trail, kona, Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VR G lens, Nikon D600. Comments Off on Hiking in Kilauea Iki Crater

@Guanajuato

The Juarez Theater in Guanajuato is beautiful on the outside, day or night. Even though I have been to Guanajuato four times now, this last trip was the first time I entered the theater. The inside is stunning as well. Events held inside are usually cheap or free so be sure to check out the interior too if you ever visit Guanajuato.

Posted on September 9th, 2014 under Other. Tags: buildings, guanajuato, mexico, night photography, Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VR G lens, Nikon D600. Comments Off on Teatro Juarez (Guanajuato, Mexico)