On a bike ride around the Yanaka area of Tokyo I spotted this old style building. Yanaka was spared the fire bombings of WW2 so you do sometimes see buildings more than 60 years old, a rarity in Tokyo. I didn’t know if this was built before the war or just made to look old. Given the concrete base I figured the latter.

However, thanks to the sign on the front (吉田屋酒店) and with a little internet research, it turns out that this Yoshida Liquor Store was built in Yanaka in Meiji Jidai, Year 43 (1910). In the 1980s it was moved to its present location. You can check it out in person at this address: 〒110-0002 東京都 台東区 上野桜木2-10-6.

Posted on February 8th, 2011 under Japan. Tags: buildings, signs, Tokyo, yanaka. Comments: 1

A cat is enjoying the shade of this temple porch in today’s photo.

Yakushido (the three larger characters on the sign, 薬師堂) literally means Hall of the Medicine Teacher. I believe this is in reference to the “Medicine Buddha” of Mahayana Buddhism.

This lovely building can be found in the complex of Gokokuji in Tokyo. Notice the paper stuck to the top of the posts on either side of the door. These are senjafuda (千社札) which I will deal with in more detail in a later entry.

Posted on January 27th, 2011 under Japan. Tags: buddhist, cat, gokokuji, senjafuda, signs. Comments Off on A porch to hang out on

A couple years ago I posted some old photos I took in 1990 of Sanctuary. Before leaving Japan in August of 2010 I saw that they were playing as Sanctuary one night and Nevermore the other on a two-night gig in Kawasaki at Club Citta, where I saw Outrage. However, that show took place after I left Japan so I was unable to attend.

I was in Seattle at El Corazon on January 13 and 14 when I took today’s photo (above). They played last Friday when I was back home, far from Seattle, so once again I missed them. But it looks like they are back together and plan to create some new Sanctuary tunes.

Posted on January 26th, 2011 under Other. Tags: metal, seattle, signs. Comments Off on Sanctuary is back

The sign says this is the place to stand to see Mt. Fuji (fujimidai). The photo to the right of these females show you what Fuji San looks like from here on the best of days. These Japanese ladies are trying with all their might to get a glimpse, but Mt. Fuji would not show its hidden face on this day.

If you want to try your luck, head to Kamakura and follow the path behind Kenchoji (建長寺) to Hansobo (半僧坊) to find this location. Your odds of seeing Mt. Fuji are much better at sunrise or sunset. Winter will also increase your chances as the humidity isn’t usually as bad.

Posted on January 25th, 2011 under Japan. Tags: kamakura, kenchoji, mt. fuji, signs. Comments Off on Fuji viewing platform (富士見台), or not

The sign on the window says the udon (うどん) is made by hand. If you don’t believe the sign you need only to peer through the glass for proof.

I took this photo in the giant, underground, shopping complex sort of attached to the Kawasaki Station.

Posted on January 20th, 2011 under Japan. Tags: food, kawasaki, signs, udon. Comments Off on Handmade udon