Japan 2008 - Day 2

The rather unimpressive back alley we called home for the week.

2009-01-09T14:50:59Z

Jason Dunn
The rather unimpressive back alley we called home for the week.

Our front door - hard to find in the dark the first few nights we were here!

2009-01-09T14:52:49Z

Jason Dunn
Our front door - hard to find in the dark the first few nights we were here!

Starting our second day - this is before we had blisters on our feet, so we were still smiling. ;-)

2009-01-09T14:51:51Z

Jason Dunn
Starting our second day - this is before we had blisters on our feet, so we were still smiling. ;-)

Ashley making friends wherever she goes...

2009-01-09T14:48:40Z

Jason Dunn
Ashley making friends wherever she goes...

This was a small shop we walked past whenever we were going to or from our condo - the slogan was a mystery, but it sure sounded good!

2009-01-09T14:52:42Z

Jason Dunn
This was a small shop we walked past whenever we were going to or from our condo - the slogan was a mystery, but it sure sounded good!

The ultra-efficient and ultra-high tech taxi cab drivers - with doilie-covered headrests (they all had them). This driver wasn't wearing white gloves however, which most did.

2009-01-09T14:49:21Z

Jason Dunn
The ultra-efficient and ultra-high tech taxi cab drivers - with doilie-covered headrests (they all had them). This driver wasn't wearing white gloves however, which most did.

At the station waiting for our first Shinkansen (Bullet Train) ride.

2009-01-09T14:50:23Z

Jason Dunn
At the station waiting for our first Shinkansen (Bullet Train) ride.

Wooo....so fast!

2009-01-09T14:47:54Z

Jason Dunn
Wooo....so fast!

Inside the train, it's rather quiet, and a bit like a plane - there's a tray-table in front of you, bathrooms, and a train attendant who comes by with a cart selling food and drinks. Quite l ...

2009-01-09T14:51:59Z

Jason Dunn
Inside the train, it's rather quiet, and a bit like a plane - there's a tray-table in front of you, bathrooms, and a train attendant who comes by with a cart selling food and drinks. Quite l ...

Nice looking trains, aren't they?

2009-01-09T14:51:46Z

Jason Dunn
Nice looking trains, aren't they?

Once we arrived in Yokohama, after an ill-fated attempt to get to a place called Sea Paradise, we settled for exploring the area around Landmark tower. On our way there we came across this ...

2009-01-09T14:51:44Z

Jason Dunn
Once we arrived in Yokohama, after an ill-fated attempt to get to a place called Sea Paradise, we settled for exploring the area around Landmark tower. On our way there we came across this ...

The instrument on the left is some sort of traditional Japanese banjo - it had a high-toned pitch and he played single notes on it. The bass player was really rocking out - and with hair lik ...

2009-01-09T14:50:05Z

Jason Dunn
The instrument on the left is some sort of traditional Japanese banjo - it had a high-toned pitch and he played single notes on it. The bass player was really rocking out - and with hair lik ...

This was the dancing portion of the song - it was actually quite a catchy tune!

2009-01-09T14:50:47Z

Jason Dunn
This was the dancing portion of the song - it was actually quite a catchy tune!

Yokohama Street Performance.mp4

2009-01-09T14:52:48Z

Jason Dunn
Yokohama Street Performance.mp4

This is the shopping mall right beside Landmark Tower.

2009-01-09T14:50:12Z

Jason Dunn
This is the shopping mall right beside Landmark Tower.

A crowd was gathered for another street performance - what's that off in the distance? Could it be? An American chain restaurant symbol? We'd have to investigate that later...

2009-01-09T14:51:09Z

Jason Dunn
A crowd was gathered for another street performance - what's that off in the distance? Could it be? An American chain restaurant symbol? We'd have to investigate that later...

We don't know what these two buildings were, but we thought they looked cool. They were right on the water.

2009-01-09T14:49:47Z

Jason Dunn
We don't know what these two buildings were, but we thought they looked cool. They were right on the water.

Across the street from Landmark Tower was Cosmo World, a permanent amusement park.

2009-01-09T14:51:21Z

Jason Dunn
Across the street from Landmark Tower was Cosmo World, a permanent amusement park.

Here it is - the tallest building in all of Japan, 269 metres tall. It's an awe-inspiring building in person.

2009-01-09T14:50:30Z

Jason Dunn
Here it is - the tallest building in all of Japan, 269 metres tall. It's an awe-inspiring building in person.

Back to the amusement park, complete with a merry-go-round.

2009-01-09T14:52:57Z

Jason Dunn
Back to the amusement park, complete with a merry-go-round.

This ferris wheel was absolutely massive - it was incredibly tall, and I wanted to go on it - but Ashley was somewhat reluctant...

2009-01-09T14:50:49Z

Jason Dunn
This ferris wheel was absolutely massive - it was incredibly tall, and I wanted to go on it - but Ashley was somewhat reluctant...

The building on the left is a good example of Japanese architecture - it can't be as practical as a rectangular building, but it's certainly more interesting!

2009-01-09T14:50:53Z

Jason Dunn
The building on the left is a good example of Japanese architecture - it can't be as practical as a rectangular building, but it's certainly more interesting!

Another ride at Cosmo World!

2009-01-09T14:52:50Z

Jason Dunn
Another ride at Cosmo World!

We didn't know what this was - we speculated it said Canada World, but never ventured inside to find out.

2009-01-09T14:52:48Z

Jason Dunn
We didn't know what this was - we speculated it said Canada World, but never ventured inside to find out.

Did we somehow go to China? No, we're still in Japan, but there's some poor schmuck pulling rickshaw duty.

2009-01-09T14:50:30Z

Jason Dunn
Did we somehow go to China? No, we're still in Japan, but there's some poor schmuck pulling rickshaw duty.

Yes! A bastion of American food goodness, the Hard Rock Café! We had a small dinner the night before, and no breakfast that morning, so a big lunch was quite appealing...

2009-01-09T14:50:13Z

Jason Dunn
Yes! A bastion of American food goodness, the Hard Rock Café! We had a small dinner the night before, and no breakfast that morning, so a big lunch was quite appealing...

We'd been to the Hard Rock Café in Amsterdam, so we figured we'd make it a new tradition - unfortunately it was booked up for a wedding reception so we'd have to come back a bit later. The g ...

2009-01-09T14:49:13Z

Jason Dunn
We'd been to the Hard Rock Café in Amsterdam, so we figured we'd make it a new tradition - unfortunately it was booked up for a wedding reception so we'd have to come back a bit later. The g ...

It's interesting to see the new types of fast food products chain restaurants will release in different markets...

2009-01-09T14:49:11Z

Jason Dunn
It's interesting to see the new types of fast food products chain restaurants will release in different markets...

Heading toward the Landmark Tower for a look at Yokohama from the observation floor.

2009-01-09T14:52:47Z

Jason Dunn
Heading toward the Landmark Tower for a look at Yokohama from the observation floor.

Definitely an impressive feat of engineering!

2009-01-09T14:52:43Z

Jason Dunn
Definitely an impressive feat of engineering!

This was at the base of the Landmark Tower - it reminded me of an Aztec coloseum. Who's got the severed head?

2009-01-09T14:50:57Z

Jason Dunn
This was at the base of the Landmark Tower - it reminded me of an Aztec coloseum. Who's got the severed head?

A close up look...note the soft flowing water - what photographic skill! ;-)

2009-01-09T14:49:11Z

Jason Dunn
A close up look...note the soft flowing water - what photographic skill! ;-)

The first floor entry at the Landmark Tower is a hotel - a very nice, very expensive hotel.

2009-01-09T14:51:29Z

Jason Dunn
The first floor entry at the Landmark Tower is a hotel - a very nice, very expensive hotel.

This is inside the elavator going up to the top - trippy ceiling display!

2009-01-09T14:52:30Z

Jason Dunn
This is inside the elavator going up to the top - trippy ceiling display!

The fastest elevator in Japan, and the second-fastest in the world - it was under 40 seconds to get to the 69th floor. Amazing! It reached speeds of 750 metres per minute.

2009-01-09T14:52:43Z

Jason Dunn
The fastest elevator in Japan, and the second-fastest in the world - it was under 40 seconds to get to the 69th floor. Amazing! It reached speeds of 750 metres per minute.

A breathtaking view from the 69th floor of the Landmark Tower.

2009-01-09T14:49:30Z

Jason Dunn
A breathtaking view from the 69th floor of the Landmark Tower.

Another angle of the building from an earlier photo.

2009-01-09T14:52:27Z

Jason Dunn
Another angle of the building from an earlier photo.

That enourmous ferris wheel suddenly looks quite small...

2009-01-09T14:51:11Z

Jason Dunn
That enourmous ferris wheel suddenly looks quite small...

Yokohama Bay and various boat docks.

2009-01-09T14:49:02Z

Jason Dunn
Yokohama Bay and various boat docks.

We didn't buy any, but I thought the box looked neat.

2009-01-09T14:51:28Z

Jason Dunn
We didn't buy any, but I thought the box looked neat.

Yokohama is the second largest city in Japan.

2009-01-09T14:51:44Z

Jason Dunn
Yokohama is the second largest city in Japan.

It looked like there was a baseball game happening! Baseball is quite a popular sport in Japan.

2009-01-09T14:51:36Z

Jason Dunn
It looked like there was a baseball game happening! Baseball is quite a popular sport in Japan.

Even the tallest buildings look small from the 69th floor.

2009-01-09T14:50:27Z

Jason Dunn
Even the tallest buildings look small from the 69th floor.

We noticed several buildings had helicopter landing pads.

2009-01-09T14:50:43Z

Jason Dunn
We noticed several buildings had helicopter landing pads.

Any guesses as to what these spheres are for? We couldn't figure it out - water treatment plant?

2009-01-09T14:51:01Z

Jason Dunn
Any guesses as to what these spheres are for? We couldn't figure it out - water treatment plant?

Ashley is like Godzilla - she's almost 275 metres tall!

2009-01-09T14:51:53Z

Jason Dunn
Ashley is like Godzilla - she's almost 275 metres tall!

Joe Tourist - we definitely felt like we stood out everywhere we went.

2009-01-09T14:49:56Z

Jason Dunn
Joe Tourist - we definitely felt like we stood out everywhere we went.

This was a broadcast tower of some sort - likely TV.

2009-01-09T14:51:53Z

Jason Dunn
This was a broadcast tower of some sort - likely TV.

This is an aerial view of the front of the Yokohama Art Museum - peace and love. Groovy!

2009-01-09T14:50:06Z

Jason Dunn
This is an aerial view of the front of the Yokohama Art Museum - peace and love. Groovy!

We were taking a much-needed rest before heading back down for some lunch.

2009-01-09T14:50:54Z

Jason Dunn
We were taking a much-needed rest before heading back down for some lunch.

After leaving the 69th floor, we ended up smack-dab in the middle of a shopping area. Coincidence? I think not! The artwork was cool.

2009-01-09T14:50:20Z

Jason Dunn
After leaving the 69th floor, we ended up smack-dab in the middle of a shopping area. Coincidence? I think not! The artwork was cool.

A curved escalator - neither one of us could remember seeing anything like this before.

2009-01-09T14:49:01Z

Jason Dunn
A curved escalator - neither one of us could remember seeing anything like this before.

Shopping everywhere the eye could see...

2009-01-09T14:50:55Z

Jason Dunn
Shopping everywhere the eye could see...

Even the shopping malls are impressive from an architectural perspective.

2009-01-09T14:50:23Z

Jason Dunn
Even the shopping malls are impressive from an architectural perspective.

Heading back to the Hard Rock, we came across a new performer in the space where the rock band used to be.

2009-01-09T14:50:37Z

Jason Dunn
Heading back to the Hard Rock, we came across a new performer in the space where the rock band used to be.

She was all by herself, but sounded good. Songs in Japanese have a nice flow to them, which is surprising considering the harsh-sounding nature of their language.

2009-01-09T14:49:35Z

Jason Dunn
She was all by herself, but sounded good. Songs in Japanese have a nice flow to them, which is surprising considering the harsh-sounding nature of their language.

FREE REFILLS!!! I'd been craving some Diet Coke, and a lot of it, so this was like a thirsty man's heaven.

2009-01-09T14:50:47Z

Jason Dunn
FREE REFILLS!!! I'd been craving some Diet Coke, and a lot of it, so this was like a thirsty man's heaven.

We were sitting in the Rolling Stones section. Look at young Mick before all the drugs!

2009-01-09T14:51:27Z

Jason Dunn
We were sitting in the Rolling Stones section. Look at young Mick before all the drugs!

I think one of these guys quit, didn't he?

2009-01-09T14:50:10Z

Jason Dunn
I think one of these guys quit, didn't he?

I bet this guitar has had a lot of cocaine snorted off the back of it.

2009-01-09T14:50:38Z

Jason Dunn
I bet this guitar has had a lot of cocaine snorted off the back of it.

Ashley got the Cobb salad, and I got the chicken club - both were delicious, although Ashley's balsamic vinagrette dressing was a bit too strong for her liking. We wolfed the food down.

2009-01-09T14:51:59Z

Jason Dunn
Ashley got the Cobb salad, and I got the chicken club - both were delicious, although Ashley's balsamic vinagrette dressing was a bit too strong for her liking. We wolfed the food down.

Mobile phones are in near-constant use in Japan - these two women were waiting for their food and both were engrossed in whatever was on their phones.

2009-01-09T14:51:24Z

Jason Dunn
Mobile phones are in near-constant use in Japan - these two women were waiting for their food and both were engrossed in whatever was on their phones.

Remember the movie Office Space? Our waitress had so much flair it was near blinding - I don't know how she walked around carrying that much metal.

2009-01-09T14:50:24Z

Jason Dunn
Remember the movie Office Space? Our waitress had so much flair it was near blinding - I don't know how she walked around carrying that much metal.

Oh yeah, even on the back!

2009-01-09T14:52:27Z

Jason Dunn
Oh yeah, even on the back!

Yeah, that's right, this is THE Krokus. Iron Maiden baby! (I actually had no idea they had a battle axe named Krokus).

2009-01-09T14:51:54Z

Jason Dunn
Yeah, that's right, this is *THE* Krokus. Iron Maiden baby! (I actually had no idea they had a battle axe named Krokus).

Leaving the Hard Rock Cefe after lunch, it was impossible not to keep snapping pictures of the Landmark Tower.

2009-01-09T14:49:43Z

Jason Dunn
Leaving the Hard Rock Cefe after lunch, it was impossible not to keep snapping pictures of the Landmark Tower.

Perfect symmerty.

2009-01-09T14:46:41Z

Jason Dunn
Perfect symmerty.

Scotland might have warrior-poets, but Japan has scooter-scribes.

2009-01-09T14:52:20Z

Jason Dunn
Scotland might have warrior-poets, but Japan has scooter-scribes.

We decided to broaden our artistic horizons...

2009-01-09T14:52:05Z

Jason Dunn
We decided to broaden our artistic horizons...

Considering how packed-in Kyoto felt, it was refreshing to be in a place where there was more open space.

2009-01-09T14:51:55Z

Jason Dunn
Considering how packed-in Kyoto felt, it was refreshing to be in a place where there was more open space.

A typical Japanese family out for a walk.

2009-01-09T14:50:49Z

Jason Dunn
A typical Japanese family out for a walk.

These benches people are sitting on? They're the ones that spell out PEACE LOVE from the air.

2009-01-09T14:51:14Z

Jason Dunn
These benches people are sitting on? They're the ones that spell out PEACE LOVE from the air.

The special exhibit being shown at the museum...

2009-01-09T14:49:23Z

Jason Dunn
The special exhibit being shown at the museum...

We'd seen many people wearing these masks, and at the time we didn't know exactly why - we speculated fear of communicable disease, but we were confused then why sometimes only one person in ...

2009-01-09T14:51:16Z

Jason Dunn
We'd seen many people wearing these masks, and at the time we didn't know exactly why - we speculated fear of communicable disease, but we were confused then why sometimes only one person in ...

Engage artistic horizoninating engines!

2009-01-09T14:52:52Z

Jason Dunn
Engage artistic horizoninating engines!

This makes the Glenbow in Calgary look rather pedestrian.

2009-01-09T14:49:35Z

Jason Dunn
This makes the Glenbow in Calgary look rather pedestrian.

This looked like some sort of meeting of the fascists.

2009-01-09T14:51:55Z

Jason Dunn
This looked like some sort of meeting of the fascists.

All hail plastic injection moulding!

2009-01-09T14:52:36Z

Jason Dunn
All hail plastic injection moulding!

Liang-shan-po by Shiraga Kazuo

2009-01-09T14:51:36Z

Jason Dunn
Liang-shan-po by Shiraga Kazuo

Wednesday by Fukuda Miran

2009-01-09T14:49:08Z

Jason Dunn
Wednesday by Fukuda Miran

Femme Endormie dans un fauteuil by Pablo Picasso

2009-01-09T14:50:51Z

Jason Dunn
Femme Endormie dans un fauteuil by Pablo Picasso

Rot im Netz by Wassily Kandinsky

2009-01-09T14:49:47Z

Jason Dunn
Rot im Netz by Wassily Kandinsky

Garden by Ota Chou

2009-01-09T14:49:19Z

Jason Dunn
Garden by Ota Chou

Donda-Yaki (New Year's Fire Festival) by Arai Kanpo

2009-01-09T14:49:11Z

Jason Dunn
Donda-Yaki (New Year's Fire Festival) by Arai Kanpo

Cranes Under Pine Trees by Shimomura Kanzan

2009-01-09T14:50:34Z

Jason Dunn
Cranes Under Pine Trees by Shimomura Kanzan

Cave Tour in Mt. Fuji by Utagawa (Gountei) Sadahide

2009-01-09T14:51:49Z

Jason Dunn
Cave Tour in Mt. Fuji by Utagawa (Gountei) Sadahide

Cave Tour in Mt. Fuji by Utagawa (Gountei) Sadahide (Zoomed)

2009-01-09T14:53:00Z

Jason Dunn
Cave Tour in Mt. Fuji by Utagawa (Gountei) Sadahide (Zoomed)

Momotaro Throwing Beans by Utagawa (Tsukioka) Yoshitoshi

2009-01-09T14:49:47Z

Jason Dunn
Momotaro Throwing Beans by Utagawa (Tsukioka) Yoshitoshi

Momotaro Throwing Beans by Utagawa (Tsukioka) Yoshitoshi

2009-01-09T14:51:31Z

Jason Dunn
Momotaro Throwing Beans by Utagawa (Tsukioka) Yoshitoshi

Warming Herself at a Kotatsu (foot warming table) from the series Modern Beauties II by Ito Shinsui

2009-01-09T14:50:28Z

Jason Dunn
Warming Herself at a Kotatsu (foot warming table) from the series Modern Beauties II by Ito Shinsui

We were super impressed by the interior architecture of the museum, so we wanted to capture it a couple more times before leaving.

2009-01-09T14:45:00Z

Jason Dunn
We were super impressed by the interior architecture of the museum, so we wanted to capture it a couple more times before leaving.

It was so clean and simple with great lines and placement of art.

2009-01-09T14:44:29Z

Jason Dunn
It was so clean and simple with great lines and placement of art.

One of the statues in the main entrance area of the museum. Ride 'em cowboy!

2009-01-09T14:43:54Z

Jason Dunn
One of the statues in the main entrance area of the museum. Ride 'em cowboy!

One of my rare artistic shots. I just figured it looked cooler in black and white...

2009-01-09T14:45:51Z

Jason Dunn
One of my rare artistic shots. I just figured it looked cooler in black and white...

We're not sure what kind of flowers/blossoms these are, but they were beautiful...

2009-01-09T14:47:19Z

Jason Dunn
We're not sure what kind of flowers/blossoms these are, but they were beautiful...

The day was overcast, but the pink really popped!

2009-01-09T14:46:41Z

Jason Dunn
The day was overcast, but the pink really popped!

No, it's not the leaning Tower of Landmark - that's called barrel distortion and it happens when you shoot something vertical with a wide-angle lens.

2009-01-09T14:44:37Z

Jason Dunn
No, it's not the leaning Tower of Landmark - that's called barrel distortion and it happens when you shoot something vertical with a wide-angle lens.

This art installation was outside the Landmark Tower.

2009-01-09T14:44:54Z

Jason Dunn
This art installation was outside the Landmark Tower.

Quite the impressive twisted metal!

2009-01-09T14:40:55Z

Jason Dunn
Quite the impressive twisted metal!

Young and old wear the kimono for special occasions.

2009-01-09T14:46:33Z

Jason Dunn
Young and old wear the kimono for special occasions.

Japan 2008 - Day 2

The rather unimpressive back alley we called home for the week.

Our front door - hard to find in the dark the first few nights we were here!

Starting our second day - this is before we had blisters on our feet, so we were still smiling. ;-)

Ashley making friends wherever she goes...

This was a small shop we walked past whenever we were going to or from our condo - the slogan was a mystery, but it sure sounded good!

The ultra-efficient and ultra-high tech taxi cab drivers - with doilie-covered headrests (they all had them). This driver wasn't wearing white gloves however, which most did.

At the station waiting for our first Shinkansen (Bullet Train) ride.

Wooo....so fast!

Inside the train, it's rather quiet, and a bit like a plane - there's a tray-table in front of you, bathrooms, and a train attendant who comes by with a cart selling food and drinks. Quite l ...

Nice looking trains, aren't they?

Once we arrived in Yokohama, after an ill-fated attempt to get to a place called Sea Paradise, we settled for exploring the area around Landmark tower. On our way there we came across this ...

The instrument on the left is some sort of traditional Japanese banjo - it had a high-toned pitch and he played single notes on it. The bass player was really rocking out - and with hair lik ...

This was the dancing portion of the song - it was actually quite a catchy tune!

Yokohama Street Performance.mp4

This is the shopping mall right beside Landmark Tower.

A crowd was gathered for another street performance - what's that off in the distance? Could it be? An American chain restaurant symbol? We'd have to investigate that later...

We don't know what these two buildings were, but we thought they looked cool. They were right on the water.

Across the street from Landmark Tower was Cosmo World, a permanent amusement park.

Here it is - the tallest building in all of Japan, 269 metres tall. It's an awe-inspiring building in person.

Back to the amusement park, complete with a merry-go-round.

This ferris wheel was absolutely massive - it was incredibly tall, and I wanted to go on it - but Ashley was somewhat reluctant...

The building on the left is a good example of Japanese architecture - it can't be as practical as a rectangular building, but it's certainly more interesting!

Another ride at Cosmo World!

We didn't know what this was - we speculated it said Canada World, but never ventured inside to find out.

Did we somehow go to China? No, we're still in Japan, but there's some poor schmuck pulling rickshaw duty.

Yes! A bastion of American food goodness, the Hard Rock Café! We had a small dinner the night before, and no breakfast that morning, so a big lunch was quite appealing...

We'd been to the Hard Rock Café in Amsterdam, so we figured we'd make it a new tradition - unfortunately it was booked up for a wedding reception so we'd have to come back a bit later. The g ...

It's interesting to see the new types of fast food products chain restaurants will release in different markets...

Heading toward the Landmark Tower for a look at Yokohama from the observation floor.

Definitely an impressive feat of engineering!

This was at the base of the Landmark Tower - it reminded me of an Aztec coloseum. Who's got the severed head?

A close up look...note the soft flowing water - what photographic skill! ;-)

The first floor entry at the Landmark Tower is a hotel - a very nice, very expensive hotel.

This is inside the elavator going up to the top - trippy ceiling display!

The fastest elevator in Japan, and the second-fastest in the world - it was under 40 seconds to get to the 69th floor. Amazing! It reached speeds of 750 metres per minute.

A breathtaking view from the 69th floor of the Landmark Tower.

Another angle of the building from an earlier photo.

That enourmous ferris wheel suddenly looks quite small...

Yokohama Bay and various boat docks.

We didn't buy any, but I thought the box looked neat.

Yokohama is the second largest city in Japan.

It looked like there was a baseball game happening! Baseball is quite a popular sport in Japan.

Even the tallest buildings look small from the 69th floor.

We noticed several buildings had helicopter landing pads.

Any guesses as to what these spheres are for? We couldn't figure it out - water treatment plant?

Ashley is like Godzilla - she's almost 275 metres tall!

Joe Tourist - we definitely felt like we stood out everywhere we went.

This was a broadcast tower of some sort - likely TV.

This is an aerial view of the front of the Yokohama Art Museum - peace and love. Groovy!

We were taking a much-needed rest before heading back down for some lunch.

After leaving the 69th floor, we ended up smack-dab in the middle of a shopping area. Coincidence? I think not! The artwork was cool.

A curved escalator - neither one of us could remember seeing anything like this before.

Shopping everywhere the eye could see...

Even the shopping malls are impressive from an architectural perspective.

Heading back to the Hard Rock, we came across a new performer in the space where the rock band used to be.

She was all by herself, but sounded good. Songs in Japanese have a nice flow to them, which is surprising considering the harsh-sounding nature of their language.

FREE REFILLS!!! I'd been craving some Diet Coke, and a lot of it, so this was like a thirsty man's heaven.

We were sitting in the Rolling Stones section. Look at young Mick before all the drugs!

I think one of these guys quit, didn't he?

I bet this guitar has had a lot of cocaine snorted off the back of it.

Ashley got the Cobb salad, and I got the chicken club - both were delicious, although Ashley's balsamic vinagrette dressing was a bit too strong for her liking. We wolfed the food down.

Mobile phones are in near-constant use in Japan - these two women were waiting for their food and both were engrossed in whatever was on their phones.

Remember the movie Office Space? Our waitress had so much flair it was near blinding - I don't know how she walked around carrying that much metal.

Oh yeah, even on the back!

Yeah, that's right, this is *THE* Krokus. Iron Maiden baby! (I actually had no idea they had a battle axe named Krokus).

Leaving the Hard Rock Cefe after lunch, it was impossible not to keep snapping pictures of the Landmark Tower.

Perfect symmerty.

Scotland might have warrior-poets, but Japan has scooter-scribes.

We decided to broaden our artistic horizons...

Considering how packed-in Kyoto felt, it was refreshing to be in a place where there was more open space.

A typical Japanese family out for a walk.

These benches people are sitting on? They're the ones that spell out PEACE LOVE from the air.

The special exhibit being shown at the museum...

We'd seen many people wearing these masks, and at the time we didn't know exactly why - we speculated fear of communicable disease, but we were confused then why sometimes only one person in ...

Engage artistic horizoninating engines!

This makes the Glenbow in Calgary look rather pedestrian.

This looked like some sort of meeting of the fascists.

All hail plastic injection moulding!

Liang-shan-po by Shiraga Kazuo

Once we arrived in Yokohama, after an ill-fated attempt to get to a place called Sea Paradise, we settled for exploring the area around Landmark tower. On our way there we came across this ...

We didn't know what this was - we speculated it said Canada World, but never ventured inside to find out.

Remember the movie Office Space? Our waitress had so much flair it was near blinding - I don't know how she walked around carrying that much metal.

Yeah, that's right, this is THE Krokus. Iron Maiden baby! (I actually had no idea they had a battle axe named Krokus).

Liang-shan-po by Shiraga Kazuo

Wednesday by Fukuda Miran

Femme Endormie dans un fauteuil by Pablo Picasso

Rot im Netz by Wassily Kandinsky

Garden by Ota Chou

Donda-Yaki (New Year's Fire Festival) by Arai Kanpo

Cranes Under Pine Trees by Shimomura Kanzan

Cave Tour in Mt. Fuji by Utagawa (Gountei) Sadahide

Cave Tour in Mt. Fuji by Utagawa (Gountei) Sadahide (Zoomed)

Momotaro Throwing Beans by Utagawa (Tsukioka) Yoshitoshi

Momotaro Throwing Beans by Utagawa (Tsukioka) Yoshitoshi

Warming Herself at a Kotatsu (foot warming table) from the series Modern Beauties II by Ito Shinsui

One of my rare artistic shots. I just figured it looked cooler in black and white...

No, it's not the leaning Tower of Landmark - that's called barrel distortion and it happens when you shoot something vertical with a wide-angle lens.