Yokohama Walk-about II

Yesterday was a great hot summer day and I felt the need to walk-about in Yokohama. As usual these trips start with a train ride begining at the station near my house.

Since my station is so small only local trains stop there. Then further up the line at Kanazawabunko I transfer to an express train.

Once I arrive in Yokohama I depart via the North gate because it's nowhere near as busy as the East and West gates.

From the North gate I use a pedestrian catwalk to cross over severl highways.

My first stop in Yokohama is at Nissan's Global Headquarters.

The first floor of the building is a display floor for all of Nissan's new cars. The motif is somewhat futuristic and brings to my mind the phrase "resistance is futile".

This is the new Skyline GTR complete with it's own Robo Cop to guard the car.

Not sure what the red ball is for. Maybe in the future that will be how we transport ourselves around.

Now this is something I can relate to. A vintage 240Z is on display and it sure looks nice!

Moving on from the Nissan building I'm heading toward the Landmark Tower when I see an old British Triumph motorcycle parked along the way. I can appriciate the styling of these old bikes.

As I approach the Landmark Tower I am compelled to take a picture of the modern art thing at the foot of the tower.

Is it art or just a bunch of pipes weldeded together? Maybe a different perspective will help form an opininon.

OK, moving on, lets check-out the next tourest attraction - the old sailing ship Nippon Maru.

And doing an about face a nice view of the farris wheel that is a prominint fixture in the Yokohama waterfront sceanery.

Here I was starting to work-up some flowery pictures when...

My camera batteries were to low for the camer to function. Darn! Well, nothing to do but eat lunch and then go home to recharge the batteries. I'll recharge myself while I'm at it.

Charlie the security cat decides to recharge his batteries too!

The End

The Shrines of Lake Suwa

This past weekend Emi and I hit the road for a 3 day weekend to visit Nagano Prefecture. The focus of our trip was to vist 4 Shinto Shrines around Lake Suwa. We also visited the town of Matsushiro for a soak in an iron rich hot spring and on the last day we visited the Shiraito waterfall near Mt. Fuji.

This is the entrance to the men's side of the Matsushiro hot spring

I couldn't take the camera into the bathing area so I took a picture of a poster of the ladies side so viewers can get a visual of how heavy the iron content of the water is.

Here I am in the resting area drinking free green tea waiting for Emi to come out.

















Next up are pictures I took of the shines around Lake Suwa. Shines are very peaceful and tranquil places. For me, a walk around a shine is a calming and relaxing experience.

On the last day on the way home we detoured to Shizuoka Prefecture to visit the Shiraito waterfall.

You just can't get away from us!

The last thing we did before heading home was to stop by a roadside vegetable stand to pick up some food for dinner.

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Cherry Blossoms along the Ooka River

These are the scenes from the 2012 Spring Cherry Blossoms along the Ooka River in Hinodecho Yokohama. The day was quite cold and overcast but we had fun none the less.
 

Emi on the bridge over the river Ooka



And,  where she goes soon I follow

It's not a party without the party boats!

Now bring on the music.

It was quite a day of merriment and fun. Maybe next year the sun will come out.

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The view from Amariyama

Last year Emi and I hiked to the top of Amariyama (Mt. Amari) located in Nirasaki City, Yamanashi Prefecture. And why did we do that? Because the view of Mt. Fuji from there is beautiful! With that, I’ll let the pictures do the talking.

This is Emi, the beautiful hiking guide.

And this is the guy who will follow her anywhere.

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Walking in Yokohama City

I like to walk and the city of Yokohama is made for walking. I can jump on the train and be there in about 50 minutes. Once there I head for the waterfront and the real walking begins.

This picture was taken on a quiet Sunday morning, practically had the place to myself.

Well. almost to myself

Next up I strolled past the Cup Noodle Museum. I've never been inside but it is always busy.

Moving past the museum my feet take me to the old redbrick warehouses that have been converted to stores and restaurants.

When one is out for a half-day walk-about it's important to drink plenty of fluids and stay properly hydrated. However, one side effect is the need to find a nice clean restroom. The public restroom that I like to use is located in the middle of my usual walking route at the prefectual museum of history.

Which is also near the famous Landmark Tower

Getting back to the waterfront I've arrived at Yamashita Park.

By turning inland I'll walk past the Yokohama Marine Tower and then skirt past China Town.

Oh man! I've been walking for almost 2 hours, best if I head for the nearest train station. Oopps! wrong station - this is the station near the Yokohama Baseball stadium; home of the Yokohama Baystars team.

As I work my way to the right station my feet seemed to get a mind of their own and have delivered me to a nice little watering hole. Ok, maybe I'll just have one beer.

After a short rest and a cold beer I get on the train and head home.

The End