A Visit to the Bluff

Now for a little history; I'm going to the Bluff. This is the land on the rise above Motomachi and the location of the early foreigeners settlement.

To get there I had to pass through the rose garden in Yamashita park where I saw this little girl appreciating the flowers. She was so photogenic I felt compelled to take her picture.

From there I took the cross over short cut that overlooks the Ginkgoes that line Yamashita Koen Dori. They [the leaves] turn a beautiful gold color in the fall.

Once on the Bluff the first thing I one comes to is the entrance to the Foreign General Cemetery.

It's a historical sight filed with marvelous head stones and markers of the foreigners that passed away in years gone by. I've been inside but I feel it's somewhat insensitive to take pictures of where loved ones have been laid to rest so I'm just showing the entrance.

This is a small garden restaurant across the street from the cemetery. It was closed on this day but it does look like a nice place to take tea and relax.

Walking through the Bluff one can see all the old houses once inhabited by Westerners and Europeans and now owned and maintained by local citizens.

A number of the houses have been turned into coffee shops and historical museums.

It's a nice quiet neighborhood that is a real pleasure to walk around and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

This is the site of a house that was completely demolished by the great earthquake of 1923.

This is one of the houses that has been converted into a coffee shop.

The sidewalks on the Bluff are made of real stones.

This is the entrance to a privet residence; I was impressed with the art deco style.

School girls heading for the school bus.

The sign in front of this house said "British Consular".

The Bluff is filled with charming things from the past.

The Harbor View Park where one can view...


The Harbor. When the park was originally established the water of the harbor came up to the base of the Bluff. Times of Changed.

The harbor is filled with wharfs, buildings, ships and of course the Bay Bridge.

After I left the Bluff I strolled through Motomachi; it's an upscale shopping area.

This guy looks like he's heading home, and so am I.

Thanks for stopping by!
Mike

Sunday and it's Feeling Like Sumer

I had so much fun on Saturday I decided to go out again today. I varied my route this time and went by the Yokohama Museum of Art. In front of the museum is a reflecting pool/fountain and this little guy decided it was a good place to cool off his feet.

Side view of the museum.

One nice thing about this area of Minato Mirai is that in the warm months there is almost always a free concert ; it's an especially good opportunity to see high school and  elementary school bands perform.

These girls were very good.

They did a Disney medley and then went right into a Latin medley.

This little mini mouse of a girl was perfect on trumpet.

Here are the adoring parents and friends enjoying the music in the hot sun.

As I left the concert area I soon heard more music and found students from another school warming up for their turn on the stage.

The leader of the Swing Girls.

Follow the leader.

It was time to move forward toward the Customs House. As I looked back I enjoyed this panoramic view of Minato Mirai.

The tower on the right is the Yokohama Customs House, commonly referred to as "The Queen".

Well, I'm back at Nihon Odori and the festival is still going on for a second day.

I was surprised to see the singer from the park yesterday on stage belting out a tune.

Every now and then a face stands out in a crowd.

I need a drink... the fountain in Yokohama park.

Some serious looking Taxi drivers.

A final shot of some shoppers on Isezaki shopping street and then it's time to call it a day.

Thanks for stopping by!
Mike

Dragon Boat Race and More!

What a great Saturday. It started out in a typical fashion, me wondering around taking pictures of people and places.

Then I heard this guy plucking some notes and the day just got better and better.

Soon the rest of the band joined in and they started to really grove to some nice jazz tunes.

It wasn't long before a big crowed gathered.

Sax on the street, only in Yokohama.

Fun for the family in front of the Kanagawa History museum.

These girls were going to a wedding.

Some American muscle on display.

I feel pretty.

There was a street festival at Nihon Odori,

Everyone is having a good time!

When I went to Yamashita Park I discovered that today was the day for, guess what?

The pink team talks race strategy

Mr. Hollywood shows up to provide support.

Time to get in the boat.

Safety first!

Hey, don't forget your paddle!

We got our paddles.

The fans are going crazy in anticipation of the start.

Here comes the first two teams.

Well, so much for that. Time to stop and smell the roses.

Or, drink a cold beer.

No, we're going to smell the roses.

And, paint a picture too.

A defective hula hoop.

Still plenty of people at Nihon Odori.

If you ever forget how to have fun just take a walk around the Yokohama waterfront, there's plenty to be found there.

Hey, it's the girl from the museum.

They're in Bashamichi to greet the teams participating in the Nippon Road Rally.

I think I know where Michael Jackson's other glove is.

The last car heads off into the sunset as do I.

Thanks for stopping by!
Mike