Snowy Kanagawa

Well, not usually. But I love snow and cold weather. It's pouring rain today, but I am thinking about the "big snow"---for the Tokyo area---that we had last January 21st or so. I was off that day and spent the whole day outside enjoying it, as I knew it might be a year of more before I saw snow again. Most of these were taken near Minami-Machida in Kanagawa. About 30-40 minutes out of Tokyo.

Near Futako Tamagawa, Tokyo

on the Tama River.

Tamagawa

Last Year's "Big" Tokyo snow

This was actually taken near Yokohama. Personally, I'd like to see it again. The Tokyo area hasn't much of a winter, although many Japanese believe it is the only country on earth with four distinct seasons.

(It looks blue/grey, yes, that is because it was a very dark snowy day---was not a pure white snow. This actually represents the day as I saw it. It is not underexposed because of the snow.)

Near Tokyo Station

Taken on the last Sunday evening in November. Got there just a little too late. (And after posting I noticed the blue cast....)

Jiyugaoka, Tokyo

A little part of Tokyo with some interesting, although expensive small shops and excellent restaurants. A lot of ex-pats live and shop here.

Minato Mirai, Yokohama

One of the nicest places in the Tokyo area, in my opinion---and that of many others. There is a huge shopping mall there near Sakuragicho station, the tallest building in Kanto, (if not in Japan) of over 60 stories. You can take a cruise on Yokohama Bay, or take a small boat and visit Chinatown. You can easily spend a whole day here. It can be very cold and windy in the winter, but cooler than most places in the summer.

Nearby is the Yokohama immigration port. An unusually shaped structure, to say the least.

Final few from Kyoto

More October Kyoto

Oops, Flare

Kyoto again

From Kinkakuji and Nanzenji shirnes

A few more of Kyoto

One warning: If you do go to Kyoto and visit some of the popular sightseeing spots, guard your camera well. Although it is very unlikely to be stolen, people have little problem with running into you, hitting your camera or tripod (tripods are prohibited from some temples or shrines) and possibly breaking it. You may (or may not) get an apology, but your camera could be broken and it will be very, very tough to be compensated for it. Use a strap and be very careful. I was taking a quick snapshot-like photo of Kinkakuji (the golden temple below) when a group of Tokyo tourists arrived and actually tried physically pushing me away so they could get their group photo taken. This is not unusual in crowded areas in Japan. Expect to be pushed and shoved without concern, or excuse mes. And take precautions. Most of all, try to hold you temper, even if someone does knock your camera out of your hand and destroys it.

(Photos in RGB, not converted to sRGB)

More October Kyoto

I suppose this is what many expect to see when they visit Japan. It isn't a common sight--you gotta hunt for them. Even in Kyoto...