Japan

Japan

Solar eclipse with suns corona against dark, cloudy sky in Japan 2012. Ethereal
Japan

Eclipse 2012 seen from Tokyo

The full eclipse of 2012, in Tokyo.

Solar Eclipse
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Impressive RX-78-2 Gundam statue in urban setting with bustling crowd and modern buildings. Easy walk
Japan

Gundam Odaiba 2012

I have persuaded Gundam to come back to Tokyo, landing in Odaiba once more.

Busy
1–2 hours (allow extra time if you want to wait for the animation/show cycle and take lots of photos)
Tranquil white cherry blossoms in bloom at Shinjuku Garden, Tokyo, against red foliage backdrop. Vibrant
Japan

Yet Another Spring Comes in Japan

Last year when I first arrived in Japan, I was really looking forward to my first Hanami. But unfortunately the earthquake happened just before the warm south wind came, and everyone was told to constrain themselves and feel sad for the people who died and suffered, instead of enjoy cherry blossoms.

Cherry Blossom Peak
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Evolution of Japans historic Negishi Grandstand: witness to horse racings cultural impact and legacy. Haunting
Kanagawa

Negishi Racecourse: Story & Blood (2/2)

I go first. I move slowly under the surveillance camera, I approach the barbed wire... My god, it will not be easy! I try to pull myself up, but I could only get close the damn barbed wire that is ready to slide me open any minute.

Difficulty
Risk
Negishi Grandstands: Abandoned Equestrian Relic in Yokohama - Decay and history intertwined. Haunting
Japan

The Abandoned Negishi Grandstand (1/2)

In Yokohama, near Tokyo, is one of the most famous ruins of Japan: the Negishi Grandstand. This is a favorite spot among Japanese urban explorers but despite its outside, I have never dared to explore it.

Difficulty
Risk
Explore the decaying antenna in Fuchu, a forgotten relic in natures embrace. Off the map
Japan

Fuchu Abandoned US Air Force Base

But then I was still hesitating, weighing my judgments. Jing took the initiative and jumped on the fence like a cat on the run! Surprised, I followed without taking a second look behind. After a short dash, we are safe hidden in the branches. Catching our breath, now it is time to check in our location on Facebook.

Difficulty
Risk
Tranquil autumn beauty in Japanese garden with vibrant foliage surrounding serene pond. Luminous
Autumn

Autumn Leaves in Tokyo

When Winnie the pooh is taking a walk with Christopher Robin in the 100 acre wood, it must have be autumn when they looked down the river, and suddenly there is everything you need to know.

Autumn Foliage Peak
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Traditional Japanese shrine interior with wooden beams, lanterns, and serene atmosphere in Tokyo. Easy walk
Japan

Ghost Tour in Tokyo

Couple days ago, purely by chance, we ran into a group of Tokyo ghost haunters. Never would miss any chance of interesting exploration, we joined and shared the story of the day.

Some crowds
1–2 hours (including walking from the station and time at the shrine as part of a short ghost/legend stop)
Abandoned fishing boat on Iwate coast symbolizes maritime community challenges in Japan. Melancholic
Japan

Tōhoku Tsunami-Hit Areas | 8 Months Later

I believe there is no one that does not know what happened in the East Japan this March. But to see the left wreckage by your own eyes is a completely story. We here will not describe how we feel, but simply present some facts and the pictures we took. And that, should be more convincing than anything else.

Difficulty
Risk