another impression from Ritsurin garden.

in Takamatsu (Shikoku):

There were quite a few puppies in this shop in Himeji, near the famous castle, every one in its own small plastic box, looking outside.
Of course I wish that every one finds a nice home and a good owner, but isn’t it a pity that such shops can make money this way?

This picture is the view one has from the top level of Kochi castle.
The castle was never actually attacked.

This historic train in Matsuyama (Shikoku) had to be shifted to the neighbouring track in order to make room for the arriving streetcar.
Obviously, it was easier to move by muscle power than to attach the (also historic locomative) and let it leave under its own power.
I saw the same train in action though, a bit later.

More pictures:

The easy way to get to the top of the mountain offering a beautiful view of small islands and the coast is, of course, the ropeway.
However, if you take a return, you are missing out on many scenic spots and small mountain temples.
In this little temple hundreds of small Buddha statues line the way.

many years ago, I took a shot of the famous floating Tori at low tide.

Now I visited again at high tide.

Impressions from an Ikebana exhibition in Meiji Jingu:

Seen in Kamakuras Haze Dera temple.

The great Buddha statue in Kamakura is among Japans best known attractions.
Although the huge structure seems quite compact, it is actually hollow and visitors are actually admitted to enter inside.
Not really photogenic, but quite an experience nevertheless.
Below, you see a shot taken upwards, the black whole wolud be where the neck joins the torso.

Lampions decorate both sides of Megurogawa river in Nakameguro, Tokyo (Japan):

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