Traverse Japan

A Travel Journal of Japan 日本の旅

  • Blog
  • Hokkaido Region 北海道
  • Tōhoku Region 東北地方
  • Kantō Region 関東
  • Chūbu region 中部
  • Kansai region 関西
  • Chūgoku region 中国
  • Shikoku region 四国
  • Kyushu Region 九州
  • About
  • Conact

Cherry Blossoms in full bloom in Nakameguro , Tokyo Japan

July 11, 2016 by Bryan Norris in Kantō Region 関東

Nakameguro is a quiet residential district of Meguro, Tokyo. Popular for its unique boutique cafes and stores it becomes an active vibrant location particularly along the Meguro River during the blooming of Cherry Blossoms in mid-spring. Cafes offer outdoor seating and wine for a relaxed dining atmosphere that is very nice during sunset hours.

July 11, 2016 /Bryan Norris
tokyo, Kantō Region 関東, sakura, Cherry Blossoms, Nakameguro
Kantō Region 関東
Comment
8604464051_c36b09d37c_o.jpg

The Back Streets of Shibuya

July 01, 2016 by Bryan Norris in Kantō Region 関東

Shibuya in Tokyo Japan has many back streets often containing some of the best-hidden gems of restaurants and local bars. Wondering around these areas can be very fun to explore for the variety of spots to find.

July 01, 2016 /Bryan Norris
shibuya, Shibuya 渋谷, travel, tokyo, food and drink
Kantō Region 関東
Comment
View fullsize L1000769.jpg
View fullsize L1000777.jpg
View fullsize L1000779.jpg
View fullsize L1000783.jpg
View fullsize L1000801.jpg
View fullsize L1000805.jpg
View fullsize L1000808.jpg
View fullsize L1000809.jpg
View fullsize L1000817.jpg
View fullsize L1000818.jpg
View fullsize L1000820.jpg
View fullsize L1000821.jpg
View fullsize L1000822.jpg
View fullsize L1000787.jpg

Nature and Architecture, The ACROS Fukuoka Building

ACROS Fukuoka Foundation
June 13, 2016 by Bryan Norris in Kyushu Region 九州

The Acros building was constructed in 1995 on the former Fukuoka prefecture office grounds.  The stepped garden was designed by Michio Tase of the Plamtago design film.  Many aspects of architecture design were rigorously tested and implemented such as water drainage, types of plants used so that during different seasons the south side of the stepped building would not go fully barren so that it would keep its beauty year-round.  Also, other aspects were given heavy thought including falling leaves, overgrowth, and how fast some plants grew compared to others.  This makes the Eco-Beautiful Acros a wonderful must-see for those admirers of modern architecture. 

June 13, 2016 /Bryan Norris
fukuoka, Kyushu Region 九州, acros, architecture, garden, kyushu, 福岡, 九州, アクロス
Kyushu Region 九州
Comment

Takamatsu Port a Slow Pace of Life

takamatsu station
June 06, 2016 by Bryan Norris in Shikoku Region 四国

Takamatsu is a port city located in the Kagawa area on the island of Shikoku.  The fresh ocean air and its slow pace of life make it a great place to unwind.  Sanuki Udon is a very famous region specially dish that is highly recommended to try if you visit. 

June 06, 2016 /Bryan Norris
takamatsu, travel, ocean
Shikoku Region 四国
Comment

Kōrakuen Japanese Garden in Okayama Japan

May 25, 2016 by Bryan Norris in Chūgoku Region 中国

A staggered walkway crosses a pond at Kōrakuen Japanese Garden in Okayama Japan.  This park is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, along with Kenroku-en and Kairaku-en.  The park is located across the Asahi River opposite Okayama Castle.

May 25, 2016 /Bryan Norris
japanese garden, okayama, garden, travel, Kōrakuen Japanese Garden
Chūgoku Region 中国
2 Comments

Streets of Takamatsu

May 24, 2016 by Bryan Norris in Shikoku Region 四国

Salary men leaving the late night restaurant/drinking district in the port city of Takamatsu , Shikoku Japan.

May 24, 2016 /Bryan Norris
takamatsu, 高松, travel, street photography
Shikoku Region 四国
Comment

The Shinsekai area of Osaka

May 14, 2016 by Bryan Norris in Kansai Region 関西

Streets of Osaka, the Shinsekai area.  This is known as the most run-down and dangerous area of Japan as it was heavily occupied by the Yakuza and crime was rampant.  It started out in 1912 as an amusement park and soon after the war, it started a downhill slide. These days it is still in dispair almost as it has been forgotten by Osaka itself.  The area hosts gaming halls for Shogi, Gomoku, and Mahjong inhabited mostly by the elderly poor.  It also hosts a large active transvestite community that can be seen wandering the covered arcades of karaoke bars   However, despite the rough image the food here is at a very good price and is as tasty as anywhere else in Japan so check it out for the out of the norm experience in Japan.  (Note: Japan is known for its very low crime rate and almost eat off the cleanliness of the streets).

May 14, 2016 /Bryan Norris
大坂 新世界, Shinsekai, osaka, street photography
Kansai Region 関西
Comment

Gaming Hall lost in time…

May 14, 2016 by Bryan Norris in Kansai Region 関西

The Sankei Club (三桂クラブ大坂 新世界) in Shinsekai area of Osaka Japan.

The Sinsekai area (New World) can be called literally Shogi Town due to having many Shogi gaming halls within its borders from decades back.  The area still hosts gaming halls for Shogi mainly inhabited by the elderly though many young kids are taking up the game. In recent years Shogi has seen a spike with new young players as the game is thought to help improve young minds, especially with their grades.   Here is another busy night at the Sankei Club with almost all seats full.  The building itself is very old and almost unchanged in decor since its birth.  To play it costs 300 Yen per hour or 1000 Yen for over four hours or to stay all day and relax.

May 14, 2016 /Bryan Norris
三桂クラブ大坂 新世界, gaming, japanese board games, backstreets, old japan
Kansai Region 関西
Comment
  • Newer
  • Older