Japan's Sacred Mount Fuji photo by G. Wilson

Mount Fuji (Fujisan) at 3776 meters is Japan's highest mountain. It is not surprising that this nearly perfectly shaped dormant volcano, which last erupted in 1707-8, has been worshipped as sacred. The magnificent mountain is between Tokyo and Osaka. Because clouds and poor visibility often block the view of Fuji, we were fortunate to see it as our plane descended into Osaka, Japan. The sudden, unexpected appearance of this awesome sight brought excited shouts of oohs and awes and frantic attempts to capture it on camera.

Lovely ladies seranading us as we boarded the ship a Kobe photo by G. Wilson

In addition to being welcomed by lovely ladies, we were equally impressed with the reception we received at the airport, where the Kaga Lion's Head roared a welcome to us. We were pleased with the welcome by The Lion, for it has been revered as a mystical animal that both brings in the good luck and repels back luck.

Kaga Lion's Head photo by G. Wilson

Edo was once the name of Tokyo, the capital of Japan. Established many centuries ago, little information about the city was known until the 12th century when written record-keeping began. The fortified city was founded in 1457 when a minor feudal lord named Ota Dokan, built a castle above the Edo River. This low-lying area, a marshy area inhabited mainly by mosquitoes, was enlarged with reclamation projects using landfill and canals and is now home to millions of people.

Architecturally intriguing buildings were everywhere in this bustling, busy, very clean city. photo by G. Wilson

Shot of Downtown Tokyo. photo by G. Wilson

Tokyo, which literally means,'eastern capital', is the seat of the Japanese government, the Imperial Family and the Imperial Palace. The Tokyo Imperial Palace is the imperial palace of Japan and the residence of the Emperor of Japan. It is located in Chiyoda, Tokyo and is close to Tokyo Station. It is roughly the size of Central Park, having an area of 3.41 square kilometers. The Imperial Palace is Tokyo's traditional centre and a highly popular tourist attraction. It was once fortified by a series of solid outer walls, reinforced by inner walls and moats. Only the innermost moat remains. Most of the palace is generally off-limits to the public, but the Imperial Household Agency conducts tours. Also, the East Gardens are usually accessible to tourists. The inner palace is open to the public on only two days during each year: the Emperor's birthday and at the New Year (January 2).

Photo of the Imperial Grounds taken from the tour bus. photo by G. Wilson

Shinto is an ancient Japanese religion which started about 500 BCE (or earlier). The name was derived from the Chinese words "shin tao" ("The Way of the Gods") in the 8th Century CE. Unlike most other religions, Shinto has no real founder, no written scriptures, no body of religious law and only a very loosely-organized priesthood. About 84% of the population of Japan follow two religions: Shinto and Buddhism.

Shinto Shrine photo by G. Wilson

Each shrine is dedicated to a specific Kami (God), who has a divine personality and responds to sincere prayers of the faithful. When entering a shrine, one passes through a Tori, a special gateway for the Gods. It marks the demarcation between the finite world and the infinite world of the Gods. In the past, believers practised "misogi," the washing of their bodies in a river near the shrine. However, now they wash only their hands and wash out their mouths in a wash basin provided within the shrine grounds.

Notice to purify before entering shrine. photo by G. Wilson

Purification Location photo by G. Wilson

Prior to entering the shrine, it is possible to purchase a note comparable to what is found in a fortune cookie. Should the note's message feature good fortune in one's future, it is kept. Should it foretell a bad fortune, it is promptly hung on a string.

Where Bad Fortunes Are Hung and Forgotten photo by G. Wilson

Government Buildings around which black-suited business men abound. photo by G. Wilson

Rain is frequent in Tokyo and an umbrella is a necessity. To ensure its availability when needed, it is literally locked up at the door to be retrieved on leaving the building.

A Locked Umbrella Stand photo by G. Wilson

Japanese cultural activities are an ever-popular attraction to tourists. These include the traditional tea ceremony, writing Kanji characters using ancient methods, origami, the art of paper-folding, wearing the colourful kimono and watching the elaborate ceremony performed on those chosen to be dressed in one.

The Japanese tea ceremony known as chanoyu, literally, "tea hot-water". It is also called chado or sado, "the way of tea".

Writing the Kanji Character for Harmony photo by Eileen

The alphabet, kanji, comprised of pictograms was imported over the centuries from China. They represent ideas or words rather than syllables.

Origami in Action photo by G. Wilson

Origami is a Japanese word. Oru means 'to fold' and kami means 'paper'..

Geri wearing an expensive, red silk wedding Kimono. photo by Eileen

Tokyo's Famous Nijubashi Double Bridge photo by G. Wilson

Hakodate & our Ship photo by G.Wilson

Fish is fundamental to the survival of the Japanese people, for the sea is their major source of sustenance. Fresh fish and other creatures from the sea are readily available almost anywhere in HJakodate.

Fish For Sale at Hakodate Fish Market photo by G.Wilson

This nattily dressed, white-gloved politician took to the streets with his message. He did not appear to be attracting much interest when we saw him. Doubtless, they've heard it all before.

Public Appeal On Wheels photo by G.Wilson

This is a model of a five-star fort constructed to defend Hakodate in days gone by. The star-shaped fort with five or more bastions is considered the ideal fort and is generally used only for important works.

Fort Goryakaku photo by G.Wilson

Fort Now Fortified with 1600 Beautifully Blooming Cherry Trees photo by G.Wilson

Goryakaku Tower which overlooks the Fort photo by G.Wilson

Guide at Goryakaku Tower photo by G.Wilson

Hakodate history displayed using models photo by G.Wilson

Historic Hakodate Models photo by G.Wilson

Hakodate History photo by G.Wilson

Hakodate History photo by G.Wilson

This Trappistine Convent, Our Lady of Angels, was founded in 1898 by Bishop Berlioz, Bishop of the Hakadate Diosese. The convent was opened with eight nuns from the Trappistine Convent in Ubexy in France. By 1935 their number exceeded one hundred. Today the convent is occupied by 60 nuns who devote themselves to work and prayer for all.

Our Lady of Angels Convent photo by G.Wilson

Riderless Rickshaws outside famous Kanemori's red brick warehouse. photo by G.Wilson

One of the two tugs required to pull the ship from the dock at Hakodate, Japan. Hakodate Mountain in the background. photo by G.Wilson

During the Yalta Conference in 1945, Stalin came prepared to get without giving much of anything. He proved this in his negotiations with President Roosevelt who badly wanted a commitment from Stalin to contribute troops to the anticipated assault on the Japanese mainland. Readily revealing his proclivity for acquiring the property of others, Stalin demanded and got as the price for entering the war against Japan, Southern Sakhalin, the international port of Dairen, the naval base at Port Arthur and joint operation with China of the principal Manchurian railways. In addition he demanded and received, the the Kurile Islands lying north of Japan occupied by Japanese citizens. Russia's preoccupation was to ensure she had a commanding position in Asia. Russia still occupies these islands and this remains a source of friction between Russia and Japan. While Japan still claims the islands, it appears the resident Japanese prefer to remain under Russian control.

On our way to Russia, we passed the Kurile Islands unseen in the distance because of our failing Sony camera. photo by G.Wilson

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