HARTFELT.DE Japan 2014

Summer holiday in November

2014 nov 08
Departure

Departure

2014 nov 08
First flight, to London

First flight, to London

2014 nov 08
Four hour wait in Heathrow.

Four hour wait in Heathrow.

2014 nov 09
Plane drifting into Hong Kong.

Plane drifting into Hong Kong.

2014 nov 09
Hong Kong airport has a metro running between the gates. (One up from the bus at Heathrow)

Hong Kong airport has a metro running between the gates. (One up from the bus at Heathrow)

2014 nov 10
Third plane, about to leave Hong Kong.

Third plane, about to leave Hong Kong.

2014 nov 10
Passing over Taiwan.

Passing over Taiwan.

2014 nov 10
After a good nights sleep at a capsule hotel, it's a lovely day.

After a good nights sleep at a capsule hotel, it's a lovely day.

2014 nov 10
My room at the Wasabi Guest House.

My room at the Wasabi Guest House.

2014 nov 10
Slightly unfortunate naming: The KKK building.

Slightly unfortunate naming: The KKK building.

2014 nov 10
Tokyo Sky Tree.

Tokyo Sky Tree.

2014 nov 10
View from the top.

View from the top.

2014 nov 11
One of my favorite views in Tokyo, from the Starbucks across from Shubuya eki.

One of my favorite views in Tokyo, from the Starbucks across from Shubuya eki.

2014 nov 11
Hyaku shiki.

Hyaku shiki.

2014 nov 11
The last remaining tram in Tokyo.

The last remaining tram in Tokyo.

2014 nov 12
Tokyo eki, in slight overcast weather.

Tokyo eki, in slight overcast weather.

2014 nov 12
A view of the Rainbow Bridge from the harbour.

A view of the Rainbow Bridge from the harbour.

2014 nov 12
No bicycles or rickshaws allowed on the expressway.

No bicycles or rickshaws allowed on the expressway.

2014 nov 12
There's loops on the trains here!

There's loops on the trains here!

2014 nov 12
It turns out that the Rainbow Bridge can be crossed on foot.

It turns out that the Rainbow Bridge can be crossed on foot.

2014 nov 12
Did I cross the wrong bridge?

Did I cross the wrong bridge?

2014 nov 12
Ready to save the universe from the space nazis.

Ready to save the universe from the space nazis.

2014 nov 12
Haro latte.

Haro latte.

2014 nov 12
Eating an excellent sukiyaki diner with Nicholas.

Eating an excellent sukiyaki diner with Nicholas.

2014 nov 13
Took the tram again.

Took the tram again.

2014 nov 13
The grave of Natsumi Souseki at Zoushigaya cemetery.

The grave of Natsumi Souseki at Zoushigaya cemetery.

2014 nov 13
Meiji Jingu.

Meiji Jingu.

2014 nov 13
Ueno park at night.

Ueno park at night.

2014 nov 14
Fujisan at 300km/h.

Fujisan at 300km/h.

2014 nov 14
Transfering from the shinkansen to the local train.

Transfering from the shinkansen to the local train.

2014 nov 14
A brief view of Osaka city.

A brief view of Osaka city.

2014 nov 14
I got a 100cc Honda Spacy. (Unfortunately not the one with flip-up headlights).

I got a 100cc Honda Spacy. (Unfortunately not the one with flip-up headlights).

2014 nov 14
Ate dinner with a lovely view to the Akashi Kaikyo bridge.

Ate dinner with a lovely view to the Akashi Kaikyo bridge.

2014 nov 14

On my fist half day of scooter rental, I have made it to Okayama. It was a beautiful day, albeit a bit cold. Getting out of Osaka city took longer than expected, as the first ~100km was city driving, with lots of congestion, and lots of traffic lights. This made me miss Himeji-jo, as the sun had already gone down when i reached Himeji city. After that, I hit a fantastic bit of the 250-route, running along the shore, with lots of bends, no traffic (except for a single fawn crossing the road), and had it not been dark, probably a great view too. Hopefully, I'll find more like it tomorrow.

2014 nov 16
There was actually a reason that the hotel was called “riverside”.

There was actually a reason that the hotel was called “riverside”.

2014 nov 16
Not a bad view for a snack.

Not a bad view for a snack.

2014 nov 16
Climbed Fudekageyama. Breathtaking view on all sides of the Seto inland sea.

Climbed Fudekageyama. Breathtaking view on all sides of the Seto inland sea.

2014 nov 16
Very good mountain roads for a while.

Very good mountain roads for a while.

2014 nov 16
...But the the road turned to gravel. It took two whole hours getting back to paved roads. (You're not lost until you turn back.)

...But the the road turned to gravel. It took two whole hours getting back to paved roads. (You're not lost until you turn back.)

2014 nov 16
Distant view of a part of the Seto Ôhashi.

Distant view of a part of the Seto Ôhashi.

2014 nov 16
Reached Hiroshima.

Reached Hiroshima.

2014 nov 16
There's trams here :)

There's trams here :)

2014 nov 17
Hirosima Bomb Memorial Museum, lots of scary melted objects (and people...)

Hirosima Bomb Memorial Museum, lots of scary melted objects (and people...)

2014 nov 17
The dome in daylight.

The dome in daylight.

2014 nov 17
The tram in daylight.

The tram in daylight.

2014 nov 17
Met up with Louisa and went to Miyajima.

Met up with Louisa and went to Miyajima.

2014 nov 17
Itsukushima shrine.

Itsukushima shrine.

2014 nov 17
Itsukushima shrine again.

Itsukushima shrine again.

2014 nov 17
Beware of exploding antlers.

Beware of exploding antlers.

2014 nov 17

2014 nov 17
Pagoda.

Pagoda.

2014 nov 17
The Ootori.

The Ootori.

2014 nov 17
By night.

By night.

2014 nov 18
Heading for the ferry in Tokuyama on an overcast day with occational ligth showers.

Heading for the ferry in Tokuyama on an overcast day with occational ligth showers.

2014 nov 18
I had to ask at two convenience stores before I found the right ferry.

I had to ask at two convenience stores before I found the right ferry.

2014 nov 18
Leaving Honshū.

Leaving Honshū.

2014 nov 18
Two hours later, arriving in Kyūshū.

Two hours later, arriving in Kyūshū.

2014 nov 18
The youth hostel i went to turned out to be closed, but the manager let me stay anyway. I got a whole dormitory, with a kotatsu, for myself.

The youth hostel i went to turned out to be closed, but the manager let me stay anyway. I got a whole dormitory, with a kotatsu, for myself.

2014 nov 18
A random country side shrine.

A random country side shrine.

2014 nov 18
Brilliant roads again today.

Brilliant roads again today.

2014 nov 18
Brilliant views.

Brilliant views.

2014 nov 18
Riding through highland plains.

Riding through highland plains.

2014 nov 18
Then suddenly, I'm in the crater of an active vulcano. (This picture doesn't even begin to do that view justice)

Then suddenly, I'm in the crater of an active vulcano. (This picture doesn't even begin to do that view justice)

2014 nov 18
Arrived in Kumamoto. The castle can be seen from the roof of the hostel.

Arrived in Kumamoto. The castle can be seen from the roof of the hostel.

2014 nov 18
They have trams here, as well :)

They have trams here, as well :)

2014 nov 19
Kumamoto-jō.

Kumamoto-jō.

2014 nov 19
The view from the top.

The view from the top.

2014 nov 19
Inside the (reconstructed) castle.

Inside the (reconstructed) castle.

2014 nov 19
The only original wooden building left of the castle.

The only original wooden building left of the castle.

2014 nov 19
Traditional samurai flourescent lighting.

Traditional samurai flourescent lighting.

2014 nov 19
The grave of Miyamoto Musashi.

The grave of Miyamoto Musashi.

2014 nov 19
Reigandō, the cave where Miyamoto Musashi spend the last of his days writing “Gorin no shō.”

Reigandō, the cave where Miyamoto Musashi spend the last of his days writing “Gorin no shō.”

2014 nov 19
I thought I'd climb Mt. Kimpu, but I ended up being lost in endless orange fields.

I thought I'd climb Mt. Kimpu, but I ended up being lost in endless orange fields.

2014 nov 19
Finally found my way back to a good road.

Finally found my way back to a good road.

2014 nov 20
En route to Kagoshima, on a lovely warm day.

En route to Kagoshima, on a lovely warm day.

2014 nov 20
Lovely mountain passes.

Lovely mountain passes.

2014 nov 20
Pit stop.

Pit stop.

2014 nov 20

2014 nov 20
Distant view of Sakurajima.

Distant view of Sakurajima.

2014 nov 20
The Haibisukasu, headed for Tanegashima. Mainly a goods transport, but also carrying passengers and scooters (which the much faster hydrofoil won't.)

The Haibisukasu, headed for Tanegashima. Mainly a goods transport, but also carrying passengers and scooters (which the much faster hydrofoil won't.)

2014 nov 20
What could be seen of the ferry, after nightfall.

What could be seen of the ferry, after nightfall.

2014 nov 21

2014 nov 21

2014 nov 21
Some cave.

Some cave.

2014 nov 21

2014 nov 21
Some other cave.

Some other cave.

2014 nov 21
Tanegashima space center, Yoshinobu launch complex. I came a week too early to watch the launch of Hayabusa 2.

Tanegashima space center, Yoshinobu launch complex. I came a week too early to watch the launch of Hayabusa 2.

2014 nov 21
The actual H-II rocket for flight 7, that ended up getting canceled.

The actual H-II rocket for flight 7, that ended up getting canceled.

2014 nov 21
It's first stage.

It's first stage.

2014 nov 21
JAXA space-rope© used for coupling the engines to the rockets on actual space missions!

JAXA space-rope© used for coupling the engines to the rockets on actual space missions!

2014 nov 21
I wanna burn this engine while it's strapped to the bed of a kei-truck... For the motherland!

I wanna burn this engine while it's strapped to the bed of a kei-truck... For the motherland!

2014 nov 21
Range control center.

Range control center.

2014 nov 21

2014 nov 21
Kadokuramisaki, the suthernmost point of tanegashima. (Also the place where the evil robot legs killed off the disabled shop-lady)

Kadokuramisaki, the suthernmost point of tanegashima. (Also the place where the evil robot legs killed off the disabled shop-lady)

2014 nov 21

2014 nov 21
Don't let your robot legs run amok when you're near that ledge.

Don't let your robot legs run amok when you're near that ledge.

2014 nov 21
Rocket launch observation tower.

Rocket launch observation tower.

2014 nov 21
Another nice beach.

Another nice beach.

2014 nov 21

2014 nov 22
This is where I stayed in Tanegashima. I had to leave at 4 in the morning, to catch the ferry to Yakushima.

This is where I stayed in Tanegashima. I had to leave at 4 in the morning, to catch the ferry to Yakushima.

2014 nov 22
Arriving in Yakushima at daybreak.

Arriving in Yakushima at daybreak.

2014 nov 22

2014 nov 22

2014 nov 22
A road leading to a hiking trail.

A road leading to a hiking trail.

2014 nov 22
It's a waterfall... I don't really think that sign is necesary.

It's a waterfall... I don't really think that sign is necesary.

2014 nov 22
The cedar wood contains so much resin that the pieces cut off 2-300 years ago, when the wood was harvested for shingles, are still laying around.

The cedar wood contains so much resin that the pieces cut off 2-300 years ago, when the wood was harvested for shingles, are still laying around.

2014 nov 22
Waterfalls.

Waterfalls.

2014 nov 22
8m circumference. (I shoud have gotten something for scale...)

8m circumference. (I shoud have gotten something for scale...)

2014 nov 22
A second-generation cedar tree, a new one sprouting on the stump of a previously harvested one.

A second-generation cedar tree, a new one sprouting on the stump of a previously harvested one.

2014 nov 22

2014 nov 22
This is apparently a great view... if the rock is not surrounded by clouds.

This is apparently a great view... if the rock is not surrounded by clouds.

2014 nov 22

2014 nov 22

2014 nov 22

2014 nov 22

2014 nov 22
Shika.

Shika.

2014 nov 22
This forrest was the inspiration for the one in Mononokehime.

This forrest was the inspiration for the one in Mononokehime.

2014 nov 22

2014 nov 22
Northernmost point of Yakushima.

Northernmost point of Yakushima.

2014 nov 22
Sunset over the east-china sea.

Sunset over the east-china sea.

2014 nov 22
Yakushima lighthouse, the westernmost point of Yakushima, in a spot of rain. Yakushima gets the most rain of all of Japan.

Yakushima lighthouse, the westernmost point of Yakushima, in a spot of rain. Yakushima gets the most rain of all of Japan.

2014 nov 22

2014 nov 22
This is national primary road #78. The speed-limit is 60. This is the wide, straight part.

This is national primary road #78. The speed-limit is 60. This is the wide, straight part.

2014 nov 22
What, the ambient temperature? Is

What, the ambient temperature? Is "Warm water" hotter or colder than "toilet seat"?

2014 nov 24

2014 nov 24
A nice, wobbly suspension bridge.

A nice, wobbly suspension bridge.

2014 nov 24

2014 nov 24
Footpaths made from side brances from trees that were felled some hundred years ago.

Footpaths made from side brances from trees that were felled some hundred years ago.

2014 nov 24
Tourist for scale.

Tourist for scale.

2014 nov 24

2014 nov 24

2014 nov 24
The environment is so humid, that new cedars sprout on the stumps of old ones.

The environment is so humid, that new cedars sprout on the stumps of old ones.

2014 nov 24
The bearded rich man.

The bearded rich man.

2014 nov 24

2014 nov 24
Another splendid cryptomeria japonica.

Another splendid cryptomeria japonica.

2014 nov 24

2014 nov 24

2014 nov 24
Mount Tachō.

Mount Tachō.

2014 nov 24
Mount Tachō, from another angle.

Mount Tachō, from another angle.

2014 nov 24
Once again, I reached the lookout spot while it was covered in clouds.

Once again, I reached the lookout spot while it was covered in clouds.

2014 nov 24

2014 nov 24

2014 nov 24

2014 nov 24
2000 years old.

2000 years old.

2014 nov 24
A tree growing on the trunk of a fallen tree.

A tree growing on the trunk of a fallen tree.

2014 nov 24
I stayed the night with Isamu-san and his dog Koro.

I stayed the night with Isamu-san and his dog Koro.

2014 nov 24

2014 nov 24
A last glimpse of Yakushima.

A last glimpse of Yakushima.

2014 nov 24
Cape Sata, on the way to Kagoshima.

Cape Sata, on the way to Kagoshima.

2014 nov 24
A hazy view of Sakurajima.

A hazy view of Sakurajima.

2014 nov 24
This view would have been spectacular, had it not been for the foggy weather.

This view would have been spectacular, had it not been for the foggy weather.

2014 nov 25
Coffee and a snack outside Miyazaki. Today is rainy and grey.

Coffee and a snack outside Miyazaki. Today is rainy and grey.

2014 nov 25
Kitagawa dam.

Kitagawa dam.

2014 nov 25

2014 nov 25
A sign from the main road pointed to “Totoro no mori.” There was a nekobus stop.

A sign from the main road pointed to “Totoro no mori.” There was a nekobus stop.

2014 nov 25
I've arrived in Beppu, mainly a hot spring resort town.

I've arrived in Beppu, mainly a hot spring resort town.

2014 nov 25
Takegawara onsen.

Takegawara onsen.

2014 nov 26
Umi-jigoku. A pretty lake of BOILING DOOM!

Umi-jigoku. A pretty lake of BOILING DOOM!

2014 nov 26
Distant view of Oita, across the bay.

Distant view of Oita, across the bay.

2014 nov 26
Beppu.

Beppu.

2014 nov 26
The ferry for Shikoku.

The ferry for Shikoku.

2014 nov 26
A last view of Kyūshū (for this trip, at least)

A last view of Kyūshū (for this trip, at least)

2014 nov 26
Arrived on Shikoku.

Arrived on Shikoku.

2014 nov 26
I got a little lost, but the view was nice.

I got a little lost, but the view was nice.

2014 nov 26

2014 nov 26
This is a public toilet.

This is a public toilet.

2014 nov 26
Vestas-windmills.

Vestas-windmills.

2014 nov 26
Dōgo onsen. Supposedly the oldest in Japan.

Dōgo onsen. Supposedly the oldest in Japan.

2014 nov 26
Dōgo onsen from the back. This is supposedly the inspration for the onsen in “Spirited away.”

Dōgo onsen from the back. This is supposedly the inspration for the onsen in “Spirited away.”

2014 nov 27
This is the nice ryokan, where I spend my night in Matsuyama.

This is the nice ryokan, where I spend my night in Matsuyama.

2014 nov 27
Lovely weather today.

Lovely weather today.

2014 nov 27

2014 nov 27
I have no idea what this is for, but I like it.

I have no idea what this is for, but I like it.

2014 nov 27
Went for udon. The women running the place found that hillarious, apparently.

Went for udon. The women running the place found that hillarious, apparently.

2014 nov 27

2014 nov 27
Visited Konpirasan. There is exactly one shitload of stairs to the top.

Visited Konpirasan. There is exactly one shitload of stairs to the top.

2014 nov 27
The view was well worth the climb.

The view was well worth the climb.

2014 nov 27
The shrine at the top.

The shrine at the top.

2014 nov 27
For some reason they've enshrined some kind of boat.

For some reason they've enshrined some kind of boat.

2014 nov 27
First time I've seen pictures of diesel engines at a shrine.

First time I've seen pictures of diesel engines at a shrine.

2014 nov 27

2014 nov 27

2014 nov 27
According to The Internet (which is, as we all know, rarely wrong) this is the best bet for the temple grounds where Kafka woke up covered in blod.

According to The Internet (which is, as we all know, rarely wrong) this is the best bet for the temple grounds where Kafka woke up covered in blod.

2014 nov 27
Takamatsu station, the happiest station building in all of Shikoku.

Takamatsu station, the happiest station building in all of Shikoku.

2014 nov 27

2014 nov 27

2014 nov 28
On the ferry to Shōdoshima, on the way back to Ōsaka.

On the ferry to Shōdoshima, on the way back to Ōsaka.

2014 nov 28
Fantastic weather today.

Fantastic weather today.

2014 nov 28

2014 nov 28
Ropeway to the top.

Ropeway to the top.

2014 nov 28

2014 nov 28
View from the top.

View from the top.

2014 nov 28
View from another top.

View from another top.

2014 nov 28
Man, that thing is huge!

Man, that thing is huge!

2014 nov 28
(That's what she said)

(That's what she said)

2014 nov 28
Last ferry of this trip, bound for Himeji.

Last ferry of this trip, bound for Himeji.

2014 nov 28

2014 nov 28
....okay.

....okay.

2014 nov 28
Himeji harbour.

Himeji harbour.

2014 nov 28
Himeji-jō, 5 minutes before closing time (saaaaafe).

Himeji-jō, 5 minutes before closing time (saaaaafe).

2014 nov 28
I've arrived safely in Ōsaka (but too late to drop off the scooter, so I'll have to pay for parking tonight)

I've arrived safely in Ōsaka (but too late to drop off the scooter, so I'll have to pay for parking tonight)

2014 nov 29
Ōsaka Shinsekai, meaning “new world”, a seedy, rundown place full of pachinko and homeless people.

Ōsaka Shinsekai, meaning “new world”, a seedy, rundown place full of pachinko and homeless people.

2014 nov 29

2014 nov 30
Den-den town.

Den-den town.

2014 nov 30
One of many arcades.

One of many arcades.

2014 nov 30
Yes, why not build a ferris wheel around the store.

Yes, why not build a ferris wheel around the store.

2014 nov 30

2014 nov 30

2014 nov 30
The weather was fantastic since this morning.

The weather was fantastic since this morning.

2014 nov 30

2014 nov 30
Umeda sky building.

Umeda sky building.

2014 nov 30
Chistmas decorations feels rather strange, when it's 20 degrees C and sunny...

Chistmas decorations feels rather strange, when it's 20 degrees C and sunny...

2014 nov 30
The view down the middle of the sky building.

The view down the middle of the sky building.

2014 nov 30
View from the top.

View from the top.

2014 nov 30

2014 nov 30
Apart from it being awesome, I have no idea why they build the highway throug that building, instead of around it...

Apart from it being awesome, I have no idea why they build the highway throug that building, instead of around it...

2014 nov 30
Futuristic as fuck.

Futuristic as fuck.

2014 nov 30
For that homey beach-feeling.

For that homey beach-feeling.

2014 nov 30
It might be called “Super Kids Land”, but the only kids I saw were ones, their dads had dragged along.

It might be called “Super Kids Land”, but the only kids I saw were ones, their dads had dragged along.

2014 dec 01
Rain on my last day in Japan.

Rain on my last day in Japan.

2014 dec 01
Another arcade.

Another arcade.

2014 dec 01

2014 dec 01
Ōsaka castle.

Ōsaka castle.

2014 dec 01

2014 dec 01
Toyotomi Hideyoshi himself decided the placement of these supply lines.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi himself decided the placement of these supply lines.

2014 dec 01
There it is, complete with conveniet elevator allowing even disabled samurai to take part in the invasions.

There it is, complete with conveniet elevator allowing even disabled samurai to take part in the invasions.

2014 dec 01
Nice view, even in the rain.

Nice view, even in the rain.

2014 dec 01

2014 dec 01
Instructions, in case this is your first time taking a dump.

Instructions, in case this is your first time taking a dump.

2014 dec 01
This will (hopefully) take me to Dubai.

This will (hopefully) take me to Dubai.

2014 dec 02
Nighto photo from prane... impossiburu!

Nighto photo from prane... impossiburu!

2014 dec 02
Breakfast in Dubai.

Breakfast in Dubai.

2014 dec 02
Last flight.

Last flight.

2014 dec 03
...Or so I thought. Turned out I had to take a bus out to the runway...

...Or so I thought. Turned out I had to take a bus out to the runway...

2014 dec 03
The weird-looking bus.

The weird-looking bus.

2014 dec 03
Dubai skyline.

Dubai skyline.

2014 dec 03
Flying over Iran.

Flying over Iran.

2014 dec 03
More Iran.

More Iran.

2014 dec 03
I'm a bit worried about this flight path...

I'm a bit worried about this flight path...

2014 dec 03
A patch of frozen Russia.

A patch of frozen Russia.

2014 dec 03
Barely missed Ukraine.

Barely missed Ukraine.

2014 dec 03
Kaliningrad.

Kaliningrad.

2014 dec 03
I'm home.

I'm home.