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The Dude · 17 April 2008, 10:39 AM

I was going to go into Tokyo at first but instead we have opted for Kamakura and we will visit Tokyo, tomorrow and Thursday.

These were taken in Yokohama

I am surprised at the amount of vintage motorcycles.

To get around in the Subway is real easy

And Chinatown is really nice at night. More to come

A few images from Kamakura, narration to come for these later as I will be heading to Tokyo again shortly

Shibuya, Tokyo

Shibuya is famous for its scramble crossing which is reportedly the world's busiest. It is located in front of the Shibuya Station Hachiko exit and stops vehicles in all directions to allow pedestrians to inundate the entire intersection.

The Starbucks store overlooking the crossing is also one of the busiest in the world, the line up was too long so I skipped my morning latte.

The 2003 American movie Lost in Translation featured a scene at the crossing. It has to be the busiest crossing in the world as I can attest, I was there 3 times yesterday the last time at 11:30 p.m. and as busy as 2 p.m. ... I can't even imagine how it is at rush hour...

Ready... set ... GO!!!!!

A "Lost in Translation" moment... it is actually a little bit exhilarating at every light change

A few random pictures of people in the area

What surprised me is that they smoke in restaurants yet outside they have smoking areas...

And it is as busy at night.

leethal21 · 17 April 2008, 10:44 AM

Great shots!!

diversified · 17 April 2008, 10:45 AM

Absolutely incredible.

jasonbellevue · 17 April 2008, 10:46 AM

Awesome pictures as always Dude!

Any pics of Rolex shops?

Gaijin · 17 April 2008, 10:47 AM

Dude! You rock! Been there! Your pics are great! I lived in Japan for 4 years and am going back soon!!

frostie · 17 April 2008, 10:48 AM

Stunning photos

Thanks a lot for sharing i always enjoy looking at your photos you have some amazing photography skilsl there

velomane · 17 April 2008, 10:53 AM

Wow! Great shots Mr. Lebowski. I've been out there too and I found the people simply fascinating. Such an amalgam of fashion all rolled into one individual. I never could figure it out though.

As for the biker dudes, a friend of mine whose been out there since the early 90's told me they're generally Yakuza.

Your photos make me want to go back.

Mike

Gaijin · 17 April 2008, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by velomane

Wow! Great shots Mr. Lebowski. I've been out there too and I found the people simply fascinating. Such an amalgam of fashion all rolled into one individual. I never could figure it out though.

As for the biker dudes, a friend of mine whose been out there since the early 90's told me they're generally Yakuza.

Your photos make me want to go back.

Mike

Not true. I rode Harleys with a group of 35 or so guys and a few gals and they were all the nicest and hardest working Japanese people I have met. Not a one was a Yakuza or a 1% outlaw biker.

Me in Japan on Harleys.

velomane · 17 April 2008, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KansaiVet

Not true. I rode Harleys with a group of 35 or so guys and a few gals and they were all the nicest and hardest working Japanese people I have met. Not a one was a Yakuza or a 1% outlaw biker.

KansaiVet,

Thanks for the correction, it's appreciated. Now if you don't mind, I hear an Asahi Super Dry calling so I have to go.

Mike

BTW, in front of which castle are you standing in photo number 4? Himejijo?

Gaijin · 17 April 2008, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by velomane

KansaiVet,

Thanks for the correction, it's appreciated. Now if you don't mind, I hear an Asahi Super Dry calling so I have to go.

Mike

BTW, in front of which castle are you standing in photo number 4? Himejijo?

Osaka-Jo.

jasonbellevue · 17 April 2008, 11:25 AM

Whoa, nice pics there KV, well except for the one in the john.

Lemme guess, 15 years ago?

Terry Newton · 17 April 2008, 11:38 AM

Great Pictures. I love other people's histories. Seeing the world is what it's all about in my opinion. If I ever won the lottery I would be traveling like it was no tomorrow. These were great shots.

Terry Newton

Gaijin · 17 April 2008, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonbellevue

Whoa, nice pics there KV, well except for the one in the john.

Lemme guess, 15 years ago?

Yep about 15 years exactly!

Lol-x · 17 April 2008, 02:09 PM

Dude, love the photos and your signature

I was at Shibuya station a few weeks ago and it is the biggest street crossing I have ever seen.

Thank you so much Your Dudehighness

Lisa · 17 April 2008, 02:14 PM

Just great. I stumble in here to see beautiful pics of Japan and then I get to see pictures of Tom peeing.

roadcarver · 17 April 2008, 02:18 PM

Great photos. Yokohama is a nice city to visit, went there three times for business. Looks like you visited Pacifico Yokohama hotel. Great hotel design.

Are you going to visit Akihabara?

Lol-x · 17 April 2008, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lisa

Just great. I stumble in here to see beautiful pics of Japan and then I get to see pictures of Tom peeing.

Just be thankful it wasn't a full frontal shot

Seems like Tom needs a slapping (maybe by JJ) to in-still some law and order into his unruly behaviour

The Japanese love a beer, but they have some of the harshest drink/driving laws in the world.

vh_bu98 · 17 April 2008, 03:07 PM

Nice work there. Everytime I see your street shots, it makes me want to go out and do the same. My problem is that I get self-concious about taking photos of strangers. I always feel that I am intruding upon their privacy some how.

boa2 · 17 April 2008, 03:17 PM

They really tied the whole thread together....

Gaijin · 17 April 2008, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lisa

Just great. I stumble in here to see beautiful pics of Japan and then I get to see pictures of Tom peeing.

Ain't TRF great!?

The Dude · 18 April 2008, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leethal21

Great shots!!

Thank you

Quote:

Originally Posted by diversified

Absolutely incredible.

Thank you

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonbellevue

Awesome pictures as always Dude!

Any pics of Rolex shops?

Thank you, lotsa Rolex shops, they even sell them in pairs, his and hers in Electronic City in Akihabara

Quote:

Originally Posted by KansaiVet

Dude! You rock! Been there! Your pics are great! I lived in Japan for 4 years and am going back soon!!

Thank you

Quote:

Originally Posted by frostie

Stunning photos

Thanks a lot for sharing i always enjoy looking at your photos you have some amazing photography skilsl there

Thank you

Quote:

Originally Posted by velomane

Wow! Great shots Mr. Lebowski. I've been out there too and I found the people simply fascinating. Such an amalgam of fashion all rolled into one individual. I never could figure it out though.

As for the biker dudes, a friend of mine whose been out there since the early 90's told me they're generally Yakuza.

Your photos make me want to go back.

Mike

Thank you and no... They are not generally Yakuza, there is a big Yakuza guy down the street from where I live, normal guy except has a couple of body guards outside his house 24/7

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonbellevue

Whoa, nice pics there KV, well except for the one in the john.

Lemme guess, 15 years ago?

Yea John! Why didn't cha put pics of you using the squatting toilet

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry Newton

Great Pictures. I love other people's histories. Seeing the world is what it's all about in my opinion. If I ever won the lottery I would be traveling like it was no tomorrow. These were great shots.

Terry Newton

Thank you... Don't wait - Just go, life is too short to wait for everything to be perfect. Just go.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lol-x

Dude, love the photos and your signature

I was at Shibuya station a few weeks ago and it is the biggest street crossing I have ever seen.

Thank you so much Your Dudehighness

Shibuya is truly awesome!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lisa

Just great. I stumble in here to see beautiful pics of Japan and then I get to see pictures of Tom peeing.

Thank you! C'mon the pics of Tom coming out of the closet ... Priceless, for everything else there is MasterCard!

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadcarver

Great photos. Yokohama is a nice city to visit, went there three times for business. Looks like you visited Pacifico Yokohama hotel. Great hotel design.

Are you going to visit Akihabara?

Went to Akihabara today, nice place to shop for stuff not even out in America for another two to three years are ridiculously low prices

Quote:

Originally Posted by vh_bu98

Nice work there. Everytime I see your street shots, it makes me want to go out and do the same. My problem is that I get self-concious about taking photos of strangers. I always feel that I am intruding upon their privacy some how.

Thank you and... Just do it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by boa2

They really tied the whole thread together....

Thank you

Quote:

Originally Posted by KansaiVet

Ain't TRF great!?

Yes it is... A few more pictures from today, sorry no narrative yet... Just real busy and will be heading to bed shortly.

Glad I offered this trip to my S.O. for her 27th birthday. Tokyo is an amazing city - truly. And the people are extremely receptive to being photographed by a tall stranger...

The cool things with taxis is that only the door on the curb side opens, and it is automatic - you do not touch it.

The other great thing is, there are no barriers between you and the driver + the cars like the rest of Japan are immaculate. As a country Japan is beautiful and incredible in all ways (Except the food... albeit I had great Sushi today, finally! Had to go to the 5th floor, a place in Ginza... No one spoke English, well very little but the food was terrific and inexpensive.)

I mean what's not to like when you get reactions like these...

Bummer it rained...

jasper · 18 April 2008, 04:17 AM

Japan is definitely on my list of places to visit, or maybe even live. It looks clean, forested...safe. People are obviously interesting.

Thanks for the trip dude.

jasper

JJ Irani · 18 April 2008, 04:23 AM

Incredible and mesmerising camera work as always, Patrick.

Can't thank you enough for your efforts in sharing such wonderful pics with us.

Many thanks - JJ

oneillba · 18 April 2008, 04:57 AM

Great pictures. I won't be able to go there anytime soon, but thanks to you and TRF I'm able to enjoy!

diversified · 18 April 2008, 11:23 AM

I can't believe that outdoor smoking area.

jasonbellevue · 18 April 2008, 01:46 PM

Thanks for the pictures, keep 'em coming.

sherwin · 18 April 2008, 11:20 PM

beautiful country and a very nice place. once i get a decent job, i plan to go back this time on a hunt for watches.

The Dude · 20 April 2008, 10:18 AM

Japan is like... very clean but...

If you are lucky in a public restroom you get one of these when you have to go...

If you are totally unlucky and you had something bad for lunch then you'll probably find only those puppies.... And lemme tell ya, I hope you are carrying a change of clothes.

Now, if like me... You are luckier than most, you'll get one of those comfy lazy-thrones for the reading room, the only thing it can't do is... Make a good cup of Java but for the rest, just press a button

It even has a warm seat :wink:

But try using a Microwave oven without blowing the house up....

jasper · 20 April 2008, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Dude

But try using a Microwave oven without blowing the house up....

That red button does look ominous. Thanks for the toilet pics....I think.

unclesallie · 21 April 2008, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Dude

Japan is like... very clean but...

If you are lucky in a public restroom you get one of these when you have to go...

If you are totally unlucky and you had something bad for lunch then you'll probably find only those puppies.... And lemme tell ya, I hope you are carrying a change of clothes.

Now, if like me... You are luckier than most, you'll get one of those comfy lazy-thrones for the reading room, the only thing it can't do is... Make a good cup of Java but for the rest, just press a button

It even has a warm seat :wink:

But try using a Microwave oven without blowing the house up....

Dude: those squat toilets are horrid. At least the one you have pictured is CLEAN. I've been to China, Thailand, and Mynmar, and believe me that one is PRISTINE compared to the one's i've seen. Ycch. Especially memorable one was outside Beijing at the Great Wall...HORRID, but sometimes, sadly, unavoidable. But you don't need to change your clothes, you just need to get a lesson on how to use 'em, but not on TRF! I mean Lisa's already had enough from the group peeing scene.

best,
dan

17 April 2008, 10:39 AM	#1
The Dude Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: In my own world Posts: 595	Japan... A different world I was going to go into Tokyo at first but instead we have opted for Kamakura and we will visit Tokyo, tomorrow and Thursday. These were taken in Yokohama I am surprised at the amount of vintage motorcycles. To get around in the Subway is real easy And Chinatown is really nice at night. More to come A few images from Kamakura, narration to come for these later as I will be heading to Tokyo again shortly Shibuya, Tokyo Shibuya is famous for its scramble crossing which is reportedly the world's busiest. It is located in front of the Shibuya Station Hachiko exit and stops vehicles in all directions to allow pedestrians to inundate the entire intersection. The Starbucks store overlooking the crossing is also one of the busiest in the world, the line up was too long so I skipped my morning latte. The 2003 American movie Lost in Translation featured a scene at the crossing. It has to be the busiest crossing in the world as I can attest, I was there 3 times yesterday the last time at 11:30 p.m. and as busy as 2 p.m. ... I can't even imagine how it is at rush hour... Ready... set ... GO!!!!! A "Lost in Translation" moment... it is actually a little bit exhilarating at every light change A few random pictures of people in the area What surprised me is that they smoke in restaurants yet outside they have smoking areas... And it is as busy at night.

17 April 2008, 10:46 AM	#4
jasonbellevue "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Jason Location: at home Posts: 5,098	Awesome pictures as always Dude! Any pics of Rolex shops? __________________

17 April 2008, 10:48 AM	#6
frostie 1,000,000th PostMember Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Earth Posts: 14,048	Stunning photos Thanks a lot for sharing i always enjoy looking at your photos you have some amazing photography skilsl there __________________ GMT - Master II C - 116710 LN

17 April 2008, 11:25 AM	#11
jasonbellevue "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Jason Location: at home Posts: 5,098	Whoa, nice pics there KV, well except for the one in the john. Lemme guess, 15 years ago? __________________

17 April 2008, 11:38 AM	#12
Terry Newton "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Terry Newton Location: Michigan Watch: Rolex TT GMT II c Posts: 6,644	Great Pictures. I love other people's histories. Seeing the world is what it's all about in my opinion. If I ever won the lottery I would be traveling like it was no tomorrow. These were great shots. Terry Newton __________________ Terry Newton; Superstar and Fake Sleuth "Z" SS Date Submariner "Z" TT GMT-Master IIc

17 April 2008, 10:44 AM	#2
leethal21 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Rick Location: Canada Watch: SD Posts: 232	Great shots!!

17 April 2008, 10:45 AM	#3
diversified "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Jim Location: State College PA Posts: 1,694	Absolutely incredible.

17 April 2008, 10:47 AM	#5
Gaijin 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Japan Watch: ing your back. Posts: 16,179	Dude! You rock! Been there! Your pics are great! I lived in Japan for 4 years and am going back soon!!

17 April 2008, 10:53 AM	#7
velomane "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Mike Location: Winnipeg Watch: GMT Master II Posts: 74	Wow! Great shots Mr. Lebowski. I've been out there too and I found the people simply fascinating. Such an amalgam of fashion all rolled into one individual. I never could figure it out though. As for the biker dudes, a friend of mine whose been out there since the early 90's told me they're generally Yakuza. Your photos make me want to go back. Mike

17 April 2008, 02:09 PM	#14
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,589	Dude, love the photos and your signature I was at Shibuya station a few weeks ago and it is the biggest street crossing I have ever seen. Thank you so much Your Dudehighness __________________ *Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.* ~Abraham Lincoln Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim

17 April 2008, 02:14 PM	#15
Lisa "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: oklahoma city Posts: 15,741	Just great. I stumble in here to see beautiful pics of Japan and then I get to see pictures of Tom peeing.

17 April 2008, 02:18 PM	#16
roadcarver "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Vernon Location: C-a-n-a-d-a Watch: 16600 Posts: 5,641	Great photos. Yokohama is a nice city to visit, went there three times for business. Looks like you visited Pacifico Yokohama hotel. Great hotel design. Are you going to visit Akihabara? __________________ I'm just a cook...

17 April 2008, 03:07 PM	#18
vh_bu98 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Vu Location: Dallas area Watch: Platinum YM Posts: 2,646	Nice work there. Everytime I see your street shots, it makes me want to go out and do the same. My problem is that I get self-concious about taking photos of strangers. I always feel that I am intruding upon their privacy some how.

17 April 2008, 03:17 PM	#19
boa2 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Howard Location: Utah Watch: Lover Posts: 3,941	Incredible photos, Dude! They really tied the whole thread together....

18 April 2008, 04:17 AM	#22
jasper "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: north vancouver Watch: 1680 / speedy pro Posts: 474	Japan is definitely on my list of places to visit, or maybe even live. It looks clean, forested...safe. People are obviously interesting. Thanks for the trip dude. jasper

18 April 2008, 04:23 AM	#23
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	Incredible and mesmerising camera work as always, Patrick. Can't thank you enough for your efforts in sharing such wonderful pics with us. Many thanks - JJ __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

18 April 2008, 04:57 AM	#24
oneillba "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Brian Location: Hamilton, MI USA Watch: My beloved TT DJ Posts: 3,831	Great pictures. I won't be able to go there anytime soon, but thanks to you and TRF I'm able to enjoy! __________________ My Trusty TT DJ

18 April 2008, 11:23 AM	#25
diversified "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Jim Location: State College PA Posts: 1,694	I can't believe that outdoor smoking area.

18 April 2008, 01:46 PM	#26
jasonbellevue "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Jason Location: at home Posts: 5,098	Thanks for the pictures, keep 'em coming. __________________

18 April 2008, 11:20 PM	#27
sherwin "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Perth/Singapore Posts: 1,764	beautiful country and a very nice place. once i get a decent job, i plan to go back this time on a hunt for watches.

20 April 2008, 10:18 AM	#28
The Dude Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: In my own world Posts: 595	Huh oh... Japan is like... very clean but... If you are lucky in a public restroom you get one of these when you have to go... If you are totally unlucky and you had something bad for lunch then you'll probably find only those puppies.... And lemme tell ya, I hope you are carrying a change of clothes. Now, if like me... You are luckier than most, you'll get one of those comfy lazy-thrones for the reading room, the only thing it can't do is... Make a good cup of Java but for the rest, just press a button It even has a warm seat :wink: But try using a Microwave oven without blowing the house up....

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