Interesting places in Nagoya:

Naka-ku (Naka Ward)		Outer Moat of Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle		Kita-ku (Kita Ward)
Inner Moat of Nagoya Castle		Higashi-ku (Higashi Ward)
Mizuho-ku (Mizuho Ward)		Nishiki 3-chome (Kin-san)
Oasis 21		Nishi-ku (Nishi Ward)
Atsuta-ku (Atsuta Ward)		Sakae Station (Higashiyama Line / Meijo Line)
JR Central Towers		Underground Shopping Mall Central Park
Nagoya Station		Nagoya City Hall (Main Building)
Kiyosu, Aichi		Chikusa-ku (Chikusa Ward)
Nakamura-ku (Nakamura Ward)		Tenshu-kaku (Donjon) of Nogoya Castle
Tenpaku-ku (Tenpaku Ward)		Ohsu Arcade & ShoppingMall
Moriyama-ku (Moriyama Ward)		Hisaya-�d�ri Station (Meijo Line / Sakura-dori Line)
Meijo Koen (park)

Nagoya's famous sight seeing spots include Nagoya Castle (¤, Nagoya-jo^?) and Atsuta Shrine (±°®, Atsuta Jingu^?).

• Nagoya Castle (å��å�¤å±‹åŸŽ ). Trumpeted as a famous landmark, particularly the two golden carp (金ã�®é¯± ) on the roof, but in truth recently rebuilt in concrete. The inside is an interesting enough museum (no pictures allowed) and the gardens surrounding it, nothing special. 500 yen for entry. To get there by subway, take the Meijo line and get off at Shiyakusho station. If you've seen other Japanese castles, you can safely give it a miss.

• Atsuta Shrine (熱田神宮 ), JingÅ«mae station. This shrine houses the sacred (è�‰è–™ç¥žå‰£) sword, one of the three Imperial regalia of Japan — but unfortunately nobody but the emperor and a few high priests get to see it. There are some 4,400 other artifacts on the grounds though and the shrine hosts some 70 festivals every year.

• Nagoya/Boston Museum of Fine Arts, 1-1-1 Kanayama-cho, Naka-ku , 052-684-0786. Closed Mondays, Tuesday through Friday 10am to 7pm, Saturday, Sunday, Holidays 10am to 5 pm. Like any world-class art museum, the MFA in Boston has far more in its archives than it can reasonably display. This sister institution is one way to make the most of the extensive collection. Student / Adult admission: 300/400 yen for the general collection, 900/1200 yen for special exhibits.

• Tokugawa Art Museum. Displaying some treasures of the Tokugawa family.

• Nittaiji Temple (日泰寺), 1-1 Hohocho, Chikusa-ku, tel. 052-751-2121. Among the 165,000 square meters of temple grounds is the 15 meter Gandala-style Taian Pagoda, which houses relics of the Buddha that were presented to Japan by the king of Thailand.

• Shirakawa Park. Beautiful trees, Nagoya Science and Modern Art Museums. South of Fushimi subway station.

• Hisaya-oodori Park. Nice trees and fountains, Nagoya TV Tower observation deck. Sakae or Hisaya-oodori subway exits.

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Out of Harm's Way
Made by /\ltus
Everyone's comments and direct emails have been *most* appreciated. Just want to reiterate that the family and I are more than fine. Let us all not lose sight of those most in need: the people of the Tohoku region of Japan most impacted by the Earthquake, Tsunami, and now close-proximity Radiation. It is so surreal for many of those people that I'm 1/2 serious when I say that they'd not be surprised if Godzilla now came out of the Ocean to do his part, as everything else imaginable has already done its worst. Now as to our situation... As I mentioned in the previous photo, I sent Chizuko and the boys to Nagoya just in case there is more to this than the Japan media/gov't was portraying (which turned out to be the case). I took a shinkansen after work Friday to meet them down there for the weekend. Boys have cabin (hotel) fever as there is nothing to do but sit around and watch (disaster) TV or read or play some handheld video games. Chizuko is pulling triple duty by taking care of her Mom, Sister-inlaw and her baby, and our boys. She's a real trooper though and staying strong. Non-HDR shot taken from their hotel room at the Nagoya Shinkansen station. Moved them on to Kyoto the next day after this shot because we couldn't extend the room due to the hotel being fully booked by other refugees from Tokyo. I'm back in Tokyo now (Sunday afternoon) as I wanted to get our camping car taped up, as the next 3-4 days are gonna be dicey with full-on winds from the reactors up north. Saw a friend at the train station in Tokyo this afternoon on the way back home and his first words were You're still in Japan? He was on his way to the airport and was truly perplexed that I'm still here. While I may be a diehard Texan (I still wear boots to the office, and drink Tequila), Japan and its culture are my home and I will not leave here so lightly. A very large percentage of the foreign population left at the drop of a pin, which given what the Embassy's were saying, is completely understandable. I however have decided to remain on doing my part as best I can to help rebuild this Nation that I call home. Again, to everyone else here in Japan, best of luck, and to those outside of Japan, keep us in your prayers! Thanks...Altus. BTW...I'm in no position to catchup on other people's photostreams right now given the circumstances as you can imagine, but fully intend to do so once all of this is behind us. In the meantime I'll continue to post our situation for those interested.


Planet Nagoya! TTI terminal... (HDR)
Made by EugeniusD80
Welcome to the planet Nagoya!! Now we are on the side where I used to live and work for about three and half years :-)) For those who is wondering what TTI stands for: Toyota Technological Institute. To the West, almost at the horizon, you may see low building - it was my dormitory - I lived there :-) If you raise your eyes up to the North direction, you may find a three-story building - I was working on the second floor closer to the horizon. The building to the South-East is a library. If you walk a little bit in South direction then you'll find a football/beisball field and gym. And somewhere to the South-South-West behind the tall naked trees you may find small orange garden from where in the winter time we were getting some vitamins to feed our brains :-)) A little bit about how it was done. First I took 23 NEF (RAW) files, then processed them with CaptureNX to make several different exposures. After that with the help of PTGui created a normal 360° panoramic image. With a simple trick I could use absolutely same control points and alignment parameters for all exposure sets of images, so final panoramas were almost 100% same. In order to avoid some tonal or contrast mismatches at the opposite edges of panorama as a result of HDR processing, I first created planetoid images with different exposures (how to make a planetoid see in my below). And making the HDR and ToneMapping by Photomatix was a final step. Final touch was done in CaptureNX as it has a unique tool called control points (it saves a lot of time), and also it allows saving the modified image in NEF format preserving all the workflow so that later you can open it again and modify some control points or other settings. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You can buy this and other works as prints or cards at: eugeniusd80.redbubble.com/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I'm an Apeman
Made by ChuckTofu
I think Im sophisticated 'cos I'm living my life like a good homosapien But all around me everybodys multiplying Till theyre walking round like flies man So I'm no better than the animals sitting in their cages In the zoo man cos compared to the flowers and the birds and the trees I am an ape man I think I'm so educated and I'm so civilized cos I'm a strict vegetarian But with the over-population and inflation and starvation And the crazy politicians I don't feel safe in this world no more I don't want to die in a nuclear war I want to sail away to a distant shore and make like an ape man I'm an ape man, I'm an ape ape man I'm an ape man I'm a king kong man I'm ape ape man I'm an ape man 'cos compared to the sun that sits in the sky Compared to the clouds as they roll by Compared to the bugs and the spiders and flies I am an ape man In mans evolution he has created the cities and The motor traffic rumble, but give me half a chance And I'd be taking off my clothes and living in the jungle 'cos the only time that I feel at ease Is swinging up and down in a coconut tree Oh what a life of luxury to be like an ape man I'm an ape, I'm an ape ape man, I'm an ape man I'm a king kong man, Im a voo-doo man I'm an ape man (by the Kinks)


Kiyosu Castle at sunset (HDR)
Made by EugeniusD80
Kiyosu Castle a castle primarily used during the Sengoku period (16th century of Japan). The castle of Kiyosu was built between the years of 1394 and 1427, fist belonging to that of Shiba Yoshishige. Due to this fact, Shiba Yoshimune, who was the current governor over the Oda clan of Owari province (not to be confused with the Iwakura Oda) inherited the castle following the Sengoku period. The famous Oda Nobunaga (who wasn't famous at the time) had taken possession of the castle during the year of 1555. Kiyosu was to be taken by the controller of the alternate Oda clan of Owari (the Iwakura), Oda Nobutomo after putting Shiba Yoshimune to death by revealing Nobutomo's plan of assassinating Nobunaga. This led to Nobunaga taking the caslte during the year of 1555 by leading Nobutomo to commit suicide. The Kiyosu castle would be used far later after this point as well during the Edo period of the 18th century. Which included Tokugawa Yoshinobu, a son of the famous Tokugawa Ieyasu, to be the last owner of the castle. More about Kiyosu Castle here -Added to the pool as most favorited.


Nagoya Days
Made by /\ltus
Just like the earlier posted 'Tokyo Days' shot, here's a photo from my archives of when we were living in Nagoya, thus titled: Nagoya Days. Life there was good...better than good. If it weren't for our desire to move to the US, we'd still be living there. Arguably the best city to live with a family in Japan. Public transport and roads were never crowded like Tokyo, and you could go anywhere at Noon on a *weekend* without worrying about traffic (unlike Tokyo where if you're not on the road before 6am, forget about going anywhere due to the traffic jam you'll be sitting hours in). Was a big bonus to be closer to the ocean and mountains as well compared to Tokyo. Non-HDR shot taken of the sunset from the front door of our apartment in Nagoya one beautiful evening. Nagoya, Japan.


Moonlight ume
Made by EugeniusD80
This Sunday I was again returning home late and on my way spotted this beautiful ume tree standing alone under the full Moon light.. _____________________ Ume - is the name for Japanese plum. The tree originates from China, but it has also been grown in Japan and Korea since ancient times. The tree is cultivated for its fruit and flowers. The tree flowers in late winter, typically late January or February in East Asia, before the leaves appear. Each flower has five petals and is 1-3 cm in diameter. The flowers are typically white, though cultivars may have rose or deep red flowers. The leaves appear shortly after the petals fall. The leaves are oval, with a pointed tip. _____________________ This days ume trees are in full bloom here in Nagoya.


Behind the stage
Made by EugeniusD80
These little cuties were preparing for some traditional Japanese dance performance during the Arimatsu Shibori Matsuri Festival (Midori-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan). During this festival many events are held along the old Tokaido road (a road running from Tokyo to Kyoto) each year with tie-dyeing displays and the sale of traditional craft products produced in the neighborhoods along the road being but a taster. Floats are also exhibited to musical accompaniment and windup doll performances are enacted. Shibori is tie-dyeing fabric for kimono, yukata, etc. More about Shibori you can learn HERE _______________________________ The photo is part of the set.


Green Buddha (HDR)
Made by EugeniusD80
I have found this huge Buddha statue while walking around Nagoya. It is in the Toganji temple. 3exp HDR, handheld. __________________________ Toganji Temple in the Motoyama area dates from the sixteenth century and includes an impressive 15m high statue of the seated Buddha. Toganji has many links to India as one of the high priests completed his studies there. The temple grounds contain a Shiva-Lingam and a shrine dedicated to the Goddess Saraswati, who is honored in a Benzaiten Festival every May 7-8. Toganji also contains a huge wood block said to purge past sins if touched with one hand. __________________________ Seen on Explore! Highest position: 86 (March 19, 2007)


Top of the City
Made by ChuckTofu
One more step to the top of the city Where just a couple of pigeons are living Up on the angel's shoulders I don't know if I'm closer to Heaven but It looks like Hell down there These streets have never been paved with gold Welcome to the loneliest city in the world It's no good for you baby It's no good for you now Keep looking up for the ladder I don't know if you'll love me for it But I don't think we should suffer this There's just one thing we can do about it Take me up to the top of the city Take me up to the top of the city Take me up to the top of the city And put me up on the angel's shoulders by Kate Bush, from the album The Red Shoes 1993


Toyota Supra HV-R (a.k.a. TACO-MAN23's track-day car)
Made by Jon Christall
Hybrids can be quick. from wikipedia: The Supra HV-R is a hybrid race car based on the Super GT Supra jointly developed by Toyota and Toyota Team SARD. The four-wheel drive HV-R combines a 4.5 L V8 (480 hp) from its Super GT 3UZ-FE engine, a rear-axle-mounted electric motor (200 hp), and two front in-wheel electric motors (13 hp each) to generate over 700 hp (520 kW). The car weighs 2,380 lb.[23] The Denso SARD Supra HV-R became the first hybrid race car in history to win a race when Toyota Team SARD took first place in the Tokachi 24-hour, a Super Taikyu race, on July 16, 2007. The car completed 616 laps, 19 laps ahead of the second-place finisher.


Up on the Roof
Made by ChuckTofu
When this old world starts getting me down And people are just too much for me to face I climb way up to the top of the stairs And all my cares just drift right into space On the roof, it's peaceful as can be And there the world below can't bother me Let me tell you now When I come home feelin' tired and beat I go up where the air is fresh and sweet (up on the roof) I get away from the hustling crowd And all that rat-race noise down in the street (up on the roof) On the roof, the only place I know Where you just have to wish to make it so Let's go up on the roof (up on the roof) … ( by Gerry Goffin and Carole King)


Industrial sunset (HDR)
Made by EugeniusD80
In fact I first took only one photo. But when I started processing the RAW file with my Capture NX software I wondered what if I try to make an HDR out of this shot. So I saved 3 TIFF files with three exposure settings. Then using Photomatix I created this image. As the original EXIF data couldn't be saved in the HDR file for those who are interested here is some info: Exp. time: 1/200s F-num.: f/10 ISO: 100 Focal length 200mm with my Nikkor 18-200mm VR lense. Handheld. Photo taken from the Takinomizu park in Nagoya (Japan). The sun is right over (or behind) Nagoya port area. Seen on Explore! Highest position: 465 on February 10, 2007


Under the cold sky (HDR)
Made by EugeniusD80
Today we went together with my good friend to walk around our neighborhood. On our way I showed him my favorite place - Takinomizu park. It is placed on the top of the hill and is open for all winds. Although the winter in Nagoya is not very cold this year the wind over there was really freezing. Here I captured Chuck staying at the very top of the hill and shivering with cold as those few sunrays passing through the clouds were not enough to warm us up a bit. HDR is made out of 3 bracketed exposures taken hand held. Seen on Explore! Highest position: 95 (July 5, 2007)


keeping the tradition amidst the modern city
Made by almost transparent blue
it is always fascinating to see and be in this kind of alley in Japan, squeezed in between high rise buildings. You'll usually be drawn by the lights, usually red lanterns, hanged outside the restaurants (often serving traditional Japanese food). It might seem as if danger awaits you, as often it is portrayed in hollywood movies as a haven for the feared Yakuza, but not necessarily. It is actually the right place to experience true Japan - taste, sound, smell, and scene (salary men resorting to drink 'til you drop to escape from frustration or group celebration and girls in kimono ).


Moonlight magnolia
Made by EugeniusD80
Today evening when returning from the great kaiten-sushi restaurant in our neighbourhood, where I went with my good friends, we were heading to the bus stop. I raised my head and found that magnolia trees are already almost in full bloom... (I was working continuously almost two weeks, even all last weekend, and just didn't notice that spring is almost there) So I grabbed my camera (I carry it everywhere outside the work) and took this fast shot, which I found pretty nice :-) Hope you will also like it! Seen on Explore! Highest position: 39 (May 11, 2007)


Dancing in the Street
Made by ChuckTofu
Callin' out around the world Are you ready for a brand new beat? Summer's here and the time is right For dancin' in the streets They're dancin' in Chicago Down in Nagoya Up in New York City All we need is music, sweet music There'll be music everywhere There'll be swingin', swayin' and records playin' And dancin' in the streets Oh, it doesn't matter what you wear Just as long as you are there So come on, every guy grab a girl Everywhere around the world There'll be dancin' They're dancin' in the street originally sung by Martha & the Vandellas, 1964


The colors of Paradise
Made by EugeniusD80
At the very end of April and beginning of May Japan got covered with the blossom of these wonderful plants (Wisteria in English or Fuji in Japanese - thanks to for a prompt). Mostly they are violet or pink, but there are also some white. They have quite strong but pleasant odour. Here in Nagoya in the park around the Nagoya Castle there are living tunnels made of these plants and walking through them make you feel like if you are in Paradise! ;-) Seen on Explore! Highest position: 418 (May 22, 2007)


Planet Nagoya! The Odaka park terminal...
Made by EugeniusD80
Welcome to Planet Nagoya! This is my another photo-experiment, inspired by wonderful planetoid pictures by some Flickr members, in particular . After joining the Flickr community I have already learned some very nice, useful and sometimes funny techniques, shared by other members through their pictures or comments. As for this photo, it was originally a normal 360° panorama, The autumn is all around.


Great Buddha, Tokai city, Aichi Japan
Made by Steve-kun
18.79 metre tall Shiawasemura Buddha is situated in Tokai city Aichi Japan. Tokai city is 20 minutes by train from Central Japan Airport on the way to Nagoya city access from Syuraku-en station on the meitetsu line. Happy village opened in April 1997 in Syuraku-en, where the dignified Great Buddha sits. Happy village has several facilities including a training gym a heated pool and 14 kinds of bathing rooms and a restaurant.


2000GT Black & White
Made by Jon Christall
i thought I'd post this one for your comments and opinions. This photo was badly under-exposed BUT unlike most of the photos I took that day, didn't contain a museum sign, display barriers or a lot of exposed background (the one blessing of the underexposure). Comments (favourable and otherwise) and suggestions for improvement always appreciated. Cheers!