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Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Yokohama skyline

The City of Yokohama is a very busy port harbor city located off of Tokyo Bay. Many different kinds of industries from all over the world use the port for trade and commerce. The port is extremely busy with many large container and cruise ships continuously flowing in and out.

I never imagined how the skyline of Yokohama changed after the Yokohama Bay Bridge was built. However, from looking at photos in some older books, over the years the skyline approach to Yokohama did change.

I often wonder if the Bay Bridge gets overlooked for its own beauty. At Harbor View Park in Naka Ward, a magical view appeared as the industries disappeared behind the trees... the scene was of a lovely view of the bridge.


Yokohama Bay Bridge, originally uploaded by martian cat.



In addition, while on an evening cruise of the Yokohama Port Area my perspective of the area changed. How beautiful the view was one clear evening. Industrial objects disappeared in the darkness... the bridge appeared as a mysterious massive structure.


Yokohama Bay Bridge, originally uploaded by martian cat.



Again, in view were the lights of a lovely skyline. Just as the evening cruise ship turned, a view of Sakuragicho appeared in the distance under the bridge's pier. As the cruise ship returned to the dock, the lights the Sakuragicho area became clearer.


Yokohama-Sakuragicho, originally uploaded by martian cat.



Sakuragicho is one of the newer developed areas of Yokohama. It has many lovely large hotels, an amusement park, and other businesses. Many buildings are still being built in that area... there are plans for more development.

Maybe someday, there will be other people who enjoy the different views of the Yokohama Bay Bridge. How its appearance changes in daylight and darkness. In the daylight, the colorful lights disappear into the sunlight. Daily, a large number of people commute over the bridge in cars and trucks in and out of the City.

more later...

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Mt Fuji

One of the most familiar sights in Japan is Mt Fuji. In Japanese, the mountain's name is Fuji-san.

Living in Yokohama has many advantages. One of the advantages is watching this mountain change with all of the four Seasons (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall). The clouds moving in the winds create a magical display of shadows... in Winter, the snow topped mountain is a lovely appearance. Of course... in Summer, the darkness because of the covering of black volcanic rock makes Mt Fuji appear as a lovely outline in blue skies.


Mt Fuji, originally uploaded by martian cat.




All volcanoes often have mysterious happenings which remain as a souvenir from the eruption. The Five Lake Area near Mt Fuji were created after the eruption. Each lake is a different size.


lake view, originally uploaded by martian cat.



I feel so lucky to be able to only travel one hour by car to change my angle of view. In that length of time, I am almost at the foot of the mountain. However, there are many places closer to home with breathtaking views... places where I can sit for hours... there are days that I will buy a take-out lunch, go visit one of my favorite look-out points, and enjoy the time reading a book, the newspaper, or just sitting quietly.


Highlands, originally uploaded by martian cat.



Yes... Mt. Fuji and the areas around it have mystical powers...

...more later...