A second look

Kamakura Station

This website is a second look after I finished all the segments, I thought it is worth a second look where I might miss the first time.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/second.html

Shinkyogoku Shopping Street

Bubble Tea Craze

It was a Sunday after church, we walked to Shinkyogoku Shopping Street which connect to Teramachi and at the end Shijo Dori or the main drag or heart of Kyoto.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/shinkyogoku.html

Culinary Japan

Kyoto style sushi - IZUJU (Gion District)

Welcome to Japan culinary tour by Pokie, all of these images are from her iPhone 7. From Tokyo to Kanazawa then to Kyoto and Osaka, the phone is always ready.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/food.html

Journey in Japan through my iPhone 6S

Takushi-san sums up my Journey in Japan
his wife is Teruko-san

This is a compilation from images that I took using my iPhone 6S through out our Journey in Japan 2018. Not bad at all for taking everyday photography where you do not want to use the BIG GUN (bulky camera)

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/iphone6.html

I love train

Mount Fuji as seen from Shinkansen (Kyoto to Tokyo)

This is my collection of train pictures, mostly the unusual and the Shinkansen or famously known as the bullet train.

Tokyo - Kanazawa and Kyoto back to Tokyo by Shinkansen.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/train.html

Gion - In search for a real geisha

Gion District

We went to Gion District to have lunch, Kyoto style sushi (no additional wasabi and soy sauce necessary) since it is early we decided to venture to the area we have not explored before.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/gion.html

Kibune - in search of KOYO MOMIJI

In search of autumn leaves

We went up to Kibune is search of autumn leaves, I think we are two weeks too early, but the town itself is very interesting.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/kibune.html

Sagano Romantic Train

Saga Torokko Station

We could not ride this train last year (standing room only) so we came early this year, even then the ticket line was so long, we could get in at noon. The train goes so fast, I wonder what's so romantic about it, if you take pictures at a certain spot, maybe yes, with the autumn leaves.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/sagano.html

Kyoto Station

Kyoto Station (11th floor)

We came back from exploring Toji and Sanjusangendo, by walking from Toji, not too far away as I get used to walking. We went up to the 11th floor to see this view.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/eki.html

Dotonburi & Ebisu Bridge

Ebisu Bridge

We walked here from Shinsaibashi Subway station, it is already late afternoon and we were tired and hungry, luckily we found Okonomiyaki and we could sit down for awhile.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/dotonbori.html

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle

We woke up early since we need to go from Kyoto to Osaka Station to the station that is the closest to the castle. Nevertheless the walk is long to get to the castle. We decided not to get in and just enjoy the castle from outside.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/osakajou.html

Arashiyama area

Hozu-gawa

This is the second time we come here, the first being last year. We are going to take Sagano Romantic Train in the middle of the day, the line was long. But, that will be later on on the next website.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/arashiyama.html

Sho-Ren_In

Sho-Ren In

This place is recommended by our friend Russel Wong who knows Kyoto like in the back oh his hands. We got out from the bus too early, thinking the bus was going to the wrong direction, what I did not know was the bus route turn around at some point.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/shoren.html

Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go

We took the first bus from Kanazawa and leave Shirakawa on the last bus since that's what available. We then took the shuttle bus to the Obsevatory and walked down to the village.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/shirakawa.html

Omicho Ichiba (Market)

Ichimura-san sells WASABI NORI

We come here twice, one in the afternoon where the market almost closed and the next day we come again in search for the best restaurant for fresh seafood, we found it - HIRAI on the second alleyway of the "main" street of Omicho market.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/omicho.html

Higashi Chaya District

The old district

From Kenrokuen Garden, we continue to take LL Bus (Left Loop) bus to come here. A lot of women wearing Kimono as part of the tradition when visiting old district also garden and temple compound.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/higashi.html

Kawaramachi Catholic

Kawaramachi Catholic Church, Kyoto

We took the bus to come here, it dropped us right in the front of the church, we were elated that we can find a Catholic church in Japan.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/church.html

Kenrokuen Garden

Inside the garden

The day is cloudy, but no rain, maybe last night, I like it if a bit more light is present, but even lighting is perfect for me to take photograph. We spent half a day in the garden before we took the same loop bus to Higashiyama District. In the meantime, enjoy the garden.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/kenrokuen.html

Kappabashi

Welcome to the world of plastic

We walked from Asakusa, home of Senso-ji all the way to Ueno station, we need days to really see everything on this street, we only walked on one side of Kappabashi Dori.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/kappabashi.html

Hakone - in quest to see Mt.Fuji

Lake Ashi

We come here to see a glimpse of Mount Fuji or Fujisan as the Japanese calls it. We started very early from our "home base" in Nippori, go to Shinjuku (the busiest station in the world) then take Romance Car (somehow the Japanese is obsessed with the word ROMANTIC) to Hakone. Then we take a bus to Lake Ashi and take the Pirate Ship. ZANNEN (too bad) we could not see Fujisan.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/hakone.html

Nakamise Street

Kibidango shop

The rain makes us retreat to the cover street, while we are having sushi for lunch. Above image is my favorite shot of the day. Here they sell KIBIDANGO a favorite snack item.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/nakamise.html

How to use Google Map

Compass App

Sometimes when I am in the new area and try to find a particular restaurant, I got confused, yes I use Google Map, but in what direction ? Not until I had to search a Ramen restaurant in Shibuya, I have this new trick on how to use the Google Map properly. Well, I hope it helps you.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/google.html

Toji Temple

Toji Temple from the east entrance

Last year when we took a city bus, we pass by the temple but not in our agenda back then, now that we have sometimes to see this, we make a point to come and check out this Buddhist temple, famous with the five-story wooden pagoda from the eight century.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/toji.html

Senso-ji Asakusa, Tokyo

Hozomon Gate as seen from the temple

We took a bus from Nippori (our home base), I have to ask a few people as this temple is in the center of the city and barely visible from the street. We entered the compound from the east gate, passing Asakusa Shrine to the main temple, the light rain accompany us throughout the morning on and off.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/sensoji.html

Komachi Dori - Kamakura

Komachi Dori (Street)

After visiting Daibutsu and take the Enoshima Electric Railway, it's time we check out Komachi Dori next to the Kamakura Station. Here we met Shiho and her friends and we become buddies through LINE (text messaging popular among young Japanese)

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/komachi.html

Kanazawa Station

Kanazawa Station - East Gate

We took Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kanazawa in just under 3 hours, this station is our "hop" to Shirakawa-go and Kenrokuen Garden, as well as Higashiyama District and Omicho Seafood Market, we skip the samurai district this time. Practically, you can live off from this station, from grocery market to gift shops (Omiyage).

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/kanazawa.html

Enoshima Electric Railway

Fujisawa Station (end of the line)

This is a side trip after visiting Daibutsu or Big Buddha, this line is unique as it goes to the street and at many time has to stop to let the opposing trafic to go through. It's a unique experience to have. Enjoy the ride.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/enoshima.html

Kamakura - Daibutsu (The Big Buddha)

Daibutsu - The big Buddha

As we set out from our home base, the sky is getting dark but the forecast is no rain, but when we get here it was dark and the light rain started falling, nonetheless it was a great day as it cools down while we were walking.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/kamakura.html

Shibuya - Home of Hachiko

Shibuya Crossing

I did not take many photographs, big city just does not tickle my fancy, since Pokie watched the YouTube, we have to find this Ramen place, I struggle a little bit, but from here on I discover how to use the Google map accurately.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/shibuya.html

Nippori -our home base in Tokyo

Nippori - west exit

I choose Nippori Station area because there is a direct train connection from Narita Airport either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2-3. Plus this place is much smaller and the train station is not that big, we are going to use this station every single day. Plus, it is a plus for me because I can do train watching from the comfort of overhead street.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/nippori.html

Sanjusangen-do

Sanjusangen-do
(thirty-three spaces between the column)

Now that we have visited the major attraction in Kyoto, we can afford to see many of the temples and less popular and yet still have its beauty. When I took Pokie to this place she was at awe to see the inside of the temple.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/sanjusangendo.html

Journey in Japan

Gion District

We just came back from 3 weeks Journey in Japan, we cover 3 large cities namely Tokyo, Kanazawa and our favorite city of Kyoto. This is the second time we come to the Land of Rising Sun, this time we "move around", but not much, it's hard to pin point our favorite spots, but each area has its own uniqueness and style. These are some of the highlights from our trip. I will make each individual area of interest. In the meantime, enjoy this highlight...

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/tokyo/highlight.html

Never, never says it's Final

Autumn 2018

I have to learn to never say it's FINAL, I keep continuing taking more pictures and they are more spectacular even after the rain, the combination of colors never cease to amaze me.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2018/autumn2.html

Our morning walk

Pokie leads the way

Well, it is not raining this morning, so I decided to walk the "Roundabout" trail with a cardio work out on Westside trail then back home. This trail is about 2.0 miles with 7 equivalent stairs. It was indeed a beautiful morning, so far I have not skip a day from walking in the morning.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2018/walk6.html

Autumn peak 2018

Under the autumn tree

Well, it has been raining in the last two days, I know this autumn season is approaching the end really quickly, but I still keep on walking, I am not disappointed as I was rewarded with new sight every time.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2018/walk5.html

Painting with Autumn Leaves

Painting with Autumn Leaves

Well, this is the last of the series of my morning walk while documenting the autumn season in 2018, using iPhone is very convenient, nothing to hang around my neck. The result is no more spectacular if I use an DSLR camera. Enjoy...

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2018/walk4.html

My morning walk continues

This October has been dry

My morning walk continues and I also continue to document the changing colors that is happening in front of my eyes, each year is different, the rain, the wind and the dry days makes it all different. Next week will rain and that will alter the fall foliage tremendously.

Enjoy it while you can

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2018/walk3.html

Autumn Leaves as an Art

Leaves on the wall 

This October is really unusually warm and dry. I still can wear my shorts in the afternoon. Today while Pokie is doing a laundry at a laundromat for comforter, I took a walk along Murray Boulevard close by and get all these images with my iPhone 6S. The result is nothing less than amazing.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2018/autumn.html

Capturing God's canvas

Obsidian Street, October 15th

I continue taking Autumn colors, soon it will end because the forecast next week is going to rain, rain and more rain. This October has been dry and warm, very unusual for our October in Pacific Northwest. So enjoy the sight before the rain takes it down.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2018/walk2.html

My morning walk

My morning walk

These are a compilation of my morning walk images taken with my iPhone 6S, well, only a few are afternoon walk, I started doing the walk to increase my stamina, I promise myself "rain or shine", so far I could do it, for sure when I started the weather was nice and warm and now it is cold and wet.

Enjoy the images of autumn

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2018/walk.html

Thai Bite 2018

Lunch time for the monks

We drove to Turner (Salem) on Sunday morning amidst the heavy rain, but when we got there the rain stopped, what a treat. This is the biggest event on a yearly basis, usually on the second or third weekend of September.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2018/wat.html

iPhone images

Seward Station

iPhone images are getting better, soon I do not have to bring my DSLR or Mirrorless for that matter, plus you always have it in the pocket.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/arr/iphone.html

Coastal Classic

Seward Station

On exactly June 21st or Summer Solstice (the longest daylight) we rode the Coastal Classic to Seward and back that evening, we never experienced darkness during this trip at all. This is the most memorable train trip to date.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/arr/coastal.html

Snapshots - ARR

Downtown Seward

Well, these snapshot web has a lot to do with Alaska Railroad and Seward, since we visited there in 2006, I attempt to make the same photograph in the same location. I was photobombed while Pokie was taking my picture at the old Seward Station.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/arr/snap.html

Seward, Alaska

Seward Harbor

The Classic Coastal dropped us off at around 11:00 AM, we are on our own until 5:00 PM to board back to Anchorage, we have six hours to kill. Seward is not so big of a town, the last time we were here, we spend two nights at the city campground in 2006. The harbor is beautiful, we have lunch of fish chowder.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/arr/seward.html

Denali Star

Mount Denali as seen from the train

All aboard ! Anchorage to Fairbanks in twelve hours, stopping at Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali Park, on the way north we met two trains coming from the north.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/arr/star.html

The Little White Church

The Little White Church 

This little church has a history way back to 1904 and it was moved to its present location when there was no bridge. Using the advantage of its brutal winter - frozen river, the church is where it is now.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/arr/church.html

Alaska Railroad Highlights

Alaska Railroad at Seward Station

We made a quick trip to Alaska to ride the train, we are now have completed three trips to the last frontier, during the summer solstice the sun almost does not set, this trip we never experience darkness. It's a beautiful time to visit Alaska during this time, the train ride is marvelous and very enjoyable.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/arr/highlight.html

Willamette Shore Trolley (2010 images)

Bancroft St. Station (Portland)

I will take you the line where this unique trolley pass by, this is a unique in the country as you can see why. The images are from 2010 re-certification to be a motorman.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2018/wst.html

Lake Oswego

Lake Oswego

On a bright Saturday, we ventured to Lake Oswego Farmers Market, so I suggested to DA WIFE if we can visit Willamette Shore Trolley to see the new track in Sellwood Bridge.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2018/oswego.html