Nagoya Station is listed as the world's biggest railway station! Part of today's shoot took us to one of the twin towers that stands over Nagoya Station for a look out over this city!
Looking north east over Old Nagoya. The more modern parts of the city are slightly more south. In the very center of this shot is,....
At Nagoya Castle for the 6th time this month, this time filming for a world wide release TV program.
Nagoya Castle is Japan's biggest castle. It's earthquake proof sloping walls, it's multi storied tower and rooftop golden dolphin like creature ornaments are famous! The castle celebrates it's 400th anniversary this year.
One of the dry inner moat's residents, a rather sleepy looking animal. He seems to have his eyes closed, which makes him what?... a no eye-deer? He's sitting down,... what does that make him? Still no eye deer!
One of Nagoya Castles amazing points are the stone walls. All fit so cleanly together, and all were hewn by hand and moved into place without the use of cranes...
Sitting atop a replica of the Shachihoko, 2m tall golden mythical marine animal ornaments that adorn the roof of Nagoya Castle... these creatures were supposed to have protected the castle from fire, by spouting water in times of fire. I guess the ancients didn't count on that fire coming from a wartime B-29 bomber!
On location for a TV shoot set to showcase Central Japan to the world. Showing the correct procedures for entering a shrine... Bowing at the Torii gates ....
... and then ritual purification at the spring... before going on to make an offering at the shrine itself. The program not only shows local attractions, but also Japanese customs and traditions too.
During a TV shoot at Nagoya Castle, I noticed that somebody had lobbed the tops off the pine trees along the Western Wall. In fact, they'd been pretty well butchered!
It looks as tho' a low flying helicopter has cropped the lot! It must have been a CNN job, ..... Cheap 'n' Nasty! I really do hope there's a good reason for doing this, but then again, this is Japan...
Look what they do to the street trees every Autumn!! Apparently the trees are shorn like sheep to prevent them from dropping their leaves which would cause a "dangerous situation".... you know how dangerous nature can be!
With members of Japanese pop group Kattaro after the very first Tokai Walker U-Stream program, U-Walker. Next program goes to air some time in November.... Next time we'll have different guests!
On location at Nagoya International Airport where they have a hot spring resort for weary travelers, and the general public who want to watch planes taking off while totally naked.
After the shoot, the management of the springs wanted an autograph for the wall....
On location in an outdoor hot spring in Gero, Gifu Prefecture. The Japanese love their hot springs, and often they're one of the best places to get to know the locals. Once you're in, and free of clothes and inhibitions, then you're free to talk to anyone about anything!
After the hot spring, it's time to relax in a Japanese Yukata or kimono..altho' there was no time to relax on this shoot! Soon after getting nice and relaxed,....
....It was back onto the streets of Gero, where they have open air hot spring fed, free for public use foot baths! Soak your tooties in the hot water and warm the whole body! And for free too!
