Japan 2009 by Michal Huniewicz

I went to Japan in August 2009 for my birthday. I met my friend Sue there and she was a wonderful guide. Japanese practically don't speak English but Sue speaks Japanese very well and her skills were simply priceless. I visited the South of Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo, Sasebo, Nagaski and other cities.

Uploaded on: 2010-08-31. Updated on: 2026-02-03.

Tori, near Kyoto

Tori, near Kyoto
These are tori, traditional Japanese gates. They consist of two columns and one horizontal rail. The inscriptions are often names of the tori sponsors who give them to express their gratitude for e.g. financial success. Tori make entrance to sacred places.
Creeks near this temple were full of suprisingly lively turtles.

Kyoto Market

Kyoto Market
In these markets you can buy everything from clothes to food to toys. Some sell fresh fish and rice, the smell is overwhelming.

Kumamoto, trade passage

Kumamoto, trade passage
Most Japanese cities have that kind of trading passages which occupy the entire street or streets and have a roof to protect people from sun and rain.
In this picture - my friend Sue with an umbrella that was given to us by a hotel boy who ran after us when it started raining.

Kyoto temple

Kyoto temple
Kyoto has over 1,600 temples. Kyoto was a candidate for atomic bombing during World War II. Luckily, it was spared.

Polish flag waving

Polish flag waving
Mount Aso is the largest active volcano in Japan. Fantastically colored crater keeps steaming and sometimes it is forbidden to go near the volcano because of toxic gases.
Sue with a waving Polish flag on the Mount Aso.

Mount Aso crater

Mount Aso crater
Mount Aso, volcano crater.

Bamboo forest

Bamboo forest
Bamboo forest are protection against evil - they form a sacred barrier around shrines.
Here, Sue and a bamboo forest near Kyoto.

Kinkaku-ji

Kinkaku-ji
Kinkaku-ji means "Temple of the Golden Pavilion". It is a Zen Buddhist temple and it is located near Kyoto. The top two stories are covered with pure gold leaf.
Sue waiting for me to take the photo.

Suey

Suey
Sleeping Sue, covered with the Polish flag.
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