-- GALLERY  16 -- JAPAN, Part 2 These are shots from my 3-week trip to Japan in September, 2002

An interesting example of urban decay, from Kyoto.

Buddhist graveyard near Takeuchi, a moated town in Nara Prefecture.

Me at the top of Karakuni-dake, the highest point on the Kirishima Traverse.

Also from the Kirishima Traverse, this is the crater of Shinmoe-dake, an active volcano. Note the sulphurous steam rising from vents in the crater wall.

Yes, Hello Kitty really *IS* everywhere! She's even managed to  permeate Japanese religion! Ema are votive plaques upon which visitors to a shrine write their wishes so that the wind carries them to the Gods.