I was lucky enought to visit Japan for a very brief time of 2 weeks (Oct.21-Nov.3, 2009) to play some music with a band from Newfoundland called The Discounts. It was a whirlwind of a trip and gave me a glimpse into the fascinating world that is Japan, from breathtaking vistas to ancient cities to the madness of one of the world's largest fresh fish markets and everything in between.

A little travelogue (Nov.3, 2009)

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In certain areas of Japan, all you can see while driving through the smaller towns are hills packed with tea bushes. Japan's famous matcha (a powdered brightly coloured green tea) is grown here for export and domestic use. Outside of Shizuoka, Japan, October 2009

One thing you find striking about Japan are its manners of advertisng. This giant (moving!!) crab was for a restaurant that, you guessed it, sold all manner of crab dishes!! Osaka, Japan, October 2009

Another shopping lane in Osaka. Osaka, Japan, October 2009

One of the shopping malls in Osaka. This is one of about a dozen lanes all looking quite similar to this. Osaka, Japan, October 2009

Dusk in the busy shopping mall area of Osaka. Osaka, Japan, October 2009

Some of the dishes (made of plastic) that one can find in the giant crab restaurant. Osaka, Japan, October 2009

One of the delights of travel is the culinary adventure...and Japan is no expeption. This fellow is selling okonomiyaki which kind of means "eat what you choose" (though I didn't get to choose it seems!!). The closest thing I can equate it to is a thick pancake filled with onions, greens, sprouts, tangy sauces and fish flakes. Osaka is apparently famous for its version. Osaka , Japan, October 2009

One of several dozen aisles at Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo....one of the largest in the world. Here you can find just about anything that comes from the sea...fresh each day. I shudder to think of how this can be sustainable considering the scale of this market. Not to mention all the packaging and where that goes!!! Tokyo, Japan, November 2009

The infamous tuna auction at Tsukiji. We arrived there for the 5am auction where tuna from all over the world have been frozen and flown into this market to be auctioned off for thousands of dollars each, depending on it's grade. To me they resembled little missles or spider food wrapped in a cocoon. We witnessed only the first wave and just one of several auction houses. Do the math and you will wonder if any tuna will be left in a few years. The world-wide sushi craze doesn't help the situation either I don't think. Tokyo, Japan, November 2009

More of the tuna auction. Potential buyers go around slicing off little pieces, holding it up the light, tasting it. The table in the foreground has some samples as well. Tokyo, Japan, November 2009

The staggering waste from packaging material for Tsukiji fish market. This mountain of used styrofoam is generated everyday at this site (and others like in other major cities). Tokyo, Japan, November 2009

Here we all are...taken before leaving Mo-Chan on our last day. The Newfoundland contingent standing (Neil Conway, Erin Sharpe, Maggie Meyer, Aneirin Thomas, myself) and Mo-chan (kneeling). If you don't know about Mo-Chan do read what I wrote about Japan or google "Wish Club". An awesome human being he is. Tokyo, Japan, November 2009

This picture only gives a taste of the feeling of motion one feels at any urban juncture where people move from one place to another, usually in groups that seem endless. This particular photo is from the famous Shibuya area of Tokyo which, at night, with hundreds of neon lights, and thousands more people, is a spectacle. Tokyo, Japan, November 2009

Another scene of Shibuya crossing. Tokyo, Japan, November 2009

A mini-statue of the well-known sumo wrestler of Japan. We were supposed to have witnessed them training but they had moved from one training school to another on this day, so instead this is the closest I got!! Tokyo, Japan, November 2009

Azuki bean flavoured Pepsi...only in Japan. Tokyo, Japan, November 2009

his is the actual size of this guys ukelele shop. As you can see, he had amazing variety. Tokyo, Japan, November 2009

The map for the subway/train system in Tokyo. Tokyo, Japan, November 2009

A common sight in smaller towns. Mandarin-type orange orchard on hill. Shizuoka, Japan, October 2009

Little capelin for sale in a supermarket. These little fish are very common in Newfoundland at certain times of the year and I was not that surprised to see them here as we actually sell a lot of these (and their roe) to Japanese buyers. Once as a youth I spent an afternoon sorting males from females at the local wharf and a couple of prospective Japanese buyers were actually on hand to inspect the process. Shizuoka, Japan, October 2009

This is an insane picture. One Japanese yen is equal to about $0.82 CAD. So, those canteloupe are actually around $30-$40 each (!!). A bunch of grapes….$30!!! Mind you, this was Tokyo…but still. Capitalism at its worst. Tokyo, Japan, October 2009

A typical entrance way to a Shinto temple. The braided rope and bits of paper mark the entrance from a spiritual space from a secualr one. Shizuoka, Japan, October 2009

Me and two of my new friends at the opening of a new farmers market in the countryside. The Discounts were playing there so I took the chance to take the pic. Awano, Japan, 2009

Though covered in clouds (and not snow), Mt. Fuji still imposed some of its awe upon us. Mt. Fuji, Japan, 2009

Urban sprawl at its finest. One view of Tokyo from one of the taller buildings in the city. Urabanity for as far as the eye could possibly see...in every direction. Tokyo, Japan, 2009

The inside of the building in which we had a traditional tea ceremony. Imbibed with much ritual, protocol and tranquility, it was a quite an experience. And environments like this of course help create that atmosphere. Outside Shizuoka, Japan, 2009

It appears that in Japan, the number 4 is a sign of bad luck and you will rarely see it in public. Some parking lot, Japan, October 2009

Oh my. Smart toilets. Lots to say about these. A joy. Heated seats. An arm that comes from somewhere and sprays your ass with water. Varying pressures. This was in some gas station restroom. If only in Canada. Some gas station, Japan, October 2009

Puffer/fugu fish souveniers. Inflated and shellac'd for your buying ease. Some tourist trap, Japan, October 2009

A "sign" outside of a little okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) restaurant in old Kyoto. The images on the wall inside were ever more bizarre. Kyoto, Japan, October 2009

Pachinko gambling machines. A weird vibe comes from these places. They are usually open 24hrs..can be found in almost every town no matter how small and are very silent except for the noises and music made by the machines. Gambling is actually illegal so the prizes that ones wins from these machines can be "traded" outside of the parlor for cash. Kyoto, Japan, October 2009

Temple of Inari. Thousands of these adorn the pathway up and around the temple grounds..each donated by a person, family or business. Kyoto, Japan, November 2009

Garden at the Temple of 1001 Buddhas (Sanjussangen-do). Kyoto, Japan, November 2009

he Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji). Breathtaking. Kyoto, Japan, October 2009

Close-up of a roof at the Temple of 1001 Buddhas. Kyoto, Japan, October 2009

Close-up of geta..traditional Japanese sandals. Shizuoka, Japan, October 2009

A variety of geta. Shizuoka, Japan, October 2009

A bonsho (temple bell) outside of the Golden Pavilion. One can pay a small fee to strike the bell with the huge log on a rope and listen to the awesome vibrations, say some prayers, enjoy the moment and clear the air. Kyoto, Japan, October 2009

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