Skating Izu

Ryokan

I have never been a big fan of baths or onsen (hot springs), both of which are very popular in Japan. So I've always avoided staying at ryokans (Japanese style inns featuring hot spring baths and traditional Japanese meals). Decided to give one a try recently and actually enjoyed it. The one we stayed at included several hot spring baths, both public and private, and our meals were served in our room. We spent an entire day just taking baths, eating, and relaxing.

Morrissey

Morrissey at The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas. November 25, 2011. Good show, played a few old and new, and some classic Smiths songs.

Setlist:
I Want The One I Can't Have
You Have Killed Me
You're The One For Me, Fatty
When I Last Spoke To Carol
Black Cloud
Maladjusted
Ouija Board
I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris
Action Is My Middle Name
Meat Is Murder
Satellite Of Love
I Know It's Over
Scandinavia
All The Lazy Dykes
People Are The Same Everywhere
Speedway
Encore: Still Ill

Izu Wild Kingdom: Before & After

What was once a roadside attraction featuring stuffed animals from all over the world is now a thrift store filled with junk. The building remains the same as well as some of the interior decorations (fake palm trees and blue painted sky background), but it now houses racks of used dishes, clothing, broken electronics, and stuff that looks like trash. Back in 2004, I was fortunate enough to visit Wild Kingdom just before it closed down for good. I remember us being the only people there, and half the animals were dried up and falling apart. I didn't think it would last long.

Maboroshi Hakurankai

Some more pictures from Maboroshi Hakurankai. Here's a reproduction of a seventies toy store. There are some new toys in there as well, but it's a pretty good display considering the other exhibits consist of junk and trash (literally).

Maboroshi Hakurankai

Took another trip to Maboroshi Hakurankai in Izu. Here are some more pictures of the "Yasui Big Circus" taxidermy and mannequin pile-up.

Skating Izu

Dolphin Watching

Ever since I heard the story of Izumi Ishii's change of heart (see previous post), I've been wanting to take his dolphin watching tour. Last week we decided to try it out. His tours run out of Futo Port in the Izu Peninsula. Futo is a pretty tiny place, a popular spot for diving lessons, and I believe they actually still hunt dolphin there. We boarded Ishii's small boat at noon for a two hour tour of the surrounding area. The weather was a bit cloudy and it rained a little, but the ocean was nice and smooth. Not a bad day for a cruise. Unfortunately, we were unable to locate any dolphins. I was not at all disappointed, just happy to be there supporting Mr. Ishii. The guy is a hero. We'll be back for another try soon. If you're ever in Izu, you should too.

Izumi Ishii's Website (In Japanese and English).

Izumi Ishii's Inaugural Dolphin Watching Tour

Former dolphin hunter now leads dolphin watching tours in Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture. For more information check out the link below.

Dolphin Whale Nature Watching Center

Acty Mori, Shizuoka

Tokyo Disney Sea Hotel Miracosta

Stayed a night at Tokyo Disney Sea's Hotel Miracosta last week. The Tokyo Disney Resort features three hotels, and Miracosta is the only one connected directly to the park. You can easily visit your room for a short break or to drop off souvenirs, etc. Perfect on a warm day with a knee injury (me). There are several room choices, including views of the parking lots or various parts of the park. The better the view, the higher the price. We decided to go for a view of the Italian part of Disney Sea, directly above the Venetian Gondola attraction. The view was excellent. In addition to the views, the hotel features Disney themed amenities, cable TV, Mickey announcing floors in the elevators, hotel exclusives in the gift shop, more. Definitely worth a visit if you like Disneyland.

Roadside Japan

ちょっと贅沢なビールです。

Kawazu Cherry Blossoms

Kawazu cherry blossoms bloom about two months earlier than the more popular Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms. And they stay in bloom for up to a month, rather than about a week or so for Somei Yoshino. Here are some pics from the annual Kawazu Sakura Festival, held in the small town of Kawazu in the Izu Peninsula. We were there earlier this week and they just started to bloom. I imagine they'll be in full bloom at the end of the month.

Kaiju & Beyond

Gargamel's Kaiju & Beyond show at Rotofugi was one of their biggest events in the states. The show featured over 100 custom figures and art pieces by Kiyoka and Naoya of Gargamel, Bwana Spoons, David Horvath and Sun-Min, Le Merde, Scrappers, and myself. Kiyoka and I attended the opening and were very excited to talk toys with all the kaiju geeks. Thanks to everyone who came out to the show. And a special thanks to Kirby and Whitney of Rotofugi.

Las Vegas

A few pics from our trip to Vegas a couple weeks ago.

Nogawa Park

Nogawa Park is huge, with lots of green, trees, and a river running through it. It features facilities for barbecuing, sports, and even has a small skate park. And just a short drive from home. Bwana and I visited the other day, took a little walk along the river, and did a little skating.

Shirakaba Lake Ruins

I have this image of Shirakaba Lake being a bustling resort area during the 80s, with lots of hotels lining the artificial lake, souvenir shops, and small restaurants. Of the dozen or so hotels in the area, fewer than half of them remain open. And the ones that didn't make it stand there rotting through the years. It's amazing how they allow them to stay there, only boarding up a few windows and doors. Looking through some of the windows, you can still see the lobbies and coffee shops exactly the way there were the day the doors shut for good.