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ajd-jpn.bsky.social

@ajd-jpn.bsky.social
932 followers 794 following 166 posts

Living in Japan. Love history and travel. Profile picture was expertly drawn for me by an acquaintance a while back. Perhaps a wrinkle or two should be added.

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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Enjoying my visit to Hakodate. Minus the heat, it has similarities with Kōbe, where I live - it’s a port city with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Both cities have 19th century houses built by earlier foreign communities, lots of cruise ships visit and they have “Million Dollar” night views.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
On my way to Hokkaidō today. Instead of flying, I have opted to take the shinkansen the whole way - JR Tōkai’s Nozomi from Shin-Ōsaka to Tōkyō, JR Higashi-Nihon’s Hayabusa from Tōkyō to Hakodate. Needed about 20 shots to get this shot of Mt Fuji without posts, powers line, or buildings in front.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
Went to Nakanoshima in Ōsaka yesterday to see the roses.
Roses at Nakanoshima, Ōsaka.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Hiked up to Kōbe Nunobiki Herb Garden. Entrance is free if you hike up. The cable car is £2,600 return. The soft cream is lavender.
In a hammock at Kōbe Nunobiki Herb Garden with a view of downtown Kōbe.Lavender soft cream at Nunobiki Herb Garden.Some of the flowers at Kōbe Nunobiki Herb Garden.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
It’s Children’s Day. Went shopping at Nishinomiya Gardens. Took some photos on the roof. On the way home, encountered some mikoshi. The first one is outside Hankyū Okamoto, the second one, outside nearby JR Settsu-Motoyama.
Roses on the roof of Nishinomiya Gardens Shopping Centre.The flower garden atop Nishinomiya Gardens Shopping Centre.Mikoshi just outside Hankyū Okamoto Station.Mikoshi just outside JR Settsu-Motoyama Station.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
Went back to Sōrakuen today to enjoy the azaleas in bloom.
Kōbe Sōrakuen with azaleas in bloom.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
Went to Daitoku-ji to one of the gardens with my cousin.
Daitoku-jiDaitoku-ji.Daitoku-ji.Daitoku-ji.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
We took the cable car up to Nunobiki Herb Garden and hiked down. Admission to the herb garden is free, so hike up to the herb garden if you are watching your budget or if you enjoy a good hike.
Nunobiki Waterfall.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
Took my cousin up the ropeway to Kōbe’s Nunobiki Herb Garden. I normally avoid photos of people to protect their privacy, but I think I can safely make an exception here.
The view of downtown Kōbe from inside the greenhouse at Nunobiki Herb Garden.Carnivorous plant in the greenhouse.Blooming plants inside the Nunobiki Herb Garden greenhouse.My cousin enjoying a  rosemary bush at Nunobiki herb garden.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
Took my cousin to Kōbe’s Sōrakuen. Perhaps two weeks too early for the azaleas, but you go when you can go.
The river barge at Kōbe’s Sōrakuen.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Took my cousin to Nara today. VERY crowded! The weather was perfect.
東大寺 / Tōdai TempleStone lanterns outside Kasuga Taisha (shrine)
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Got a cousin visiting. Took him to Himeji Castle. A few cherry trees were blooming, but most looked maybe five to seven days away. We missed the blossoms, but also the crowds.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
Went up to Hakone on the weekend to see a friend. Fantastic views.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
Went to Minō Park today. I lived in Minō over thirty years ago. Used to go up to the falls all the time - especially on hot summer evenings.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
A not-quite-average Sunday in the neighbourhood yesterday.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
The formerly traffic-choked Midosuji-dori is now a wide pedestrian-friendly boulevard lined with tony shops.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
Went downtown Ōsaka to celebrate a birthday. We went walkabout after dinner. Ten years ago, Ōsaka had next to no tourists. Now, the Dotonbori area is packed with tourists.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
Went to Peacock Alley, in the recently opened Waldorf Astoria Osaka tonight. At ¥2,000 for a lemonade, let’s just say I won’t be a regular, but for a very special occasion, it’s definitely the place to be.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
Various shots of #Kobe Port Tower that I’ve taken recently.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
It was Bon Odori down at Meriken Park last night.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
It’s just 73.4 km from Kobe’s Sannomiya Station to Kyoto Station, but we booked a hotel for a two-night, three day visit to Kyoto last weekend. After dumping our bags, the first stop was Mt. Hiei. Underground to train to one-carriage train to cable car to ropeway to the top.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
Very different stroll location Wednesday evening. This time, the Sumiyoshi River.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
Out for a walk at Kobe Harbour Tuesday evening.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 06/07/2025
Out at Grand Front in Umeda, Osaka this evening.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 11/05/2025
A friend came down from Yokohama for Osaka Expo. We went to Shinsekai for kushikatsu. I played tourist, taking a photo or three.
Restaurants at Shinsekai, near Tennoji, Osaka.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
Mt. Shosha.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
Views of Engyo-ji at Mt. Shosha.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
It’s Children’s Day today. A friend and I went to Mt. Shosha, north of Himeji.
Map of Mt. ShoshaEngyo-ji at Mt. Shosha.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
It’s Golden Week. Went out to #Osaka Castle Park with friends Sunday.
Osaka castle with pleasure boat.Osaka Castle
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
Still more #photography of the azaleas at #Kobe #Sorakuen
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
More #photography today at #Kobe #Sorakuen
Koi at Kobe’s Sorakuen.Azaleas at Kobe’s Sorakuen.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
Went to #Kobe #Sorakuen for a bit of #photography while the azaleas are in bloom. It was glorious!
Azalea blooms at Kobe’s Sorakuen.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
Got the wrong cruise ship. Turns out 2 cruise ships were in #Kobe My friend’s friends were on the other ship, the Oceana Riviera, next to the Meriken Park Oriental Hotel. It departed 84 minutes prior to when I snapped the above pictures of the Celebrity Millennium, walking back from Port Island.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
Friends of a friend are in #Kobe today. They arrived on this. Photographed from the Portliner on my way over to Port Island.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
The azaleas are out in #Kobe
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 06/04/2025
4th April was the opening day of the new GLION Stadium at #Kobe Port.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
On #Kobe Port Island today, some cherries were at their peak, some past, some not quite there yet.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
Crossing over to #Kobe Port Island today, this was moored at the dock.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
Went to Shukugawa Monday after work to see the cherry blossoms. It’ll be a few more days until they reach their peak. It’s been quite chilly, so they should last a little longer.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
Came across this recently on Photos on my phone while deleting unwanted pics. Looking at it on my laptop, I realised it was one of mine, so here it is. Plum blossoms in #Kobe
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
Was over on #Kobe Port Island again today. The Holland America cruise ship Noordam was berthed at the international port terminal. The fuzzy blob in the centre of the second shot is a🐦‍⬛💩.😒
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Today, a colossal cruise liner, SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS was in Kobe Port when I went by on the train over to Port Island. I walked back over the bridge, intent on taking pictures, but the ship was GONE three hours later. Here’s early dinner in a downtown restaurant.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
After two particularly exhausting days, I went to Nishinomiya Gardens and had this kaiseki for dinner. An explanation of the menu was included.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
Went downtown after Myoshin-ji, puttering about in the usual spots. Went to the Ganko branch in the old samurai house by the Kamo river. Fourth pic is the view from the restaurant window. Took an hour to get back home to Kobe.
Classic Kyoto.Classic Kyoto.A basic kaiseki at Ganko.  It was quite nice.View from the restaurant window.  The garden is beautiful, but it is always dark when we go there.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
Myoshin-ji, holiday Monday afternoon.
Myoshin-jiMyoshin-jiMyoshin-jiMyoshin-ji
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
It snowed in Kyoto Sunday. We went to Kitano-Tenmangu.
Kitano-Tenmangu in the snow.Kitano-Tenmangu in the snow.Kitano-Tenmangu after the sun came out.Shops and houses just east of Kitano-Tenmangu.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Not exactly Japanese kaiseki tonight, but it went down. Waddled out of the restaurant like a stuffed penguin. The others are blossoms at work.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 08/02/2025
Three very different meals in Kobe.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 08/02/2025
Pomegranate blossoms and hydrangea bushes at work, spring 2021.
Hydrangea bushes.Pomegranate blossoms.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 08/02/2025
Waterlilies in Kobe, June 2021.
Waterlilies at work, June 2021.
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