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ajd-jpn.bsky.social

@ajd-jpn.bsky.social
935 followers 795 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
While on vacation, all food is magically calorie-free, just as all wines, beers and spirits are alcohol-free. Hence, truffle cake washed down with wine is a perfectly sensible breakfast. Sure, continental Europe causes me to gain on average a kilo per week, but this is mere coincidence.
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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 · 15/09/2025
I uploaded this meme to ChatGPT and asked it to check the veracity of its claims. Only the Danish purchase of the French-Italian weapons system over US Patriot system proved wholly factual according to ChatGPT.
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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 · 16/08/2025
Thank you! I’m happy to read this. After all, the main purpose of this account is to introduce people to the finer points of Japan. 😊
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
Finished our tour as the temple was closing. Got a brief bus ride down to Maruyama Park! From there, a city bus down Shijo, back to the hotel and the Hankyu then Hanshin trains home.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
More pictures of the garden.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
Paid the 400 yen admission to the garden, which was spectacular.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
We wandered over to Chionin, just to the north of Maruyama Park. Despite walking through Maruyama Park countless times, this was the first time in 36 years in Japan that we had visited Chionin.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
Monday, the other three went home at noon, the remaining two of us went walk-about. Been here dozens of times, but seldom this early in the day.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
Three of our party split off to go to the covered shopping arcades. Two soldiered on, visiting Nishi-Hongan Temple and Higashi-Hongan Temple.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
Rained all day Sunday, quite heavy at times. Pictures not allowed inside Nijo Castle.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
Of course we took pictures with the Hieizan sign.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
By the time we got there, the World Heritage Enryaku Temple complex was closed, but a garden atop the mountain was open. It was a bit too hazy to enjoy the view.
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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
Still more photos around Shinsekai.
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ajd-jpn.bsky.social @ajd-jpn.bsky.social · 11/05/2025
More photos at Shinsekai, near Tennoji, Osaka.
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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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