Snowy Photos Japan - 2014

[Snowy]

We're now up in Nagano for a few days, primarily to check out the Snow Monkeys, but couldn't help by swing by Googie's Cafe (aka The Flat Head Diner). The idea of an American Diner in the outer district of Nagano was too much not to do. So we went, turns out the founder of The Flat Head - Kobayashi-san was sitting next to us for a business lunch.

bit of Lightning Mag with Lunch

Kobayashi-san - The TFH Fire King mug on the table was not for sale, so I found out.

Some impressive looking wabash

[mclaincausey]

Thanks so much for doing this–this is by far the best photo album I've seen on this forum, and there have been some real doozies.

[Snowy]

Thanks for the kind words gents, glad you're enjoying our trip.

[Giles]

Snap…
Off to lunch at another Googies cafe - more of his collections on American advertising signs....

[derivative666]

Tremendous

[Chiba J.]

Great pics Snowy! I've been up through the Kiso Valley, it's a great area.

[Snowy]

Giles, it was part of seeing you guys there that lead to me thinking it was possible - thanks!

[Snowy]

We wandered around the city of Nagano itself today. Hit the Zoo (Mrs Snowy's thing), and a few temples and random shops. A wonderful city, still very proud of the 1998 winter olympics with it's influence being felt with more functional english here than anywhere else so far. Was down to 1c this morning when we got up, but rapidly hit a beautiful 17c.

Airforce mascot

Not the only people heading to the temple

[Snowy]

The Snow Monkeys, yeah, they're amazing. Would have never made it without a working simcard, directions were way to obscure. After hanging out up there for a while we opted to hike back to the station and absorb the scenery instead of racing around.

In this onsen is a naked guy in public view of everyone going to the 'main' onsens. A snow monkey happend to join him in his onsen

The real monkeys?

Snow Monkey park is in the top center of this photo; not a bad location

This little guy had forgotten where the food was?

[seanocono]

This thread is incredible, Snowy. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

[Aetas]

Now we are four in the family waiting for new pics!
Kids love the Snow Monkeys.

[Peter]

yes! awesome monkeys ^_^

[twin]

Awesome as always Snowy. Love your pics.

[Finn666]

great shit wade…thanks for sharing!

[louisbosco]

wow. wade. it looks like one hell of an amazing trip. beautiful pictures too!!

[trail and arrow]

just great, thanks snowy's!

[chazychaz]

Awesome snowy..i'll put visiting japan on top of my list now..

[Snowy]

Thank you all for the continued comments gents - appreciated and glad you're still enjoying. Chazychaz you won't regret visiting Japan, make sure you sneak a visit into The Works ;)!

[Snowy]

We're now down/across in Osaka. Having heard it was more youthful/edgier than Tokyo we had to check it out. Also using as a gateway for Nara's Deer Park. Osaka Station and the area around it amazing endless underground maze lasting 6+ city blocks with various name changes and buildings above each having their own section. Out on the street there's often no way to cross the road due to a lack of lights as well as added fences. Not a good place if claustrophobic. Google maps have a good lock on the place, so it's been easy enough to get about.

The city certainly has a younger crowd and the city itself seems newer, with many more top end/designer stores. A nice contrast and re-charge point.

Takoyaki Museum (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takoyaki)

[madmonday]

hope u & the misses are having a great time.  thanks for sharing all these wonderful images & information.