Yokohama Photo Walk
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86)
Sat 2008/08/02 21:34
Today we go for a photo walk around Akarenga in Yokohama.
Akarenga is a warehouse built by a port in Yokohama back in 1911. Until 1989 it was used as a bonded warehouse. It wasn't until 2002 when it started to be used as an event space and today its been refurbished and is full O shops and restaurants.
Akarenga is a warehouse built by a port in Yokohama back in 1911. Until 1989 it was used as a bonded warehouse. It wasn't until 2002 when it started to be used as an event space and today its been refurbished and is full O shops and restaurants.
The night time views are particularly nice. I had my SLR with me at the time but didn't know that the views were going to be nice so didn't have my tripod.
There are only a few pics here but I took a few hundred in order to get these. Set the camera to rapid fire in the hopes that a few photos from each spot would turn out decent. Its really difficult without a tripod to get night shots ^^;
Akarenga seemed to be popular with couples out on a date. There are no tall buildings in the immediate area and is one of the few spots where you can see the sky stretch out into infinity and beyond.
It was my first time to Akarenga and was pleasantly surprised by the discovery of a great place to relax. Kind of reminded me that I should get out more.
My schedule prevents me from taking time out too often. While I do get out n about, its usually within Tokyo to see clients.
My schedule prevents me from taking time out too often. While I do get out n about, its usually within Tokyo to see clients.
My usual schedule is as follows...
1. Up at 6AM, check mail, web stats (yes I'm a web stat junkie ^^;), affiliate earnings (record high earning this year ^^;), member news, otaku.fm and go through your comments.
2. Breakfast and then office cleaning - dust down table and figures, polish tables and then vacuum floor. Sort out garbage and throw out.
3. Go around the Internets keeping myself in the loop and posting anything of interest into the News section.
4. I usually set external meetings in the morning so if I have any then its off to wherever. If I have no external meetings then I'm usually planning or programming.
5. Lunch at 11:30 - like to get out before the restaurants become packed at 12 noon.
6. Back from lunch and then its in the zone focused on work - will talk about the zone later.
7. Usually code until evening, have din dins and then try to catch some time in the lounge relaxing. If milestones need to be met then I would work until about 11:30PM, have a shower and then hit the sack.
On occasion, we could go out to places like Akarenga or an onsen or have din dins outside.
Usually work on the weekends too but it feels very different to when I had to work weekends as a salary man. Now that I work for myself, it feels like I'm having fun most of the time ^^;
We do try to get away once in a while to places like Kamakura which is just a few hours drive from Tokyo.
In between all of this I would fit in some weight training, write up the article of the day and go for think walks. Spending time to think is important. My theory (^^;) is that if you don't spend time thinking while you are awake then your mind ends up being a mess and your brain tries to do the cleaning up while you are asleep - leading to you feeling rotten in the morning regardless of whether you had many hours to sleep or not.
So what do I need time to think about? Past, present and future and some times I would flash back to random periods of my life and playback events. Many of these playbacks help me take a step back and look at my current "self." Understanding yourself and why you behave the way you do and why you are the way you are is vital to enable you to improve and advance your life.
So what is your schedule like? Do you get much time to get out and relax?
1. Up at 6AM, check mail, web stats (yes I'm a web stat junkie ^^;), affiliate earnings (record high earning this year ^^;), member news, otaku.fm and go through your comments.
2. Breakfast and then office cleaning - dust down table and figures, polish tables and then vacuum floor. Sort out garbage and throw out.
3. Go around the Internets keeping myself in the loop and posting anything of interest into the News section.
4. I usually set external meetings in the morning so if I have any then its off to wherever. If I have no external meetings then I'm usually planning or programming.
5. Lunch at 11:30 - like to get out before the restaurants become packed at 12 noon.
6. Back from lunch and then its in the zone focused on work - will talk about the zone later.
7. Usually code until evening, have din dins and then try to catch some time in the lounge relaxing. If milestones need to be met then I would work until about 11:30PM, have a shower and then hit the sack.
On occasion, we could go out to places like Akarenga or an onsen or have din dins outside.
Usually work on the weekends too but it feels very different to when I had to work weekends as a salary man. Now that I work for myself, it feels like I'm having fun most of the time ^^;
We do try to get away once in a while to places like Kamakura which is just a few hours drive from Tokyo.
In between all of this I would fit in some weight training, write up the article of the day and go for think walks. Spending time to think is important. My theory (^^;) is that if you don't spend time thinking while you are awake then your mind ends up being a mess and your brain tries to do the cleaning up while you are asleep - leading to you feeling rotten in the morning regardless of whether you had many hours to sleep or not.
So what do I need time to think about? Past, present and future and some times I would flash back to random periods of my life and playback events. Many of these playbacks help me take a step back and look at my current "self." Understanding yourself and why you behave the way you do and why you are the way you are is vital to enable you to improve and advance your life.
So what is your schedule like? Do you get much time to get out and relax?
I mentioned the "zone" just now. Dont know exactly where the term came from but the first time I heard of it was at Joel on Software.
I would often come back from lunch and get into the zone immediately. I look up at the clock and am bewildered from time to time that its already 8PM.
We all know that knowledge workers work best by getting into "flow", also known as being "in the zone", where they are fully concentrated on their work and fully tuned out of their environment. They lose track of time and produce great stuff through absolute concentration. This is when they get all of their productive work done. Writers, programmers, scientists, and even basketball players will tell you about being in the zone.The rest of that article at Joel on Software.
I would often come back from lunch and get into the zone immediately. I look up at the clock and am bewildered from time to time that its already 8PM.
Forgot to mention that Akarenga [赤レンガ] means "red brick."
Will be going back to Yokohama more often to take pics and hang out. Have you visited Yokohama before?
You can see the Yokohama Landmark Tower just off the center of this pic to the left - you can get great views of the city from there. Its also full of shops and restaurants.
Will be going back to Yokohama more often to take pics and hang out. Have you visited Yokohama before?
You can see the Yokohama Landmark Tower just off the center of this pic to the left - you can get great views of the city from there. Its also full of shops and restaurants.
We arrived at Akarenga late and only had time to get a bite to eat before spending most of our time outside.
This weeks Week in Tokyo had a serious lack of food I notice but tehy will be back next week ^^;
One question that I often get is "Is Christmas celebrated in Japan?"
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Yokohama looks nice. I've never been there, but the pictures look fantastic. As for working and relaxing, I always try to keep a good balance between the two. Too much work burns you out. Too much relaxing, and you fall behind. I find that, like you, think walks help a great deal. They're like mini-relaxation moments, but my mind is still running while I get out and about. ^_^
(ID #254809) Posted on 2008/08/02 21:57
WebDesign, Coding, Administration
Time to relax, right now plenty... will be much less in a few months though, so i cherish the time i got now hehe. Nice pictures once again, i like architecture lights. Those pics always make me want to go to Japan more and more *sigh* you know how to tease Japan fans. ><
(ID #254816) Posted on 2008/08/02 22:18
My camera died by the time I got to Akarenga in the one-day Yokohama trip last month. It's not easy to find time to relax over here; ask a Hongkonger and s/he will tell you about the uneven balance between work and free time. The only time to relax is either the short few hours every night (some don't even have any), or the weekend definitely. I always visit some of the shops I know well and have a chat with the shopkeepers to catch up with things.
(ID #254818) Posted on 2008/08/02 22:22
Mechanical Engineering student
LOL When I looked at the pics I thought you were somewhere in Europe! I do a lot of thinking whenever I'm commuting to school or when I'm going home from school. I usually think about my life (past, present, future), the things that make the way I am now, the people I know and the world I'm living in. It makes me feel that I have the answers to the questions that people might ask me someday. I found out a lot of answers with my "self-thinking". Most of them are against people's moral values though but I'll just keep those to myself.
(ID #254822) Posted on 2008/08/02 22:29
"When I looked at the pics I thought you were somewhere in Europe!" Heh, same here:)
(ID #254990) Posted on 2008/08/03 01:47
nanu (Registered on 2007/12/28 22:28)
Those shots are great, considering no tripod! Yokohama looks comfy with all that red brick. You (and the collective community) convinced me to get a DSLR; but I need a tripod, too, or otherwise an IS lens… It's been a while since I've felt "in the zone" for more than short and irregular bursts at a time. In terms of a long timespan, I've been having anxiety because the way I am spending my time does not feel right. I think I'm able to do things I think are right, by being highly selective but more through instinct than reasoning. I will do think walks. I listen to music most of the day but suppose I should think without music going, sometimes…
(ID #254825) Posted on 2008/08/02 22:32
providing temporary relief to nymphomaniacs since 1986
Indeed is very nice; also, the new Ultraman movie has been filmed there, so for an Ultrafan it's another reason to see Yokohama :-) About the poll, no, I havent :-(
(ID #254828) Posted on 2008/08/02 22:34
those photos are absolutely stunning...at approximately what time were those taken at? nice post!
(ID #254831) Posted on 2008/08/02 22:39
Director/代表取締役
About 8PM. The exposure time makes the sky look bright.
(ID #254833) Posted on 2008/08/02 22:44
The lighting effects are really cool.
(ID #255070) Posted on 2008/08/03 04:10
http://animenlife.blogspot.com
I like how well taken are the photos...
(ID #288701) Posted on 2008/09/03 06:14
Well...I am living in Yokohama, so it is quite familiar to me! Akalenga is one of the good spot indeed...and good place for photos also
(ID #254855) Posted on 2008/08/02 23:27
Man its beautiful!!! or is it the photos are such great shots..have not reached Yokohama b4, heard about the China town there only, now Akarenga is a must see if ever i drop by in Japan....
(ID #254856) Posted on 2008/08/02 23:27
I went to Akarenga few weeks ago to watch the Yokohama Hanabi Taikai. Fantastic shots. Akarenga looks very nice in the night. The 'zone' article was interesting. First time I heard about the term. I never enjoy working in the weekends. I wonder if someday I would be able to enjoy it like you, Danny. :)
(ID #254860) Posted on 2008/08/02 23:29
Student and Miku Guardian
Those are very beautiful shots you've got there Danny... So how long does it take for you to get there from your office Danny?
(ID #254862) Posted on 2008/08/02 23:31
Director/代表取締役
About 40 mins by car.
(ID #254870) Posted on 2008/08/02 23:37
Inspiring! Didn't know they are making a new Ultraman movie though - never been to an Ultraman movie site b4...
(ID #254865) Posted on 2008/08/02 23:32
Part human, part student, 100% loser
Great pictures, looks like a really relaxing place... I don't think I'm working hard enough LOL Guess I need to start thinking when the suns up...
(ID #254880) Posted on 2008/08/02 23:53
I do usually get plenty of time to do what I want as far as relaxation comes. Of course, I'm only in high school and I currently don't have a "real" job other than farm labor for my dad. I also am usually busy staying fit for cross country season, so that cuts into my relaxation time frame.
(ID #254882) Posted on 2008/08/02 23:57
I love the photos! Looks like a beautiful area. I have plenty of time to relax always, school I try and finish work in class so I don't have homework and in holidays I make sure I get lots of sleep and I'll spend time not doing much so I can zone out and just chill. I don't work as of now. I think thinking is important. Though for me personally I like it when I don't have time to think, or I have something to occupy my brain so I don't think too deep. I find I think too much and I get unhappy. Staying busy and controlling thoughts definitly helps alot. I tend to think alot when I'm doing other things anyway, rather than liking to take a walk to think or sit and think for a bit.
(ID #254889) Posted on 2008/08/03 00:05
excellent article. thank you!
(ID #254892) Posted on 2008/08/03 00:06
Dyslexic Social Studies student, struggling gundam modeler and gamer
I really don't have much time to relax these days... My course is very research intensive making the internet and dusty books my best friends... I usually get 5 hours of sleep MAX everyday... I like to think while I walk to and from school, a 10 minute walk feels like a second when you're in deep thought, and when I get on a ride I usually turn on my MP3 to listen to some music... Currently jamming with CLANNAD's OP song Megumeru (The game version), it keeps me calm... And tnx for the pics Danny, they're quite relaxing!
(ID #254894) Posted on 2008/08/03 00:07
I think Yokohama is far superior to Tokyo in sights, beauty and good times :3 I go there every chance I get on my days off. I only live about a 30min subway ride away. ^_^
(ID #254895) Posted on 2008/08/03 00:08
I also wanted to say that your pictures are gorgeous. I love the lighting on the pics of the revamped warhouses near minato mirai.
(ID #254896) Posted on 2008/08/03 00:08
Director/代表取締役
Will be out there soon to take more pics.
(ID #255194) Posted on 2008/08/03 09:35
http://animenlife.blogspot.com
I would like to be as good as you are when taking pictures.
(ID #288705) Posted on 2008/09/03 06:16
aww i am too ashamed of my frivolous lifestyle! needless to say, i haven't gotten into the zone for quite some time, given that i spent most of my time now on anime or games while awaiting university to start. just curious though, you mentioned lifting weighs? given the startling variety of food in japan, how do you keep your weight in check? i am asking this because i am looking to improve my exercise regiment, given that when university starts i probably wouldn't be able to afford the luxury of time.
(ID #254897) Posted on 2008/08/03 00:10
Director/代表取締役
Keep weight in check by looking at my stomach ^^;
(ID #255193) Posted on 2008/08/03 09:34
Student & Authorized Chicken Slapper
As usual, great pictures. Akarenga looks wonderful (very antiquie) if thats a word..... Looks very old school, and the lighting in your pictures build upon it. It reminds me of those films that is set in the 1920s, the whole lighting and atmosphere of that place just seems like it is 1920s USA. Maybe its just me.
(ID #254899) Posted on 2008/08/03 00:12
Programmer, Web Developer / Web Designer
Yeah, I always get into the zone as well when I go into coding frenzy. This is bad cause I have to even battle my way out to toilet or lunch. I only stop when I reach a milestone or hit a bug. lol Awesome pictures Danny, did you bring your tripod out everytime now? Someone need to invent a weightless and compact "full" tripod (not gorilla pod) (x_x)
(ID #254907) Posted on 2008/08/03 00:17
Director/代表取締役
Plan on taking it out at night from now on ^^;
(ID #255191) Posted on 2008/08/03 09:32
resident caffeine junkie
I'm making sure that Yokohama will be in my places to visit.
(ID #254936) Posted on 2008/08/03 00:49
nice daily schedule you have. for me, I think and relax at the same time. Be it on the bus, or when my hands are free. But nowadays, I sleep on the bus.. not sure if that is good or bad, but.. ^_^;; There's that "make use of time wisely" and "you rest to walk a further distance" thing. >_< My reason for sleeping is mainly: tired... T__T
(ID #254946) Posted on 2008/08/03 00:57
trying to stay relevant
These photos are very impressive. I think it was a good idea to shoot in twighlight rather than complete darkness, because the sky looks so much better! Have you tried cranking up the ISO for night shots? About 800 ISO is the highest most DSLRs will go before graininess sets in.
(ID #254961) Posted on 2008/08/03 01:09
Director/代表取締役
Yep - was at 1600 but the original images are really grainy.
(ID #255168) Posted on 2008/08/03 08:21
Meimi132 in Leicester of Leicestershire of England of Europe of THE WORLD!! (Registered on 2007/12/04 05:05)
(University)Student
Wow... it looks so nice. Doesn't look like it would be all bustling like central Tokyo. Its nice. More serene me thinks.
(ID #254991) Posted on 2008/08/03 01:49
Director/代表取締役
It does feel much more relaxing in Yokohama.
(ID #255167) Posted on 2008/08/03 08:21
I feel i don't get enough time to relax. I work monday through friday and i get home very tired. That's when i relax a little, then shower and watch my daily dose of anime. I get weekends off but if i'm broke then theres really nothing to do on weekends.
(ID #255004) Posted on 2008/08/03 02:07
A night in Tokyo looks amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Some other these places I want to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Too cool!!!!!!!!
(ID #255006) Posted on 2008/08/03 02:11
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/25 00:30)
Hey Danny nice pictures and article. not exactly related but still nice. ^^ btw about taking night shots without a tripod, did you set the aperture and iso to max? I'm thinking since they look like they don't have any distortions you used the sigma on this? anyway about daily schedule. mine is currently erratic because of the baby. but usually day starts at 630am, breakfast with the misus by 730, then off to the head office. I usually stay there until 5 unless I have to go check on the branches. get home and try to build a gundam. dinner at 7pm and leave the rest for quality time with the family. ^^
(ID #255009) Posted on 2008/08/03 02:19
Director/代表取締役
I took loads in the hope that some would come out fine. ISO was 1600 and aperture was - not sure ^^;
(ID #255166) Posted on 2008/08/03 08:20
おたくと大学生。
This makes a surprisingly good ultra portable tripod like camera stabilizer that you can just keep in your pocket. http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1041948/1_image_stabilizer_for_any_camera_lose_the_tripod/ One uses it by pulling up. But I do not think it would work well for long exposures. Don't expect this to replace any real camera stabilizers.
(ID #255037) Posted on 2008/08/03 03:05
Director/代表取締役
Interesting! But I'll rather carry the tripod for long exposure shots ^^;
(ID #255164) Posted on 2008/08/03 08:19
I have currently unemployed and looking for work. My last job position was dissolved after working for the company for 11 years. So I have too much time to relax right now. When I am working full time, I still had enough time to relax. Once I started going to college part time on top of the full time job, I did not have enough time to relax. I will need to figure out a way to get relaxation time in once I get another job and start going back to college ^_^;;
(ID #255038) Posted on 2008/08/03 03:06
Half Engineer, Half Student, All Robot
Great photos! What EV were you using?
(ID #255098) Posted on 2008/08/03 04:55
Director/代表取締役
Still not good with the camera but its set to "P" or "T" and shutter speed is 0.5 seconds. Auto white balance and ISO 1600.
(ID #255161) Posted on 2008/08/03 08:15
IT, Programmer, ...
Have been to Yokohama, but not that much sight seeing. I've only been to Yokohama Arena (twice) for a concert of Ayumi Hamasaki, and been up to the top of the Landmark Tower. But I want to go their again, want to check out the area more and also china town there.
(ID #255145) Posted on 2008/08/03 07:14
Director/代表取締役
Go back at night - its pretty nice when its dark.
(ID #255160) Posted on 2008/08/03 08:14
Nice photos! There is just something about shooting at night, which is one of the reasons why Collateral is one of my favorite movies, it is one the most beautifully shot movies. I think the first time I heard the slang "...in the zone.." was in the movie White Men Can't Jump. I wasn't completely sure what it meant when Woody Harrelson's character kept saying it. But after that, alot of sports broadcasters started using that term in general.
(ID #255150) Posted on 2008/08/03 07:34
love the photos, that camera really is something. me, I have too much free time and sometimes it's a problem.
(ID #255162) Posted on 2008/08/03 08:17
another good article Danny :) Its very nice of you to talk of your daily routine. I am programmer myself but I have troubles to go "in the zone", for a unknown reason I am easily distracted, cant concentrate. So after reading this post I will try to increase my concentration, your "working" post are quite the inspiring for me :)
(ID #255169) Posted on 2008/08/03 08:22
I wish my schedual was that stable. Makes me wonder though what your wife does for a living Danny?
(ID #255170) Posted on 2008/08/03 08:26
Director/代表取締役
Shes a director for the company and looks after finances and HR.
(ID #255190) Posted on 2008/08/03 09:31
Looks much nicer than here. I wish I had a better camera to take nice pictures like that too...
(ID #255186) Posted on 2008/08/03 09:25
Online Shop
Eerie pictures, looks different than the real place it seems! You know, I have to visit Yokohama one day. I realized I never been there even though it's a must-see travel spot!
(ID #255223) Posted on 2008/08/03 10:26
Physical Therapist
Wow Danny im once again amazed by your pictures.Cant believe they are shot on this planet. Youve got there quite a tight schedule.My Life is really unorganized.The only thing thats regular is the time i work
(ID #255237) Posted on 2008/08/03 10:44
Nice photos as always Danny. About the zone, i get into the zone wheter when times runs short, like 4 hours left on a java assignment and all i have is uml's or little functional code, or in the train on my way home after another neverending day at university. Another great place to enter the zone is right before sleep, it's amazaming how a person can solve a problem after lying in bed.
(ID #255259) Posted on 2008/08/03 11:38
Nice Pictures Danny!!! You pretty much stay busy unlike me!!! You make me want to do more with my time as well!!! Keep up the goodwork.
(ID #255292) Posted on 2008/08/03 12:41
Akarenga looks like a very interesting place. What types of shops are there? Seems like somewhere I could see myself often visiting.
(ID #255313) Posted on 2008/08/03 13:35
Also once again, great pictures. I love how your walk photos have a very first person feel to them.
(ID #255316) Posted on 2008/08/03 13:37
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
Nice pics Dannny! I've been in Yokohama on my trip to Japan. Loved the view from the top of that... something tower. The ferris wheel reminded me of Hachimitsu to Clover... one of my favorite animes of all times.
(ID #255381) Posted on 2008/08/03 15:04
student
Wow. None of the photos made it seem like you were walking in Japan. That definitely look relaxing with all the low buildings and open sky. It's probably a good place to walk around to relieve stress too ^^. As for my schedule, for work days it goes something like this: 1. 7-10 am: wake up and get ready for school/work/whatever 2. 6-7 pm: come home and eat dinner 3. 8 pm: internet stuff- check my blog, see what's good on here, and browse random places 4. 9 pm: work on my weekly gunpla or write the review if i'm done. 5. 3-4 am: sleep ^_^; I do many different things on my free days though and that's when I take the time to reflect upon myself and plan ahead.
(ID #255422) Posted on 2008/08/03 15:32
Otaku/Computer tech/Student
Another awesome write up, Danny. Every time you write something I always finish reading it and feel like I've gained quite a bit from it. I need to get on a schedule like you are, urgently. I'm still in college and such, and at the moment I'm not in classes, but I will be later this month. Reading this article has made me want to try again to work at getting on a good schedule to help improve my life and make progress in it faster. Thank you Danny, As always.
(ID #255432) Posted on 2008/08/03 15:39
Evil Fanfic Writer
That first pic is awesome. I do my thinking while on the train to work. Usually thing about what I'm going to do at work that day ^_^;; When I get home, I usually turn the pc on, watch any anime that i'm following that came out, read a book, veg, fall asleep ... On weekends, I work on building my stacks of Gundam models that have built up (from wanting so many, but only time to build 1 model every weekend ... as long as I remember to have painted the parts some nights before the weekend!)
(ID #255569) Posted on 2008/08/03 18:10