Edo Wonderland
Spent last weekend in a town called Noboribetsu in Hokkaido - home to hot springs and Edo Wonderland - an authentic reproduction of an Edo period village based on historical research.
The sunny blue skies was a welcome relief after two days of rain in Hokkaido.
Arrival at Noboribetsu station which has a traditional station sign.
Then catching a bus to the Edo Wonderland which is also known as Jidai Mura.
Some buses have you pay when you get on - some when you get off. For the ones where you pay when you get off, you need to take a ticket first and when you get off, you put the ticket and fare into the little box by the driver.
Arrival at Jidai Mura 10 mins later. Entrance fee was about 2500 yen-ish.
Entrance to Jidai Mura.
Shops over to the right.
Some Ninja swords for the kids.
Many games to be played where you can win coins that can be spent at the village.
You can win some shuriken Ninja stars to throw at your neighbors. Or if you don't win any then you can buy them - failing that, you can go home and make some from paper. If you hate your neighbors then you can make some from used toilet paper but make sure to clean the poo from underneath your fingers when you are done.
They also have some blow pipe darts for you to try out.
Dont inhale too deeply or it will probably be your last breath ^^;
And here I demonstrate how not to pose while using the blow pipe as your enemies will die from laughter but ideally you want them to die from a dart between the eyes...
A Samurai shows us how to pose.
Get as many of the light plastic balls to rest in the grooved circles and win some moolah.
You can buy some Ninja and Samurai swords.
So whats the difference between a Samurai and a Ninja?
A Samurai was one of noble military rank whereas a Ninja was usually a covert warrior who trained in espionage, sabotage, infiltration and assassination.
We arrived at about 10:00 and stayed until about 14:30. Its really nice just walking around looking at the scenery.
The historical and traditional element of Jidai Mura made the visit much more interesting than any previous trips to Disney land.
Looking for some grub.
Cute cookies.
More food stuff to pick up on the way out.
Was the first time in ages to get some relaxing time off.
For those who read Japanese - description of a Ninja.
In the Ninja house now which displayed the tools, methods and activities of a Ninja. Wikipedia has more nitty gritty about what they got up to.
What I loved about the Ninja house is that they played Ninja Gaiden type music and realized that there must be a whole genre of Ninja music out n about there somewhere. If you have any recommendations then let us know!
Tools and weapons of a Ninja. They dont show the roller skates here for some reason.
Some Chimaki with Rin. Rice cooked with meats in some sort of leaf.
Filling up with some Oden.
Dango and tea.
And then topping off with some Katsu.
This happens to me a lot!
Time to explore the rest of the villiage.
During the Edo period, fires frequently sprung up so they decided to built these towers to spot them before the fire became wild spread.
Folks in Tokyo who cant make a trip up to Hokkaido can try the Edo Wonderland in Nikko or alternatively try visiting Kawagoe - not a theme park though.
The village also has a reproduction of dwellings lived in at the time.
The Edo period runs from 1603 to 1868 but not sure which years these dwellings are from.
The dwellings showed that Japanese dwellings had a step up to the inside of the house. Modern houses also have this small step - this is the reason why when entering a Japanese house, the owner will say "Agatte kudasai" or "please come up."
This would be your doctor if you lived in the Edo period.
A Geisha and some bloke.
Empty house.
Cant quite remember from my Japanese studies at university but I beleive there was a period where the Samurai were not as noble as they should have been and ended up being like average salary men. Saigo Takamori wanted to invade Korea to raise the spirits of the Samurai and restore their noble image - or something like that.
Here we see a Samurai making umbrellas.
Some bloke getting himself tatooed.
The person concerned as well as keep off
Th Edo period was perfect for balding folks like me where being bald was the in thing.
Then its time to shoot some arrows - missed everything!
Before I forget - added a load of these photos to the Wallpaper Pool.
The entrance to the Ninja Maze - like a house of horrors but Ninja style and the most interesting experience I've had in one of these!
There is one particular room where the floor is slanted but the walls upright with mirrors. This Ninja is actually standing upright. Once inside the room, you start to feel incredibly dizzy and fall back to the bottom of the slope as if somebody is pushing you. There are no mechanics under the floor either and the illusion was created by just the slanting floor and mirrors - do give it a whirl if you go!
The Ninja show starts at 13:30. Going to explore more and come back.
The village is just gorgeous and on a sunny day even more so.
There are Samurai, Ninja's and Geisha walking around the village and some of them are visitors to the park who can get changed into traditional gear for the day.
All of these photos taken on the Lumix LX3. Speaking of which - new Lumix LX3 looks set to be announced on the 9th of September?
At a shrine full of cats.
Not a lot of people about at all.
A building at the top of the stairs beckons us.
A view from the stairs of the village.
The building is full of documentation about making swords.
Spirit of Samurai.
I really need to travel more of Japan.
Cute Kunoichi spotted.
Ninja Show time. Pretty interesting. Folks who dont understand Japanese can just enjoy the fighting and rope action.
A snap with the cats after the show.
Unfortunately they didnt sell decent Ninja outfits - only for kids. Have always wanted to be a Ninja since I was a kid. Time to make an original character costume? Tokyo Dance Ninja?
Some kids trying to Ninja stab each other.
Forgot what this is called - a rope is coiled around a wooden spinning top and spun from the rope onto the square thing on the floor.
Some Samurai at the gates to welcome and send off visitors.
The kids enjoyed themselves much. I love how the Japanese have managed to keep their culture rich with tradition.
And at the bus stop waiting to head off to the hot springs.
Leaving you with some more photos of the village and a video. Thanks to JR Hokkaido for looking after us.
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Student, Help Desk Worker
http://aaronsblog-godpir.blogspot.com/
Wow, now that would be cool to go see in person!!!XD How much did it cost you to stay there Danny?
Student, Help Desk Worker
http://aaronsblog-godpir.blogspot.com/
Oops, I thought you meant that you actually stayed there at a hotel or something, my bad...I love the architecture!
Programmer
The statues inside the houses remind me of disneyland's audio animatronics. by any chance are there any singing (?_?)
Viewfinder
http://www.flickr.com/photos/harem/
man.. I would love to visit Jidai Mura
High School Student
Wow, looks like a lovely place. I love Japanese architecture. Udon and dango looks delicious as well. @_@ Way better than Disney for sure. Hehe I wonder what the guy to the right is staring at here: http://www.dannychoo.com/post/en/25009/Edo+Wonderland.html#image75229
That was a wonderland indeed! I'm so amazed that they preserved so much beauty of that place! It makes me wanna go there!
College Student, Computer Science Major
http://www.projectsaber.com
Looks like a neat place to stop at when visiting Japan. I would like to try that blow dart game. ^^;
Draftsman Graduated, Environment & Interior Design Student
http://www.flickr.com/photos/manuelriosg/
ID#75224 Don't worry me too hahaha... Some technique? hahaha...
Dedicated and certified lunatic, Beer snob extraordinaire...
Awesomeness! If I ever have the chance to go to Japan, that's one of my stops! ( Of course, I'd have to wear my Cowboy hat, vest, duster and boots ^-^ *just for the cultural difference!* )
Otaku Graphic Designer
http://neoprolacus.spaces.live.com
http://www.dannychoo.com/post/en/25009/Edo+Wonderland.html#image75258
You've just gave the answer yourself... Spinning Top... ^^;
Met any Samurai strolling down the road with Geisha? ^_^
student
in my neck of the woods those are called "trompos" good to know their american/english name ^-^
thousand master II, Internet Learner, Auto didacta
http://pipopaz.wordpress.com/
yea that exactly right 'trompos', it brings good memories of my childhood ^^
Student
http://otakumytaku.wordpress.com/
That slanted room picture is really weird. I'm trying to spot some evidence of it being an illusion in the picture, but I can't find any. Had you not explained it, I would have thought that both the ninjas were falling over simultaneously or something.
software manager
http://wawawawasuremono.com
looks like it was a lovely day to be out ^^
i feel like i've seen this place rendered in a manga before ^^; another place to add to my list of places to go~
unemployed machinist.. yeah
Well now thats the sort of park I like.. rich with history.. and not very crowded. Who needs roller coasters when ya got ninjas?
3D artist
http://andyh.cgsociety.org
Looks great! I hope the koei movieland park in Kyoto is like that - i intend to visit it in october.
Developer/Student
http://threedeecomplex.wordpress.com/
Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 is going to be awesome. I played the original Ninja Gaiden 2 on the 360, and I'm really looking forward to the coop mode in NGS2. Do you have a PSN account, Danny?
Otaku / Student in Networking
http://hayasaki-kun.blogspot.com/
WOW Nice place to visit for sure ^^
Injured
Great pictures of your visit, almost feel as if I was there. The clothes the 'towns people' have on reminded me of things from other places related to the Edo period that I have seen. Seems 'Kagome' (from anime Inuyasha) was the only thing missing :D.
Programming Student, Asian Girls Lover, Otaku
http://jappydolls.net/
The ninja rollers made me laugh xD, nice trip Danny!
IT Business Analyst + Test Analyst + Undergrad Uni Student
http://www.crepuscular.asia
lol... are those what i think they are on the left hand side of the "geisha" photo?
writer/blogger/gamer/otaku
http://popgoespj.blogspot.com
I see what you did there~ Actually those are kokeshi dolls. Wiki says "They were originally made as toys for children of farmers. They have no arms or legs, but a large head and cylindrical body, representing little girls. From a simple toy, it has now become a famous Japanese craft, and now an established souvenir for tourists."
Daigakusei [Consular and Diplomatic Affairs]
http://dixinfernal.wordpress.com
COOL!
Swords, old school dwellings, great grub, cute kunoichi, plays, games & NINJAS!
Student & Artist
http://kanochu.wordpress.com
Wow, I love the buildings. And the sky is gorgeous. Looks like a perfect day to be there!
student
Your photo articles are always so informative and full of life, thanks Danny-san >.<
Student
http://lordofgundams.blogspot.com/
Edo looks wonderful! I would love to try the blowgun game and I would offer an arm or leg for a an authentic samurai sword.
Student
Some amazing pics here, Danny.
Man I'd love to go there. *_______*
It looks so pretty.
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
http://xspblog.com
I've been in an Edo Wonderland too Danny... it's either a different park, or it has really changed since a couple of years ago...
http://xspblog.com/2009/08/16/japan-trip-3-nikko-edo-mura/
COMPENG/SWENG Student
http://ryan2006.deviantart.com
Oh my god... I want to go there! :o
三年せいとオタク
Wow that looks so awesome. ^^ If I ever go to Japan I'm so going go there. Looks like they have lots of cool games to play and toys to buy. The food looks really yummy to boot! In Mexico they also have those wooden tops with a coil around them but I forgot what they're called. >..<
Researcher
We call them "trompos"
student
That looks so awesome I wanna go now, this is a definite for my trip to japan.
Otari Vader, Sith Lord for Hire, will fillet Makoto Itou for free
http://coffeebugg.blogspot.com/
image ID#75253 - kawaii!
image ID#75258 - a wooden top?
Wow.. that's a really interesting place to go to. Would want to give the Samurai attire a whirl :P
Otaku Programmer
http://oufukunaga.wordpress.com
Hohoho, ninjas!! Love'em ^^
So here's another place to visit when I have the time (and paper of course)
Anyway Danny, no ninjas there who showed Ninjutsu like, calling Pillar of Fire, Multiplying or sort?
NEET
http://dokidokimaid.blogspot.com
Wonderful place, will love to go there ^^
Student - IT
That's definitely going in my trip to see Japan. That looks amazing! ^_^
Young Grasshopper
http://miragestrike.blogspot.com
The attractions there sounds fun. Would love to try out dango and tea in that sort of enviroment.
http://www.dannychoo.com/post/en/25009/Edo+Wonderland.html#image75258 -Beyblades!!
Noto fanatic
http://wifi.animeblogger.net
Tokyo Dance Ninja Trooper...sounds interesting XD
Student, ACG Fans
http://modvisc.blogspot.com
wow, look great, wish to visit.
LX-3 going to release a new version?
writer/blogger/gamer/otaku
http://popgoespj.blogspot.com
image 75209 - We have knockoff Japanese swords here, too, some peddled right on the street by itinerant vendors, but by god I'd like some of the ones in these.
image 75212 - Mmmmmm, miso-tonkotsu ramen, one of my favorite types.
image 75216 - Great, there's furigana to help me read it - I'd be lost without since I'm no great shakes at reading kanji. That said, that's really nicely printed.
image 75224 - To me too! On the other hand, I'm thinking I need to start carrying a personal pair of chopsticks everywhere.
Short digression: It always amuses me and my partner when we're eating in a Japanese, Chinese, or Korean restaurant and we can use chopsticks somewhat more properly than other locals, who prefer using spoons and forks. Yeah, we're freaky geeky, I know. XD
image 75239 - Nice pose, and great lighting! Your wife got the shot at a great moment~
image 75244 - Oh, my, really? If you pay an extra fee or somesuch you can be part of the attractions too? AWESOME~
image 75256 - How about a ninja outfit with trooper armor?
Aww, no geisha pictures?~ I'm glad you had a great time, and thank you for sharing the trip with us!
Dirty Gentleman
http://cantstanzya.wordpress.com/
Looks like a quaint place to visit ^^
Would like to get some throwing knives and ninja stars, but I'm sure customs would like to confiscate them ^^;
IT manager
I'm now adding this place as a place I want to go see. I have been to Eiga Mura in Kyoto. The guy in the samurai haircut is me! The picture was taken at the movie park. I have also been to Kawagoe where I took many pictures that look nearly identical to those that appear here. If there are more places like this, I would certainly like to know, but I definitely dislike the silly plastic katana for sale. I'd much rather go to a place rather like the renaissance fairs where the actors and surroundings make every effort to be as authentic as possible.
Scientist
The chimaki looks like "loh mai fan", well that's what you would call it in cantonese. Sticky rice with meat and sauce, steamed in a lotus leaf. Usually get during Yum Cha.
???Confused???
Great scenery, neat games, cool prizes...definitely a must visit spot...I so want to get a PS 3 just to play Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2...
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
http://puppy52art.com/
Danny, you can easily make yourself a quickninja outfit with your many black tee-shirtsu XD thanks for sharing the pix and activities, looks like fun indeed!
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
http://puppy52art.com/
http://www.entertheninja.com/fun_tshirt_ninja.php
Otari Vader, Sith Lord for Hire, will fillet Makoto Itou for free
http://coffeebugg.blogspot.com/
Lol
Time Traveller/High School Student
http://thetsundere.wordpress.com
omg LOL! I'm so going to try that out.
Student, ACG Fans
http://modvisc.blogspot.com
lol....
university film student | ecchikid | the Archivist
http://www.vimeo.com/longhim
...I'm so doing that.
Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 触手 wrangler, H-Man
http://lightningsabre.blogspot.com/
I used to do that a lot back when I was a kid in Jakarta! Hard to breathe though XD
browsing the nets
http://otakuposts.blogspot.com/
it was fun reading the article. The place seems to be a lot of fun. On my wishlist of places to visit if i come to Japan.
Otaku
Oh, i have to go there. The edo period is one of my most favorite historical periods in japanese history, i just love everything about it, find it so interesting! i even have my own samurai swords! (not those cheap ones in some of the pictures :P) i wonder, is it open all year?
studying comp studies, planning to look for part time job
http://bruneian-otaku.blogspot.com
Beautiful and lovely, would like to visit there someday.. ^^
Student
http://www.optimisticpenguin.com/
wow looks like a fun place, I should note it down for when I go to Japan, hehehe about the chop sticks reminds me of a Azu Manga Daioh Episode XD
pop culture archivist
http://supremenothing.blogspot.com/
Wonderful photos! I'm definitely grabbing a few from the wallpaper pool.
And I MUST track down that ninja movie!
大学生
http://naitonojikan.blogspot.com/
The ninja roller skate video was hilarious. XD
I'll have to keep this place in mind when I go back to Japan, looks like a lot of fun. ^^
Web programmer
http://www.micky2be.com
It's exactly where I was suppossed to go last week-end.
But my wife canceled, I'm so jalouse now.
Otaku, US Army, Student (Political Science)
http://figure.tsuki-board.net/profile/Syaoran
Definitely going to be visiting one of those places when I am in Japan. Love that type of history and culture.
Student
http://mattmac.vox.com/
Great post Danny. Really interesting and great photography all around.
Professional NEET
Everything looks so expensive x_x
But it sounds like a really fun place.
This is like a thousand times better than Disney World,you dont get to shoot Mickey in the face with darts and ninja stars then Disney might have a chance. By the way Disney just purchased Marvel!!!!!!!!! AHHH scream and run. Anyway awesome pictures.
http://www.marvinryan.com
Image ID#75220, we have something similar here, it's called ma-chang. but it's something you'd only find at Chinese restaurants that serve dimsum.
very nice Pictures Danny. looks like a very nice place to visit. btw the Edo wonderland Nikko link has a very nice intro. ^^
Moe Hunter
http://moehunter.wordpress.com/
You have a stalker in at least 6 of those photos! (Either that or your wife.)
Cool place btw, you certainly did a lot of eating, looked scrumptious. Am very tempted to go and visit the cute kunoichi.
For some reason I never have problems spliting the chopsticks. Must be the type I'm given.
image ID#75205は「吹き矢」ですな
吹いて矢を発射させるから吹き矢
そのまんまですなｗ
programmer
http://vkgtaro.jp
空が青々としてていいですね。遊びに行った先で晴れてると楽しさが倍増する。
吹き矢（他の写真にも写ってますね）コマまわし？
Certified Trouble Maker, Part-Time Otaku
http://picasaweb.google.com/adi.widyatmoko?feat=email
正しいです。それはコマというもの。私の町の子供館に、コマ検定という試験がありますよ。私は1級までできました。それは、手のひらでコマをまわすこと。やってみてください。おもしろいぞ。
Multimedia Technology Student
http://thehappyninjadrawn.wordpress.com
Jidai Mura looks like lots of fun. I might try and go there when I'm over in Japan. Your photos look really good Danny, makes me want to get a Lumix LX3.
Student
Great coverage. And awesome ninja skate video, whodathunkit? Thanks.
Definately been there before, the cat shrine lol.
Photographer/Videographer
http://mizomi.blogspot.com
Went to the Edo Ninja Wonderland in Nikko this past summer. Didn't know there was another one. Cool!
Danny, the next time I'm in Tokyo, if you ever want to do Tokyo Dance Ninja, let me know. I have the outfit and all the props you'll ever need for that. :-)
Student
Wow that place looks like a fun place to visit, the blow darts and archery interests me a lot.
Full-time geek/Part-time student/Part-time musician
http://randomgeekness.livejournal.com/
That's one of the reasons i love Japan :D / Would you actually throw used toilet paper shaped into shurikens to your neighbors? (because i would and you gave me a great idea :D) lol! by the way won't you do a post about the Onsen? (at least a few pics! please i want to see how it looks! :D)
Student artist
http://www.requestview.wordpress.com
Time warp... I want to vist. As for the Ninja and Samurai sword. Ninja one is shorter I think
Student
Really beautiful photos and a cool place to visit I'd definitely want to buy a samurai sword!!
Student
Edo Wonderland sure looks interesting, have to remember the name.
Seems like a very nice place to visit. I've actually thought about being a Tokyo Dance Ninja or Tokyo dance Spider-Man. lol
The mysterious lady in blue with the green bag seems like a very lovely lady. ^_^
Student
http://otakuinvancouver.wordpress.com/
The bus system in Japan really threw me off when I first tried it. Coming from North America I went to the front of the bus to get on and got a lot of really weird looks, took me forever to figure out how the pay system worked >_>
NEET part-time - Technical Support Officer - Network security engineer
http://burugureibi.blogspot.com/
wow - Just wow
Really wish that Australia had some sort of ancient historical heritage
Self-employed (Gakusyu-juku「学習塾」)
I haven't visited there yet.
I'll visit there this weekend.
Self-employed (Gakusyu-juku「学習塾」)
I talked my friend about Jidaimura & this site today.
She said "I wanna go!".(She lives in Sapporo.)
So we promised to visit there together. We will visit there the end of this month.
In Hokkiaido,many peoples knows there,but almost peoples don't know what a beautiful place there is!
Thanks you,Danny!
Student/Website Designer
http://getignited.co.uk
Wow, what an amazing area! Beautiful architecture, and seems like a highly interesting experience. I'd love to visit there someday ^__^
Thanks for the insight Danny!
Ah, such gorgeous scenery! Lovely photos, Danny! ^o^
IT-Architect, SysAdmin, WebDesign and Coding, Virtualization (VMware + NetApp)
http://www.milkdrop.de/
Okay.... just wow, very nice area and i would love to see that in person.
That beats every Themepark i know so far, even Disneyland! *cough* ;)
Thanks for the awesome pics and infos. :)
Lazy Gamer at home
http://www.espadakiller.wordpress.com
Wow what a nice place, didn't know there's this kind of place existed :P
And i am looking forward to Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 too ;)
animetard and a writer
http://kluxorious.blogspot.com/
This reminds me of Amatsuki
がお
Looks like a neat place, and I hate when chopsticks break unevenly XD
Blogger
http://www.tobeasian.com
Your comments about the shurikens and toilet paper was hilarious. I hope they didn't come from personal experience; else I wouldn't want to be your neighbour :P
In all seriousness though, I think this would be a definite place to visit for anyone going to Japan or Hokkaido in particular.
university film student | ecchikid | the Archivist
http://www.vimeo.com/longhim
His neighbours get leftover figures. x_x
Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 触手 wrangler, H-Man
http://lightningsabre.blogspot.com/
Let's buy out his neighbours place and move in next door to Danny!
フリー漫画家
http://mangayomo.com/member/tofu
すごい・・・北海道でこんな場所があったなんて知りませんでした。
時代物の漫画描いているので参考になります＾＾
Mouse Whisperer
I saw hot springs in the title and thought yippie!!
Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu ep 9 candid images on the way
but alas nadda, just bold samurai dudes. :-(
PhD Student
This place is a must visit!!! I didn't knew that there were a thematic park like this. It's very nice, Edo era is the most interesting part about Japan history for me, I hope I can go there one day :) Thank you for such a great post!
Myself-finder
Ooo really cool wish i can go there sometime. Did they have any exibition on the Nightingale Floor? It's something to prevent assassins/ninjas though.
Biologist, Bioinformatic, Guitarrist, Digital Painter & Figure sculpting learner
http://www.mikyatope.com/blog
Cute kunoichi and samurais at the doors WIN XD
Poet (not)
Absolutely amazing! If I ever visit Japan again one day, I'll definitely pay one of these Jidai Mura a visit.
Sniper
http://1254lifejournal.wordpress.com
Are those shuriken and kunai really made out of metal ? Gonna need one here for
http://moemoekyun.wordpress.com
edo era is nice. who taking the picture when you playing with that traditional weapon and arrow ??
I.T. Technician
What a cool place, I going to go here next time!
I love Oden... it doents look good, but after a hard days travelling its just the best!!
I so want to buy a samurai sword, but worry abut getting it through customs at home.... hmmm or on the plane! THINK NOT!
The pay as you leave bus things gets me.. I have seen buses packed full, and then somehow you have to position yourself so you can then walk to the front to pay!!! like ???? huh??? how does that work...
The only logic I can think of is, you only pay for the distance youtravel... but if thats not the case then its silly... Pay first so you can make a quick exit would be the way I'd do it...
Student
If I have a chance, this place will be one of my target!!
http://t-navi.blogspot.com/
danny, one question. The boy of the street is a figure??
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/6976/3880164760cb163f96d9o.jpg
hahaha
大学生
I believe the decline of the Samurai came towards the end of the Tokugawa era leading to the Meiji era.
They took on more administrative roles / government officials rather than the warrior Samurai of their ancestors.
failing student
http://ukyuki.blogspot.com/
this place looks awsome must go!!!
JR. College Student
http://npc.talkingincircles.net/
http://www.dannychoo.com/post/en/25009/Edo+Wonderland.html#image75246
So cute!
Awesome buildings and, as always, awesome photos! 25 bucks is a bit much though...
Too bad you couldn't find a Ninja costume, Tokyo dance Ninja would be totally epic!
Online Shop
http://wildarms.egloos.com
This place surely would be appreciated by the people who wants to know more about ninjas lol.
IT Manager
http://thumbnail-of-life.blogspot.com/
Tokyo Ninja Trooper is not a bad idea.
Student
http://www.youtube.com/user/VoiceDissent
Looks awesome, would love to visit somewhere like that.
ダメ人間, ひきこもり
supposedly, 忍者刀 (ninjato) is shorter and more straight than a normal katana or a 太刀 (tachi) , then there's kodachi (small tachi), wakizashi (which the samurai bring with their katana) etc
関係者以外立ち入り禁止: The person concerned as well as keep off
lol
ERP Developer/Consultant
Very nice. Are most of the signs in English as well ? Or was the one in the pic an exception ?
Slacker
Great pictures as always. Were these taken with your Panasonic?
I notice that your pictures are usually well exposed. I wonder if there is there any special "sauce" you apply to your pictures. Do you check your histograms frequently?
Mad scientist
http://yazor-san.daportfolio.com/
If I visit Japan I should definitely go there! Usually I don't like these museum-type things but this does actually look good.
http://www.stefkov.com/
I would love to visit there. It looks really nice, especially to just stroll around.
I was wondering what camera you used and was clicking on the properties to see. Then I saw that you took all of these with the LX3. I wonder if it's not too hard to have the alternate text as 'taken with the lx3' or something?
_
Two weeks ago I was at the Nikko Edo village. It was a really good day. I liked how the actors on the village interacted with each others and the visitors, it brings life to the set. I saw a nice magic show with water and a cool ninja fight with martial arts professionals. And a lot more! The price (around 4000 yens for an adult) really worth it.
Student
wow i really wanna go there ^..^
it looks awesome
i liked the pic of the kids trying to Ninja stab each other lol
Student / Free Thinker / Otaku
http://www.google.com/profiles/SeanSigloch
Looks like it was an awesome trip. (^_^)
Mechanical Engineering student
http://sabekujikaneda.multiply.com/
You know what? I prefer going to Edo Wonderland than to Disneyland. I always had a knack for these historical places :D
I really love ninjas. It's probably because they're the ancient world's equivalent of black ops soldiers! :D
image ID#75204: Since this is Japan we're talking about and the fact that these are used as prizes, I'm guessing that none of these shurikens are really sharp, right?
image ID#75224: LOL and I thought I was the only one who had that problem! Glad to know that I'm not alone XD
image ID#75226: They don't build watch towers like they used too. In fact, nowadays, watch towers aren't really used anymore.
image ID#75237: I never really get that idea of shaving only the middle portion of the head and leaving the hair on the sides. Why can't they just shave everything? It looks much more neat.
image ID#75246: I never get tired of those cats :3
image ID#75260: What I like about Japan is that, although it is a modern country, it still preserves its culture and traditions. I believe that it is important to preserve a country's culture because it is the very thing that sets it apart from the others aka it is its identity :D
IT engineer
良い天気でよかったですねー
手裏剣って英語ではNINJA starって言うんですね
Industrial designer
http://www.designplus.com.mx
really interesting photo article... and i'm amazed as well to see few people... somehow been used to relate japan to crowds everywhere, all the time!
awesome place and great pictures!! I wanna live in that town!
Alchemist in training
Everyone wants to be a Ninja and a samurai , I call it a Saninja .
Hand signs are just like Naruto , Shadow Clone Jutsu ~~~~
TO me I prefer Samurai then Ninja because they are noble warriors who fight for honor and royalty to the emperor .Ninja have lots of weapons but less armor ( yes they wear light Armor )
Otaku Student
http://www.kuji-an.com/
Seems like a fun place to be. the ninja maze especially sounded very very interesting. I wonder what the "illusion" feels like :) (I know you explained it's like someone pushing you and feeling dizzy but one can't help but wonder what it would feel like in person xD )
also, danny, you're not balding O_O
A wooden spinning top - it is called a "Top" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top
In Malaysia it is called "Gasing".
Japanese Language Student
Thanks for the great photos and commentary. When I was in Tokyo this past May I visited Kawagoe because you had posted some photos of it. Enjoyed it, but it's not like Jidai Mura. But it's close to Tokyo and easy to get to.
I always wondered why guys in the Edo period prefer to shave their heads and tie a thin roll of hair on top.
It was the same in China during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). While I know this was because the Manchu conquerors forced that ridiculous bald hairdo with a que at the back for every guy in China back then as a means of psychological subjugation, I never knew why the Manchus themselves wore that.
I heard a very silly reason was because as a nomadic tribe originally, these Manchus were often on horseback all the time, and thus needed to keep their bodies as "aerodynamic" as possible for maximum speed...... Wonder if that's the same reason for the horse-riding samurai back then?
Upcoming College Student and Otaku
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/Patches418?ref=profile
Very interesting article there, Danny ^_^ Loved the English on the sign. About made me fall out of my chair. I liked how every Kanji had the hiragana above it for younger people(and gaijin ^_^). I would love to go to one of those Edo period parks, in about three years ^_^
Landscaper
Looks like it was a lot of fun on such a nice day too! I never got a chance to make it to Noboribetsu ( I was temporarily lost trying to get to Lake Akan and ended up in Rausu <<; ).
Support
I didnt know they had so many of these types of places. The only one I knew of was the Egimaura in Kyoto. Will have to take a look if Im nearby. Im guessing the one in Hokkadio arent open in winter?
Nendo Exhibitionist
http://www.kodomut.com
The chopsticks thing happens to everyone I think ^^. I use a card to cut downwards drop the tip to minimise the irregularity.
Love the cat shrine shot the best!
Otaku
http://imperiomoe.wordpress.com
I need to go to Japan, but I'm going to need lot of time to see all
Wearing a NEET Touhou shirt at work to be contradictive
Ninjas never existed. If someone knew about the existence of Ninjas, then what's the point of Ninjas?
IT Administrator
Nice! All of those Japanese culture that I am interest in!
NEET
That place is AMAZING!!! I love it!
Must visit someday X)
Art student
http://ohcirnine.wordpress.com
Danny? Balding? Didn't expect =that= to get mentioned!
Student
Great photos!
I love how they were able to keep all of the old buildings looking like they are new!
I also really love the japanese architecture, it's something very different!
(^_^)
Freelancer
http://twitter.com/duynguyen
Awesome photo tour. I used to make lots paper shurikens when I was a kid. I could still make them too.
Student, Uncle & hopfully a good husband..
That's such a nice place...would love to go there if i ever get the chance...
http://brutalturtle.blogspot.com
good pictures~ the kids pointing knives at each other is very disturbing haha.
University Student, otaku
http://chenzen.org
Nice - all that seems to be missing are the random samurai and ninjas running about.
I want some samurai showdowns.
University Student, otaku
http://chenzen.org
or rather - I guess there are samurai about.
Just some street showdowns now.
otaku-ist
http://myanimelist.net/profile/mel
Hey Danny do you have any wallpaper sizes for image ID#75243
Would love to make it my wallpaper :)
Part-Time Blogger of Moderately Useless Jibberish
http://www.k-jessop.co.uk
Hehe. The little nendoroid thing laughing at your misfortune..
And the ninja girl was pretty :O
thousand master II, Internet Learner, Auto didacta
http://pipopaz.wordpress.com/
I always have a lot of fun being in disneyland, can't wait to go to this wonderland when i visit Japan ^^
security/3d graphic artist
http://www.kennethleishman.com/
beutiful day for this photo shoot! i 'like this stuff more than some theme park, partially becasue i get motion sick way to easy, so i like the nature walks etc. so another site on my japan hitlist!
Student
Looks incredible!
I wanna go!!
xD
Japanology Student/Jedi Knight
Absolutely gorgeous pictures! Definitely one of the must-visit-places when going to Hokkaido/Japan. It's very fascinating to see that so much of the past has been preserved, and that spledidly done as well! Must have been an awesome feeling running around that place :-)
Scientist, unemployed.
http://fmphoenixhawk.livejournal.com
Very nice place. I would like to go some day before I die. But I fear that it won't happen.
As for getting your hands on a darksuit, there are several martial arts companies that sell them, especially here in the States. They are even authentic (As authentic as you can get without actually traveling back in time and stealing one.) and have all the hidden pockets. (Yes, I have one.)
Mad scientist
What happens if you need to get off the bus and then you realise that you forgot your wallet so you can't pay?
At first I thought it sounded like a weird system but then I realised that it actually prevents cheating. Here people buy a ticket to travel say 10 km and this gives them access to get into the bus. They then travel 25 km. Sure the bus companies makes random checks, but way too few to be really efficient.
Motion Graphic Artist
http://rulascalaca.blogspot.com/
What a nice play to spend a day, so old-japanese, about what you didn´t recognize in the Chimaki, that is a corn leaf, in my country (Mexico) they are used to prepare a traditional meal called "tamal" wich is basically flavored dough with stuffed inside (chicken, mole, vegetables, etc.)
The other thing with the rope coiling around is a "yo-yo", very traditional here alongside the "trompo" and the "matetena"
Wonderful place, great weather, really nice food, wjat else could you ask for??? ñ______ñ
Researcher
Actually, the ones showed here are "trompos" not "yo-yos". And yes, I also thought of the "tamales" when I saw the Chimaki with Rice.
Motion Graphic Artist
http://rulascalaca.blogspot.com/
>_______< My mistake! U´re sooooo right Iiorch!
Exploring worlds and ways of thought
This is what I would look like there ----> @o@
I used to know all the hand signs, they are for certain energies and states of being. But I know not what they are now because it was a short study a long time ago.
To make a Ninja hood you can use a T-shirt, instead of putting your head through the neck hole, use the neck hole for your eyes and tie the sleeves behind your head and adjust as needed for the "Ninja look".
Exploring worlds and ways of thought
Oooopsie! Chun already said it. Srry...^^;
Student (Programing, Streaming, Gaming)
Wow, what a beautiful place. I hope you had one hell of a day. Thanks for the pictures, this is another place I would like to see myself.
University's Slave
Cool! Kind of reminds me of the Renaissance fairs around here, only permanent.
And it's no wonder you didn't hit anything with those arrows--they don't have any fletching! They must be terribly unstable in flight.
Student, Performer
http://kesenaitsumi89.wordpress.com/
Wow...Nice trip there.
Thanks for the explanation of Shinobi.
Forgot what this is called - a rope is coiled around a wooden spinning top and spun from the rope onto the square thing on the floor.
>It's called the Beyblade!!
Navy Recruit
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=519499924&ref=profile
pics look great, food looks yummy. did you get to see a ninja hideout with all the hidden rooms and trap doors and such.1 of many things to visit while in japan (definitely on my list to vist).
http://xcomprandomness.co.uk/
Sure looks breath taking and a lot of fun too! I'll have to make it one of my "to visit" places.
College Freshmen
A Tokyo Dance Ninja should just be a video of the background and the music with nobody dancing.
university film student | ecchikid | the Archivist
http://www.vimeo.com/longhim
LOL - I was going to say "go for a ninja trooper", but... xP
The Peacemaker
http://thenextdawn.wordpress.com
lol. the chopsticks breaking happens to me most of the time!
Dance Trooper: DCX-001 O.D.E. (Order of the Dancing Empire)
http://dannychoo.com.my
Awesome scenery, will definitely pay a visit when I'm in Japan.
LOL @ the Ninja roller...
The spinning thing which tide to a rope it's called "Gasing" over here in Malaysia.
Tokyo Dance Ninja, umm~~~~
Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 触手 wrangler, H-Man
http://lightningsabre.blogspot.com/
Really love the pics. I'd love to go there, lots of interesting sceneries. I hope if I go there I'll see a cute kunoichi too ^.^
Oooh bad luck on the chopsticks, eh? At least it's bad according to Azumanga Daioh's Osaka XD
University slacker
http://chocopan.wordpress.com
AHHH its photos like these that make me want to get out of Aussie Land and into Japan D: I freakin' love their culture, traditions, history and what not...awesome stuff. It's just so fascinating.
LOL @ chopsticks...that happens to me a lot too D:
Computer master
http://www.teamdroid.com
Looks like a fun place to go, informative as well. Much better than the 'old west' tourist traps here in the states. I'm also impressed with the way that their traditional culture is still kept alive.
こうこうせい
http://stickymochi.blogspot.com
Wonderful buildings and environment... nice place to take photos.
added to my "places i should visit " list
Job seeker
wow! it's definitely added to my list of one of the must go places in japan.
and i simply can't help but to mention how blue the sky was in your pictures, simply beautiful.
Student
This seems to be a very interesting place to visit! I can't wait to- if I ever get to Japan :D
Despite a tourist facility for money-making, the manager had better stop the false notice.
The explanation about the ninja is not based on documents at all.
And, judging from my sense, this institution is the institution which is totally unbecoming in Hokkaido.
Japan's street are CLEAN like hell, It kinda makes me want to litter it. XD
No seriously, Japanese are very educated people.
providing temporary relief to nymphomaniacs since 1986
http://www.nihonterebi.com/blog
Little note added to my "places to see in Japan" for my next trip - too bad I dont know when it'll happen, this year I didnt have a chance, too much problems :-\
woow so amazing I'd love to go there.I'll put in my planing list.
sank u
http://jeanleeblogs.wordpress.com/
looks like a lovely trip. and chimaki totally reminds me of Bak Chang that we get here in Penang. yummy~
planning a trip now but can't decide between hokkaido or nikko? mmmm...
student and lover
http://www.littlebigworkshop.com/en-us/Me
love japanese edo things there my favorite!!!XD
student and lover
http://www.littlebigworkshop.com/en-us/Me
plus ninja stuff, i'm going to visit this place.
Spec Ops Otaku
I'd certainly like to see that place in person.