Nagoya B's Hotel Annex

'Okuda' serves very good...

by cheychey

'Okuda' serves very good okonomiyaki,that is Japanese crape and like Korean crape.An owner is a 70's woman.and she has been making good okonomiyakis more than 30 years.
tokusei costs only 300yen! other menu,I recommend,is 'yakisoba',that means fried-noodles.it costs 200yen.
If you want to eat sweets,I recomend you try 'koori ,uji-kintoki'.it's flaked ice with boiled azuki beans,green tea and syrup.
Flaked ice is very light and airy like snow , boiled azuki beans are made by owner, green tea is served in front of us(in a way of japanese tea ceremony ,not formal,but almost fomal).
But this'koori,uji-kintoki'is available only in summer,350yen.
The picture is 'koori,uji-kintoki with milk'!!400yen. 'Tokusei'---means 'Special'.its ingredients are egg,pork,squid,leek,cabbege,powder of bonito,ginger,and 'moti'(rice-cake).
'Okonomiyaki' she makes is not put sweet sauce on and .she always puts soy sauce on, so you can enjoy it with beer!

Central Asia pavillion@expo2005

by cheesecake17

Take your time in this pavillion its consist of 4 countries join together, Uzbekistan,Kyrgyzstan,
Tajikistan,Kazakhstan.....

The main theme is the cultural exchanges between East and West under "Exchanges of Time."

On the floor there is a map which you follow....something like following the "Silk Road".....

The main exhibit which sits right in the midlle of the pavillion is a replica of a reclining Buddha unearthed in 1966 during archaeological excavations of the Ajina-Tepa hill, the site of an ancient monastery on a Silk Road branch connecting Central Asia with India.

Silk road and the buddha in nirvana

During 7th century, central asia was host to various religions as well as local and global cults...

Buddhism was widely spread in Tokharistan and Northern Khorasan.....The "BUDDHA IN NIRVANA" is a symbol of multi-confessional Silk road...

Inuyama Castle

by cvilla007

"Standing guard over the Kiso River"

Inuyama castle was built in 1537. It has the oldest existing castle fortress, an original national treasure much admired by the Japanese. The castle overlooks the Kiso River.

It's just an hour drive north of Nagoya. You can also get there by train. The city of Inuyama offers these other attractions: a monkey park, little world (an attraction of small houses).

"Beautiful day"

It was a beautiful Spring day to visit the castle. Many cherry blossom trees were in the castle grounds, along with a temple. Most of the original buildings on the grounds were long destroyed centuries ago during territorial battles, but the castle remained intact. The entrance fee was 500 yen. Remember to take off your shoes!

"Inside"

Inside you can get a feel for authentic Japanese castle architecture. Once you enter, there's a huge log supporting the castle floor. You have to climb very steep steps to go up each floor. Passageways are narrow and low, and the ceiling above you creeks with the footsteps of people walking on the floor above.

Also inside are 35 pictures of other famous castles in Japan. There are samurai suits of armor, many original centuries-old texts of previous emperors residing at the castle, and a battle plan written on a screen. You may note that very little if any katakana or hiragana are used in the books or screen, only Kanji. These artifacts are extremely old.

"View from the top"

Once you get to the top you'll be surprised at how low the guard rail is. And with the swirling wind it can get a little scary! Though you aren't more than 100 meters above the ground, the view of Inuyama and the Kiso river are breathtaking.

"Kiso River"

Below the castle is the beautiful Kiso River. They have special comorant fishing ceremonies held here during the summer months. It's truly beautiful. I suggest you visit.

View of the castle through the trees.

View of the castle, looking up. The castle grounds are very peaceful and serene.

"Sayonara Inuyama-jo, until next time..."

The castle looks ominous in the distance, always watching, standing guard over the river and Inuyama.