Kristopher Pancani

Into the Mouth of Madness

Japan was a fantastic trip, I want to thank the country for being so inviting and helpful towards me. I will return...

The whole shrine had a surrealistic feel to it, all those tori gates alongside the trails were an amazing site.

Down the river...

Riverfront cafe. After trekking through the forest, we found this nice little spot right alongside the Oi River. The beer was cold and the squid tasty. No words can describe the experience, it was just true bliss. Friends, food, and nature. Simple. Plus the owner let us borrow one of his boats to make it across the river.

“Cloud Temple”; at least that’s the name I give this really cool little Buddhist shrine. Located high above the Arashiyama Mountains in Kyoto, this place gave awesome views of the surrounding valley that is Kyoto. Inside were books, drawings, and silverware. This place made me feel welcome; I could only imagine being an old monk hundreds of years ago, wandering the forest only to find this comfortable resting spot.

Roppongi District, Tokyo's infamous red-light district. Had to stay the night at an Internet Cafe here before my flight back to the States. It was a good time exploring this part of town. Bars and clubs open until the first light of day. Also met some interesting characters.

Temple in the middle of Tokyo; Ebisu district. After walking a mile from the station I stumbled upon this little site and couldn't help but stop to photograph it. It was interesting to find such a quiet and peaceful area in the middle of a bustling city like Tokyo. The woman in the background is performing a Shinto ritual.

Shibuya crossing from the top of a Starbucks. The rain had come down strong the day before so I got the feeling everyone was out catching some sun before it started up again. Shibuya was, in my opinion, by far the coolest district in Tokyo. So many things to see and do, both during the day and night. If you come to Tokyo, stay in Shibuya.

The Japan most people imagine. Flashing neon lights, vibrant colors, streams of people buying the latest electronics. But this isn't even half of it; just a small gift shop underneath Skytree. Still loved the energy here though.

Tokyo Skytree from ground level. A true architectural marvel, Skytree opened in 2010 as a broadcast tower and observation deck. It is the tallest structure in Japan. The views from the top were amazing, to say the least. And it even had a café at the top.

No fear as he looks down over a 1,000 feet to the streets below.

View of Tokyo from the top of Skytree. If I remember correctly the districts of Roppongi and Shibuya are directly in front, with Mt. Fuji off in the distance obscured by clouds. This was one of my favorite views of the city. All those buildings grouped together creates labyrinthine streets that one can get lost in for days.

St. Mark's Lion. Fastened on the side of a house in the Venice Canals.

Cherubic

Reflections Eternal.