Fukuoka Castle Ruins

I was back in Fukuoka again, and this morning, I was a bit more organized to visit the ruins of Fukuoka Castle.  It is located about 5 km north west of Hakata Station.  It was cooler and dryer than last week, so it was much easier to run.

The fortress built by Kuroda Kanbeh, Sengoku Period's famous war strategist that was a key figure in the unification of of Japan.

This is a CG re-creation of the castle.

The entry way to Honmaru, the main tower - it is a narrow path and bent - to defend agains the enemies.

The view from the top of the mound where the main tower used to be.

Tamon Turret - on the east side of the castle.

The main entrance way into the fortress.

Lotus flowers were pretty in the remaining part of the former moat.

A part of the former site is now a track field.

The local NHK Station building shows posters of the current Taiga Drama that features Kuroda Kanbeh as the hero.

Nanto City Morning Run

I had a nice long run in Nanto on Saturday morning.  It was still early - I started before 6 am, but already, it was getting hot.

Beautiful green fields and Johana Line.

Fukumitsu Station.

Oyabe River by Fukumitsu.

The main road was decorated with festival ornaments.

Beautiful flowers by the roadsides.

This area produces delicious rice.

Hakata Run

I had a nice run in Hakata - Friday morning.  Although it was early morning, the weather was muggy and hot already.  Very hot summer weather envelopes Japan now.

Recently-built gate to promote the temple-shrine district.

The alley of the district.

Taihaku Dori Street has palm trees.

Nakagawa River.

Mechanical Water Gate.

Stone figures of Anpanman and Baikinman. 

A special bridge as a formal entrance to Sumiyoshi Shrine.

Tanabata Ornaments in a shopping arcade.

  Painting under the train track by Hakata Station.
Mozart and Beethoven are eating Mizutaki - a local Nabemono. 

Irvine - Newport Beach Run

I had a wonderful run in Irvine - Newport Beach on Sunday morning. The weather was cool and the area was just beautiful.

Here's the bike and running trail by San Diego Creek.

Looking across the creek towards John Wayne Airport.

Entering Newport Beach.

The trail by the Upper Bay Nature Reserve.

The panorama view of the upper bay from Vista Point.

East Bluff Drive.

Back by University of California Irvine - a cheerleading camp was going on.

University High School.

One of the lakes in William R. Mason Regional Park.

I wish I could do more exploring of the area - maybe next time.

San Jose Downtown Run and Walk

I was in San Jose, CA for the first time in three years.  This time, I stayed in a downtown hotel, so I could run and walk around the lovely city.

People actually walk around.

And take trains - VTA.

A Southwest Airlines plane fly over the city.

 Interesting painting.

A statue of William McKinley.

My hotel seen from Cesar Chavez.

The entrance to San Jose State University.

It is a nice campus.

Setagaya + Suginami Run

Today, I went for a 12K - down southwest to Suginami and Setagaya.  After the big typhoon passed, the temp has risen sharply.

Anti-seismic devices on an apartment building.

Protected trees.

A golf practice range.

There are many apartment buildings.

Mirrors that help with seeing both sides of the street for traffic safety.

The Ring Road No. 8 close from Roka Park.

A little shrine close from Hachimanyama Station.

Sunflowers.

A crosswalk across Route 20 (Koshu Kaido).

A typical residential street.

A view from an overpass walkway across Chuo Expressway.

An train crossing by Mitakadai Station.