Exploring Yokohama Chinatown @ Yokohama, Japan

Yokohama's Chinatown is the largest in Japan and open since 1859. It is touristy, but there are plenty of Chinese grocery shops and food to try on. You can enjoy various Chinese cuisines, mainly Cantonese but also Beijing, Shanghai, and Szechuan dishes, while you may also want to buy some ingredients or goods. The main gate is unique and you may want to see it. With the opening of the Minatomirai Line railway, its easier to get to Chinatown directly at the Motomachi-Chūkagai Station.


Entrance to Chinatown.

Minatomirai Chukagai station.

Antique store.


George and Kawpie clothing store. Mostly selling light winter clothing and shirts.

Souvenir store.


Traditional souvenir items with Thai theme.

This shop selling many kinds of steamed buns.



Not sure what flavour of bun no 2, I decided to try it.


The bun is just ordinary. Its pork with some crab meat and preserved vegetables.

Typical chinese food restaurant.

Surprisingly, there are many restaurants here selling shark fin.

Ma Zhu Miao temple.

Balmy street murals: Human rights message thru art @ San Francisco, USA

Balmy street murals located in the Mission District of San Francisco offers a virtual outdoor art gallery featuring colourful murals featuring expression of outrage over human rights and political abuse in central America. There were also a few murals featuring themes such as gentrification and Hurricane Katrina. This place is more of San Francisco local flavour and off the beaten path. You don't see it gets crowded like other tourist attraction areas. The alley is best viewed on foot either by yourself or on a guided tour from Precita Eyes Mural Arts. Entrance to the street to view the murals are free and you can learn the local culture as well.


Mural human rights. Most murals here focusing Hispanic and Latin American.

This is a mural on gentrification.

The whole Balmy street filled with murals carrying powerful messages.

Beautiful Istanbul scenery from Bosphorus Cruise @ Istanbul, Turkey

The Bosphorus connects the Black sea to the Marmara sea. The length is around 30 kilometres. By taking the Bosphorus cruise, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Istanbul on both sides of Asian and European side. On European side, you can have the view of beautiful waterside residences. The Bosphorus is the unique strategic waterway which connects the two continents Europe and Asia, so it is a bridge between European and Asian Sides that makes Istanbul unique.


Hill and waterside residences.

The boat that I took on Bosphorus cruise.

Large boat which you can walk around the boat to take photos.

A mosque at Golden Horn.

Traditional old houses of Bukchon Hanok village in Seoul

Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses called 'hanok' that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses, providing an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse in Korean traditional culture. Some hanok owners are offering home stay experiences, well worth a visit if you have chance to stay one or two nights.


Traditional hanok.

Example of renovated hanok. The entrance lane is small.

Main door of one of the houses.

Korean delicacy at 2,000 Won each pack.

Small garden in front of hanok.


Small shops around the Bukchon Hanok village.

GPS/Coordinate: 37.582220, 126.982151
Address: Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Public transport: Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 2.
Go straight for about 300m to arrive at Bukchon Hanok Village.

Shibuya crossing at night from Starbucks @ Shibuya, Tokyo

Shibuya crossing is the busiest pedestrian traffic in the world. It is estimated a million people will cross this scramble crossing everyday. The great thing about this crossing is you don't bump into anyone. Everyone seems know where they are heading and will avoid you if you get closer to them. The surrounding area with loud music, neon lights and billboards makes this place a happening place and a must visit if you ever come to Tokyo. There are many shopping options in this area from budget to high end luxury. A great place for young crowd to hang out and fashion watch.


Meet Hachiko the loyal dog again!

Starbucks Shibuya is the most favourite spot to view Shibuya crossing. Its tough to get a seat in front of the window.

Waiting for the traffic light to turn green before the next crossing.

Start crossing.

Its getting crowded.


Heading to Center Gai.

Christmas is coming. Guy dress weird to promote something.

You need to find a good spot to view Shibuya crossing in Starbucks.

More people started crossing.

This is the climax of Shibuya crossing where everyone is at the centre of the crossing.

Self photo with Shibuya crossing.

GPS/Coordinate: 35.659853, 139.700229
Address: 21-6 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
Public transport: Shibuya station via Metro or JR Tokyo.

BDSM & Leather Subculture at Folsom Street Fair 2014 (Fetish event) @ San Francisco, USA

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