Dogs

Canine Lover for Life


I love dogs. I really do. And much more than any other animal (except for maybe red pandas). So I thought I might post some of the photos I have taken of dogs over the years. Each of these photos has a story behind it too--one I shall gladly share. 

Example of a Stud

Let's start with a photo of Stock. He is a Dalmatian from Australia that wound up in Japan. And since he is not of the local gene pool his seed is desired by breeders. Stock is thus in the privileged position of being a stud. One session of his time will cost 500 dollars. Unfortunately, Stock never sees any of that money. But what he does come away with is the satisfaction of a job well done.

No Entry

Unlike Stock this dog had the misfortune of being born in the outerskirts of Ulan Bator in Mongolia. It is a hard life with winters that drop so low the inside of one's nose freezes with a crunch. Moreover, the owners of the homes haven't running water or very good sanitary conditions. What this dog eats to survive I can only imagine. It probably rummages through garbage and begs for scraps. Poor, poor mutt.

Life is good

Here is a dog lazing about in the shade on a fine Sunday afternoon. I stumbled across her in the historical town of Shirakawa-go, Japan where the locals still build houses in the traditional manner from centuries ago. I figured a beer would suit the dog's mood and posture so I used photoshop to add in a can of Asahi. I too like Asahi, and it comes as no surprise that it is Japan's number one beer.

Noble Beast

The first day of snow swept across my town this year, and unlike most people who had the good sense to stay indoors, I grabbed my camera and went out to take shots. I ended up at a Shinto shrine and was snapping away when I heard this incessant barking coming from a nearby house. When the dog finally shut its yap I switched to a telephoto lens and took its picture.

Hungry Pup

I saw this dog on a Navajo Indian Reservation in Arizona. We had met a group of locals passing through and they invited us to a BBQ. So we stuck around for a bit while the Navajos fired up the grill. Once the meat was out this little pup came looking for scraps. One of the Navajo men snapped at it, and when the pup persisted he give it a hard kick. I thought that was a messed up thing to do, but I kept my mouth shut. 

A dog and her chew toy

Layla is fine little Dachshund belonging to my friend Boris who lives in Australia. When I visited I was delighted to see the feisty dog. But after a while she became a nuisance. She would always run up to me and bark. And the only way I could shut her up was to give chase, after which she would manage to escape me. To her it was all a game, but I soon wore tired of playing. Finally, I got angry and managed to catch her. She was so frightened she peed herself.

Homeward Bound

In the norther part of New Mexico is the Taos Pueblo. The local indians still live in traditional adobe abodes with fire ovens and workshops for pottery making. The place is not too far from where my grandfather lived, so I had visited several times. On this day however, I had my camera. Two local girls were playing with this doggie. After they finally let him be he wandered off towards the back of the village. I followed him and took this shot.

Potpie on legs

This is Pommi, a Shitzu belonging to my friend in Tokyo. She is a rather mild mannered dog that never barks or whines. If anything is extraordinary about her its her many nicknames. My friend calls her "Pommi Fluffybutt," "Pommi Potpie," "Pomonosuke," "Pommi Two-shoes," "Pommi of the Valley of the Wind" and so forth. If I had a dog I think I would just stick to the one name. Keep it simple you know. But alas, I don't have a dog and probably never will. As much as I like them they are a lot of responsibility, and more than I know I am willing to deal with.

Some Museums in Nagoya

Japan's Fourth Largest City

Nagoya is a major city about midway between Tokyo and Osaka. While not as well known as either of those two, Nagoya still has many attractions in its own right. The city is home to Nagoya Castle, Osu Kannon Temple and Atsuta Jingu Shrine for the those who appreciate Japanese traditional architecture. For shoppers there are a ton of stores around Nagoya Station and in the covered Osu Shopping District. And if late night entertainment is your thing, Sakae and Fushimi offer loads of clubs, bars and karaoke venues. 

Nagoya Castle on Rainy Day

As for this post, I will focus on the three major museums in the city and the one aquarium. I have visited them all in person and came away with several photos for you to see. Another thing, for those of you with kids, I've included what these places have to keep the little ones entertained. Now let's get to it.

Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium

This is one of the big aquariums in the Chubu region of Japan. It can be reached in about 25 minutes from Nagoya station. Go via Kanayama Station and take the Meiko Line to Nagoyako Station. Admission is 2,000 yen for adults. It is closed on Mondays except for on National Holidays in which case it will close the following day.

Beluga Whales

The aquarium was first built in 1971 but has since been renovated. The up to date facility has several exhibits where visitors can view seals, beluga whales, penguins, orcas and dolphins behind glass. Then there are the fish and reptiles ranging from crabs to sea turtles. One of the main draws is a sunfish that is in a large aquarium with a school of sardines. The sardines swim in formation creating a big cascade of shiny movement that the aquarium calls a "sardine tornado."

Sardines in Motion

Orca Skeleton

Shy Clownfish

Tropical Fish Tank from Above

Another of the more exciting parts is the Penguin Encounter. They are in their exhibit behind glass, but visitors can see them waddle on rocks and swim around. Every few hours a worker comes and feeds them. That sends them into a frenzy as they dart through the water snagging up morsels of fish. The aquarium lets visitors get right up to the glass for an intimate view of the adorable birds.

Penguins Floating

Also worth noting is the Dolphin Show. There is a stadium outside where they perform. The dolphins do tricks and trainers ride them. And though there are orcas at the aquarium they are still in training and do not yet make appearances. However, you can see the trainers feed them. Two large feeding pools are located behind the stadium. You can't touch the animals directly.

Shaking Hands

I too want to be a dolphin trainer

Kids Factor: This place is a great spot for kids. Seeing the large animals up close is enough to enchant any child. Plus there are open aquariums where the little ones can stick their hands in and feel starfish. And beneath the stadium is a kind of underground amphitheater with a huge view of the tank. I saw several kids in there running around in front of the glass and on the carpeted steps while their parents took a breather. Moreover, the aquarium has an IMAX theater. I didn't go to see a movie, but what kid wouldn't want to watch large 180-degree aquatic scenes unfold before their sparkly eyes?

Dolphin Touch

Verdict:  I love seeing animals so I enjoyed this place. A person could easily spend two or more hours here viewing all the different exhibits (or more time if you check out the shows and IMAX Movies). But even if you miss the shows the trainers are up top feeding the dolphins and orcas at all hours. If you're also visiting Osaka you might want to check out the Kaiyukan Aquarium instead since it is the better of the two and has the same admission price.

For more info: Nagoya Aquarium English Guide

What you looking at?

Nagoya City Science Museum

This place is a 5 minute ride from Nagoya Station on the Subway. Take the Higashiyama Line to Fushimi Station and follow the signs. Admission is 400 or 800 yen depending on if you visit the Planetarium or not. Both are closed on Mondays except for National Holidays.

Ferocious Predators

The Science Museum opened in 1967 but feels very up to date including the recently expanded Planetarium. There are seven floors that are each dedicated to different scientific fields. For example, the third floor deals with mechanics and technology. And on the fifth floor are exhibits on the Secrets of Life which explore human physiology. But be warned. In that exhibit is a video of a live human birth, one I wish I had turned away from sooner.

Balls

Baby in Womb

The big attractions in the museum are the three labs. One creates a 9-meter high tornado, the second is the Deep Freezing Lab that creates an green aurora. That is definitely something you do not see every day. And lastly, is the Electric Discharge Lab where visitors can marvel at electricity as it shoots between giant Tesla coils. For that last lab you might have to line up to get a free ticket for the scheduled showings. It depends on how crowded the place is.

Tornado

Molecular Structure

Kids at a Temporary Exhibit

Mini Downtown Nagoya

The number one draw, however, is the Planetarium. It is the world's largest and highest quality dome. The show I saw presented the scale and scope of the universe going from the Milky Way to the Local Group of galaxies to the filament like Superclusters that spread outward in every direction. The planetarium's showings fill up quick so you will need to get tickets a few hours in advance on most days. Also, keep in mind that these showings are in Japanese without any subtitles or foreign language audio guides.

The Old Planetarium Projector

Seeing Celestial Bodies

Kids Factor: The Wonders of Science Exhibit on the 2nd Floor is a veritable play ground for children and even has a Kid's Plaza.  There are all manner of puzzles and interactive props that they can fool around with. The Clothing, Food and Housing Exhibit is another fun spot. There are mock ups of buildings with corridors and passages for kids to move through.

Kids hand through the Kaleidoscope

Verdict: The Planetarium alone is worth a visit. But you will likely have to wait for a showing so it's the perfect opportunity to check out the museum side as well. The museum is surprisingly large and the basement sometimes holds additional exhibits--though for an added price. The labs too are interesting, especially the Electric Discharge Lab with the Tesla coils. If you do not feel like waiting in line for the spectacle you can still view it through windows from above.

For more info: Nagoya Science Museum English Website

Epic Battle in the Gift Shop

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

This museum is one stop from Nagoya station on the Meitetsu Line. Get off at Sakou Station, or walk directly from Nagoya station for about 25 minutes. The entry is 500 yen for adults. English audio guides are available for 200 yen. The museum in closed on Mondays except for National Holidays.

Poster of Cars and Looms

This museum covers the history of Toyoda Automatic Loom Works and Toyota Motor Corporation, two companies that were born from Toyoda Industries. The company started out by making looms. However, the founder's son, Kiichiro Toyoda, decided to move into the automotive industry in 1930's to create a car that could compete with American and German automobiles. Thus, the company eventually split. The two halves of the museum cover the history of the different companies.

Looms Galore

Old Wooden Loom

The side with the looms is surprisingly interesting. Toyoda started with wooden looms, but now makes large industrial looms that weave fabric at astounding speeds. On site staff give demonstrations of how they work. And there are some interactive exhibits here as well. Another draw for foreigners is that almost all the descriptive plaques have English translations so you don't need the audio guide.

Bobbins Up Close

Giving a Demonstration

The other half of the museum covers the automotive side of things starting with the design of the the AA Sedan, Toyota's first car. Visitors go through a workshop that shows how the first prototype was made. After that the museum opens up into a big pavilion with cars on display as well as exhibits showing the evolution of the automotive construction process and parts development.

Body Design

Posing with the AA Sedan

Automobile Pavilion

Toyota's AA Sedan was not much of a success because it was too expensive for the average Japanese household to afford. The Crown introduced in the 1955 was the first Toyota car to achieve widespread use. It was basically a car put on a truck's chassis. This allowed it to handle the many unpaved roads of the time. The exhibits go into the histories of the many automotive lines including those that became popular in America and elsewhere.

The Crown, Toyota's first mass produced car

Automated Assembly Line

Pouring Metal 

Chassis and Engine

Kids Factor: You wouldn't think this museum offers much for children but it does. First it has a place for kids to build little toy models of the AA Sedan. On top of that there is Technoland and its interactive exhibits. The big one is the Kids Area with the enclosed jungle gym. Right next to that is the Techno Circuit where kids (above preschool age) can ride around on little electric carts. And this is all included in the standard admission price!

Good luck prying your kids away from this

Verdict: This is personally my favorite museum in the Nagoya Area. It is unlike any other I have been to in the world because Toyota is a unique company. And they have spared no expense in showing off their illustrious history. Moreover, this place is huge and varied in its exhibits. You get everything from giant steam engines to a machine that mounts engines on a car's chassis. If you have only time to visit one of these places, this is the one I'd recommend.

For more info: Toyota Commemorative Museum English Website

Toyota's rival to Honda's ASIMO

SCMaglev and Railway Park

This one is a direct shot from Nagoya Station on the Aonami Line. Take the train for about 25 minutes to Kinjofuto Station. The price of admission is 700 yen for adults. It is closed on Tuesdays except for National Holidays. They have audio guides in English for 500 yen.

Retired Bullet Trains

This is the newest of the places on this list. It opened in March 2011 and has been very successful in drawing visitors. It is operated by the Central Japan Railway Company and has 39 full-sized trains on display ranging from bullet trains to a steam locomotives. And of course there is a prototype of the Maglev car which is in current development. The maglev line is expected to go into operation between Tokyo and Nagoya sometime around 2027.

Small Model of the Maglev Train

Locomotive Power

If you like trains this is the place for you. Several of the carts are accessible to visitors, and parts such as brakes and wheels are on individual display. There is also an exhibit that shows the history of trains in Japan from when Europeans first introduced them in the 1870's. In this same exhibit area is an expansive toy train track with scale models of famous landmarks from around the country.

From Above 

Inside an Old School Train Cart

Scale Model of Nagoya Station and Castle

First Train in Japan

One thing I liked about this place is that it faces the harbor and you can view the Isewangan Bridge. Moreover, there is an outdoor area with Train 114. Visitors are allowed to sit in the cart and eat while viewing the harbor. This museum actually lets you take in your own food and drinks, so plan ahead and bring a nice meal. Or you could buy something at the restaurant and take it outside.

Isegawan Bridge

Train 114

If you have ever wondered what it is like to be the conductor of a bullet train you can try out the train simulator for an additional fee of 500 yen. It is a fancy set up with a large 180-degree screen. I was tempted to do it but passed. Still, the simulator is there for those who are interested.

Big Wheels

Simulator

Old Models Lined Up

Kids Factor:  There is Kid's Playroom where children can run wild and play with train toys and tracks. Parents are also welcome to join them in the play area. 

Fun Times

Verdict:  Whether you are interested in trains or not, this place is worth a visit. Japan has a storied and complex history of railway use, and you can see it firsthand at this museum. The only other place like it is the Railway Museum in Maebashi, Saitama which is older and smaller.

For more info: SCMaglev Park English Website

Riding the real train back to Nagoya Station

In Conclusion

Each of these places would make for a fine outing, and none of them requires more than 4 hours (Yes, even for those of you obsessed with seeing every little thing). Plus they are all family friendly. So you could make a morning or afternoon out of it. In that case you could see two in the same day. Or why not check one out after Nagoya Castle? Mix it up to see all that Nagoya has to offer. I'd recommend the Toyota Commemorative Museum and after that the SCMaglev Park. In the end though, it depends on you and your interests. Just go. That's what counts.