Tokyo Times

Public baths (sento) used to be an integral part of the daily routine in Tokyo, as well as a similarly key component of community life. Those times, however, are mostly long gone, with changing habits and modern accommodation making bathhouses inconvenient and no longer a necessity.

That said, despite such changes, a good number of sento still remain, providing many people with something of a treat every now and again. A chance to soak in a big bath and take in the retro surroundings.

For many older inhabitants, on the other hand, those past habits still persist, meaning just before opening time there can be quite a gathering. A daily outing that the old lady featured still loves after so many years. 93 years to be exact.

For a bit more context, I’ve also added some interior shots of a different public bath I had the pleasure of photographing last year. Scenes that allow one to appreciate why they remain popular for daily visitors, and those who go less frequently.

On a similarly retro theme, I wanted to add that my friend Giovanni and I are offering a unique, 8 day photography workshop in February next year, covering dated, Showa era Tokyo and Osaka street scenes, along with stunning winter landscapes. So if that sounds of interest, the info is here: Winter Scenery and Old School Streets – Workshop 2026.

A few weeks ago I posted a series of photos from Tokyo’s far west. An area that looks and feels like a different world due to its natural landscapes and sparse population.

Such greenery, however, isn’t restricted to just the capital’s western extremities, as these far more urban photos amply prove. Sightings that are surprisingly common too, as these were are all taken in the last few weeks or so. Natural elements that add so much colour and life to generally mundane, manmade scenes.

This half-century old bookshop in the far west of Tokyo has been a favourite of mine ever since the first photograph taken in 2018. It happened to be closed then, but that didn’t matter in slightest. It’s stunning sign with the added natural backdrop was absolutely everything.

A few years later in the spring of 2022 I took another shot. It was open then and somewhat surprisingly sporting a new awning. There was also an updated phone number which did ever so slightly diminish the sign, but honestly, it still looked incredible.

Returning the other week though I was presented with a very different sight. There wasn’t even a shop, let alone a slightly altered sign. Speaking to the proprietor of the dry cleaning shop opposite, I was told the owner had died 2 1/2 years ago, and due to the building’s age and decidedly ramshackle nature, the decision had been made to demolish it. She also provided me with a very different perspective, adding that while the owner’s death was a sad loss, the shop’s removal had opened up a lovely, wholly unobscured view of the mountain. One she enjoyed seeing every single day. A change then that meant a real and meaningful gain for her, which made for an interesting counterpoint to my no less real, but far less life affecting disappointment.

On overcast days in particular, Tokyo’s seemingly never ending urban sprawl can often appear as grey as it is gargantuan. Head out to the city’s far west, however, and things are different — both in looks and atmosphere. So different in fact that it can be hard to fully grasp that such a green and sparsely populated area is still part of the capital.

These then are photos from a recent walk there. A long walk for sure, but one that started and ended with the ease and convenience of Tokyo’s public transportation network.