Tokyo’s subway network is mostly modern and clean. As are the maze-like passageways and entrances its millions of passengers need to make their way through. The combination of which makes for an efficient, but at the same time far from interesting, experience.
In quiet corners, however, some character can be found. Like this set of steps for example. An entrance that almost feels like it’s from a different time, or at the very least a different network.
Denton says
Cool. I like it! 🙂 Great framing as always too!
Lee says
Thanks a lot! Likewise, it’s a genuinely interesting little spot. Just a pity there aren’t a lot more…
cdilla says
It is rather odd to leave it like that. It must be very hard, or performing some kind of structural function. An interesting discovery. I like the way you got the light to reflect of the polished surface. Looks almost like there is metal in there.
Wait. I know what it is. It’s a Mothra egg! No wonder it was left undistrubed. 🙂
Lee says
Haha, that explains it!
It is weird though. Like you mention, why is it shiny? And why on earth is it just left to stick out there? But there again, whatever the answers may be, thank goodness they did just leave it the way it is.
Chung says
I just want to say, I love your photos. Each one sparks a unique feeling associated with Japan.
Keep it up, please 🙂
Lee says
Thank you very much. That’s really good to hear.
Oh, and I’m happy to say that the photos will continue to keep on coming!
Squidpuppy says
Great shot, great find. There’s so much unspoken story in it.
That rock might be part of a Glacial Erratic – an isolated boulder, sometimes called orphan boulders. Often these things are just too massive to deal with, especially if they’re substantially underground, so we just build around them. Do you know if any of it is exposed on the surface? I wonder if it’s an Iwakura, or Shinto sacred rock? Probably not though, since there’d be a Shimenawa rope around it, and there’d be a little fence around it, or something. Looks like, from the old machine tool scars, they tried to deal with it, and then didn’t. I wonder how many people over the years have rubbed it… hence the shine. I’d probably rub it every once in a while if I had to pass it daily LOL
Lee says
Thanks a lot. Great to hear waiting there for someone to appear was worth it.
Very interesting. That could well be it. Cheers for the info. I didn’t actually go up to the surface, so can’t say whether there is anything visible up there. Will check next time I’m in the area.
I agree, probably not a sacred rock, but like you say, that doesn’t seem to have stopped people rubbing it anyway!
GenjiG says
I like entrances like this, in Japan anyway 🙂
There is one in Asakusa too, I think it is some side entrance at Asakusa station. It is really decrepit and smelly (it was anyway) and it leads to a small tunnel with old restaurants. Lovely! 😛
Lee says
That’s my other favourite entrance, but it has been made a bit nicer recently. The smell is still there though, and coincidentally, the photograph above was taken at the end of that tunnel, just after the last of the restaurants.
GenjiG says
Now I really understand why you like it so much, it is indeed a different time! Maybe next time I dare to eat there then 😀
Jon Allen says
I was going to guess that’s where it was.
Lee says
Pretty distinctive, isn’t it? Not like any others I’ve seen.
Those restaurants are always fairly busy, so you’ll be absolutely fine eating there. If you don’t mind the smell that is!
Brad says
Is this one of the entrances at Asakusa station? I seem to remember passing by this spot many years ago thinking it was odd but I cannot remember exactly where it is.
Lee says
Yeah, that’s right. Down an old, wonderfully dated passageway that seems a world away from the crowds and tourist spots.