This fabulously dated bit of Tokyo’s subway system has featured on Tokyo Times before. A fascinating taste of the past that somehow still survives amidst the network’s otherwise modern and mostly immaculate passageways. Parts of it remain unchanged for decades, with the DVD shop in particular a real novelty in this day and age, especially as it rather comically still boasts a slightly tucked away selection of adult titles. That said, a good number of businesses have changed over the years, with the bars featured here now looking quite different. The same goes for the oddly located vending machine, which was removed a while ago, and the abandoned space at the side of it is now incorporated into a cool little clothes shop.
However, such changes aside, its unique atmosphere remains intact, making it like nowhere else in the city, let alone just the subway system. The same goes for its distinctive smell too — a rather less appealing feature that can be particularly pungent during the summer months.
Finally, many of these photos were used in the last set, but others are new, or just new additions. A series of images prompted by the area appearing in Perfect Days, Wim Wenders latest film. An apt spot in so many ways, and a title very much befitting this truly wonderful location.
YesterdaysHero says
Thanks for these Lee. I’m looking forward to the movie. This gives me something extra to look out for.
Lee says
You are very welcome. Always a treat to drop by here.
Enjoy the film.
Wes says
Gotta wonder which dvd the guy bought! 🙂
Lee says
Haha, yes, I didn’t wait to find out!
Ken C says
That is such a tourist area you would think it would be pristine. I will be back over there next month.
Lee says
Yeah, its location makes it even more special/unusual. Long may it remain that way too.
Oh, nice one. Enjoy your time over here.
cdilla says
A great collection. Your words, eye and camera really pull out the atmosphere.
I still can’t believe how long it took me to find the place (with your eventual almost literally hand holding :-)) even though I had walked past the entrance many times, sometimes even whilst looking for it!
Very much looking forward to seeing Perfect Days. Hope it get’s a win at the Oscars.
Wim Wenders is such an underrated director. A few years ago some random bit of music on a taxi drivers radio sparked a long appreciative conversation about the man and his films, I don’t think either of us could believe we’d come across someone else of a similar mind. Guys refused to accept payment for the fare, said the chat had been more than enough reward.
Lee says
Thanks a lot. The result of many visits. Countless ones if I’m being truly honest.
The main thing is you finally got to see it. Hopefully there’ll be many more times too.
That’s brilliant. An experience neither of you will probably have again. One to savour for sure.
Andrew Graham says
Definitely one of my favourite locations I visited. I’m going to print and frame the shot of those electric boxes next to that leaking roof with that fantastic repair of the funnel and hose snaking around those boxes.
As always I love your images and they capture the true Tokyo.
Lee says
Thank you very much. Definitely the side of Tokyo I prefer.
Those little details are fabulous, aren’t they. So patched up and grubby. A true delight.
Chris Isherwood says
I love the Buddhist priest checking out the porn video section….
MK says
I don’t think that was the porn section (is it?). It was the other guy. 🙂
cdilla says
Looks like a crime section. At least the DVD facing is. A 1947 film directed by Sadatsugu Matsuda. The second of a series of 13 films with the same detective main character.
What a wonderful age we live in to have free access to translators, wikipedia and IMDB.
Lee says
In all honesty I was hoping he’d venture over to the adult section. That would have made a great photo. But no, his interests were far more sophisticated.
YTSL says
Thanks for confirming this being used as a movie location in “Perfect Days”. I THOUGHT I recognised that rock! 🙂
Lee says
My pleasure. Glad you recognised it. Such a great location.