Photographs from a small group of islands
Seeing these two ladies strolling down the street in their matching outfits and similar luggage set up was a lovely, wholly unexpected little treat. A moment that for me at least was further added to by the addition of that awkwardly formal stance many older Japanese adopt when stood in front of a camera.
The slow, decades-long intrusion of Mother Nature, along with the far more destructive behaviour of human beings, have taken a huge toll on this old and incredibly dated love hotel.
Abandoned for many years, it would have been something special without the wanton vandalism, but unless located in the middle of nowhere, that’s always a big ask. Then again, the damage, along with what remains relatively intact, do give the hotel a truly dystopian look and feel, particularly so given its one-time purpose.
An old, seemingly long-closed souvenir shop that in a weird way is now a travel keepsake itself.
The exteriors of some bars and eaters can be surprisingly misleading, but this little yakitori place was equally lovely both inside and out.
In business for half a century or so, and the master-san now nearing his 81st birthday, it’s a bar with history, but also an incredible sense of calm. The latter due to the owner’s laid back nature and endearingly gentle demeanour. All of which made it a wonderfully relaxing place to sit, have a few beers, and on this occasion at least, hear some impromptu music.
