Tokyo Times

Photographs from a small group of islands

Photography

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The clutter and cramped conditions of a Tokyo restaurant kitchen

For a country obsessed with rules, regulations and infuriatingly convoluted ways of doing unimportant things, Japan is oddly lax when it comes to the likes of food hygiene. Small eateries that’d be shutdown in a heartbeat in other regions, or old places with cooking appliances that haven’t experienced a good scrub in decades, are oddly commonplace. In fact they thrive, with the grime arguably adding to the gourmet experience.

And the same goes for slightly larger concerns. The clutter, cramped conditions and relative uncleanliness are just accepted. Or if not accepted, then at least ignored.

cluttered Tokyo restaurant kitchen

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Walking home alone in Japan

It goes without saying that there is violent crime in Japan. Some of it pretty horrific too. But generally, and particularly so when compared to many other countries, it is incredibly safe. No-go areas simply don’t exist, and women can happily walk home alone. Although at least as far as the latter goes, some places are certainly more reassuring than others.

walking home alone in Japan

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An off course cargo ship bound for Kobe

As an infrequent sea traveller, the ferry to Nokogiriyama (Saw Mountain) seemed really quite large. There were a good number of vehicles on board, not to mention all the passengers. Plus there were several lounges to choose from — even a VIP room still wonderfully set in the 1970s.

But it suddenly seemed absolutely tiny when this hulking beast lumbered past. Its cargo bound for Kobe by all accounts. Or at least it was once it had been carefully nudged back on course.

cargo ship in Japan headed for Kobe