Tranquil time out

Walking home in western Tokyo, with Mount Fuji making a cheery change from the considerably more common concrete.

In a little under 90 minutes from Tokyo, there’s no concrete, congestion or even convenience stores. Which, every now and again, is very nice indeed.

Necessary even.

Like many Japanese, I will probably celebrate the beginning of the new year by visiting a shrine as, if nothing else, it certainly beats shopping.

However, such cynicism aside, the tranquility of such a place is admittedly perfect for reflecting on the year gone by and, at the same time, quietly considering what 2008 may bring.

Happy New Year!

Winter in Japan is not exactly wonderful, with the vast majority of Tokyo’s homes being far from toasty; the idea of central heating or insulation seemingly seen as rather silly — surplus to requirements even.

That said, the season’s clearer skies do bring a little colour as well as the cold, particularly in the guise of Japan’s famous and fantastically formed Fuji. Which, with its almost perfect conical appearance, can warm at least the cockles of even the most cold-hearted of curmudgeons.

For maybe a minute or two.

(click image for full-sized Fuji)

When Japan makes the jump into 2008, this basic little shrine bell will be ringing like there’s no tomorrow — or even yesterday.

But for now, all is calm and quiet, with nothing to disturb it except the odd foreigner taking furtive photos.