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Apr 27 2021 8 Comments

Kimono reflections in a crumbling section of Tokyo’s subway system

This fantastically old and crumbling section of Tokyo’s subway system is a firm favourite of mine. It’s patched up beyond belief, there’s piping all over the place, and even if you don’t see them, you can hear rats running around behind the wall panels. Oh, and there’s that bit of protruding rock in the background too. A wonderfully unintended feature that was a key part of another kimono photo I took back in 2018. It’s here if you’d like to see it.

Opting to try and incorporate the mirror rather than an immovable object this time, I was lucky enough to witness a kimono wearer once again. A scene that, were it not for the mask, could arguably have been taken decades, rather than just days ago.

tokyo kimono reflections

Categorized: Culture, Photography

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sean says

    4/27/2021 at 10:42 am

    Awesome location and timing! How long did you have to wait?

    Reply
    • Lee says

      4/27/2021 at 8:19 pm

      Thanks, and yeah, it really is a great little spot. As for waiting, luckily not very long at all. Probably only about 10 minutes or so.

      Reply
  2. Rob says

    4/27/2021 at 9:19 pm

    Great location – I can understand why you’re so fond of it.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      4/28/2021 at 2:18 pm

      Cheers. Good to know it’s not just me. It’s not so clean and doesn’t smell the best either, but it’s like nowhere else in the subway system. Or anywhere else I’ve found in the whole city for that matter.

      Reply
  3. Richard says

    4/28/2021 at 1:32 am

    Heartwarming to see that NOT everywhere in Tokyo is clean and spanking new. Great use of the mirror!

    Reply
    • Lee says

      4/28/2021 at 2:21 pm

      Cheers! Yes, couldn’t agree more. The contrast between this section and the brand new part by the ticket gates is incredible. It almost feels like stepping into. a different world, let alone just a different time.

      Reply
  4. cdilla says

    4/29/2021 at 6:50 am

    Wonderful to see that rock again. I really must make it a priority to pay my respects on our next visit.
    There may be some grime about, but that mirror looks immaculate.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      4/29/2021 at 5:20 pm

      Yes, you really should. It’s a very special place to say the least.

      That’s a very good call. Hadn’t thought about that. It has clearly been changed and/or gets a thorough cleaning every day.

      Reply

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