Tokyo Times

The regular posting of faded structures on these pages goes some way in showing how much of Japan is a far cry from the futuristic archipelago it’s often presented as. Dated sights that aren’t uncommon in Tokyo, but head away from the capital, along with the country’s other major hubs, and such scenery is much more the norm than any kind of exception. Areas that were once busy and prosperous, but are now quiet and merely passed by rather than purposely visited. These then are the exteriors, along with a couple of abandoned interiors, of one such area in southern Japan.

Some photographs don’t really work as parts of sets or stories, so this is a collection of varied scenes and interactions from several recent wanders. Images that while unconnected, hopefully still provide an interesting look at daily life in some of Tokyo’s quiet and peaceful suburbs.

In suburban Tokyo, the bicycle is a convenient mode of transportion for millions. From shopping to commuting, and everything in between, bikes are absolutely everywhere.

With so many in use then, it’s inevitable that a good number of them get left behind. Trusty, basket boasting steeds that for one reason or another were deemed surplus to requirements. These then are just some of the machines destined never to be ridden again.

For something similar, but also slightly different, here are the colours and scenes of this year’s spring.

There are many photos from this neighbourhood on Tokyo Times. It’s an area I go to a lot by myself, and with customers on my photowalk tours, as it’s genuinely like nowhere else in the entire city. Also, despite the changes it’s going through, there’s still so much to see and enjoy. A location that’s old, but visiting never gets old, with each outing offering different light, sights and interactions. So here then are some more images from a very recent wander.