Photographs from a small group of islands
Bath time is hugely important in Japan, and arguably even more so when it’s of the public and natural variety — the soothing volcanic water and communal element making it a key feature of tourism as well as everyday life.
But while many hotels boast beautifully designed baths with absolutely stunning views, the back-to-basics approach of a tub and some companions clearly takes some beating.
No singing. No dancing. Just sitting — in silence.
Much is made of Japan’s high-tech cities and the nation’s love of gadgets, but an awful lot of day-to-day life remains stuck very much in the past. And nowhere is this more apparent than in the home. A place where very often even basics along the lines of insulation and double glazing are inventions to be merely marvelled at, than actually made use of.
Such uncomfortable omissions, particularly in older houses and apartments, making the whole experience somewhat akin to camping — only colder. And yet even such inadequacies don’t come close to a lack of roofing or walls.
Although to be fair, there is running water. Lots of it too.
In a welcome sun spot. On a bitterly cold day. Kyoto’s Nanzen-ji provided the perfect place to ponder the year that had almost passed, and make plans for the one quickly approaching.
With 2012 coming to a close, it’s time once again to post a few of my favourite photographs from the previous 12 months. A year that saw me, with camera in hand, criss-cross the capital on countless occasions; each and every time hoping to preserve a special moment or emotion. A quest that, it goes without saying, generally failed, but it was always fun trying — always will be too.
But whether in some way successful, or simply special to me, these are my favourites. They aren’t in any special order, just divided into monochrome and colour, with each set laid out chronologically. Also, clicking on a photo will take you to the original post.
And together they wrap up Tokyo Times for 2012. So, until January, all the very best for 2013!
