Seeing as they aren’t 70s-styled, 3 stripe sporting, sneakers, these aren’t the kind of things I’d happily put on to pop downtown in.
But, found in an old farmhouse, in fading light, they were really quite fetching.
Old farmhouse footwear
Kimono contemplation
As much as I love walking around Tokyo, it’s not, in most parts at least, the prettiest city in the world. But, with so many people milling about, there are always going to be moments — even if they are very brief — of beauty.
Like this young woman for example.
Quietly contemplating.
On a bridge.
In a kimono.
A frozen lake near Mount Fuji
Apart from the odd bitterly cold day, this winter has felt unusually mild, and the last few days of February in particular were positively balmy — even colouring my pasty complexion a little pink.
However, up near Mount Fuji, it has obviously been anything but, with ice forming on some of the mountain’s famous five lakes. A covering that’s surprisingly thick too, meaning those fishermen whose boats are berthed on the east side of Lake Yamanaka must struggle to merely get moving.
And that’s before they can even think about finding some fish.
A relaxing saunter around Asakusa
For some people, running an incredible number of kilometres on a Sunday is what’s really called for, whereas for others, a pleasant potter about in Asakusa is much more preferable. A spot where the varied sights and eccentricities are still capable of bringing a smile to a face that has seen it all so many times before.
Tokyo Marathon 2011
Merely the mention of a marathon — unless the sentence also involves the words drinking and session — is more than enough to make me weak at the knees, so for those who actually do them, I have nothing but the utmost respect. And especially so, like in today’s Tokyo Marathon, when they tackle the challenge with incredible good humour.
Not to mention equally incredible costumes.
For some on the sidelines, however, simply watching was way too much.
Whereas for others, not only competing, but also completing the course, can become a huge cross to bear.
