I’ve already posted a couple of series from a recent road trip to central Japan. One documenting a quiet town and its long unused public bath, plus another exploring a truly fascinating street lined with abandoned pre-war houses.
This set, however, is slightly different, as it doesn’t have a distinct theme or location. Instead, it’s a collection of scenes and moments that provide a good sense of what I saw and experienced. Brief glimpses of places that are reminiscent of so much of Japan, and yet despite that they still possess a unique atmosphere all their own.
Steve says
Very cool set. I love the inclusion of abandoned and overgrown.
Lee says
Thanks a lot. I was very happy to find that abandoned place. Saw it by chance through the train window so went back for a look. Definitely didn’t disappoint.
Denise says
The left behind toy motorcycle……….. 🙁
Lee says
I know eh? That was quite something.
Jen in NZ says
Wow. What a rewarding trip. Some real corkers here.
No. 12 is amazing – a dystopian setting pretending to be bright and happy?? The timing on no.11 is incredible – what are the chances of the watering can matching the wall?!
Also the bright green house – clearly a lady who enjoys colour. I can’t stop looking at the handpainted “don’t park in front of the garage” sign – whoever painted it may not be a calligrapher but geez, what an effort!
Lee says
Thanks a lot. Yeah, it was really interesting and very productive.
Those were my thoughts too about the bright but yet dystopian scene, and yes the matching watering can colour was a lovely little extra.
Haha, yeah, you can’t knock the effort at all!
cdilla says
So many sights. I really like the early evening photograph featuring one lit and one unlit shopfront. There is a real atmosphere about it. The lit one sure makes you want to stick around 🙂
Lee says
Thank you. Yeah, I was really taken by that scene too. Wanted someone to walk past, then the neighbour appeared which was even better.
Eastern Branch says
Do local governments lack the ability to compel property owners to do maintenance or raze via increased tax rates / citation, etc.? Serious dilapidation and firetrap / verge-of-collapse properties seem common. Suggests the towns themselves are not far behind as the tax base erodes.
Lee says
That’s a very good question, but one I know nothing about. It would appear they don’t have the ability though, especially as you say, such structures are really common. And yeah, it’s hard to see how many towns will be able to survive in the future with an ever dwindling number of tax payers…
scruffy says
Nice set. Particularly photo #4. To think there was a point in the past when the style was considered modern. Somehow this building reminds me of childhood family road trips. In a good way.
Using google lens to read the signage it seems to be a cross between a pancake place and something to do with gaming? Explanations welcome. Sort of reminds me of a grocery store.
Lee says
Thank you.
That place was quite something. Spotted it from the train so went back. Very happy I did, and the light was fortunately just right.
It was a roadside stop place, so definitely fits in with the memories it brought back.
A mixture of stuff really. An okonomiyaki restaurant, pool tables, and karaoke. Presumably some games machines too. No idea when it closed, but clearly a long time ago. There were also a few other similar-ish places along the road. All similarly long abandoned.