A preference for neon, packed trains and teeming entertainment districts are common images of Tokyo — particularly so in foreign media outlets. They are images that don’t lie either, as that’s exactly what places like Shinjuku are like: bright, noisy and often busy beyond belief.
Yet at the same time, much of the city simply isn’t like that. Quite the opposite in fact. It’s quieter. Older in every sense of the word. Plus not nearly so busy. And in many ways, it is all the more interesting for it.
Hans ter Horst says
Great shot, this is the Tokyo I have come to appreciate a lot and quite often you only need to look in the streets behind the glossy, neony shopping streets to already start discovering this face of Tokyo.
Lee says
Cheers!
Yes, likewise. I do have a real soft spot for Shinjuku. Or at least parts of it. But areas like this are where I enjoy walking/exploring the most.
Amos says
Reminds me of walking through the back streets of Nakano when I was looking for a particular, small restaurant. Was a very pleasant place to be in many ways.
Lee says
Yeah, there are some lovely little streets near Nakano station. A great place to wander about.
GenjiG says
I love just walking or cycling through neighborhoods like this. Feels calm and relaxing, like villages in a big city…
Lee says
Villages in a big city is a wonderful description. Sums up the feel of such places perfectly.
Don says
This sort of experience was my favorite thing in central Japan. Excellent shot, Lee!
Lee says
Thanks, Don. Yeah, they really are great places to explore. The longer I’m here, the more they appeal.
Oshida Lucile says
I love these littles streets! You can feel the daily Japan, where live ordinary people! Beautiful photos!
Lee says
Thanks.
Yes, and not only where they live, but for many, where they have lived all their life.
Geoff says
Very cool. I’d love to explore places like this. Like a trip to the past!
Lee says
They are really great places to walk around. Usually very friendly too. The past and present all rolled into one.
willy says
…and they always seems to squeeze in a bit of greenery despite the extreme spacial constraints…
Lovely!
Lee says
Yeah, it’s great what people do with such limited space.