In what is little more than a converted shed situated beside a suburban station’s bicycle parking space, several men of a certain age regularly gather to drink and eat. The place probably seats about seven. Any more would be uncomfortable cozy. And the toilet is in another shed at the other end of the bike park.
But these aspects are simply a part of its charm. As is the owner, who for the last twenty years or so has served drinks, chatted amiably and cooked simple, very reasonably priced food. All done after a daytime cleaning job at a nearby private school. A tough life it would seem, but one she simply gets on with.
Linda says
Sometimes I wish you offered a tour guide service. Is that crazy?
Lee says
To be honest, not really. Or at least not to some people, as I’ve been asked numerous times.
I honestly enjoy showing people places I’ve found too. Especially if they get a kick out of it like I do. But I think my main reservation is I initially found those places by just heading out and wandering whenever and wherever the mood or possible photographic opportunities took me. Not being able to do that could, I feel, become quite frustrating.
But that’s probably overthinking a bit too much. So maybe it’s something I should consider…
June says
As well as a book of your wonderful photos!
Lee says
Thank you. Now that would be something!
Hans ter Horst says
I quite often get questions from repeat visitors to Japan on what to do next after having done the Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka-Tokyo loop the first time they visited. I recommend to visit the country side (and not just Takayama), do a temple stay at Taiyoji Temple and most importantly, get into the old areas of Tokyo and make sure to eat there. Usually people are too scared to do the latter but the ones who do, come back with great experiences and stories.
Long story short, a book that would lower the threshold for people to enjoy that part of Japan would be a great idea, and I think you can do it Lee!
Lee says
Thank you very much. That’s very kind of you to say so. I’m not sure the artistry is always there, but I’ve definitely built up a fairly extensive document of such places. Places that sadly won’t last forever as well…
Totally agree with you in regards such places. A very different experience than the usual spots, and like you say, almost always a thoroughly enjoyable one.