In the Ginza

Posted on September 22, 2016 by Ginger

Tokyo subways are wonderrful. We took them everywhere. With few exceptions <cough, cough, Shibuya>, the signs are clear, the stations well marked, and even which exits lead where are clearly indicated. And it’s always surprising, when you leave the station at a new destination, what it’s going to look like. It could be the rather daunting so-called “pedestrian scramble” at Shibuya, for example.

Or it could be the sophisticaed shopping district of Ginza.

On the main street of Ginza, name brands and high-end developers can afford to build eye-catching buildings.

In the narrower side streets, interesting shops, must make their presence known with banners and vertical signs.

inside one shop, we found this intriguing glass ceiling.

But what’s inside another store must wait for another post!

How to Touch Statues

Posted on September 18, 2016 by Ginger

Our neighborhood in Kyoto, Higashiyama, is full of shrines, large and small, as well as a few notable temples. A shrine by the side of the street where we were walking contained this toddler-sized and friendly-looking statue, along with an explanatory sign.

Now, perhaps it never crossed your mind to touch this statue. You wouldn’t be alone! But if you did feel that gentle stirring in your heart, you may wish to reach out to this likable statue, and if so, you may think you know everything you need to know about how to touch him. But you might be surprised to learn that there’s more to it. Fortunately, it has all been explained for you. Here’s how:

Looking up and down in Kanazawa

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Ginger

We’ve been walking around in Kanazawa a lot in the last two days, and there’s a lot to like here. So it seems strange to start with smaller details, leaving the larger streetscape undescribed–but that’s what I’m going to do. Mostly, we look around us and report on what’s at eye level, more or less. But here are a few photos of what’s underfoot and overhead.

First, watch where you step! Here’s a cute and colorful manhole cover!

Walk a few blocks, and there are some old temples with beautifully carved wooden gateways. Look up! Here are some of the carving details.

The Little Street of Unbearable Cuteness

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Ginger

Late in the afternoon of our first full day in Tokyo, having seen how big and modern Tokyo can be, we headed to a small district that retains much of the texture of pre-WWII Tokyo–smaller houses, narrower streets, no high rises. And its own pedestrian shopping street.