9-27-2010

These castle-like blocks are common throughout Japan.  They are frequently used to make retaining walls, but sometimes are also the sides of buildings.  The rough surfaces of these stones are perfect places for moss and other things to grow.

9-25-2010

Believe it or not, this is how the entire area around Takao station is paved.  The texture is pretty cool.

9-13-2010

The buildings here often have this odd, textured coating over them.  It's not quite stucco and it's not quite paint.   Sometimes I wonder if someone was trying to hide something.

9-6-2010

Wish I could say the bamboo is dried out due to the heat because it sure feels like it would be, but this is a fence.  It's also not in Tokyo, but the heat in Japan right now is unnaturally unbearable.  This year we're hitting record highs...and when the hottest day of the year is September 4th that's not normal.

8-28-2010

As is often true after I travel, I didn't do much today.  Here's more from the shrine in Osaka.  I have no idea what the purpose of these stones is, but they look neat.  maybe it's the style of the stone that I like so much.  It's amazingly photogenic and old-looking.  The ones in Tokyo never seem to photograph so well.  Maybe it's an age thing.

Edit: I've been told that these are the donors who funded construction.

8-1-2010

Ginza is a famously expensive shopping area, but if you know where to look things can be reasonably priced.  This jewelry display was 50% off all the necklaces and bracelets and such, putting most things squarely in the 500-1000 yen range.  Sparkly beads and stones are always fun to look at though, even if you aren't buying.

7-24-2010

This time of year in Tokyo it's hot enough that you wish you could hide out anywhere away from the heat.  Unfortunately, that's not always possible and you find yourself blinded by sunlight and barely coherent while staring at the bushes.

At least it's not raining every day anymore.

7-21-2010

In Kyoto there's an area called Gion.  Before WWII it was a major entertainment center, famous for the best Geisha in Japan.  All of the buildings there are sided with lovely wooden panels.

7-5-2010

Even the sidewalk tiles are decorative sometimes. These caught my eye in Osaka.

7-3-2010

Most of the exterior walls that aren't some sort of brick or tile are covered with a stucco-like texture that's been painted over.

5-24-2010

Some of the buildings have cool textures on the walls.  Cities are such great places.