We love the look of this traditional fan store located in the heart of Arashiyama. Everything about it is Japanese.
Romance Car Bento
The Odakyu line Romance car from Tokyo to Hakone is memorialized in a souvenir bento box lunch that you can enjoy on your journey.
Yakatabune boats
These boats offer scenic dinner cruises on the Sumida river in Tokyo.
Blast from the Past
Elevator attendents have gone the way of the buggy whip and dial phone in the US, but in Japan, the major department stores still have a staff of lovely young ladies who bow to guests and push the floor buttons in their main bank of elevators. See one in action HERE.
Reflecting Fish
The vibrant red, green and yellow ceiling lights of Nishiki market are reflected in the cellophane wrapping of these dried fish on display.
Not just the women are into shoes
These spike enhanced boots were seen on the Shinkansen train to Tokyo. Shoe fashion in Japan is for both men and women.
Nakamise Dori Banners
The Nakamise Dori street entrance to Senso-ji Temple is lined with tourist shops and often displays seasonal or topical decorations, from cherry blossoms to autumn leaves and banners
Hakone Warning
The Hakone area, and Owakudani Hot Springs are an active volcanic area (and sometimes close down when there is significant activity). Visitors to the area see this warning sign when arriving in the area.
Takashimaya Directions
The Takashimaya department store is such a landmark that it merits it’s own mention on the direction signs in a subway train station several blocks away.
Hello Kitty Pressed Penny
If you are a pressed penny collector, here’s one of the most unique we’ve found – the Hello Kitty pressing; offered near Fushimi Inari shrine in Kyoto.
Old Tokaido Road
The Tokaido Road goes through Hakone and the Odawara area. While the best known portion is in Hakone, other parts of the original road can be found with a little sleuthing.
Takashimaya Elevator Girl
Major Japanese department stores in Tokyo still have a full complement of staff running main bank of elevators for their patrons. Careful training in arm blocking, button pushing and bowing are a prerequesite for the job.
Fushimi Filter
Just for fun, we decided to see take a photo of the Fushimi entrance through our sunglasses. Compare this with the true color and you can get a sense of the distortion you experience when you where sunglasses all the time.
Geisha Vending Machine
No, you can’t get a geisha from one of Japan’s famous and ubiquitous vending machines, but the city of Kyoto encourages vendors to make use of their iconic image for some street decoration. This one was in a parking lot.
Tokyo at Night
The lights of Tokyo extend far into the distance on a beautiful, clear night.
Rainy Day Shrine
Hakone Shrine’s torii gate stands guard over Lake Ashi on this rainy day.
Nishiki Shrine
Right in the heart of Nishiki Market, with all its crowds and food vendors, you can find a moment respite in the local shrine.
Plaid Shoes
OK, so we have a bit of a shoe fetish in Japan. There are just SO MANY unusual offerings. We spotted this pair of plaid shoes on an escalator in Tokyo.
Pet Clothing Galore
The shops on Nakamise dori offer a wide range of unusual items. This one specializes in pet clothing, for the well-dressed pet. There’s everything from sparkly collars to full ensembles for the well-turned out dog.
Where Does the Money Go?
Japan is known for it’s vending machines, which offer just about everything at all hours of the day and night. This one has an non-Japanese speaker puzzled though – where DO you put the money?