Last month I posted some photographs taken around the town of Muroran, Hokkaido, back in 2014.
This most northern of Japan’s prefectures is best known for its natural beauty, but on that first visit I also discovered several of the island’s many faded towns and settlements — locations that for me at least are much more interesting than the aforementioned scenery.
So here then is a selection of photos from a journey through east Hokkaido by local train in the summer of 2019.
Steve says
Great set but I can’t stop looking at the last picture. So poignant.
Lee says
Thanks a lot. Yes, there was something about that solitary chair looking out onto the dreary view.
Matthias says
What is a Television Club?
Matthias says
I meant Telephone Club, sorry.
Lee says
That was my reaction when I saw it too. Something I’d never heard of before. I did, however, suspect it was something dodgy, and sure enough it is: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telekura
Matthias says
Thank you for this information. I think the sign looks quite new for such an old fashioned … ‘institution’. But I understand from the article that Telekura has evolved from ‘renting a phone booth’ to renting a mobile phone… Anyway, dodgy it is. Thanks again and best greetings!
Lee says
You are very welcome. Yeah, it was interesting to see how they had adapted to changing times. A surprise though that they are still going, but presumably they cater to an older crowd.
cdilla says
A great collection from a different world.
The third from last! How is it still standing. The squiffness of the non-verticals hurts my eyes. It could have fallen off Howls Moving Castle. I love the detail of the nailed on wooden “plaster” over the nexus of large cracks.
Maybe I’m just having a bad day, but I’m finding it hard to see much charm in the decay here. It looks more bleak and abandoned than old and careworn.
Lee says
Thanks a lot.
I know eh? I’d like to know if it’s still there. Probably is to be honest, despite its precarious state.
That’s a very fair call. Many parts of Hokkaido are definitely more bleak than just careworn. A combination of the declining population and very harsh climate.
Richard says
Thanks for these. I suspect that the harsh winters cause more decay, if not damage, to the buildings on Hokkaido.
I hope your trip continues to go well
Lee says
You are very welcome. Yeah, the winters are long and harsh, so they clearly take their toll.
Cheers. Last day today, so I’ll be making the long journey back tomorrow…
Richard says
Safe travels!!
I hope your trip has been good for your soul. And that your re-entry to life in Japan goes well.
Lee says
Thanks ever so much, Richard. Yes, it was exactly what I needed. A real help.
A bit of a change being back, but that’s not a surprise given the heat and jet lag. That said, once I pick my pet up from my friend’s tomorrow, things should feel a lot more normal. Very quiet without him…