This fabulously dated bit of Tokyo’s subway system has featured on Tokyo Times before. A fascinating taste of the past that somehow still survives amidst the network’s otherwise modern and mostly immaculate passageways. Parts of it remain unchanged for decades, with the DVD shop in particular a real novelty in this day and age, especially as it rather comically still boasts a slightly tucked away selection of adult titles. That said, a good number of businesses have changed over the years, with the bars featured here now looking quite different. The same goes for the oddly located vending machine, which was removed a while ago, and the abandoned space at the side of it is now incorporated into a cool little clothes shop.
However, such changes aside, its unique atmosphere remains intact, making it like nowhere else in the city, let alone just the subway system. The same goes for its distinctive smell too — a rather less appealing feature that can be particularly pungent during the summer months.
Finally, many of these photos were used in the last set, but others are new, or just new additions. A series of images prompted by the area appearing in Perfect Days, Wim Wenders latest film. An apt spot in so many ways, and a title very much befitting this truly wonderful location.