Not the kind of photo I usually take. It’s a rather cliched one to say the least. But on the rare occasion I do find myself gazing down on Tokyo, the truly massive size of the city never fails to impress. Similarly, with all its distinctive areas, and seemingly limitless surprises, I’m always amazed that this incredible and truly sprawling metropolis has somehow become home. Yet perhaps more than anything, looking down it’s hard not to think about the infinitely varied lives of all those many millions of other people who call it home too.
An old Japanese entertainment district before opening time
The relaxing nature of local train travel in Japan
Fashionable Tokyo looks
A mostly abandoned old drinking alleyway
Situated near a busy train station, this distinctive looking old alleyway was presumably once full of inebriated salarymen partaking in post-work drinks. Just one half of a block that way back when boasted numerous bars and eateries. These days, however, it’s falling apart and mostly shuttered up, with merriment now only existing in gradually fading memories.
A retro Tokyo bar and the man who runs it
The bar below is one I have a real soft spot for. Partly because of how it looks, but mostly due to this photograph I took through the window several years ago. An affection that has now increased further after meeting the lovely fella who runs it. A man as warm and welcoming as the establishment he presides over.