Traditional shotengai (shopping streets) are everywhere in Tokyo. Areas both big and small that are always interesting due to their independent little stores and eateries. For me personally, however, it’s the older and decidedly rundown ones that are the most appealing, and due to the people in particular, they are places well worth regular re-visits. An approach that allows for a more accurate and thorough document of both the streets and their structures.
That desire to return again and again was something I felt keenly when in Osaka recently, as the dated shotengai there are truly fascinating. Long, criss-crossing and mostly covered streets that while similar to those in the capital, also feel quite different. Routes that I walked back and forth for days. A period of time that was both fulfilling and, it has to be said, slightly frustrating, as the more I saw, the more I wanted to return. Unfortunately that won’t be anytime soon, so until I do, here is a small taste of what I witnessed.
Steve says
These are interesting. If I didn’t know I would think they were from many years ago.
Lee says
Cheers. Yeah, definitely a very dated feel and look to these streets. A part of the city that has barely changed in decades.
cdilla says
What a treasure you found there. The money shot has to be the last one. The sunlit street is stunning. But I have to say the colour photo sign above the toy shop is the standout element for me. Happily I have a fair bit of free time to give this collection some close inspection 🙂
8 degrees C this morning when I got up! Brisk.
Lee says
Thanks a lot. That last shot turned out way better than expected. Just that one, quickly taken frame when I turned the corner. The colour photo corner on the other hand caused me to stop and wait. Wanted the right person in the frame with it.
Yes, I’ve been surprised how chilly it is at times here. Very different from Tokyo that’s for sure.
YesterdaysHero says
There is so much life and history in these scenes. This is good and important work Lee. Thank you. I hope you can keep returning before it disappears.
Lee says
Thanks a lot, and you are very welcome. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. So much to see. And cheers, do hope so.
Richard says
Great photos, thanks! Are so many shops shuttered because it was early in the day? Or because they have gone out of business? We went through such a place in Osaka and found that about half of the shops had gone out of business. Sad to see.
I, too, like the last shot the best.
Lee says
Thanks a lot. That last one definitely turned out better than expected.
Same as your experience. They have gone out of business. Always amazes me how common that is in Japan, and very often in major cities.
Damien says
A really enjoyable series/study Lee. The golden light of the end or start of the day at the fringes of these shotengai that you’ve captured is really lovely. Hope you can get back to Osaka some time soon to continue mining those charmingly decaying neighbourhoods. Thanks for sharing.
Lee says
Thanks a lot. It was especially nice to have that last shot to end the set. Felt very apt.
Cheers. I do hope so. There’s so much to see and experience there.