Initially I was a little underwhelmed with this old shopping arcade. The dated signs and rusting freezer were stunning. As was the old school vibe. Yet without an open shop, or a person in the frame, it somehow felt a bit lacking.
The calendars in the one place not shuttered up were recent, but we presumed it was simply used now and again rather than still being a functioning business. And then, as if by magic, the shopkeeper appeared. Turns out is indeed still open (albeit only a few times a week), and the lovely proprietor wasn’t fazed in the slightest by the sight of two foreigners taking photos. Quite the opposite in fact, and she happily chatted away as she set up shop for the day.
Then, to make things even better, a customer from the local area dropped by. She was just as friendly, and hearing about our love of old buildings, we were offered the chance to see her house that dated back to the the early 1920s. An opportunity we simply couldn’t refuse, so she put in her seafood order, and then we went for a tour of her truly stunning home. Afterwards, we returned to the arcade, took a few last photos, and then said our goodbyes. A visit that started off a little bit disappointing, and yet ended up being the complete opposite.
YesterdaysHero says
Great story and pictures Lee. The last glimpses of a different way of life.
Lee says
Thank you very much, and yeah, it really is. Not many places like this left at all.
Denise says
Gosh I sure hope all that fish was fresh…… 😮
Lee says
The stuff left over looked pretty ropey it has to be said, but happy to say everything put out was super fresh.
Glennis says
It’s those unexpected moments where you find the magic.
Lee says
It really is, and this was most definitely one of those moments.
cdilla says
You really never do know what each day will bring, or what encounters you will have when you step outside your front door. Thanks for sharing your happy encounter.
Lee says
You are very welcome. Some very happy memories. And yeah, that’s so true. Lovely when they are as nice as these were too.
Tagomago says
Fantastic, captures this different kind of beauty, as usual. Oh, and thanks to pic #8 I learned that the third Monday of July is a public holiday where the Japanese celebrate the “bounty of the oceans” (so an even more special day for her). Gorgeous.
Elie Magambo says
Awesome shots!Would be nice if you included the location details or how to get there!