Fairly inexpensive drinking spots are plentiful in Tokyo, but this area under the train tracks is probably about as cheap and cheerful as it’s possible to get.
Under the tracks Tokyo beers and stares
Photographs from a small group of islands
Photographs from a small group of islands
Fairly inexpensive drinking spots are plentiful in Tokyo, but this area under the train tracks is probably about as cheap and cheerful as it’s possible to get.
Matt says
Not sure about the cheerful part. The eyes do make the shot though.
Lee says
Yes, much more cheap and merely functional…
The light was shining on him nicely. And I like the grimness of the place. But that eye-contact was very pleasing. Always a treat when I manage to capture such interaction with me/the camera.
Al says
That’s not a cheerful stare he’s giving you! 😉
Lee says
No, it’s not, is it…?
Coli says
Love it. How does this place work? You just buy your preferred can of beer from the vending machine and enjoy outside? What is inside that door? Are there snacks of any kind in there?
Lee says
Haven’t actually stopped there, but it seems you just buy a drink from one of the machines and that’s it. A popular stopping point for smokers it would seem too. Plenty of coffee and cigarettes on the go as well as those having a drink.
Didn’t see any snacks, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if one of the machines had some in. There are more. Not just the ones in the photo.
Behind the door is just stock I think. The fella there was coming out to empty the bins.
Jim says
Who owns the land under the railroad? Is it the railroad or government that has granted the railroad easement. Are these food and drink places squatters or are there formal agreements? Some are very permanent looking with complete utilities. I know some that have been in continual operation for nearly 60 years.
Lee says
Good question. I assume the railroad company, but can’t say for definite.
Similarly not 100% percent sure in regards agreements and so forth, but my guess is that they are spaces rented out like any other plot of land/business. There are so many shops and eateries under various tracks in Tokyo — many of which are chains and the like — which suggests that must be the case.
Personally I like such places as they often have a bit of extra character. In a city so lacking in space, it makes absolutely perfect sense too.
Hans ter Horst says
Great location, popular place too. As a throw away detail: the poster on the left is advertising a private investigator. I always wondered why that is so popular in Japan, do families still investigate prospect wedding partners or unfaithful spouses? And if so, why aren’t there more Philip Marlowe hard-boiled stories? 🙂
Lee says
Isn’t it? A big fan of places under the tracks. The often low light, slightly grubby feel and noise all add to the atmosphere for me.
As for private investigators, I too have absolutely no idea. You wouldn’t think there’d be a big call for them, would you? Clearly is though. But why…?
cdilla says
I was looking at the guy in the Who teeshirt, wondering whether he was a fan or just liked the iconography.
But the Private Eye post is interesting. Here’s some google-translation of the Black Dog Detective Agency page.
“Flynn cheating investigation from the marriage investigation , looking first love, running away from home and human
Action-reality-behavior research enterprise to.”
People might try places like this looking for runaways I suppose, and see the poster. Not so sure I’d go there looking for my first love though…
Lee says
Yeah, looking for a runaway or a missing person makes total sense. An organisation to approach if the police aren’t coming up with anything. Or indeed you’d rather not involve the police…
But first love? Can’t imagine how that would work out. No, on second thoughts, I think I can!