Here is a photo of one of many houses I viewed through out Japan. This one in particular is along the historic Philosophers' Walk in Kyoto, Japan.
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In Mt. Koya, Japan there are lines of fruit and vegetable stands in which old ladies, possibly in their 70's and 80's sell simple vegetables or fruits. In the picture you can see one of our NCTA members buying a strand of 5 oranges in a bag. Unfortunately there were no price tags and it ended up that they were 500 yen, so in essence $5.00 US for five small oranges. They were according to the purchaser delicious.
This beautiful store front is nestled in along the historic Kyoto streets in Japan. Each shop has an array of goods tourist can buy ranging from breath taking ceramics to cute little Totoro figures. This particular store depicts a variety of incense for sale by the merchant.
Located a block away from the Okamoto Hankyu station in Kobe Japan is a delightful sushi place that serves sushi on a conveyor belt, but as in all things Japan you could probably eat off of the belt itself. However, the cuisine is Sushi and the seating is limited to bar style only and with only approximately 20 seats in the whole place, it gets packed quickly and often. For non-japanese speakers there are an assorted number of ways you can order. First is to look at their English/Japanese menu, however as in most restaurants everything is not included in that menu. In fact, sushi is just a seasonal and short shelf life cuisine, there are numerous dishes that are limited in offering. One such dish is mint leaf and japanese eggplant over rice, which is only found during certain seasons in Japan, but one would see it on the plates of others around you, and you can order by simply gesturing to the Chef who is in front of you by gently pointing and saying "hitotsu kudasai". A third way of ordering is to see the items on the conveyor (aka. merrygoround) and just simplying picking what you want. You can also order other items such as soup and my favorite 'Fatty Tuna' by asking the english speaking japanese next to you to order it for you!
The Otsuka Museum in Japan is a curious place. There are hundreds of reproductions of Western Masterpieces, brought to the Japanese public courtesy of Mr. Otsuka, a pharmaceutical tycoon. One can praise Mr. Otsuka for bringing such treasures to Japan, but there is also an oddness to the collection. While the 3 dimensional pieces work reasonably well, the paintings fall flat--they lack the luster of the oils and temperas of not only the originals, but also of painted reproductions. A printed ceramic tile technique was used for all works in the collection--hence my inclusion in the technology segment of the portal. Susan Brown, July 14, 2010
Everyone here in Japan wears rain boots. We all wish we had them as the rainy season has extended longer than usual and there have been quite a few days when we have gotten soaked!
Because there is so much steeped in tradition in Japan, I felt the old needed to be included with the new. These small hand brooms were one basket among many lining the doorway into a small store. Wicker and reeds have been used for centuries for just such items. While they certainly don't qualify as 21st century technology, it gives one pause to think about the technology advance that was made when they introduced centuries ago. Susan Brown, July 14, 2010
In the mall under the Sannomiya Station in Kobe, Japan is a small store called "Bana Bana." It is filled with small items from wicker to housewares. Most items are 105 yen, which is just over a dollar. Everywhere you turn is one display that is more beautiful and enticing than the next. If I needed door knobs, this would be my store! Susan Brown, July 14, 2010
I loved this display in a small shop along the street in Kyoto, Japan that led up to the Kiyomizudera Temple. With her kneeling position and head bobbing in a bowing gesture I felt completely welcomed into the store. Susan Brown July 14, 2010
When we were in Mt. Koya, Japan, I was taken with the traditional garments worn by the Buddhist monks (this may actually be a novice,but I am not well versed enough to know the difference). The clothing was always a subdued color--shades of white, a muted blue or soft gold. Susan Brown, July 14, 2010
The Japanese seem to love footware--which includes both shoes and foot coverings of all kinds. I've never seen so many stores for socks and stocking--with such incredible variety. I loved the colors and patterns of these socks--they are so festive! Susan Brown, July 14, 2010.
This wonderful dress was on display near the station for the bullet train. It reminded us of the beautiful calla lilies we've seen in many a shop window. Its small, narrow lines make it perfect for a Japanese body. (Japan) Posted by Sharen Pula
We spent an interesting morning learning about the Great Hanshin Earthquake (January 1995) and the research that has occurred subsequently. This image shows only part of the power source for what is called the "shaking table," a large 20 meter x 15 meter rectangular table on which structures are placed so earthquake simulation can occur. (Japan) Posted by Sharen Pula
As we approached the Nojima Earthquake Fault Museum on Awaji Island, Japan. There was one lone windmill sitting a top a hill--well, perhaps there were more, but based on our vantage point, this windmill was the only one visible. Alternative energy sources are clearly on the minds of the Japanese as well as the rest of the world. Posted by Sharen Pula
As we roamed through the women's quarters at Himeji, Japan we came across a display of two women playing a game. What game? We're not sure since the signs were all in Japanese. The kimonos, however, were splendid--beautiful colors, exquisite patterns, truly a sight to behold. Posted by Sharen Pula
The flower displays are as delicious as any food-stuff windows. The colors, variety and lushness of the foliage is a sight to behold. If it weren't for the deer at Chez Pula I would be tempted to bring home armloads of flowering plants. (Japan) Posted by Sharen Pula
Malls are a sight to be had: a combination of high-end goods and kitch all wrapped together. This "Hello Kitty" window in Akashi, Japan is a perfect example of both all rolled into one store front. Feast your eyes! Posted by Sharen Pula.
The charming presentation of items on store shelves makes shopping in Japan a delight for browsers and shoppers alike. This picture was taken in July 2010 at a gift shop at Nunobiki Herb Garden overlooking Kobe, Japan. Photo by Tim Jekel
I don't know what to say! I am fascinated by the juxtaposition of modern and traditional cultures in Japan. What can be more modern than a store devoted exclusively to the fashion needs of the tween and teen girl crowd?
Location, location, location! I didn't expect to see this real estate firm in Japan, but there it is.
Lunch or dinner options are displayed at a train station in Japan. July 7, 2010 by Amy Swartz