Like most cities that don’t get a lot of snow, a few centimetres of the white stuff caused all kinds of trouble in Tokyo this week. Trains were delayed. Schools closed. And the TV continually told us how terribly treacherous it was under foot.
But, in older, more traditional Tokyo, rather than chaos it instead created a comforting sense of serenity.
And an absolutely sublime silence.
Did you take these in Yanaka?
Yes! It’s always nice and peaceful there, isn’t it? Even more so after the snow.
I imagine an interlude of ‘bike tyres on a snowy road’ followed by a tinkling of the bell before you re-enjoy the silence?
Perhaps TV encouraged people to think safer to cycle.
Thankfully the old dear didn’t use her bell. I used my bike a few days after, and I must admit it was pretty hairy. Not a good idea…
“rather than chaos (…) a comforting sense of serenity”
You exactly describe why I like traditional Japan better than the modern one, snow or no snow.
Yes, the bright lights and busy streets have their moments, but places like Yanaka and Nezu really are lovely places to walk around.
Amazing clarity and detail in these shots!
I’d imagine that taking a stroll over there would be the most relaxing thing ever.
Thanks!
Yeah, it was great. Very very peaceful.
The snow seems to suit scene perfectly. Really like the shot of the broken ice.
Cheers Matt. I went there hoping it would be nice, and I wasn’t let down.
The jitensha shot – one of your best!
Thanks Ed. Glad to hear you like it.
To me, Snow equal to Beautiful but Dangerous.
Brilliant shot, love the second picture!!
Thanks! I know what you mean. It was ok on the day, but after a lot of it froze the next night it was a bit dangerous in spots.
Funny, I always thought it was only the UK that came to a grinding halt at the sight of the first snowflakes.
Beautiful photos, by the way, as usual; the B&W does work so well with with this kind of scenery in the snow!
No, the UK isn’t alone, although it wasn’t quite snowmageddon!
Thanks! I had it in my head that black & white, in the snow , and in that area could work quite well. So it was very pleasing when it did.
I love the lady on the bicycle. I wish I was with her!