Higashi-Ueno 5-Chome
Higashi-Ueno’s 5-Chome, a small triangular-shaped subdivision that includes about 21 blocks of cramped buildings, isn’t much different from the thousands of other small subdivisions scattered throughout Tokyo’s 23 wards, where the past and present coexist in fascinating ways.
Grave Markers
Wooden grave tablets with a vertical Sanskrit inscription are placed behind or against family gravestones at most Buddhist cemeteries in Japan. The late afternoon light under clear winter skies presented harsh shadows and bright highlights that I felt would be good for a monochrome shot.
Pendant Tiles
A small pile of eave-end pendant roof tiles from Ryukoku-ji, a Buddhist temple in Ueno, Taito Ward, Tokyo, Japan. The tiles are stacked on the ground amidst lush garden foliage and scattered yellow ginkgo leaves. Each tile features the raised kanji character “龍” (dragon; imperial), derived from the temple’s name, Ryukoku-ji (龍谷寺).
Momiji in Okutama
A Japanese maple (momiji) showcasing vibrant reds and oranges, its twisted branches reaching skyward from a steep slope overlooking the lush forests of Hikawa Gorge, nestled in the mountain village of Okutama, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan.
Autumn Ravine
Hikawa Gorge viewed from Moegi Bridge, showcasing the Tama River headwaters gently flowing through subdued late autumn foliage under an overcast sky in Okutama, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan.
Moegi Bridge
The view of Hikawa Gorge from Moegi Bridge, a pedestrian suspension bridge, showcases the vivid autumn landscape along the steep shores of the Tama River headwaters in the rural town of Okutama, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan.
Kura Storehouse
A traditional white Japanese kura, or storehouse, with characteristic earthen walls designed for fire prevention. The back proudly displays a decorative crest that is visible to hikers on the Toke Trail, indicating the heritage of the owners who likely reside in the adjacent house. This charming scene is set deep in a serene mountain village in the westernmost part of Tokyo Prefecture, Japan.
O-Jizo-sama & Tsukimachi
Jizo Bodhisattva statues, Bodhisattva Seishi statues, a stone lantern, and an engraved stone tablet commemorating the folk tradition of gathering to watch the moon rise on the 23rd night of the lunar calendar. This serene scene is set in a small mountain farming village in the westernmost region of Tokyo Prefecture, Japan.
Toke Trail
Hiking path on the Toke Trail, lined with scattered wood chips from hinoki trees, surrounded by towering Japanese cedars (sugi).
Vibrant Autumn Shrubbery
A canopy of vibrant reds and oranges in full autumn splendor frames a narrow footpath, inviting visitors to explore the lush evergreen forest of Hikawa Gorge in Tokyo Prefecture, Japan.