Quirky, Ornate, Beautiful Japan

Last spring I had the opportunity to go to Japan as the guest of two of my dear friends. It was just a month after the devastating earthquake and tsunami and the risk of radiation was still on everyone's minds. But the window I had to go was closing and I decided to do it. My friends lived in Yokohama so we could go into Tokyo most days (it's like going from Oakland to San Francisco--just a train ride away).

Hanging out with the girls at my friends' place.

Japan hadn't been on the top of my list of countries to visit. I don't know why. As soon as I got there I was reminded that the Japanese uphold a culture of design that permeates everything--the streetlights, rain gutters, temples, shopping districts, kitchen gadgets, etc.. Everything is designed with thought and care. Seeing as that's what I look for in the world--I'm always seeking out thoughtful, beautiful design--I loved it!

The following is a photo gallery of some of the things I found and wanted to share.

 A golden lotus atop a temple in Kyoto.

A window display in Tokyo.

A simple place setting in a restaurant in Kyoto.

A store's facade and sign in Tokyo.

 

 

The floor and walls of a cool clothing store in Tokyo.

I didn't know they didn't allow photography!

The lobby of the National Art Museum in Tokyo.

A rainy night in Kyoto.Those curved walls are made of bamboo and they cover unsightly electrical and mechanical systems.

Even the vegetables look artfully displayed!

The woodwork and craftsmanship is incredible!

A playful vegetable mural in Kyoto.

An orange bicycle in front of the sharp lines of an office building in Tokyo.

Looking out on to open space and pubic art in the Rippongi Art Triangle from the Suntory Museum of Art.

A quaint cobblestone street with a mix of shops and residences in Kyoto.

An undulating curve for water run-off and flower planting.

The Year of the Rabbit tributes came in all forms.