AWB and CSB did their own things today, so Heidi and I decided to explore the Yanaka neighbourhood – which has avoided earthquake, fire and war damage, and is home to an active artistic community. Think Kensington Market, Tokyo-style.
We started in the Yanaka Ginza, and I got shouted at for taking a picture at one of the small shops… Didn’t see the “No Photography” sign until it was too late. We also stopped in at the home/studio of Japanese sculptor Akasuro Fumio (1883-1964) and a preserved sake store.
We ended up at the Tokyo National Museum, for a selection of Japanese artwork and artifacts. The best part was the absolutely beautiful building housing the “Gallery of Hōryū-Ji Treasures”. It is quite possibly the most impressive public building I’ve ever visited. So, of course, I felt the urge to add to my growing collection of miniaturized photos of museum lobbies.
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