Shinbashi, Tokyo

A solitary figure is standing in the usually vibrant district of Shinbashi, Tokyo. Unlike Ginza, its exclusive neighbor to the north, Shinbashi caters to the average Tokyo worker with reasonably-priced restaurants and bars. This is from our book Earth, Water, Wind, Fire, Emptiness: Tokyo Landscape. Click on the image for a larger view.

Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station at night after the rush hour. When it opened in 1914, half a million passengers used the station in the first year. Today, 420,000 people pass through daily on over 3,000 trains. This is not the busiest station in Tokyo. From our book Earth, Water, Wind, Fire, Emptiness: Tokyo Landscape. Click on the image for a larger view.

The End of an Era, Part 4

This is the last day of operation for the Tsukiji Fish Market. This image is from the early afternoon when the inner market was closed. The market had been in business in this location since 1935. The images on our site are from the early 1990s when access to the inner market was less restrictive. The increasing influx of tourists required the market to limit access. The restaurant in the outer market will remain in this location. This is from Tsukiji: Tokyo Fish Market Suite. Click on the image for a larger view.

The End of an Era, Part 1

From September 30th, visitors will not be able to view the fish market. October 6th, 2018 marks the last business day for the Tokyo Central Wholesale Market in Tsukiji: the market will move a few kilometers away to Toyosu. I was fortunate to be able to visit the market at its peak in the early 1990s. I produced a small book on this amazing place: Tsukiji: Tokyo Fish Market Suite. While the market is clearly in many people’s hearts, the aging 1935 structure was in need of updating. I am grateful to have experienced this place. Still, access to the fish market and its famous tuna auctions will not be the same. Click on the image for a larger view.

Koenji—On the Streets of Tokyo

In the 1990s, shopping streets were a common feature of Tokyo neighborhoods and a central locus for communities. Shops were often multigenerational family businesses. Today, large department stores and online retailers are making the economics of running local stores difficult, if not impossible. This street in Koenji from the 90s is typical of many of these thoroughfares. Click on the image for a larger view.