Traditional Structures in Japan: Bridges, Castles, Homes and more!

[Damien Paul]

This is of one of my favourite places in the world - the ancient town of Nikko - about 120km north of Tokyo.

One of my favourite memories of this place is this:

Damien Igoe: The Shin-Kyo Bridge​

The Shin-Kyo Bridge, just outside of the town centre - I sat there for several hours, just transfixed by the shimmering waters of that river.

 

[Damien Paul]

One of only 12 original castles still in existence in Japan - the centuries old Matsumoto Castle is stunning. I went there in the early Sakura (cherry blossom) season, where many O'Hanami parties were being held in celebration of the blossoms (Japanese tradition).

Another one of my favourite places in the world.

Damien Igoe: Matsumoto Castle​

 

[Damien Paul]

In Japan, there is usually something for everyone's tastes, the same is true for architecture. The following example is in the northern city of Matsushima (about 300km north of Tokyo).

In amongst the modern buildings I found this treasure - a private home, overlooking one of the most stunning bays I have ever seen.

Damien Igoe: Private home in Matsushima​

 

[Cem_Usakligil]

One of only 12 original castles still in existence in Japan - the centuries old Matsumoto Castle is stunning. I went there in the early Sakura (cherry blossom) season, where many O'Hanami parties were being held in celebration of the blossoms (Japanese tradition).

Another one of my favourite places in the world.

Damien Igoe: Matsumoto Castle​

Hi Damien,

I can imagine why this is one of your favorite places, it is simply beautiful. The cherry blossom, the moat, the castle's arches and layers; it is a great place and the picture has succeeded to convey this greatness. Thanks for sharing,

Cheers,

 

[Cem_Usakligil]

In Japan, there is usually something for everyone's tastes, the same is true for architecture. The following example is in the northern city of Matsushima (about 300km north of Tokyo).

In amongst the modern buildings I found this treasure - a private home, overlooking one of the most stunning bays I have ever seen.

Damien Igoe: Private home in Matsushima​

This is a great location but you could have composed the picture a bit differently to make it work better. Such as getting a bit closer or by zooming in so that the distracting cars and passers-by in the front would not be in the picture and we could see a bit more clearly how this private home looks like. Re. the stunning bay, how come you mention it and then not show any pictures of it? I am so curious!

Cheers,

 

[Damien Paul]

These were taken also with a Kodak C310 (before I got my Canon G10) - so i was not able to zoom/could not work out how to zoom.

With Matsumoto Castle, I was so entranced that I walked around, through and up to the top floor taking photo after photo - This one was one of the best of the series. An ancient castle, it still retains the air of times past.

The one in Matsushima was also to show the difference with the modernity in front of it. As for the bay, I did take several photos of it, but they must be on my other laptop.

 

[Asher Kelman]

This is of one of my favourite places in the world - the ancient town of Nikko - about 120km north of Tokyo.

One of my favourite memories of this place is this:

Damien Igoe: The Shin-Kyo Bridge​

The Shin-Kyo Bridge, just outside of the town centre - I sat there for several hours, just transfixed by the shimmering waters of that river.

Damien,

I have been stuck on this bridge for some time. not having been to Japan as of yet, I have imagined bridges like this, larger versions of the ones I see in "Japanese Gardens" replete with bonsai pantings and a coy pond. I wondered if I could restore this picture to some of it's native presence without the over-exposed water and the clutter of the extra shadows and detail of the road on the lower right. I have no issue with any conscience here about what really is there, as one has not the benefit of seeing it all on the ground, we have to make do with the one shot you share. I picked the bridge and not the castle since Cem has already recognized how splendid it is and if I did the same, it then would be too easy to pass by the bridge with no comment at all. I do not want to talk about what's missing but to reflect on what really is there in what you have shown.

Thanks for kindly allowing me to offer my quick edits.

Damien Igoe: The Shin-Kyo Bridge

Edits, with permission, ADK​

Damien,

We value very much being able to see something of the great traditional architectural work of the Japanese people. You are making a fine contribution to our understanding and it's fun seeing through your eyes. I hope this quick work still gives the idea of something more complete and fitting to what you remember.

Asher

 

[Damien Paul]

Thank you, Asher - the touch up looks pretty much how I saw it on that cool morning.

Just to expand on this - the landscape surrounding that bridge is ancient, truly ancient - temples were there a 1000 years ago. The bridge is over 200 years old itself.

Just imagine just how many souls have crossed that river and stopped, paused and reflected as I had done (and tried to capture).