Sukigi Fish Market, Tokyo

Of all the places in Tokyo I experienced, the fish market stood in sharp contrast. As an incubator of a living culture it felt the realest. In a society that is so concerned with “saving face,” it was refreshing to see people who weren’t as constrained, even if they were engaged in a gruesome business.

Japan Immortalized

On the way to Tokyo we made a stop in Tsumago, an old post town. We stayed in a traditional Ryokan, slept on tatami mats and experienced the village, which has been preserved from its Samurai days (even the postal service retained their traditional uniforms). During the stay I enjoyed a short talk with a local farmer, of which I understood almost nothing. Though overall there was a great deal of warmth to the people and the whole community.