Close to Ryōgokubashi, the bridge crossing the Sumida River near the Edo-Tokyo Museum and the Ryōgoku Kokugikan sumo stadium, in Taitō (on the west side of the river), there is a small neighborhood called Yanagibashi.
A channel that crosses the Asakusabashi district is located here and near the confluence of this channel and the Sumida River, there is a bridge, first built in 1698, called Yanagi - willow in Japanese - hence the name of the neighborhood. It is believed that the name comes from a willow tree which was located at the base of the bridge. The today’s bridge, the arched green one in the background of this photo, was built in 1929.
The buildings in this area are modern, but the Yanagibashi area has a strong traditional feeling, because of the yakatabune “parking” near the bridge. The yakatabune, “roof-shaped boats", vivid colored and beautifully decorated with traditional paper lanterns, are actually floating Japanese traditional restaurants, with tatami mats and Japanese low tables.
Click on photo for higher resolution:
Info:
Nikon D90 | |
Lens: VR 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6G | |
Focal Length: 32mm | |
Aperture: F/5.6 | |
Shutter Speed: 1/500s | |
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200 |
Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Thousand origami cranes at Fushimi Inari Taisha
In Japan, the crane is an important symbol of longevity and there is a folkloric belief that the crane lives 1000 years. That was the base of the tradition saying that the crane will grant a wish of health and long life to anyone who will make 1000 origami cranes - senbazuru 「千羽鶴」.
To make a senbazuru, the 1000 origami representing cranes are tied together with a string. They are offered as wedding gifts (for 1000 years of good luck and prosperity) or as gifts to a newborn child. Senbazuru are also kept in the house as lucky charms or they can be brought to shrines, like you can see in this photo taken at Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto.
Click on photo for higher resolution:
Info:
Nikon D90 | |
Lens: VR 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6G | |
Focal Length: 18mm | |
Aperture: F/5.6 | |
Shutter Speed: 1/800s | |
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200 |
Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Tokyo Bay Area night view
