Gallery - Images of Japan: November 2022

A selection of images of life in Japan during November 2022. All of the photos were taken by the City-Cost editorial team. (Above) From November 11 artist and celebrity Shogo Kariyazaki brought his flower power to the former residences of Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens in Tokyo’s Taito ward. The exhibition, “Experience ‘beauty’ at Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens” was one of the most important for Kariyazaki who said it has been his life’s work to match his flower arrangements with historical and cultural heritage properties. The photo above was snapped on our way back home from the Kariyazaki exhibition at Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens. It was taken from a viewpoint in Ueno Park overlooking the district's Ameya Yokocho shopping area. ---------- The photos above were taken during a trip to see some extended family and friends in Gunma Prefecture. In the evening we hopped on the train to take in the illuminations at Ashikaga Flower Park in neighboring Tochigi Prefecture. Just prior to our visit the park took out a national illumination award for the seventh consecutive year. Following our visit to Ashikaga Flower Park we stopped for the night in the city of Sano, east of Ashikaga. The next day we headed back into Ashikaga to visit Ashikaga School (above/top), said to be the oldest academic institute in Japan, and Bannaji Temple (above/bottom) which was abuzz with families celebrating Shichi-Go-San. Before heading back home by train from Ashikagashi station we happed across a gathering of itasha enthusiasts and cosplayers holding an event along the banks of the Watarase River. ---------- (Streets around Kagurazaki, Tokyo) (Torii gate at Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo) The photos above were taken during a Saturday stroll in Tokyo, from Kagaruzaki station to Kudanshita station. At the controversial Yasukuni Shrine near Kudanshita station, many people were out in the gardens and around the large torii gate snapping photos of the emerging autumn colors. ---------- The photos above were taken on November 21 during a preview of a nighttime viewing event held at Rikugien Gardens in Tokyo’s Bunkyo ward. It was the first time in three years (since the lifting of pandemic restrictions) for the garden to be opened for the celebrated nighttime viewing event. ---------- The photos above were taken at Nishiarai Daishi in Tokyo’s Adachi ward during an event on November 26. The Shingon sect temple, while located toward the outer reaches of Tokyo’s central 23 wards, attracts worshippers from all over the Kanto region for its power to ward off misfortune. ---------- (Above) People take a break late November under the ginkgo trees lining Gyoko-dori, the broad avenue connecting Tokyo station with the Imperial Palace grounds.