“Off-shore nori (seaweed) aqua-culture was established by the first Shogun, Ieyasu, when it was discovered lush bushes of algae could be cultivated on wooden piles driven into the bay.” I would like to draw your attention to the Miyano family home in the Haramachi area of Meguro Ward. This family built a successful business selling bamboo (which grew profusely in this area) to replace the wooden piles which were prone to rot from being submerged in water. Bamboo, on the other hand, was much more water resistant and lasted longer. A visit to the Miyano family home, now a museum, is well worth a visit. See more at http://kominka380.ec-net.jp/
Thanks for the tip, Andrew. I'm not familiar with that area and didn't know the place, but I like traditional architecture. Last week I returned to Nihon Minkaen after many years.
I actually like the postcards more than the texts. Knowing what Shinagawa looks like now, it's amazing that there was a time when you could enjoy that kind of landscape.
Lovely introduction to old Shinagawa, Gianni. I wasn’t aware that Tayama Katai’s “Thirty Years in Tokyo” had been translated. As it happens I have been reading it the past few weeks to see if it features anything helpful for my recently started series on Ueno.
These days it will be hard to find a place with the balcony in Shinagawa to enjoy bay views QUIETLY. And the old images show the former true function of Shinagawa being “Merchandise River” (:
Oh, THAT's cool. That's the kind of thing I like to hear. That top pictorial map of Shinagawa was just incedible! And the postcard with the train, showing that long coastline, was informative, to say the least!
“Off-shore nori (seaweed) aqua-culture was established by the first Shogun, Ieyasu, when it was discovered lush bushes of algae could be cultivated on wooden piles driven into the bay.” I would like to draw your attention to the Miyano family home in the Haramachi area of Meguro Ward. This family built a successful business selling bamboo (which grew profusely in this area) to replace the wooden piles which were prone to rot from being submerged in water. Bamboo, on the other hand, was much more water resistant and lasted longer. A visit to the Miyano family home, now a museum, is well worth a visit. See more at http://kominka380.ec-net.jp/
Thanks for the tip, Andrew. I'm not familiar with that area and didn't know the place, but I like traditional architecture. Last week I returned to Nihon Minkaen after many years.
Great introduction to this slice of Japan. I love the postcards. They look hand painted, which would have happened (to postcards and photos).
I actually like the postcards more than the texts. Knowing what Shinagawa looks like now, it's amazing that there was a time when you could enjoy that kind of landscape.
Yes, you could say that about a lot of places.
Lovely introduction to old Shinagawa, Gianni. I wasn’t aware that Tayama Katai’s “Thirty Years in Tokyo” had been translated. As it happens I have been reading it the past few weeks to see if it features anything helpful for my recently started series on Ueno.
I'm looking forward to your series. Ueno is such a good source of stories.
These days it will be hard to find a place with the balcony in Shinagawa to enjoy bay views QUIETLY. And the old images show the former true function of Shinagawa being “Merchandise River” (:
Old Shinagawa is still there, if you look closely.
Oh, THAT's cool. That's the kind of thing I like to hear. That top pictorial map of Shinagawa was just incedible! And the postcard with the train, showing that long coastline, was informative, to say the least!
Oh yes, including black water sento (:
I'd like to see Pierre Loti's gaping mouth now, in front of a Shinkansen.
That's a great idea for a time machine story!
A wonderful collection of travelogues, Gianni, that add texture to one's appreciation of the city. Lots to appreciate here!
Thank you Jeff. I'll keep digging for more hidden treasures.
Thank you Francisco. I hope you enjoy the other stories too.
Gorgeous postcards, interesting story.