2026 MAY PHOTO's — MY LIFE IN JAPAN

Hydrangea Season has begun!

Shibamata Taishakuten — also known as Daikyō-ji Temple — where the colors of early summer are alive and thriving.

So many color varieties.

Unique Robot depiction.

Restaurant wall decorations.

Old Tokyo shops in an area of Tokyo not tragically impacted by WWII bombings and the Great 1923 Kanto Earthquake.

Otoko wa Tsurai yo TV show shot in this area. Known as Tora-san. 48 Episodes from 1969 - 1995.

Tora-san

Shibamata Taishakuten — also known as Daikyō-ji Temple Gates

Wrap around Cedar Walkway to the Japanese Garden.

Suikei-en Garden, Shibamata - Tokyo

This is a space where you can thoroughly enjoy the three-dimensionality of the sculptures, the beauty of the zelkova wood grain, and the craftsmanship of the artisans of the time that is incorporated into the details. These sculptures were completed over a period of more than ten years, from the end of the Taisho period to 1934 (Showa 9), with the tireless cooperation of devout believer Suzuki Genjiro, and are all made of zelkova wood.

The Sculpture Gallery is a famous spot where you can appreciate the magnificent sculptures that are located on the outside of the Taishakudo Hall.The ten dome carvings, based on the Lotus Sutra, one of the Buddhist scriptures, were created by ten Miya sculptors, who competed with each other to show off their skills, as well as the crane and turtle carvings by the fourth generation Nami no Ihachi.

The message is ultimately about this: Truth and wisdom are precious and fragile, and those who dedicate themselves to preserving them deserve protection. It also reflects a core Buddhist idea: spiritual growth requires perseverance, and those walking the path will face obstacles. The guardians represent strength, faith, and devotion in overcoming them.

Building foundation

On Sunday evening I took a trip to Downtown Tokyo for a night shoot of the infamous “Tokyo Tower”.

Although not the tallest tower, that belongs to Tokyo Sky Tree (World’s Tallest Tower 2,080 ft). Whilst taller, it lacks the character and city proximity (views) of the elegant Tokyo Tower.

Built in 1958 1,092, displacing the Eiffel Tower as the tallest freestanding tower in the world by 30 ft. Originally, it was planned to be taller than the Empire State Building. But they ran out of funds. Day or night, strikingly iconic!