街や
2016
The area where I am staying is called Shimogamo, at the confluence of the Kamo and Takano rivers. It is famous for the lushl canopy of trees surrounding Shimogamo Shrine, where the purity of the Kamo's water is worshipped, Shinto style. I am lodged in a 100-year-old
machiya, a traditional city house, crafted in the traditional style.
This machya is similar in design and craftsmanship to Rob Singer's machiya, where I satyed in 2010. (see earlier post). But his is truer to the original form and maintains greater authenticity. This machiya has been renovated with a plastic bathing area and a modern kitchen. Other sections of the house are in disrepair, giving it a funky feel.
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| The front, facing the courtyard |
The house is one of three machiya in a courtyard behind a large main house -- 300 years old.
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| The main room and garden |
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| The front room where I did my writing |
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| Sairs |
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Traditional tatami mat room upstairs
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Modern second-floor bedroom
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| Contemporary Plumbing |
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| A plastic o-furo |
The mailbox is threatened by the immanent demise of the old traditional rice shop, which has been encroached upon by brand-new building over time. The two small apartments over the rice shop are vacant now and the white paper plastered on the top of the mailbox says posting mail here is "forbidden."
It was already looking ppretty shabby ing 2012, but firmly attached to the wall that separated the rice shop from the building being erected next door.
