Tags
Asia, Culture, Gion, Photography, Tourism, World Heritage Site
Proof that blogging influences one’s perspective on travel, can be found in the increased number of ‘people’ pictures in my Japan album. Never have I been so aware of the people around me. And the gentle, gracious, courteous citizens of Japan were a joy to chronicle, despite the language barrier.
These loving couples seemed to belie the stereotypes of gender roles and inequality in Japan, that our guide insisted was still prevalent.
This idyllic setting for a picnic in the picturesque old town of Takayama, made me want to race down and soak my aching feet in those cool waters
And no, this couple was not posing for me! They, like the tourist couple below, were in search of a place to eat in Gion (old town, Kyoto).
Shall save the rest for another day 
Meanwhile, you can meet more couples over at ‘Where’s my Back Pack?‘.
Until next time……..happy travels, no matter where life takes you!
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Lovely shots and great see you back from Japan…
Thank you Ledrake, feels great to be back here
I love the first and second photos. I think the gender roles are slowly changing in Japan.
Thank you Judy. We did notice how much more involved the younger men were with their kids and families.
More than any other photos I’ve seen, I think these people photos make Japan look like the most beautiful country in the world. I’ve long had a longing to see the architecture and the sights and the scenery, but this is a whole other angle I hadn’t considered. I know I’d fall in love with Japan. I need to go, damn it!
I used to be self conscious about clicking people before I started this blog. This is my first trip, post blog and i am not sure whether it is my enhanced awareness or just the abundant opportunities for people watching in this wonderful country. I even managed to witness an entire wedding!!
Of course you need to go. I do too…on my own. The coach tour was, well, a coach tour
Love the couple’s shots…a blend of East meets West. Your description of “gentle, gracious, courteous citizens” is the kindest of compliments that any country would be pleased to have.
Thank you Lynne. Their gracious comportment during the earthquake was plain for the world to see, and yet I was amazed at how much more refined they are than any other race as a whole! Wonder how they cope on visits to India
The language barrier must be considerable, Madhu? Though I know you were on a tour, so had the benefit of a translator. I like the picnic next to those rippling waters.
It is Jo, especially in restaurants and the smaller cities. That picnic shot is my favourite too
Beautiful photos, they show the bond between these people so well. I’m planning to travel to Japan next year, and reading this increases my anticipation.
Thank you Denise. You will certainly love Japan
Love the photo of the couple sitting down to eat. You’ve captured a moment of intimacy.
Yes, I found them endearing and felt a bit like I was intruding. Thank you for stopping by Sue
Nice photos from Japan.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Thank you Francine
Though it was a decade ago, I still remember their graciousness and courtesy.
Remarkably gracious aren’t they? And the girls were so beautiful!
Wonderful photos of Japanese couples. When I have been around couples from Japan, the seem to be always talking to each other softly. I have only seen one man get Irritated, but not with his wife, but with others mostly they were his employees. He was very apologetic that he yelled to where we could hear him. They are such lovely people. Thank you for sharing
They really are and I wish the rest of the world – particularly us in India – could borrow some of those traits
Thank YOU for checking this out Dana 
Very nice. And nice to see another post from you, Madhu.
Thank you, and happy to see you here Stephen
The couple photos are great and I love the street style difference to what I’m used to!
Thank you Gilly. The old towns were quite different from other oriental cities I have visited as well.
Nice
Thanks Mahesh
I think people just add something to photos, especially as examples of differences in cultures. Your couples are great!
I am increasingly aware of that Carol, although still uncomfortable, which leads to hurried and not very crisp shots
Thank you for dropping by.
Love your couple shots, Madhu. My favourite is the couple in Takayama by the river.
Thank you AD. That is my favourite too
firstly – welcome back – we missed you on here…secondly – I love these especially the second one Madhu
Oh thank you! Good to know I was missed and really happy to be back Jo
It is so lovely
Thank you Trishanka
Blogging is changing, or at least broadening, by focus as well – I’m finding I want to go into the city just so I can snap some shots of pavement and brick and the people going about their business.
Strange how we look at things differently now isn’t it? Look forward to catching up on your posts Lynne. Shall be over soon, I promise
I loved them all!
Thank you, happy you do
What beautiful snatches of observation, Madhu! I love these tiny sketches of a moment.
These are more evocative of Japan for me, than any of the landmark shots. Although my sister and the others on the tour thought I had gone a bit crazy
Pleasure to see you here Kate. Don’t know when I will find the time to catch up with your blog. Yours is one site I don’t like to rush through 
Yes, the Japanese are gracious and kind… and the pictures are beautiful reminders.
Thank you Eliz. The graciousness is so easy to capture
I’d love to get to Japan one day…must be such an interesting destination!
It is. Not as much of a WOW factor in the tourist landmark department as China, but certainly from a fascinating cultural standpoint. Hope you get to visit soon
Like you, I’m attracted to people who are able to slow down and live in the moment no matter where they are or what they’re doing. I’m looking forward to following the rest of your journey through Japan.
Elisa
Thank you Elisa. Most of my posts in the coming weeks are definitely going to be Japancentric
Loved these pictures. The first one is my favorite too. You’ve captured some precious moments with these pictures.
Thank you Arindam, happy you enjoyed my couple shots
Beautiful shots.
Thank you Hook
lovely shots – I love how you tell a story with each picture – beautiful
Thank you! Glad you liked my couples. And welcome to my blog
thanks! enjoying it already
“Gentle, gracious, courteous” – a perfect description!
I’m quite familiar with those gender roles – I saw it daily.
You are part Japanese aren’t you Fergie? Is it really that bad? Somehow the younger men seemed so chilled out and nurturing!
I love first and second photos especially. They show so nicely life and love!
Thank you Sartenada. I love the intimacy in those scenes too
I love your photos of the elderly couple. Of course, the younger ones’ photos are lovely too, but there is something about love that has been tested by time.
I am sorry I am slow in comments – those political articles are distracting me. My husband says I am a junkie. Yay! I promise to get caught up soon.
Have a great week. And I am really glad you’re back. I missed your posts.
Hi Madhu, this is really fascinating to me. I love beautiful landscapes, but studies of people breathe life into a photo and gives information that you can’t find anywhere else. Wonderful post!
Welcome back Madhu and thank you for your glorious introduction to Japan, the place and the people!
Also on my bucket list is the Asian countries!!!
LOVE the post! Great observation, Madhu. And the simple idea, it’s so endearing. So much romanticism, humanity and positive emotions to your pictures!