Exploring dark streets and old houses in Osaka (Tanimachi)
One thing I have always enjoyed doing is going for walks after dark.
Night photography has been a hobby of mine for many years. I have lived in places that lend themselves to night walks and night photography. Places that are infinitely interesting with so much to see and photos to share.
Last summer, my family and I spent 5 weeks living in an Airbnb in the Tanimachi area of Osaka, Japan. We chose this location since it was very central and an easy jumping-off point for us. When we do visit Osaka, the main reason is to spend time with my in-laws and so we like to be in a more central area.
What does this mean for me?
An endless supply of amazing back streets and narrow alleys to explore at night with my camera.
Here are just a few shots from our time there last summer.
This narrow street is located close to the Karohori Shotengai. There were many small and trendy restaurants and bars here. There was also a mix of small shops and residential structures.
The Tanimachi area has become a very trendy spot in recent years. Many young Japanese entrepreneurs have been renovating old Showa-era buildings to start bakeries, cafes, shops, and more.
This Showa-era home clearly had a restaurant on the first floor at one point. The sun faded noren curtain still hanging on the ground floor door as well as the old Kirin beer refrigerator outside are clear clues that it was once an eating or drinking establishment. Traditionally, families that owned shops and restaurants like this would live upstairs. The light is on so people still live there, but probably retired from running a business. This is an abandoned Showa-era house in Tanimachi. This building looks as if it were a home to two families at one point. It was clearly empty and falling apart. It didn’t appear to be for sale, but if it were, it would need a great deal of TLC to make it liveable. It also didn’t look very earthquake-proof. Here is a screen capture of this part of Osaka. I plan to post more photos of some of the more interesting buildings I took photos of in this area.For more photos of night scenes in Japan check out this Instagram I run. It’s all about Japanese houses and toys!
Just Japan Stuff 