A motorcycle was seen running at the end of a narrow alley in Nakagyo-ku

Motorbike at the end of the alley — Alley of Chukyo ward, Kyoto

It is said that Kyoto retains its old townscape because it was not bombed during World War II. Since many traditional buildings still remain, tourists from all over Japan and abroad come to Kyoto to see them and spend money here. Kyoto's tourism industry is, so to speak, exchanging the legacy left by its predecessors for money.

When I think about this, I am reminded of a man I had a conversation with in Prague, Czech Republic. When the man found out that I was Japanese, he started talking. The Czechs are not as industrious as the Japanese. They don't work themselves to death. Instead, they have beautiful towns built by our ancestors, and that's how they make our living.

As I walked down the alleyway, not knowing where I was going, I realized that the streets of Kyoto were different in appearance from the stone streets of Prague, but the way of making money was similar. It's a shame to think that if the U.S. forces hadn't been the target of the bombing, Tokyo might still have more old buildings and alleys that are fun to stroll through.

Comment via

日本語