Posted in response to this weeks Daily Post weekly photo challenge. This week’s theme ‘Opposites’. https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/opposites/  (eek…url linky thing not working!)

I have to pinch my arm to remind myself that just a few weeks ago I was in Japan.  For as long as I can remember, it’s a country and culture that has fascinated me and drawn me to it.  It’s been top of my bucket list for, like, e-ver, and now it’s been crossed off as ‘done’!

And I have to tell you, it didn’t disappoint.

We did a small group tour, and in just two short weeks managed to feel immersed in it’s fabulous diversity – from the madness of Tokyo and Osaka, to the tranquillity of Takayama and Kamikochi. In fact, when I saw that this weeks photo challenge theme was ‘opposites’ Japan instantly sprang to mind, and I was sure I could find a suitable photograph among the, well alright, over a thousand, that I took (excessive I know, but well, it’s so darn photogenic!).   I chose this one, taken in Hama-rikyu Gardens, Tokyo, which illustrates how, despite the towering new glass buildings that Tokyo is known for, the old gardens at their heart remain quiet and peaceful, and in fact, I think, their beauty is enhanced by that sparkling backdrop.

This picture also made me think of the office workers peering out over their computer screens through the window, and down at the gardener working away in the sunshine.  Opposites indeed.