2009/03/01 Jingumae flea market, Takeshita dori, Tokyo

On the Sunday morning before catching the train to Narita Airport, Marianne and I returned to the Harajuku district.  I thought that I knew the way to Design Festa Gallery, but my memory was faulty.  From the train station, we walked north past Takeshita Dori, and then east.  When we started up a slight incline, I figured that we were in the wrong place, and should turn south.  This led us through a residential area in Jingumae.  The lane we had picked might permit the occasional car, but seemed mostly for pedestrians.

On this street was a large temple or church.  Christian?

As we continued, we found a small torii, marking the entry to a common space or park.

Sunday morning seems to have been flea market day in this neighbourhood.

On the temporary tables, there was an assortment of pots.

The park was surrounded by apartment towers.

Old posters and vintage clothing might attract young bargain hunters.

Some vendors had an odd variety of merchandise:  cameras, lighters, and knick knacks.

Perhaps boxes could be used for gift packing, instead of wrapping paper.

Home seamstresses might make something from the small swatches of fabrics.

How do we make the distinction between secondhand clothes and vintage apparel?

The dishes are reminscent of the blue plates commonly exported from China.

This selection of prints was more professional than displays at other booths.

Marianne looked at the selection of kimonos, but wasn’t impressed.

We were unsure whether this vendor specialized in pots, or had a connection with a kiln.

We emerged from the park and found ourselves on a side street beside Takeshita dori.

Sunday morning on the street was as busy with schoolgirls, as usual.

I wasn’t seriously lost in Tokyo, and every street is an adventure.  It’s true:  turn around a corner, and you’ll probably encounter another temple.

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