What makes Kyoto unique is its traditional look, for one thing.  Numerous historic temples and shrines dotting all over the city are the core of the traditional Kyoto landscape.  There are also more buildings from a pre-war period because Kyoto escaped from heavy firebombings during WWII.

But, like anywhere else, modernization has been taking place in the city's streets.  So it is not unusual to see buildings old and new standing side by side, as in this painting.  The old architecture is the Minami-za Kabuki Theatre.  It was built on the same spot more than 400 years ago and Japan's oldest theatre.

I really hope this theatre will be here for a long time along with other old buildings.  It is somewhat disheartening that the people in Kyoto have allowed traditional architecture to be replaced with the new that is nondescript and sometimes just plain ugly.  I know they have a strong civic pride as residents of an ancient capital.  Like my grandmother who would refer to her home as Miyako, the seat of Imperial capital.  I would like to see my hometown make more efforts to restore our heritage.


Downtown Kyoto, Japan IV

Click here for a larger view of this painting.

Media: Original watercolor on paper
Image Size: 8.25 x 11.5 in. (on 9 x 12 in. paper)
Purchase: Please send me an email for availability.



  Downtown Kyoto, Japan V


Downtown Kyoto, Japan V

A larger image of this painting is available on request.

Media: Original watercolor on paper
Image Size: 11.5 x 8.25 in. (on 12 x 9 in. paper)
Purchase: Please send me an email for availability.