Street scenes

 As I have pointed out before, the trees along streets and sidewalks are kept well trimmed to prevent the root systems from growing too big and destroying the pavement.

This is an interesting juxtaposition that you frequently see in Japan. The traditional roadside shrine to a Shinto god and a modern roadside drink machine. When I first came to Japan, there were more shrines but now there are far more machines. Aesthetically I find it displeasing, but when I am out walking and get thirsty the ever present drink machine is nice.