Originally Posted by Scifience

I may be the only one here that actually *likes* some of the "ugly" aspects of Japanese cities. The crisscrossing overhead wires, narrow, barely-wide-enough streets, the juxtaposition of old and new, wood and concrete, beautiful and ugly: these things give the cities a very real, intimate feeling. They aren't a showplace designed for tourists to come and marvel at a style of architecture from centuries ago, they are places where people live and work. I'm not sure quite how to describe it, but I think that Japanese cities tend to have a very interesting character that can't be found in most other places.

Much of Japan's "beauty" comes, in my opinion, not from just the physically gorgeous temples and shrines, but from the people, their attitudes, and culture. The garish neon of parts of Tokyo perfectly illustrates the often frantic, fast-paced nature of Tokyo and its citizens. Yet walk a few blocks away (or even just next door, in many cases) to some temple, shrine, or other patch of green space, and you'll also be provided with a wonderful example of peace and tranquility that Tokyoites also appreciate.

Originally Posted by Pickles

This information isn't a secret. It is well-known that central Kyoto isn't exactly a beautiful sight. Geographically, it doesn't lend itself to that (flat land, square grid, miserable little river cutting through it). However, the U-shaped area around it, which includes Higashiyama, Rakuto, and Arashiyama, is some of the most stunningly beautiful combination of nature and human hands.

Whenever I'm in Kyoto, I literally head for the hills. I'm never disappointed.

Originally Posted by Scifience

As others have said, this isn't classified information. The Rough Guide to Japan says something to the effect of "If you were expecting nothing but traditional buildings and temples and green space, you'll be sorely disappointed when you step out of Kyoto Station." It goes on, of course, to explain that there are lots of places where this stereotypical beauty of old Japan does exist.

Originally Posted by mosburger

Concrete has been a favourite material of Japanese star architects even for temples in the last decade or so. The one exception would be Shigeru Ban with his penchant for paper and wood.

Originally Posted by mosburger

The hunting grounds of Pickles-sama also include some of the most beautiful and pleasant al fresco eateries on the planet.

Imagine yourself on a tatami mat above a mountain stream, the sun setting in the background. In front of you the finest local produce and small raku mugs filled with carefully paired shochu...

Originally Posted by Pickles

Ar! Pray tell! Are you talking about the outstanding river-side ryotei in Kibune? Or the floating pontoon al-fresco dining venues in Takao? Or something else I'm missing?

Originally Posted by joejones

Let's not forget Tokyo's greatest concrete abomination: the Supreme Court, which comes straight out of Star Wars, or perhaps the Klingon homeworld.

http://flickr.com/search/?q=japan%20...%20court&w=all

Originally Posted by Pickles

Ar! Pray tell! Are you talking about the outstanding river-side ryotei in Kibune? Or the floating pontoon al-fresco dining venues in Takao? Or something else I'm missing?

Originally Posted by Pickles

Modern Japanese architects are masters at the use of concrete. For example, these pictures of the Wind Chapel in Mt. Rokko by Ando do not make it justice.