![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FjMSP9pDErkrRNc03sOW4FlMa38yYJGPSewhz84X_x8fhUtTFU4qDN4F6W5gPSw7V6PccUUgKZKqV6bhMGRBznL6tgi7DjPjAXHbrVSPRzT2h0c7wDN_3fryvvHzcRJ9nGYf6w/s400/BCS_3053.jpg)
I think this is a good illustration of what some people think of when they think of visiting Japan - picturesque scenes. The reality isn't quite like that - while this shrine is quite beautiful, the picture doesn't reflect reality. This shrine is in the middle of a very busy city. Looking to the left is a major road:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrPFp0d48NUFH64jAMy6U2Cn3MNugU23ev9zbNyjK_bnEiw1OtnC974m-5P1env_szWWKlZ-U8WZT3LFmykTiTBQLwOtVdOf4RWlnZG9Uax5vAei9aJg0VBA6Vg_NogqxeUqiog/s400/BCS_3039.jpg)
And looking to the right is a trash filled beach, a golf driving range (that's the large net), and lots of concrete buildings:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlsCU4Tx2WUu37MNPKMajXo032B70jUj2nFBH4HaxumPyIiSm5zL_ZgkUlil4isGwGA3ViASYd76zwV04KMoFjEJ52Pho-uf-2P2aNfTUHt-pVVztNzT49iEQoX8TNnkO771IBQ/s400/BCS_3049.jpg)
I don't mean to down-play the beauty of the shrine, but more am trying to put it into context.