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Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan, may be well known for its grand old temples and stately imperial villas, but one long-time resident decided to shine the spotlight on the beauty of the city's more humble architecture.

About a year ago, photographer and founder of Kyoto Journal magazine, John Einarsen, began shooting an Instagram series called "Small Buildings of Kyoto" on his iPhone during his daily bicycle journeys around town. He has since taken over 200 images of homes, businesses, workshops, as well as the odd neighborhood shrine and teahouse -- each one brimming with personality and charm. We told him we really ought to compile a book out of some of these photos. And that's just what he did.

More info: Instagram

#1

Red Roses On A Gray Day

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Cat Meow
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone who doesn't like roses, I find this rather beautiful.

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#2

Home On Big Street

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Jahnabi
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

woww. It doesn't need to have a big house bt a small one where there's love for you 😍💝

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#4

Cut Salon Nagahara

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Jahnabi
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

shape is interesting and the color given to it makes it illuminating😍👍

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#8

Aji-No-Tatehara Is Popular For Their Croquettes (West Of Kyoto Station)

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#9

Airing Out Futon

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#12

House With Hydrangeas

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#15

Corner Garden

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#16

Potted Plants

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#17

Esperanto Hall, The Place You Can Speak Esperanto In Kyoto

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#18

Chiffon Cake Cafe And Wedding Dress Shop

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#19

Shimadai Gallery On Oike St

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#21

Garden Of Potted Plants

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Ana T.
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

in mexico people too in citys had potted plants sometimes in recycle containers like fruit tin cans or broken buckets

#22

Traditional Japanese Sweet Shop. They Must Have Two Boys Because Of The Two Koi-Nobori

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#23

Closed Tobacco Stand

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#24

Retro Kissaten Coffee Pocket With Matching Bike

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#27

Kissa Apuriko

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Ged Maybury
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

'Apuriko'? (I read it twice on the awning - THEN looked at the title.) I believe it's a small clothing chain.

#28

Guesthouse Cafe With Pictures Of Audrey Hepburn Taped To Windows Of The Sliding Doors

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#29

Cute Small Building

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#30

Trash Day

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Deborah R.
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That house looks very Western to me -- esp the design of the door and windows. But charming nonetheless.

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#33

Arai Tofu-Ten, The Neighborhood Tofu Shop

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Milena Matic
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I notice pots and pots of plants everywhere... very nice ... where I am from, someone would have already broken them or stole them, or the dogs would pee on them....

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#34

Ikebana Tools Kanetaka

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Aunt Messy
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is a GORGEOUS shop. I could have spent a whole lot of money there. The tools are amazing and the quality is better than anything I've ever seen.

#35

Corner Newsstand Near Ginkakuji Temple

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#36

Satellite Dishes On The This Boutique Look Like Mickey Mouse Ears; And Look At That Noren On The Right!

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#37

Interesting Doorway

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#38

Gray House

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#40

Friends Of Machiya

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#42

House With Sudare On Second Floor To Block Strong South Sun

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#43

Hirata Meat Shop

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#44

Store Front

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#45

Defunct Rubber Boot Shop Kobeya, Which Was The #1 Cheapest In Japan!

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#47

Royal

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