This picture was taken mid-afternoon. Early morning and late afternoon, this sidewalk and street was usually crowded with bicycles, people walking and vehicles everywhere. One thing you may notice is the absence of trash receptacles or trash seen on the sidewalk or the street. Sometimes I wondered where people put their trash as you commonly could not find hardly any, anywhere we went in Japan. The sidewalks are about 6' foot wide and large enough for four people to walk down side by side. Though often crowded with people walking or on bike, we never once saw a single accident. People are just aware of those on bike and move to the side as they approach or those on bike ring their little bells to tell of their approach.

   The sidewalks are beautifully laid with tile and brick. Even the man-hole covers were both colored and works of art. Adding to the design is the center yellow tile area, running down the middle or which angles off towards an intersection. The tiles have raised round areas which one can actually feel beneath the feet as you walk upon them (even with shoes). This entire design is made specifically for those that are seeing impaired. They are arranged in such a way as to navigate without sight, down the center of the sidewalk, protected from harm. They also are like 3d foot maps to avoid obstacles, to lead to an intersection and to allow one to know they are standing at an intersection. Stoplights flash in red or green, but they also make a friendly sound so one can know when it is safe to cross. This similar yellow design was found everywhere we journeyed in Japan.