Night View of a Pogoda

The golden shimmer of the pogoda at night stands as a symbol of Japan's past. Although you will find these symbols almost everywhere their locations are often with in easy walking distance of a 7-11 or a train line.

Much of Japan today is littered with powerlines and other signs of progress. Even on mountain tops, powerlines and towers cast a shadow over the once beautiful landscape.

It doesn't make Japan less beautiful it does make it less natural in a way. It is merely the sign of the times.

Progress and preservation have lead us to saving monuments of the past by capitalizing on their worth as an attraction and as a point of sale transaction. This contrast between beauty and commerce is easily seen near all historical sites.

The key to enjoying these sites is to look past it and maintain a sense of awe despite the signs of the current age.