Until about 80 years ago, the street in today’s photo didn’t exist because both shores of the Shirakawa River (on the right side of the photo) were lined by traditional wooden buildings. The buildings on the north side of the river were demolished during the World War II, as a fire prevention measure.

Today, Shirakawa-minami-dori is one of the most beautiful places in Kyoto, a (mostly) pedestrian street with a lot of greenery and traditional buildings.

Shirakawa-minami-dori, Kyoto

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Shibarare Jizo, the rope-tied statue