Walled yards to the street in Okinawa

[TheNoNamedOne]

One of the things I have never liked about city living in Okinawa (or Mainland, Japan) is that yards are walled all the way up to the street. The walls are a little more aesthetically pleasing if they are ryukyu stone or have some nice vines. But when they are concrete cinder blocks, which most are, it brings that drab grey look all around you as you negotiate the streets -- almost like a rat in a maze.

Often for the homeowner, there may only be a meter or less between their house wall and the yard wall, and I imagine them having a hard time squezzing through spots like that as they walk around their house for what ever reason may require them to do so.

I am wondering if no walls at all would be prettier.

[socalheart]

My mother's home has a brick wall up to the street. Back in the day, the space between the wall and the house was where one hung the laundry out to dry. Now, it's just a walkway to the west wing of the house. eh.

[P_chan]

I love the walled yards of japanese homes! Makes me feel like I'm living in a castle. I want one!

[Oxmix]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/SunabeOkinawa.jpg

Regards

Ox

[TheNoNamedOne]

Yes, Oxmix! Thanx.

Rather ugly, isn't it?

[dk]

Doesn't look so bad in that pictures. At least those houses aren't flat roofs.

[TheNoNamedOne]

I think that is a really old pic. Look at that old car on the street. Geez. What year were those around. Bet all those houses are flat roofed now -- with the same walls standing -- just older looking.

Even the street looks more like compacted gravel than pavement. Old looking. Maybe Vietnam era???