Funny traffic lights in Kyoto.

Kyoto, Japan.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• kyoto

[kakashie]

The song is actually called "Tooryanse" - a Japanese children's rhyme/game much like "London Bridge is Falling Down". The lyric's quite macabre though..

“Pass through, pass through

Here is the underworld’s narrow pathway

It’s the narrow pathway of the demon’s shrine

Please allow me to pass through

Those without a sacrifice shall not pass

To bury this child at age 7, I’ve come to offer my services

Living may be fine, fine, but going back would be scary

It’s scary but pass through, pass through”

[lottimus]

@kakashie

Thanks for the lyrics!

A year after we took this video my host mother sang this song for me in Japanese. The song is indeed quite scary, but it's made to tell children that they should be careful when crossing the road.

[hebneh]

Why is this a funny traffic signal? Is it playing that music?

[lottimus]

@hebneh

Yes, it's playing the music. Don't know why, but the music is no longer being played in these traffic lights. O__o

[PirateOfLoserville]

The actual sound isn't that strange, tho i never heard playing a tune before. But it's common with high, almost squeaking beeping noise to help hearing impaired persons over the road. But even more peculiar is to put a crosswalk smack in the middle of a crossing.

[Akuantti]

Suomalaisia :D

[YumiSisa]

OMG! I wanna go to Japan! :(