tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241086462011-11-13T00:29:08.746+09:00Photos from the Kanto plain area (mostly) of Japan: Tokyo, Yokohama, Kawasaki, and surrounding areas. Not likely to see many geisha or samurai. Just the Japan which has little to do with myths and movies---and yes, Tokyo IS part of the "real Japan."Dnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2521100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-62942792773176543542011-01-30T14:46:00.004+09:002011-01-30T16:12:12.093+09:00

Part of an enormous road and tunnel construction project in Nakameguro-ku. It is referred to as part of a "Smooth Tokyo" project on a nearby sign. Don't know where the money comes from---err, actually, I do. I guess the question is, will Tokyo traffic flow more smoothly after the construction, or will we have just lined the pockets of the construction industry. Time will tell, if we can't guess

Dnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-51952973800106507252011-01-22T19:01:00.003+09:002011-01-22T19:06:56.654+09:00

The "old" station building in the background is no longer in use, having being replaced by the modern station in the 1990s. The "old" station building is a replica of the original 1923 station building and now serves as an entrance to the station area.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-25972633251280149692011-01-17T21:48:00.007+09:002011-01-17T22:10:41.170+09:00

Must be getting old and slow. I was kneeling in the middle of this side street with the camera to my eye hoping for something to happen, when I noticed someone very close. It was the little girl on the right waving to me from about 12 inches away. Naturally, I missed the shot, but as they began to walk away, I put the camera back to my eye to see if anything interesting would happen. It did. But

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-63165152031801991202011-01-16T20:08:00.004+09:002011-01-30T14:56:38.973+09:00

Don't know what trecious means, except that it is the name of a shop in Ginza where I spent Christmas morning and early afternoon. Don't know what I liked about the passage in Trecious. Must have been the color of the lights, or the lines. Or something.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-67228975898358729162011-01-09T23:21:00.006+09:002011-01-09T23:32:19.409+09:00

A place I (and lots of other folks) avoid unless there is a real need to go. Over the New Year break it was less crowded than usual, otherwise I would never have gone there.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-31662830103930885632011-01-08T13:26:00.003+09:002011-01-08T13:34:20.738+09:00

Or Hibiya. Many had already started New Year vacation. Always a good time to stay in Tokyo as the crowds decrease and people become less stressed.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-76764437446029588102011-01-06T23:51:00.001+09:002011-01-06T23:54:20.256+09:00

Go early. Avoid the crowds. Be gone by 1130 at the latest.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-8019323346486025762011-01-05T17:51:00.002+09:002011-01-05T17:55:28.673+09:00

Somewhere around Yutenji on the Hibiya line.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-16196786369002958242010-12-31T09:00:00.002+09:002010-12-31T16:00:35.906+09:00

(Boy being stubborn.)

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-30993758239541951542010-12-30T14:55:00.003+09:002010-12-30T17:02:12.589+09:00

Ginza, a place I love but don't often visit because of the crowds. However, if you get there on weekends before 11, it ain't so bad.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-30626293716976967692010-12-26T20:56:00.007+09:002010-12-26T21:12:42.960+09:00

The StudentThe TeacherThe Motivation?Tokyo Institute of Technology, Ookayama, Tokyo.Come to think of it, spending forever studying might not be such a bad thing, if the pay were better.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-40173452362418003422010-12-23T20:52:00.005+09:002010-12-23T20:59:13.968+09:00

and it ain't what I (used to) call cold.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-16646725854131028892010-12-18T00:18:00.001+09:002010-12-18T00:22:14.172+09:00

Dnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-27688402644224979012010-12-05T15:15:00.012+09:002010-12-05T16:31:34.478+09:00

Despite earlier predictions, the autumn leaves in my part of Tokyo have been quite colorful.After very close to 11 years here, I am beginning to get used to the late, warm autumns. I used to think it strange that autumn leaves were peaking in late November/early December as they have long ago peaked and fallen back home. Now I am tempted to agree with people who tell me that the weather is

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-3829562095373873092010-11-21T09:27:00.007+09:002010-11-22T18:51:03.165+09:00

There is a street just above Denenchofu station where many celebrities and other well-off folks live that is somewhat famous for it spring and autumn ginkgo trees. Famous enough that on autumn weekends the street is somewhat crowded with people taking photos and children playing in the leaves. It isn't the peak yet, but plenty of people were out yesterday. In another week or so, just as the

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-64757416774772344242010-11-13T09:50:00.003+09:002010-11-13T10:02:46.395+09:00

Every year in early November, I walk the 20 minutes or so to the Tama River specifically looking for this type of scene. It usually happens around 4-4:30 on a certain part of the river just as the sun's angle gets low enough to backlight only parts of the river and vegetation. It's an indication for me that fall has really begun in Tokyo.

Dnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-6044641667426279872010-11-07T17:31:00.004+09:002010-11-07T18:43:26.616+09:00

Can't get enough of this street. It's hidden away about 30-40 yards from Jiyugaoka station. It's in plain view if you look, but I never paid it much attention until recently. The light this time of year is especially good from about 10 Am to 1130.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-54561091524475598592010-11-04T23:03:00.004+09:002010-11-04T23:10:35.423+09:00

November 3, Culture Day in Japan. I got to hang around back alleys again in the morning waiting for something interesting. I thought this young lady was kinda interesting, but that's just me.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-498612860795244142010-10-31T18:12:00.004+09:002010-10-31T18:19:37.179+09:00

No need for a dictionary to get the definition of mezurashii:*Antique Japanese autos are a rare sight, let alone a Chevy pickup.*Rare; unusual; novel

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-90796398815871649942010-10-30T11:44:00.003+09:002010-10-30T12:20:24.247+09:00

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-72414759040116731162010-10-29T06:29:00.002+09:002010-10-29T06:35:00.661+09:00

Perhaps preparing for the belated typhoon season of 2010. There has only been one to hit Tokyo this year, and had you blinked you would have missed it. The second is predicted this weekend.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-8411973441475884962010-10-24T17:39:00.010+09:002010-10-25T11:37:04.281+09:00

I am spending too much time in Jiyugaoka, as shop owners seem to know more about me than I do myself.Yesterday a young fellow stepped out of one of the shops and asked me all the standard questions---"Where are you from" and so on---and then asked "Do you take photos around here often? "Yes, a few times a week," I answered. "Every Saturday and Sunday," he replied. Then he told me that he thought

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-49525963960949207372010-10-18T13:55:00.004+09:002010-10-18T14:01:29.247+09:00

Said to be only country with four distinct seasons---a fact that tends to surprise people who come from other countries with four distinct seasons. I wouldn't call the weather "fall-like" yet, according to the standards of my home, but it is certainly very distinct from the scorching summer weather we had this year.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-16140645751084802532010-10-03T19:59:00.007+09:002010-10-03T20:13:54.017+09:00

And no doubt about it.This friendly lady stepped out of the shop, saw me taking photos and gave me a perfect pose and a nice smile. What else can a man ask for?Taken on a pleasant Indian summer Sunday in Jiyugaoka. Has to be one of the most interesting little parts of Tokyo.

Dnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-3385648918743864642010-09-26T21:13:00.003+09:002010-09-26T21:19:11.060+09:00

At least I was not prohibited from taking a photo here, something not always permitted in the area. I'd avoid the Mitsubishi building, which for some reason (terrorists? corporate espionage?) is entirely off limits to photography.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-61772773302850085572010-09-23T20:59:00.010+09:002010-09-23T21:22:00.278+09:00

Japan's hottest summer ended yesterday with a bang. The 71st day of 30-plus degree temperature in Tokyo this year. Today it was about 20, with rain.tsukareta...mou ii !

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-40261950736735870882010-09-19T09:32:00.010+09:002010-09-19T09:51:14.268+09:00

I can hardly pass by this okonomiyaki place in Jiyugaoka without stopping to look at all of its old signs and posters. I think that they were put up to enhance the old look of the place. If so, they have done an excellent job.I don't know how the okomomiyaki is, but just the looks of the building makes me wanna try it.Aasu mosquito coils

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-38487863185330059222010-09-11T14:21:00.004+09:002010-09-15T17:23:03.096+09:00

Just when I thought autumn would never come, Tokyo has cooled just a bit since the typhoon of a few days ago. "Cooled" being relative as I would have never considered 87 degrees as cool until after I had enjoyed 6 or 7 Tokyo summers. Who knows, perhaps I'll join the crowd and consider 55 degrees cold.But it is a bit cooler and the sun is changing to a more autumnal position. The shadows are

Dnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-70169224060786044132010-09-07T15:18:00.005+09:002010-09-07T15:26:37.113+09:00

On Saturday morning, I was hanging around an alley in Jiyugaoka---oh, that sounds a little weird---and at about 10AM a group of 6 or 7 ladies marched up and suddenly stopped a few meters away. At first, I was pleased that I had stopped a group of nice-looking ladies in their tracks with my mere presence. Then the lady with the clipboard began handing out instructions.Within a few seconds,

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-78213957921011425682010-09-01T18:19:00.006+09:002010-09-01T22:29:31.773+09:00

After the hottest August in Tokyo since 1946, September---with its promise of cool, crisp autumn nights and mild warm days---sans the promise of cool, crisp autumn nights and mild warm days has arrived in Jiyugaoka, Tokyo. Another 34 (95F) plus degree day.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-59062303877388769072010-08-30T15:33:00.010+09:002010-09-12T18:56:01.469+09:00

Morning clean up, Jiyugaoka, Tokyo I often get comments from folks overseas about how clean Tokyo's streets look. I noticed that years ago when I first visited Tokyo, but I hardly pay attention anymore. Granted, there are places in Tokyo and Kanagawa where things ain't so pristine, but I don't often photograph those.The cleanliness isn't magic,

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-84884220783802778282010-08-23T18:09:00.005+09:002010-08-23T19:39:12.208+09:00

Dnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-67317604067497955092010-08-21T17:48:00.025+09:002010-08-22T13:33:50.598+09:00

despite the heat which may even be letting up a bit. Only a fool would believe that though.It being a Saturday, I took another walk through the more interesting places nearby---leaving out the over-priced and rather dull area of Denenchofu.The shop where tofu is made and sold seemed very busy today.Plenty of fresh produce at one of the tempting restaurants. One young fellow who worked there was

Dnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-55011199158080754222010-07-18T19:16:00.009+09:002010-07-18T19:30:46.209+09:00

Good god man! I believe this image has been manipulated! It is no longer a 3 dimensional scene with sound, wind, smells, and living things. Grandpa never did things this way. Then again, this catches the moment and the feeling for me.Dad was advising the little fellow where he could ride and where he shouldn't.Ookayama, Tokyo.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-81931675828538658632010-07-13T13:21:00.002+09:002010-07-13T13:23:57.970+09:00

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-80590316185308520192010-07-09T18:58:00.003+09:002010-07-09T19:04:18.498+09:00

Serious businessI believe this young lady considers shopping serious business. Either that or she is wondering why the idiot is sitting around taking photos of people doing nothing more than walking down the street. I have no answer for that.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-48496952973450309832010-07-06T16:17:00.009+09:002010-07-06T16:53:58.897+09:00

And I assume smoking is permitted inside. Don't know how the okonomiyaki ( a pancake-like food made of flour, cabbage, and other ingredients from seafood to bacon and cheese) is, but just the looks of the place makes me want to eat there regardless of any smoking.

Dnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-69779602424442055832010-06-26T17:31:00.015+09:002010-06-26T21:15:20.890+09:00

Some gotta work:oshigotoyoushhhh!Some get to play:tabetai!This one too!All of them!daisuki!oshigoto: job,tabitai: I wanna eat itdaisuki: (I) love (them)

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-21544001875147760172010-06-19T15:15:00.013+09:002010-06-19T21:59:08.816+09:00

nani?Since I have been in Japan, I have never been especially enthralled by the the events most associated with Japan. I don't really have nay special interest in Geisha, most popular festivals, Shibuya crossing and other well-traveled spots. I do admit a weakness for Kyoto, but so far, that's about it.Recently, for a number of reasons including the time, expense, and frustration of getting away

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-24594378527941545642010-06-11T15:41:00.009+09:002010-07-18T19:24:51.923+09:00

Back in the day---I've always wanted to say that---I hated summer. I hated hot weather. Hot weather defined as anything above 75 in the summer and above about 38 in the winter. I've had to adapt after coming to the somewhat semi-tropical climate of Tokyo. (Tokyo is at 35 latitude, the same as Memphis, Tennessee.)I adapted thanks to a lot of road biking in extreme heat, poor and very expensive

Dnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-8316378579517565722010-06-09T12:27:00.003+09:002010-06-09T12:34:56.383+09:00

There are some who are lucky enough to have their own little oasis. I often walk by this old Japanese-style house which is hidden away on a side street in Denenchofu. I keep hoping to see someone sitting there enjoying the last of the afternoon sun, but never do. Wonder if they'd mind if I did?

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-56295793256057365692010-06-07T18:38:00.018+09:002010-06-07T19:23:17.661+09:00

On a warm late-spring Sunday afternoon with nothing to do, it's often productive to take a walk around the neighborhood---or neighborhoods in this case.OkusawaJiyugaoka never ceases to be interesting to me:And of course Sunday means no school,but that doesn't stop soccer practice:But even noisy, excited boys gotta go home:There's always someone bringing up the rear:And back in the usually dull

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-38962886407323691122010-05-29T19:22:00.015+09:002010-08-21T19:51:53.964+09:00

What th' hell?As I have observed ad nauseum, there ain't a lot of nature---nature by US, Canada, Australian, and other Western countries standards*---in Tokyo, but there are still places where one can experience the outdoors. Sometimes it takes a little imagination, and you may have to ignore some inconvenient realities, but that shouldn't stop anyone.On Thursday, I went down to the river and

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-54986684348534972812010-05-24T16:37:00.008+09:002010-05-24T17:23:06.378+09:00

With apologies to the musical...There are certain times that folks don't want to see reality. One might be walking along the Tamagawa for instance and want to ignore the fact that what appears to be nature or natural---if you use a very selective focus---isn't really. It's all man-made, or at the very least, man-altered.We can't expect much more many thousand years since mankind arrived on the

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-13802322268178226442010-05-14T16:50:00.017+09:002010-05-14T18:37:16.737+09:00

I don't know how to describe the weather in Tokyo this year, but I would call it unusual to say the least.The sky was beautiful yesterday after 2-3 days of wind and some rain which made for some interesting light and conditions. So I took a walk along the now intimate-to-me Tamagawa near my home.Lovers near Shinmaruko bridge. This young fellow and I kept running into each other---literally."I can

Dnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-39292688152667322412010-05-05T12:13:00.006+09:002010-05-05T12:22:22.055+09:00

Every time I post or tell someone that kimono-wearing is not common in Tokyo, I start seeing people wearing them everywhere I look. Getting dressed in a real kimono is neither a simple nor inexpensive task. Most nowadays---from what I am told---go to specialized shops to be dressed in one. Sorta like Tom Cruise in the hilarious comedy, The Last Samurai. Don't think ol' Tom dressed himself do you?

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-91649241322382618932010-05-03T18:10:00.012+09:002010-05-03T23:40:26.165+09:00

Small things fascinate small minds, but I find these nets which are placed over garbage and recyclables to be quite attractive. If nothing else, I learned that some fellow with the last name of Honda, at one time at least, loved a girl name Erika.

Dnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-32156227207105096762010-04-25T22:26:00.008+09:002010-04-27T15:10:22.122+09:00

Dropping in for a bit of afternoon tea in Jiyugaoka, Tokyo. Seeing someone wearing a kimono except for special occasions is not a common site in Japan---at least not in my neck of the woods.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-55590698654944981542010-04-23T19:51:00.031+09:002010-04-24T01:55:41.625+09:00

If April showers bring May flowers, we'll be in luck this year since it seems to rain about every day.Jiyugaoka, a lively little part of Tokyo. Lots of restaurants, small shops, pubs, bars, pachinko parlors, and izakaya(s). A nice place to visit on a dreary, rainy day. Might want to do so early before the crowds and cars arrives as there are few sidewalks, delivery trucks and vans are parked all

Dnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-3223016821974852432010-04-10T15:45:00.006+09:002010-04-12T20:47:53.054+09:00

The cherry blossom season this year seems to be a bit longer than usual, perhaps due the the cooler, rainier weather. More time for parties, I guess. In the past, I had considered getting half (or completely) plastered under under cherry blossoms as a waste of time. I am no longer of that opinion.This was on a cool, rainy, weekday in Denenchofu next to a "kindergarten" across the street from the

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-50092951252672692002010-02-12T19:58:00.007+09:002010-04-12T20:49:42.661+09:00

Friday evening in September of 2009. Some folks returning home from work, others exercising, walking the dog, just doing what people in any modern country do.This shouldn't shock anyone, but I recall back in the late 80s and early 90s when Japan was much more of an economic superpower---and the source of worry and illogical fear in the US---that many had an image of folks here as near robotic

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-61636181290815596062010-01-30T01:02:00.006+09:002010-02-01T10:48:19.795+09:00

I guess it ain't really accurate to call Tokyo a city, as it is actually a prefecture made up of numerous---what should I call them?---towns.Under an almost full moon (this year's "Wolf Moon") Friday night on the Tama River just across from Kanagawa prefecture's Shinmaruko.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-77965717671407848502010-01-15T13:16:00.011+09:002010-01-15T13:49:42.311+09:00

A rare public display of affection under the autumn maples. Denenchofu, Tokyo, November 29, 2009.Watching parents and kids interact tends to dispel any remanent, subconscious notion of a "unique uniqueness."

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-63151410438471530162010-01-08T11:14:00.028+09:002010-01-15T13:36:46.129+09:00

For the last 2 years getting close enough to the egrets or heron along my part of the Tama River has been getting more and more difficult.Not only are the birds very wary of both humans and their dogs, the habitat has changed. The river has been high enough that it almost always covers the small basalt island behind the homeless camp where many of both species---along with cormorants---would

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-77494643574563782782010-01-02T21:41:00.012+09:002010-01-02T23:40:53.075+09:00

A friend of mine who fancies himself an outdoorsman of sorts often asks what I do when I go to the mountains. I have found that if I have to explain in detail to someone what I do when I hike or spend time outdoors or why I like to do so, they'll never understand anyway.N-san has climbed Fujisan twice and has been after me to do so too. "Why?" I asked the last time we debated it. "Because

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-24019518637795000382009-12-20T23:56:00.013+09:002010-05-20T00:08:41.577+09:00

I love these old buildings which seem to be disappearing from many parts of Tokyo---or maybe it's just from my area. I have taken so many photos of this building and the small noodle restaurant, Eh-Wan, that the cops at the nearby police box are becoming familiar with me.Taken in Yukigayaotsuka, Tokyo.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-12645395520026394652009-12-07T12:29:00.032+09:002010-04-14T18:21:57.217+09:00

Folks in Tokyo are not especially well-known for open friendliness toward strangers---especially when the stranger is non-Japanese.However, sometimes when I am out with a camera, people who would normally never approach me will suddenly become very talkative. Usually they are older people, but occasionally even the munchkins can't resist:"What are you doing?" he asked as he rushed over to the

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-73097939950717722762009-11-30T00:35:00.005+09:002010-01-15T13:36:02.286+09:00

The momiji--Japanese maple trees--are finally at peak color in this area of Tokyo. Taken on a nice cool Sunday morning which was a welcome break from the unseasonably warm weather we have had recently.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-54826620169398949122009-11-09T00:31:00.014+09:002009-12-21T00:53:10.273+09:00

While I was taking this, an old lady came up to me and said in English, "Old house." Then, apparently exhausting her English---or her patience with it for the day---she asked in Japanese, "Do you know it's a tatami shop?"I did, but I was happy that she asked. Older folks often come up to me and talk when I am taking photos, something that ain't so common on other occasions in Tokyo.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-87506325671151252452009-11-06T16:14:00.002+09:002009-11-06T16:17:53.428+09:00

or not. She seemed to be enjoying herself on her walk through this part of Denenchofu. Maybe it was the end of the hot, humid summer?

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-9322621597051023742009-10-25T23:18:00.007+09:002010-02-15T09:19:07.206+09:00

Well, for the red light which had already turned red before he even started.There has been a well-advertised cycling boom in Tokyo over the last year or so. Now many have taken their "mama-chari" riding "skills" (??!!!) to road bikes at higher speeds and the number of accidents has been increasing.At least this fellow was not on the sidewalk...That's an old tailor shop he's passing.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-32565621581956699752009-09-29T10:28:00.000+09:002009-09-29T10:31:32.603+09:00

Students practicing lacrosse on the Tama River.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-82328960681931535512009-09-06T16:15:00.004+09:002009-09-06T16:20:07.472+09:00

A relatively cool---for Tokyo---summer is coming to an end. That means flu season will be here early this year.Tama River, Tokyo side. Shinmaruko in Kanagawa prefecture is in the background.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-11897371408002271432009-08-28T20:53:00.004+09:002009-08-28T21:01:24.870+09:00

School will be back in soon. Not sure many kids wanna see that.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-23725413610130520932009-07-17T00:25:00.002+09:002009-07-17T00:40:35.503+09:00

Rainy season is officially over, I heard. It seems to have be a bit windier than usual recently and it ain't even close to typhoon season yet. It has made for some very interesting skies and clouds.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-62939647171285681862009-07-15T20:48:00.001+09:002009-07-15T20:51:07.936+09:00

From the police box behind Kawasaki station at Kawasaki city.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-41908113685263051592009-07-10T13:08:00.002+09:002009-07-10T13:13:34.543+09:00

A bit of an oasis in Tokyo---at least the more urbanized part. If ya can't get out, the river is as good a place to go as any. On weekdays it isn't especially crowded, but on weekends and holidays, things change quickly. Look for weather---cold, rain, very hot and humid days, snow, high winds all drive a lot of the more dainty-types indoors. Nights are nice too...

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-22450620566330646982009-07-10T00:40:00.002+09:002009-07-10T00:46:10.624+09:00

Shinmaruko in Kanagawa prefecture from the Tokyo side of the Tama River.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-54522187334071643562009-07-08T17:34:00.004+09:002009-07-09T00:32:28.563+09:00

You just knew that something was coming. One never bothers with weather forecasts when looking out the window is a more accurate way to tell the weather. Tama River, not far from Tamagawa Station, Tokyo side.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-67925770094591764472009-05-08T00:06:00.003+09:002009-05-08T00:14:03.251+09:00

From NyohosanThe town of Nikko down below

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-45219724182546669652009-05-06T20:42:00.001+09:002009-05-06T20:44:55.177+09:00

Golden Week in Japan.

Dnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-35895502933862956042009-05-01T16:51:00.007+09:002010-12-26T20:11:35.101+09:00

Like most places in central Honshuu above about 1000 meters, Nyohosan is still in natural monochrome in the spring. No cherry blossoms here. These were taken 24 April and it will be several weeks before much green returns.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-87595968668894698812009-04-01T13:08:00.007+09:002009-04-02T01:27:50.836+09:00

On the way back down, not far from a some lessor visited shrines. The return to town is always a bit depressing, and the train back to Tokyo even more so. It had been a nice cool day with some snow flurries earlier in the day. I regretted not bringing my camping gear....

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-65206974092599838882009-04-01T00:58:00.012+09:002009-12-14T23:15:17.791+09:00

but finally solitude---something not easy to come by so close to Tokyo. Nyohosan in Nikko Japan. Not one of the top 100 mountains to climb in Japan and thus fewer people normally around compared to more popular hill like nearby Nantaisan. That's why I chose it and this route. The first time, I did not encounter a single person. This time, only one and he was listening to a squirrel bark. I did

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-45052577312127908482009-03-13T22:15:00.003+09:002009-03-13T22:21:12.117+09:00

On a cold, clear night in December. Nobody around, just the sound of the lake, the Milky Way clearly visible overhead, and...alas...the sound of an occasional car driving by.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-90412320998185755372009-03-08T21:44:00.007+09:002009-03-08T22:58:02.059+09:00

There are always a number of fishermen along the Tamagawa. Some even fish during rare snowstorms in Tokyo. Some folks claim the fish are safe to eat as the river is claimed to be relatively clean, but others who live in the area cringe at the thought as the image of the river is anything but clean.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-24080606121828227432009-03-01T22:17:00.010+09:002009-03-01T22:56:15.312+09:00

The quickest and easiest semi-natural area to get to from Tokyo is the Nikko area. Since access is relatively quick and easy and since the terrain is not tremendously challenging, it is often best to go to the less popular trails there if one wants to avoid crowds.A successful day for me is when I can avoid the sight or sounds of humans. I get my fill of that every single day in Tokyo. This

Dnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-27405236031050594372009-02-27T23:24:00.005+09:002009-03-01T22:40:25.132+09:00

Last Saturday when it was supposed to be cloudly with snow and -5 Celsius at the most. They got the temperature right.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-89109595821545801072009-02-27T19:12:00.002+09:002009-12-21T00:26:09.987+09:00

A rare sight in Tokyo.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-6970709695571618832009-02-16T23:20:00.011+09:002009-07-09T00:36:34.626+09:00

Fujisan can't often be seen from Tokyo, but on clear winter days it occasionally makes an appearance. On a spring-like Valentines Day, it became visible just before sunset.Taken with a Nikon D300/Tamron 200-500mm (@500mm) from Tamagawadai Park, Tokyo.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-91357376980768572072009-02-11T19:01:00.010+09:002009-02-13T07:46:39.252+09:00

On a cold, windy night (for Tokyo) under a nearly full moon along the Tamagawa (Tama River). The lack of 4 real seasons in Tokyo makes cold, numb, fingers a rare, and pleasurable experience. One can even occasionally see stars, but that night the "cold" was the reason for going.

Dnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-40776577256144954892009-01-23T10:24:00.005+09:002009-01-23T10:42:13.514+09:00

From 2007 at Utsukushigahara in Nagano.

Dnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-49364548956224919112009-01-21T13:57:00.002+09:002009-01-21T14:02:27.305+09:00

Shinmaruko across the Tama River from Tokyo

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-33483517680355222332009-01-15T09:41:00.010+09:002009-01-15T12:07:56.950+09:00

A new group on Flickr has opened called Tokyo Strobist. Tokyo Strobist is based on the original Strobist Flickr pool and will hopefully give interested folks in Japan an opportunity to learn, practice, and show off-camera lighting techniques in either English or Japanese. If enough people are interested, there might even be some meetings in the future.The photo above used off-camera lighting of a

Dnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-79892389585279886612008-12-26T21:01:00.001+09:002008-12-30T23:27:46.978+09:00

Tokyo has more houses and building covered in vines than I have seen in any other city.

Dnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-51452358231564984832008-12-16T23:34:00.001+09:002008-12-16T23:36:10.783+09:00

Some of the most relatively "tame" gulls I've seen are near Yokohama Bay

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-44333931122048660642008-12-16T23:26:00.001+09:002010-01-08T15:07:17.380+09:00

The tallest building in Japan, I believe.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-79457154967289035052008-12-02T00:54:00.006+09:002009-12-21T00:27:33.507+09:00

Friday evening just before sunset. "Sunset" tends to come relatively early in spots as the buildings block the sun as it get lower. D300 Tmaron 200-500mm @ 500

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-7708279927500652652008-11-30T10:41:00.003+09:002008-11-30T10:53:40.228+09:00

Friday afternoon at Yokohama Bay in the Minatomirai area. One of the most beautiful locations in Tokyo/Yokohama.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-25286682720899874592008-11-08T17:41:00.003+09:002008-11-08T17:48:40.569+09:00

Tamagawa river between Tamagawadaikoen and Shinmaruko, Tokyo/Kanagawa, Japan. Taken with the D300 and Tamron 200-500mm@500mm.So far, the latest firmware update has made the camera a different beast concerning autofocus. It isn't perfect, but finally I can feel confident using any autofocus mode under certain conditions. It also focuses much more quickly, even with the Tamron 200-500. Birds in

Dnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-75014273076367487772008-10-03T23:16:00.005+09:002008-10-03T23:45:42.603+09:00

Okusawa, Tokyo in another September storm.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-54712965030309330112008-09-20T17:38:00.005+09:002008-10-03T23:24:26.349+09:00

I (and many others here) am often asked by people coming to Japan for a visit where to buy camera equipment.Camera shops are not as widespread as some seem to believe, especially once you get out of the cities. BIC Camera and Yodobashi Camera are often mentioned as good places and they can be. However, not all are. Some branches have a very poor selection or horrid service or both. If I have to

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-62919298618307333842008-09-15T22:47:00.003+09:002008-09-15T22:51:42.349+09:00

Very heavy thunderstorm (kaminari in Japanese) on Sunday, Sept 7. Since I was hiding under an apartment entrance, I had plenty of time to play with the camera.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-38034417842031580612008-07-14T00:53:00.002+09:002008-07-14T00:56:27.286+09:00

Saturday night and she is stuck walking the dog.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-46694979977371619292008-07-07T13:50:00.005+09:002008-07-07T15:47:59.145+09:00

Something that I have not seen mentioned anywhere on North American websites: Kenko has introduced a 800mm f8 DX mirror lens (supposedly in May). They are also introducing a 500mm f8 DX lens. From the July issue of Digital Photo (デジタルフォト) page 142 D.P. News. List price will be about ￥40,000 for either. Somehow, I doubt that the quality will be very good.A similar-looking Kenko 500mm mirror lens

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-11092031135832525832008-06-22T19:48:00.001+09:002008-06-22T19:50:40.778+09:00

Near Ohara Temple about an hour from downtown.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-31336203831832143902008-06-08T22:43:00.002+09:002008-11-28T21:34:23.223+09:00

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-78668753476286111352008-06-07T22:56:00.004+09:002008-06-07T23:05:09.416+09:00

This spring has been the rainiest in 120 years. Things are becoming even more moss covered than usual. Rainy season has started 20 days early in Kanto.This photo is from Kyoto, in Kansai. Still plenty rainy there too.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-11066246577905148572008-05-31T21:50:00.002+09:002008-05-31T21:54:11.268+09:00

Another trip to Kyoto in what must be the coolest, rainiest year in the last 5 or 6. In the woods near Ohara temple about an hour by bus from the center of Kyoto.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24108646.post-784383807796162862008-05-02T22:22:00.002+09:002008-05-02T22:27:38.695+09:00

Along the Tamagawa. Most of the herons and egrets have made themselves scarce to care for their young I suppose. Anyway, they aren't hanging around the river near my place. Perhaps some rain tomorrow which is good, because I plan to be out in it to try to get a photograph of tree in the rain. Maybe it will even work out like I hope. Or not.

Dnoreply@blogger.com0