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 getting longer and afternoons seem to be developing a more "golden" cast.

Perfect timing for the weekend festival in Okusawa, Tokyo.

Drink Coke?

Sunday Sanpo

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.

Okusawa

Jiyugaoka 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 Denenchofu,
there's a festival going on:

Although this year's seemed a lot smaller than last year's,
with fewer stands and smaller crowds, some folks still had plenty of fun:

Liar, liar,

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?

Jiyugaoka Spring

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 over the place, and pedestrians must share the road with cars.























Bad weather doesn't stop doesn't stop the mail here.

Late autumn in Okusawa, Tokyo

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

No time to chat

Okusawa, Tokyo in another September storm.

Downpour in Okusawa

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.

Okusawa, Tokyo

Saturday night and she is stuck walking the dog.

A Rare Tokyo Snow

It may only snow once or twice a year in Tokyo---or not at all. On February 3, we had the first of two snowfalls this year. This was taken in Okusawa Tokyo.

Salad Included

Grilled meat and pork cutlet restaurant in Okusawa, Tokyo Japan

Okusawa, Tokyo. Vacant lot

Yakitori Shop, Okusawa, Tokyo

They're hiring if you need a job.