Overdone

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.

BALS-y

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.

Okonomiyaki again

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

Okonomiyaki served here

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.

Nice bike

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.

Kyoto again

From Kinkakuji and Nanzenji shirnes

A few more of Kyoto

One warning: If you do go to Kyoto and visit some of the popular sightseeing spots, guard your camera well. Although it is very unlikely to be stolen, people have little problem with running into you, hitting your camera or tripod (tripods are prohibited from some temples or shrines) and possibly breaking it. You may (or may not) get an apology, but your camera could be broken and it will be very, very tough to be compensated for it. Use a strap and be very careful. I was taking a quick snapshot-like photo of Kinkakuji (the golden temple below) when a group of Tokyo tourists arrived and actually tried physically pushing me away so they could get their group photo taken. This is not unusual in crowded areas in Japan. Expect to be pushed and shoved without concern, or excuse mes. And take precautions. Most of all, try to hold you temper, even if someone does knock your camera out of your hand and destroys it.

(Photos in RGB, not converted to sRGB)

More October Kyoto

I suppose this is what many expect to see when they visit Japan. It isn't a common sight--you gotta hunt for them. Even in Kyoto...

Around Denechofu, Tokyo

Ebisu Garden, Tokyo

Hakone

Hakone is a resort area not far from Tokyo in Kanagawa. The Fuji Hotel, where John Lennon and Yoko Onna stayed for a while is stll there. It is a beatiful building, and I would recommend a stay there if you ever get the chance. Included here: A museum of Edo era buildings under construction; an ice cream shop; Hakone Lake

A few times a year, we do have blue skies.