工事

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 already.

Nakameguro-子

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 I never got it.

I pressed the shutter for a quick photo, and began to lower the camera as I figured they'd be too far away for another. As soon as they heard the shutter, they turned and waved. I raised the camera again, but it was too late. I snapped another anyway, and once again, they turned and waved, just as I was lowering the camera. I gave up after three.

A smart man would have just held the shutter down and hoped 8fps would catch them. A smart man would have.

Ginza Trecious

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.

Shibuya, on the overpass below the overpass

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.

Noon in Marunouchi

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.

Sunday in Shinjuku

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

Never know what you'll find under a bridge

Somewhere around Yutenji on the Hibiya line.

Oh my God!

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.

Under the Ginkgo trees

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 color peaks, the street cleaners will be busy sweeping up the leaves as quickly as they fall. Kids haven't much time to play in them.

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.

Enjoying a day off

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.

Only in Japan: Four seasons

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.

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.

Out for a quick lunch in Marunouchi

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.

Sayonara

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 !

To work, Ladies!

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, they had all disappeared inside in what seemed like an attack on the department store. I have no idea what it was all about, but they sure looked very serious. They even forgot about me.

September

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.

A busy Saturday

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 quite helpful when I was taking photos outside.

Some guys just have an enviable knack for fashion in Jiyugaoka

Some gals have decent taste in bicycles

And some women have really nice...uhhh...taste in the restaurants they pass by. By the way, there's a daily Happy Hour from 1700-2000 at the yakiniku restaurant on the right. I wonder what the horumon listed on the menu is? Something akin to chitlins? I'll pass on the 100 yen Asahi Super Dry though, no matter the temperature or the price.

Surprise at Ookayama station

Weekday shoppers

Serious business

I 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.