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 !

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

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.

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.

The streets are so clean!

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, of course, someone has to clean them. Usually shops are responsible for keeping the street in front clean. Every morning before opening, you can see people cleaning up, often hosing the street down or at least sweeping.

This doesn't seem to apply so much during the rare snows in the area as snow and ice can remain piled up for quite a while. I used to make decent pocket change (very decent) when it snowed by shoveling snow in front of some of the small shops near where I lived.

Edited to correct an error. I said I sued to make decent pocket change, but I meant I used to.

Drink Coke?

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.

A little fatherly advice

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.

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.