Saturday Morning at Denenchofu

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.

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.

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

Surprise at Ookayama station

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.

In the middle of the world's largest city

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?

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?

Ojamashimasu

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.

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.

Neighbors chatting

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.