5-9-2011

Even though it's May, cherry blossoms are still on everyone's minds. Today in cooking class we made cherry blossom cream to go in this bread. Once I leave Japan I will be on an eternal hunt for the liqueur in the US and Canada...

8-24-2010

Sometimes it's amazing that a photo taken at night with the correct exposure doesn't even look like it's night.  This photo was taken in full darkness by my eyes.

A lonely train station without people or trains, as viewed from on a bridge behind a chain-link fence.

8-2-2010

Vending machines are often very bright, like this Yamanote line station vending machine.  Most of the drinks in this photo are yummy.  Except the coffees...but I'm biased against all coffee.

7-27-2010

Kami-Kumagaya station is so small it only has one platform for trains going in either direction.  It also doesn't have a ticket gate.  Instead of putting your ticket in a machine you buy the ticket from the ticket machine and hand it to the station attendant when you leave the station (show it when you enter).

This is mind-blowing because even at the stations without attendants, the stations closer to Tokyo (such as on the JR Nikko line) have a suica swiper at the entrance.  This line isn't suica (IC card) compatible...which is completely amazing.  I am mesmerized by the anti-tech.

EDIT: I say closer to Tokyo but I suppose the Nikko line isn't.  But it's JR and that makes a difference.

7-22-2010

This major intersection in West Shinjuku pretty much exemplifies what crowded Tokyo is all about.  Next to the intersection run the tracks to the Japan Rail trains going to Shinjuku station. Beyond them is a massive shopping and social district, as well as the famed Kabuki-cho...full of bars and hostess clubs run by the Yakuza.  Each time the crosswalk turns green a mob of people hurriedly cross the street to rush off somewhere, often while messaging on their phones (the crowds can be seen to the left of the intersection here).  And cars haphazardly zip down the streets to rush through the next light, taxis stopping wherever they please.

Tokyo is mesmerizing in so many ways.

7-8-2010

Trains are a major part of life here.  Streetcars not as much, but they are an important part of the local history.  Most of the Toden Arakawa line has been removed and replaced by the trains and subway systems.  The particular stretch has a huge variety of rosebushes planted on both sides, and in some areas irises.

6-28-2010

Spotted on the Yamanote line.  Darth Vader endorses this phone.

6-8-2010

Kofu station in Yamanashi has a bell, which I didn't get a chance to read the history, but I think it's from the original station a long time ago.  It has a brick wall next to it that also looks old-fashioned.  Interesting bit of history.   o_O;

6-7-2010

iPad ads have taken over Shinjuku station.

6-3-2010

Went to Takao station today for a lesson.  Above the North Exit there's a giant Tengu mask. The mask is about as tall as I am...

6-1-2010

Morning commute.  Gotta love the Yamanote line (and the Shonan-Shinjuku passing by).

5-11-2010

The irises near the streetcar tracks almost rival the beauty of the roses. While I've given a lot of attention to the roses in my other media this is the first time I've mentioned the irises.