Who's the Weaver?

Look at this spider's web I found on the side of a building! Actually I'm not really sure it's a spider's web...but it's someone's web.

It looked very pretty in the sun.

Overhead

We're all getting used to the sight of this crane looming above the station these days. I'm quite fond of construction sites, especially when they use cranes and other unbelievably huge machinery.

I didn't get a picture...but during the holidays this crane was actually lit up with Christmas lights. I thought it was hilarious for some reason and it gave me a reason to smile every time I walked toward the station!

Almost Over

What a year it's been...for me, anyway. How was your year?

I had SUCH a great time with this blog this year! It gave me a reason to start taking really LONG walks to areas in Tokorozawa that I never had a chance or a reason to go to. So many things I've learned from just talking to random people and looking up the history of the area. Next year will be my third year as part of the City Daily Photo community and I can't wait to get started!

Thank you to everyone who came by to take a glimpse at photos of Tokorozawa. And a big New Year's Eve hug to those who left comments, I really really appreciate it.

I hope it's blue skies all the way for everyone in the new year!

Take a look at more beautiful skies all around the world here.

Shinin' on Eve

So once again, it doesn't seem like we're getting a white Christmas. But the cloudy rainy weather cleared and it's going to be sunny skies this whole weekend, yay!

Christmas in Japan is for mainly couples and children. Couples go out on romantic dates and kids get presents, Christmas cake, and Kentucky Fried Chicken. It's all very commercial, not that it's a bad thing or anything. I love all the flair of Christmas decorations and songs we get around the city this season.

The number of Christians living in Japan is very few. Of the whole population in Japan, it's said that there are less than 1% who are Christians. I think the most recent number was around 0.7%, which is roughly 1.2 million people. For them, it's also a time to celebrate the birth of Christ with family, friends, and other church members.

But regardless of religion, I do hope everyone has a happy Christmas Eve today!

Take a look at more beautiful skies all around the world here.

History Walk

This is part of the wall surrounding the construction site of the Ever Sky Tower, one of the Kotesashi Towers (there are two being built).

I don't know about construction sites in other countries, but here in Japan the construction company usually decorates the outer side of the wall. Some draw trees or flowers and sometimes they show old pictures of the area and have information about the history of the area.

Around the Ever Sky Tower, there are pictures and dates of events related to Kotesashi Station. It was fun seeing old pictures and leaning about how the station came about.

(1970 - Kotesashi Station Opens)

(1977 - The 2000 Type Train is Introduced on the Seibu Line)

(1976 - Construction of Kotesashi Heights Starts)

Beauty of a Roof

Here is a close up photo of the Jimyoin Temple roof.

I love the way the old buildings in Japan were traditionally built, the wooden structure and the Kawara roofs. Many of the temples and shrines are built using a traditional wood joinery technique, which were nail-less or used few nails. This technique is not written down on any manual but passed down as a craft from generation to generation.

The roof made from tile is also a very important part of the structure. I read somewhere that the beauty of Japanese architecture lies in the varieties of its roof. I tend to agree.

Take a look at more beautiful skies all around the world here.

Hammer Away

There's a lot of construction going on lately. I love watching construction sights and seeing the houses take shape.

My dad is a really good carpenter, and although that's not his profession, he used to make bunk beds and study desks for us kids when we were little. All the noise at the construction sight brings back memories!

Maboroshi-ken Ramen

Maboroshi-ken (まぼろし軒) is a popular ramen shop in Tokorozawa. This dish is my favorite Tonkotsu-Shio Ramen (とんこつ塩ラーメン), which is ramen with broth made from pork bones and salt. Just the thing to fill your stomach after a long afternoon walk.

Maboroshi-ken just started their lunch hour. Until recently they were only open at night.

I don't know about everywhere else but in Japan there is a thing called Shime (締め pronounced She-meh). When people go out to eat and/or drink in Japan (which we call Nomikai (飲み会)) it can lead to a second stage which we call Nijikai (second party) where we all go karaoke, bowling, or just to another Izakaya. The bigger the event, the longer these after parties keep on going.

Anyways, the Shime comes at the very end of the night (i.e. early morning). And this is just speaking from experience but a lot of times this ends up being ramen, probably because ramen shops tend to be open in the middle of the night and you can be in and out of the shop quite quickly.

Eating ramen at 4am is probably not the greatest idea health-wise. But it's still very very tasty!

Maboroshi-ken is open everyday from 11:30am to 5pm and again from 5:30pm to 4am.

Matsugaoka Regulating Reservoir

This is the Matsugaoka Regulating Reservoir.

At first I thought it was just filled with rain water. But then I actually spotted birds, fish, and turtles enjoying the water in the reservoir. It was nice to see so much nature in a man-made lake.


See other wonderful reflections from around the world at Weekend Reflections hosted by James.

House After House

This area had a lot of family houses. I really liked this view with all the houses in a row.

Take a look at more beautiful skies all around the world here.

Down the Street

Just a regular street with a reflection.

See other wonderful reflections from around the world at Weekend Reflections hosted by James.

In the Still of the Night

The night seems to become brighter by the year. I'm sure the sky is just as dark...but even in the middle of the night, there are lamp posts that shine and 24 hour stores that are open.

And while I am very grateful for all of this (especially when I'm walking back home from the station at night)...sometimes I miss the pitch dark nights where all you can see are the stars twinkling above.

Empty Road

Just a regular road. But I liked the contrast of the white building and dark wall...

(PS: I haven't been able to comment back to everyone as I'm away from home at the moment. I'll try to drop by soon! Thanks so much for commenting! I very much appreciate it :D)

She's a Brick House

Well, she's not really a brick house. Just the entrance area. But it caught my eye the other day because it stood out against all the surrounding Japanese style houses.

I like brick. What about you?

(PS: Thank you for all the comments! I'm back on my feet, with a wad of tissue and coughdrops in my hand ;D)

Go Team Go!

Someone is a Seibu Lions fan! I found this banner hanging in front of the side door like a curtain.

The Seibu Lions, our pro baseball team, are doing very well this year. Although it's a pretty tight race, I have a feeling we're going to win the championships. But I'm not saying it too loudly...don't want to jinx the team!

Curtain of Vines

A green curtain covers one side of our city hall in the summer.

The vines are morning glories and bitter melon plants! I think they were planted sometine in June. It's amazing how fast they grow. It's a nice natural curtain!

See other wonderful reflections from around the world at Weekend Reflections hosted by James.

P-P-P-Parking Space

I know the parking lot sign is suppose to represent a car.

But to me, it looks like a UFO. Doesn't it?

Anyways, this is the three story parking lot for the shopping center, Parco. On the weekends cars line up on the street, waiting for parking space. Usually it's the dad waiting in the car, watching TV on the car navigation, while the rest of the family get a head start on their shopping spree!


Take a look at more beautiful skies all around the world here.

Night Falls

I'm ready to head home and relax. What about you?

Happy weekend to everyone!


Take a look at more beautiful skies all around the world here.

I Stand Alone

There used to be a couple of houses here.

But just a few weeks ago, they started tearing down the wall and now most of the lot is cleared. Except for this lone tree.

I wonder what they're going to do with it. I hope they leave it.

Rooting for you, tree!

A Pinch of Color

A gorgeous sky spread above the parking lot. Isn't this a great way to end the week? I hope everyone enjoys a bright and colorful weekend!

"Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky." -Rabindranath Tagore




Take a look at more beautiful skies all around the world here.