On the Lookout

Well, it's Sunday again. And I'm seriously running out of bridge photos.

So until I can find a new bridge in Tokorozawa, once again this is Asahi Bridge, from a slightly different angle!


Click below for more lovely photos of bridges around the world!

Sunday Bridges

Bridge with Flowers

A different angle of last week's bridge.

The flowers were hidden from the road and I had to crouch really low to fit the flowers in this photo. An old man walking his dog was watching me the whole time, trying to figure out what it was that I was trying to do. haha.


Click below for more lovely photos of bridges around the world!

Sunday Bridges

Historical Bridge

I took this photo with my new Xperia cellphone. Like White Oleander, I'm loving my toy camera application! (See her lomography photos at Næstved Daily Photo)

Anyways, this is Tokorozawa's famous Asahi Bridge. Like I've said before, I really like the tile arches on this bridge.


Click below for more lovely photos of bridges around the world!

Sunday Bridges

Toko-toko Market

I found this great shop the other day. They sell vegetables and other products that are made in Tokorozawa. I bought some fresh edamame and kabocha (pumpkin).

One thing I like about this place is that they sell fresh vegetables that are in season. If you go to a supermarket now, you can find just about any vegetable and fruit, regardless of the season. I mean, it's great when you want to make something...but it makes you forget the natural cycle. I think this is a great way to appreciate seasonal food.

The store is open from 9am to 6pm. Mondays are closed.

They would also appreciate it if you would bring your own shopping bags.

Farman Street

The three-way intersection on Farman Street.

Farman Street is named after the 1910 Henri Farman III biplane, the first plane to test the Tokorozawa Airfield in 1911. It was one of the first airplanes produced by Farman Aviation Works, which was founded by Henry and Maurice Farman, two french brothers.

Retro Posters

Another couple of shots of the old movie posters along the Sakazuki Yokocho.

The one on the top is 'Yogiri yo Konya mo Arigato,' which I've never seen before. But I do know the guy on the poster, Yujiro Ishihawa. He was a very famous actor and his brother is actually the Governor of Tokyo Metropolis. But that's all I know.

The one bellow is 'Nihon Ichi no Otoko no Naka no Otoko.' Don't know any one here.

But I like these retro posters. Maybe I'll go borrow one of these movies sometime.

Sakazuki Yokocho

This is the entrance to the Sakazuki Yokocho. 'Sakazuki' usually refers to a cup used for sake or wine and 'Yokocho' is a road that is perpendicular to the main road.

Sakazuki Yokocho has a very 'Showa' feel to it. The Showa Period in Japan was from 1926 to 1989, so things during that time are now considered retro. Or what my parents call 'the-good-ole-days!'

You can see the poster of an old movie up on the wall near the entrance. It's a popular movie called 'Otoko wa Tsurai yo' which roughly translates to 'Men have it hard.' The main character, Tora-san, is loved by a lot of people here in Japan.

There are about 20 shops along the Sakazuki Yokocho. Most are izakayas or bars at night. But during the afternoon the shops also serve lunch.

The White Fox

Another shot of the Sakainari Shrine.

There are many Inari Shrines in Japan and most of them are protected by the white fox. They are messengers for the Inari God.

This white fox has a couple of pups with her. Some of the statues at other shrines are of very fierce looking foxes, but this one seems to actually be smiling. I wonder why.

She is standing on the left side of the walkway that leads to the shrine.

Sound the Bells

Hi, it's been awhile since my last post. I was in Sapporo for a wedding and didn't have time to do anything here. Very sorry. But I'm back!

These are the bells at the Sakainari Shrine. This shrine is said to have been built sometime between 1789 to 1800. The location was at first between Hiyoshicho and Miyukicho, but then the boundries changes, and another area, Higashicho, was added. So now every year the festival at Sakainari Shrine is hosted by tall 3 of the areas.

Tokorozawa Skyrise Tower

Another skyscraper apartment building, Tokorozawa Skyrise Tower, completed in March 1999. This building is 31 stories high with 292 apartment units. There are also 17 retail/office units.

On the first floor is Maruetsu, a popular supermarket. They are open from 10am to 1am, which must be very convenient for people who come home late.

After The Game

A little kid waiting for the light to turn green after a little league baseball game. He looks all tuckered out...I wonder if they won?