Sayama Tea

Sayama Tea is produced throughout Saitama, so we see alot of tea bushes like these in Tokorozawa too. Tokorozawa has over 200 hectares of tea fields, which is actually more than the tea fields they have in Sayama.

They say that Sayama Tea is one of the top 3 in Japan. The saying goes 'Shizuoka for its color, Uji for its fragrance, and Sayama for its flavor.' But then I hear this is a song someone in Saitama made...so you never know.

Whatever its status, Sayama Tea is still a really popular tea. It has a rich taste and is bright green in color. You can't live in Tokorozawa and not have Sayama Tea. They have it everywhere, tea leaves, bottled tea, tea shops. You'll have to try it and see for yourself.

Favorite Tree

I have this favorite tree behind the Seibu Bus Garage. The tree is a loner. Don't really know how it came to be. It's just standing there along the wall.

Right now it's sort of sad looking...no leaves, skinny branches, being tossed around by wind and rain.

But I still think it's a beautiful tree.

Seibu Line

Tokorozawa Station is pretty convenient...well, compared to the other stations on the Seibu Line. Both the Ikebukuro and Shinjuku Lines go through Tokorozawa, making the access into the city a bit easier.

Also, the biggest perk (for me!) is that the Limited Express 'Red Arrow' stops at Tokorozawa Station and it's only 20 mins from Seibu Shinjuku Station. Can't live without it.

For more interesting info check out the Seibu Railway Tourist Guide.

Ume Blossoms

Took a walk to Koku Koen this weekend. It's known for being the 'Birthplace of Japanese Avaiation.' Not a lot of people know this.

It's known even less for being the 'Central Park of Tokorozawa.' It's the park that all the families with kids and dogs go to on the weekends, where couples and teenagers hang out in the fields, and skateboarders and joggers get their workouts.

They also have a museum, library, baseball stadium, concert hall, and other public facilities within the park. It's just a great place to go when the weather is warm.

Right now the ume (Japanese plum) blossoms are in full bloom.