Time To Go

Hi everyone! Ok, so the big news!

I couldn't think of a clever way to hint at it so I'm just going to say it...I'M MOVING!!!

I really can't believe it myself but as much as I adore this city...this seemed like the perfect time for a change. So after living in Tokorozawa for 7 years with my family, then another 4 years on my own...I'm moving into the city. And when I say "city," I mean "THE CITY" as in Japan's capital...Tokyo Metropolis!!!

I'm super excited, if you couldn't tell by all the exclamation marks! The move is in a couple of weeks so I've got a whole lot of packing to do...so I'm going to take a break from blogging for a bit. But I'm hoping to start another blog so I can learn and explore more about my new city and share it with you!

This will be my last post on Tokorozawa Daily Photo. I had a great time starting this blog and being a member of the CDP community. And through that I got to meet SO many interesting fellow bloggers who posted wonderful photos of places all around the world, which I've enjoyed immensely!

So I'd just like to say a big ole "Thank you!" to everyone...I'll see you soon!

Much Love,

Kaori

Reaching Out

I really liked how the shadow of the trees spread out across the ground. It was a nice sunny day. Perfect for taking photos!

Anyways, my posts have been kind of sporadic lately...things have been kind of hectic! It's amazing how short 24 hours can be sometimes. But I've also got big news coming up...will let you know soon!

Ready for Spring

It's sunny and colder than ever! They keep on saying "today is the coldest day this winter," every single day and the temperature keeps on dropping...maybe they should say something along the lines of "it's cold but it will probably get colder tomorrow" so I won't expect it to be warmer the next day!

But it seems the plants around Tokorozawa are ready for spring. Are those new shoots...or is this just wishful thinking?


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

Second Try

This is a photo of Arahata Fujizuka, the man-made mountain. I was there again (previous post) in hopes to see Mt. Fuji from the top.

But although it was a great day and we could actually see it slightly with our eyes...my camera couldn't catch it. I really wished I could of shown how it was looming quietly above the trees.

Since I couldn't catch Mt. Fuji on my camera, I'm also including the picture of Mt. Fuji drawn on the sign at the top of Arahata Fujizuka. It shows that Mt. Fuji is 3776.3 meters tall.

Better luck next time...

Under the Sky

I took this from the car, right before we drove under it, but I liked how the picture of this bridge turned out. It was a great day outside for a drive or a walk.


Click below for photos of wonderful bridges around the world!

Sunday Bridges hosted by Louis

Wood Wall

This is a photo of the walls of Asama Shrine.

I love seeing the knots and growth rings in the wood. I actually just learned that growth rings are called Nenrin (年輪) in Japanese. It literally means "year rings."

I think this is a perfect time to quickly give a shout out to my friend Kenichi's blog NENRIN. He's heading out to Morocco at the moment and his photos are really fantastic. So if you can read Japanese or just want to see the photo's, hope you'll take the time to go see his blog (http://nenrin.blogspot.com/)!

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

Gather Together

Nabe (鍋) is a winter favorite for a lot of people in Japan.

I think the word Nabe actually refers to the traditional clay pot that people would use to make these soup dishes. But now when people say "Let's do Nabe tonight!," it refers to this dish.

There are a lot of different soups we use for this dish. Some popular soups are Kimchi, Tomato, Soy Milk, and Collagen. It may sound bizarre but it's really good.

My friends and I ate Pork Broth Nabe (photo above) about a month ago...and we got together again for Kimchi Nabe (photo below) a week ago.

My favorite thing about Nabe is that it's just a lot of fun to eat with everyone! We all had a great time eating this yummy dish!

Pray and Bow

There were a group of kids gathered in front of Asama Shrine the other day.

From their matching uniforms, I'd guess they're a part of a local soccer team. The kids were all very energetic and calling out to each other to hurry up and fall in line!

When they were all in a row, several of the kids shook the rope connected to the bell and after ringing it a few times, fell back into the line. And after a "Say-no (せいの)!" call from their coach, they all said a big "Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegai shima su (今年もよろしくお願いします)!!!" This means something like "please let this be a good year," a prayer to the gods, and can also be used as a greeting when we meet people at the start of the year.

Oh, and of course, the kids bowed after that to seal their wish!

Fast Feet

Went skating again. I love the feel of the wind hitting your face as you pick up speed!

Blinding Lights

I found this little bridge at Seibu-en Amusement Park. Below the bridge runs, not water, but hundreds of blinking blue and green lights.

It's impressive to say the least.

Here is another view from above. You can see that my camera could hardly take in it's brightness. There were lights everywhere and it was amazing.

Click below for photos of wonderful bridges around the world!

Sunday Bridges hosted by Louis

Galaxy Express 999

I was riding this train back to Tokorozawa the other day. I was riding on the very front train car and it was completely empty. I've noticed that the train cars on the end of either side of the train tend to be less crowded.

Anyways, I can't imagine why I didn't notice this when I got on...but it was a design train!

These are the famous characters of the manga and anime series Galaxy Express 999 (銀河鉄道999). It seems that the creator of the series, Leiji Matsumoto (松本零士) grew up along the Seibu Line, which led to this collaboration with Seibu Railways and Nerima Ward.

The blond lady you see below is Maetel, one of the main characters (and one of the only characters I actually know of) in the series. The design really stood out and everyone passing by was staring at the train. Some were even took photos, like me!

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.

Tsubakimine New Town

This is Uchikoshi Rikkyo (打越陸橋), a foot bridge used to cross over the road below, Tsubakimine Chuo Road.

This whole area is called Tsubakimine New Town and is a residential area that was developed in the 80s. Apparently over 20% of the area is used for greenery which keeps the environment closer to nature.


Click below for photos of wonderful bridges around the world!

Sunday Bridges hosted by Louis

The Color Red

Another shot at the Seibuen Amusement Park.

The red lights were super bright. I'm surprised the people using these seats didn't get dizzy...actually maybe they did, because these seats were all empty!

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

Purple Haze

"Excuse me while I kiss the sky."  -Jimi Hendrix

I've just started running again and this is one of the songs on my play list. It's funny because I have so many favorite songs...but every time I try to think of good songs to listen to while running, I go blank. So if you have any favorite songs or suggestions, I'd love it if you could give me a few!

Right now it's cold. So cold. But we've been having great weather and I'm thankful for the blue skies...possibly enough to kiss it.

Happy weekend everyone!



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

Standing Silhouette

My camera doesn't take very good night shots. But I really like this one just for the scene.

The couple were in line for the whirling swing ride at Seibuen Amusement Park and this is right before they were let in. It was really pretty all lit up.

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!

Warm Feet, Warm Heart

I was standing here forever, trying to figure out what I wanted. There were so many to choose from. Long socks, ankle socks, five-toe socks...oh my!

Ended up taking so long that I decided just to take a photo and come back another day.

Yummy Decoration

This Shime-kazari is something Japanese people put on their doors or gates during the new year period to ward the bad spirits away. It is also a way to welcome the gods inside the house at the start of the year.

Most people go and get a shime-kazari at a temple or shrine...but these days you can also order them online. This one decorated the door of a hair salon near Tokorozawa Station. I'm always curious what people do with the orange after they take it down. 

And if you're wondering about the rabbit poster in the window...2011 is the year of the rabbit!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

The corner booth at Tokorozawa Station that shows the new station model after the renovations has new years decorations, too.  The station is scheduled to be completed in spring 2013.

Wishing everyone a wonderful year in 2011!!!