Yamathon Part 2

I stuck it out with the TIPsies from Harajuku to Ueno. About half way around the Yamanote or about 13 or 14 miles. Along the way, I saw many interesting things. Several deserve a return visit. Here are some of my favorites.

The first photo is the Yamonote map located above the ticket machines at Harajuku Station. It's quite a challenge to walk all 29-stations. If you ride the train, it takes about one hour!

This pachinko sign is located between Yoyogi and Shnijuku Station.  It looks a little decrepit during the day but it must be quite a sight when its lit up at night... I wonder when there will be enough power from TEPCO to light up signs like this without the fear of brown outs?

This awesome mural of the works of Toei Animation is located neear Takadanobaba station.  Astro (or Atom) Boy features prominently!

This happi coat was hanging inside the window of a house near Nishi-Nippori.

Chisai (tiny) taiyaki! or delicious Yamathon snack break!

Several weeks ago, I joined friends walking for Oxfam in the Yamathon.  We had loads of fun walking along the Yamanote line tracks and exploring along the way.  The team entry fee of ¥6,000 went to the 11 March earthquake relief effort so our effort was also backed with yen for the cause! 

Along the the way, I spotted this Taiyaki vendor at Otsuka station and had to purchase a small mix bag (16 pieces for ¥525) to share... Flavors included azuki (red bean), chocolate, caramel, banana, custard...

We passed over the Yamanote line several times along the route. At this location, the tracks were lined with beautiful cherry blossoms!

Kuro goma and benimo

There are many unusual Japanese  flavors out there.  I don't crave any of the salty savory flavors like shrimp or bonito flakes.  On the sweeter side of things, kabocha (squash) matcha (green tea) and azuki (red bean) used to be my favorite odd Japanese flavors. But now I am torn between the relatively easy to find kuro goma (black sesame) and the benimo (Okinawan purple yam).  Black sesame seems to be more versatile and can be found in salty and sweet dishes... ramen noodles, ice cream, onigiri, furikaki, sembei... Benimo has similar uses and is also found in ice cream, chips, tarts, and as a special Kit Kat flavor!

Who would of thought that children's playgrounds in Tokyo could be so fantastic...

Children's parks in the Tokyo area can be really fabulous.  Suginami Children's Traffic Park  (杉並児童交通公園（すぎなみじどうこうつうこうえん）is a great example.  This park is located about 45-minutes by car from central Tokyo and is part of the Zenpukuji Gawa Green Tract of Land and Wadabori Park. 

The really unique feature of this park is the traffic park.  There are bicycles and peddle go-carts.  Best part is that the bikes and carts are free!  Just provide your contact details, address and telephone number on a slip of paper and your off.

The play area in the middle of the traffic park looks like it was inspired by Tokyo Station. There's a central traffic circle with a fountain in the center, but it appears that the fountain hasn't been used in several years.  The cycling course connects to a larger path along the river.

There's also an area for toddlers to play.

A blossom in the hand...

The family spent last Sunday at a kids park in the Meiji Jingu Outer Gardens. There are not many cherry trees in the kids park, but we did find a few on the way back to the bus stop. My placed a fresh blossom in my wife's hand for a snap.

A moment later my daughter had collected a handful.

Another days worth of blossoms

Here's another picture taken in the morning of the beautiful trees across the street from my office.  They look more impressive on a sunny clear morning that on an overcast afternoon.

These blossoms were on the branches of a tree that I park my car under.

Time for more Sakura!

I've also been busy taking photos on good days and bad, of the cherry blossoms around Tokyo and near where I work.  This first set were taken from outside Tokyo.  I'll be posting more including some from Tokyo soon.

The first one is in Zama city.  I pass this street and park every day on my drive home.

This sakura tunnel is located in Sagamihara City outside Tokyo.

This beautiful trees are located outside my office.

Even more Magnolia!!!

I've been flower crazy lately, but rather than posting the expected shots of sakura in April, I'm posting more Magnolia Kobus!!!

This shot was taken in Sagamihara.

More Magnolia Kobus...

In addition to the cherry blossoms around Roppongi Hills, there were quite a few magnolia trees in bloom.  These large flowers are very pretty, but according to my wife, the fallen petals can make the sidewalk slippery.  So be careful!

Here's a close-up of a blossom.

Cherry Blossoms at Roppongi Hills

With all the anxiety over the triple disaster in Japan, hanami will certainly be subdued this year.  The cherry blossoms are just starting to burst, and hopefully, the weather will return to the spectacular form that we had last week.

The wife and I had a little free time.  The kids were at a play date at a friends house, so we went for a walk through the park between Roppongi Hills and TV Asahi.  One tree seemed to be peaking a little earlier than the others. 

There are several types of cherry trees in this park.  The blossoms above were from a variety that is bright pink. The variety photographed below is much paler shade.

The street behind the main Roppongi Hills complex is lined with cherry trees and is appropriately named Sakura-zaka.  These are all budding and ready to burst.  They should be near their peak before the end of the week.