Summer is coming to a close, but I keep on thinking of spring...

Although the fall leaves will come to Tokyo as the summer heat fades, I have been thinking about the beautiful canopy of pink blossoms that fill Tokyo in the spring. I stumbled on this photo that I took in late March at Kougai Park (笄公園) near Hiro Station, and thought about the wonderful day my children had playing at this park.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF @ 120 mm, f3.5, ISO 200, 1/800 sec.

More Hina Matsuri

Only two more days until Hina Matsuri (Girls Day or the Doll Festival).  Here's a comple more recent shots of Hina Matsuri related things spotted in Azabu Juban and Hiroo.

Here's a delicious ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins. It seems like a bargin for ¥2,200.

And a banner from Azabu Juban.

"God Make Me Cool" or "Engrish is Fun"

Sometimes, English phrases are appropriated (or misappropriated) for their coolness.  Perhaps this is something that is thought of as cool or "kakoii" for those who are Japanese. However, for native English speakers these signs provide endless hours of chuckles and what were they thinking moments. 

Although, the phrase on this sign is not incorrect, it would not normally used as part of an advertisement in most places (especially in the US where they have a heightened sense of political correctness and sensitivity to all things religious).  This shot was of shop window for "Love Run" located near Hiroo station. 

Mikoshi Decorations

These colored paper decorations were on a children's mikoshi that I spotted in Hiroo.  I'd never seen decorations like this before.  The heads of the people in yukata look like donguri (acorns).

Can you believe someone lives here?

I've been driving by this house a couple times a month since I returned to Tokyo in 2007.  It's located near Meiji Dori in Hiroo. It's amazing that it doesn't blow down in a strong wind. Considering Tokyo can be such a modern city, this house disguised as a shack seems very out of place. 

Usually, such eyesores get quickly trampled, disposed of or recycled by progress.  Very few older structures ever seem to survive, get restored and protected.  It seems so arbitrary, but I guess in such a large city there are always a few buildings that slip through the cracks....  It makes me wonder if the property taxes for this house are worth more than the actual house.

If you were wondering, I am absolutely sure that someone does live here. While I was taking this photo, I saw someone walking around inside, and I'm sure it wasn't a ghost...

Ginkgo

There are stunning Ginkgo trees all over Tokyo.  Ginkgo leaves are especially beautiful in early spring and autumn.  This particular tree is located near Hiro-o Byoin-mae.

Orwellian Pachinko Parlor Advertisement

I saw this sign for a pachinko parlor near Azabu Juban.  To me, it seemed very Orwellian and frightening.  What the #$@% is an Amusement Revolution Group?

Here's another sign that I found more interesting and appealing.  It was near Hiroo Plaza and Hiroo Bashi and advertised another pachinko parlor.

Hina Matsuri

Hina Matsuri (Girls' Day) is around the corner.  This holiday is extra special in my family.  My daughter Lucy was lucky to be born on this day.  Some of the shops in our Tokyo neighborhood have had window displays featuring the dolls that a family would display during this holiday.

 

I spotted this display in January at the Wako department store in Hiroo Garden.

  

This display was in a antique ceramic shop in Azabu Juban.

This display was in a clothing store window.

Here's a banner celebrating Hina Matsuri in Azabu Juban. Just wondering why is the boy doll is depicted as a cat (shouldn't this be the Emperor).