As I compile this ninth monthly round-up of the year, I am glad that I made the decision to strip back the blog a bit and write just one main post a month. I feel it is more in keeping with my desire to focus on daily life, and means I can slowly collect any pictures (and thoughts) I have as the weeks go by.
In the past, I would have went out of my way to include directions on how to get to a place, or how much it costs to visit. After all, that’s what a travel writer does, isn’t it? Or so I thought. But it’s not a style of writing that particularly appeals to me anymore. For me, the collective flow and feel of my content is more important to me now than actual logistics. Ultimately, I want IKIMASHO to provide a sense of what it is like to live here. Not just be a paint-by-numbers travel site for people looking travel information.
On a personal level, these sporadic posts have also afforded me the opportunity to take a step back and observe just how different each month has been this past year – not just in terms of weather and mood, but also in terms of aesthetics. This month’s post for example, is a lot moodier than August’s; the colours are darker, and the intense summer blues have been replaced by something altogether more atmospheric.
Back in January, I wrote that “a new year begins with blue skies overhead.” There was obviously no mention of COVID-19; that would come just a few weeks later. And yet here we are in September – one million people now dead from a virus that didn’t even exist a year ago.
The world carries on, as does my life in Tokyo. Time waits for no man, as the saying goes. And so I will continue to live my life, and enjoy the things I see and do. Love to you all. Justin/IKIMASHO x
A four-day weekend allowed us to take a couple of day trips – one into the depths of Saitama. A rugged area out by Sayama Lake meant lots of hidden shrines… 
As well as hidden friends. 
Sayama Lake looking atmospheric in the clouds 
Huge spiders everywhere 
We entered Totoro’s Forest no. 1, apparently where Miyazaki found inspiration for his most famous Ghibli anime. On the approach to the dense forest we discovered a deserted temple. 
The beautiful, mysterious vibes of semi-rural Japan 
Another temple, not so discreet, paid homage to horses… 
You could write a wish on little wooden carrots, then put it in a trough in front of the horse as an offering. 
After a walk in the forest, I was in the mood for ebi fry (fried shrimp). 
Check it out! 
Another daytrip found us on a spotless train 
For some time in the sun at Hayama 
A restaurant we go to out there serves great fried pork with garlic 
Swapping outdoor adventures for indoor ones, we went to check out the latest exhibition at the Mori featuring contemporary artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Tatsuo Miyajma and Lee Ufan. 
Mrs IKIMASHO checking out Yoshitomo Nara’s installation 
Me with Takashi Murakami 
As much as I like reading up about cool places to eat, I think my favourite foody passtime lately is just sitting in random mom-and-pop shops with room for just a few customers. The TV on in the background, the kitchen right beside you… no frills. 
As always, I enjoyed wandering around new neighbourhoods and soaking in the scenes. 
Walking under a rainbow in Musashi Shinjo out in Kawasaki 
Clean lines 
Streets that stretch forever 
As cars pass by on the right, koi carp swim by on the left. What a beautiful little street. 
Friday night in the bookshop 
And another out on the streets 
At our local breakfast spot the waitress gave us these hand towels featuring us! 
As the sun goes down… 
Halloween isn’t far away. Stay safe, everyone – I hope you are all well.
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Great post as always. And ebi fry anytime (or tonkatsu, or anything with panko and fried to be honest) 🙂
Hi Justin
Thank you for giving me a flavour of life in Japan. I love the bookshop with its greenery and the subtle lighting. I am glad you are still able to travel about.
Lorraine
Thank you, Lorraine! Stay safe and have a great day!
Thank you, Jerome! I hope you are well!