As the final months of the year fall into place, I look back on November as a busy time: getting the kids at my school ready for their Christmas performance, and just trying to keep my head above water until the end of the term. Thankfully, I reached the finish line and I am now on winter break until January. With just ten days left of the current year, December’s post won’t be long following this one. But for now, here are some scenes that made up my November in Tokyo. I hope you are all safe and well. Justin / IKIMASHO
Another month meant new neighbourhoods to explore… 
And old shopfronts to see 
This store selling goldfish on an overcast day 
Mainly though, the colder months bring blue skies all across Tokyo 
Plastic autumnal leaves adding a splash of colour along this street 
While on this street, colourful oranges bask in the sun 
‘SNACK’ doesn’t actually mean the same thing in Japanese as it does in English. Snacks in Japan are very small bars, with just a few seats for regulars. 
This Pet Shop, named ‘Milky House’ was pretty bizarre 
Happy to be part of the city, each colour stands proudly in its place 
The snacks and papers sit neatly in their spot, waiting for the train to roll in 
We took a trip out to Kamakura 
Specifically Kita-Kamakura where we did a really nice hike starting from this temple 
Along the way, we encountered this tea ceremony house – the roof by its entrance covered in moss 
Small houses far away… 
And a big friend up close. 
Taking time to appreciate the little things in nature… 
And on the streets 
Hundreds of ema plaques, where people write wishes for love. 
Speaking of love, I fell head over heals with this tempura egg – 
First time I had ever had one! 
Chirashi zushi, lots of fish over rice 
Ikura (salmon roe) and salmon over rice 
Tonkontsu, breaded pork fillet that you can dip in either salt or mustard. 
The leaves have been falling at the temples 
And in the parks 
I wanted this photo mainly because of how blue the sky was 
And this one because Mrs IKIMASHO coordinated with the ramen shop 
From pinks… 
To oranges…
It was another colourful month in Tokyo
IKIMASHO! 
Always been amazed by the aesthetics and the quirkiness of this city (I mean, a gold fish shop, where else?) and its food (now i simply HAVE TO try and make a tempura egg at home). Wishing you guys Happy Holidays!
Thanks for the wonderful pictures and nice lines. It always fills me with joy to read this block or your posts on Facebook in these crazy times. Wishing you Happy Holidays and stay healthy.