Right now, Tokyo is well into its third State of Emergency – one that started at the end of April and will run right through to the end of May. But what does State of Emergency actually mean? Well, karaoke parlors have been ordered to shut, and restaurants have been asked to close early and cut out alcohol – but beyond that, the restaurants themselves are all still open, and of course the trains are all still running, ferrying millions in and out of the city each day.
People have been asked to avoid non-essential outings, but to be honest – in Tokyo at least – things don’t look much different pre- or post-pandemic. As I have said before, if I was to walk down my street right now, besides the abundance of masks, it’s business as usual. The government’s wishy-washy approach to combatting the virus means that those who live here are afforded a pretty much normal life. The downside? Well, the numbers aren’t really going down, and vaccinations are still nowhere to be seen. It’s therefore up to all of us to make our own decisions on what we feel is safe behaviour.
The photos in this post were all taken before the State of Emergency was announced, but realistically my life hasn’t changed much in the interim, besides going to restaurants. I miss my gym, that’s for sure. But I’m still able to enjoy walking around the neighbourhoods I love, and sit in the sun.
April was a sunny month. Ladies in the local neighborhood took advantage of the weather to plant some flowers. 
No matter where you are in the suburbs, you are never far from a potted plant. These pots sit here all year round, and magically seem to change with the seasons. 
A paparazzi shot of me outside a flower shop. 
Mrs IKIMASHO walking under a tranquil torii gate 
A secluded little shrine in Tachiaigawa, a small station near Shinagawa 
Ema wooden plaques wish prayers and wishes 
We saw this cat hanging out outside the shrine 
And this futon hanging out in the sun 
The red theme continues… 
Before giving way to rustic browns and biege. 
Miso ramen in Nakameguro 
Before checking out the Starbucks Reserve Roastery – the largest Starbucks in the world. This was just the ground floor of a huge four-story building with a roof terrace at the top. Fancy coffees, cakes, ice cream, cocktails, that kind of thing. 
The whole place looked like something from Willy Wonka – coffee beans flying through tubes overhead. 
Sunshine in the suburbs of Daikanyama… 
Tachiaigawa… 
And downtown Shibuya. 
Colorful clothes… 
Stations… 
Buildings… 
And shutters 🙂 
I liked the vibe of this storefront – the twirling barber sign beside it the only movement to be seen. 
Indian food in Hiroo. Despite good reviews, still not as good as Indian food I’ve had in Ireland or the UK. I don’t know why, but they just can’t get Indian food right in Japan. The food is always toned down to suit the Japanese palette. Anyone got any reccomendations? 
Amazing hire katsu (breaded pork fillet), alongside a huge breaded scallop. 
Believe it or not, this is a plastic food display in a restaurant window showing you what you can order. It always looks so lifelike, and is a true representation of what you will be served. Even the drinks are plastic. 
Our real food! 
Sheltering from the rain in one covered arcade… 
Then another. 
The sun sets on another month 
I hope you are all safe and well. Take care.
Justin / IKIMASHO x
IKIMASHO! 
Great pics as always. And yes, apparently in that particular Starbucks they actually know how to make coffee (definitely not the case in the regular Starbucks), and they have some insane barista equipment.
Pretty pricey cups of coffee – next time I will try one!
Love your tour as always! Our 2020 trip to Tokyo now looks like a 2022 trip. All vaxed up and still no place to go…we’ll watch and wait, and enjoy your wanders.
I really hope you can visit soon!!!
We’re talking about a car trip this fall around the western US to get used to the idea of traveling again. It all depends on how successful the vaccine is in various places, and how comfortable we feel. We’ll get there 😉
Your photos give me a great insight into life in Tokyo. I too hope to visit one day.
So glad it gives you a glimpse, Lorraine!
David, sounds awesome! I lovvvvve west coast USA
Really enjoyed reading this, and awesome pics of Tokyo! Can’t wait to head there again once the travel ban is lifted.