With international travel still a challenge, this summer was once again spent in Japan. Hayama is one of my favourite spots during the hot summer months, and so we were down in Kanagawa a fair bit. Being here really feels like summer for me. 
Sick of having to shelter under a sun umbrella, Mrs IKIMASHO was determined to buy a tent this year – look how happy she looks! 
In between State of Emergencies we also took a brief trip down to Kyoto. The longer you live in Japan, the more you notice the subtle differences between areas and prefectures. Down in Kansai there are a lot more trains with traditional forward seating like this, as opposed to the rows at the side. 
We did a collaboration with the new MGallery boutique hotel in Kyoto 
The atmosphere oozed secluded and luxurious minimalism 
The breakfast was also beautifully presented 
As always, we took to the streets to explore quaint and quirky neighborhoods. We found a long arcade just ten minutes’ walk from the hotel full of amazing shopfronts like this… 
And this… 
And this. 
The ceiling of the arcade was also made of clear perspex, meaning the sun shone through at dusk. 
This was a crème brulée donut. The guy used a blowtorch to caramelize the brown sugar on top. 
The inside was custard, and the whole thing was pretty amazing. 
We liked the cute street markings in Kyoto 
Here I am looking like an idiot at Lake Biwa in neighboring Shiga prefecture. It was only about 40 minutes from Kyoto and the train ride there was nice. We found a secluded spot to swim and I tried my best to walk on the super hot shingle/sand. 
Lake Biwa in Shiga prefecture 
Looking back, we ate well the past few months. Homemade spring rolls at home… 
A nice lunch set in Ebisu with some grilled fish, sashimi and tempura. 
Lazy lunches… 
And breakfasts 
A lunch spot in Zushi we always hit up each time we go to the beach. Their shogayaki (pork with ginger) is the best I’ve had in Japan – mainly because the owner uses a load of garlic. 
A craving for Pho. 
Summer means fruit! Watermelon… pears… and grapes that are HUGE. 
The postman also delivered a package from relatives way up in Aomori in the north of Japan. They sent us cherries and blueberries. 
In Tokyo, people walk everywhere… 
The sound of their shoes clip-clopping down the street 
Though sometimes I prefer to sit at my secret spot. 
We always enjoy wandering around random temples, even if they aren’t so grand… 
Old things have more character anyway, don’t they? 
Japanese people probably wonder why the foreigner is taking photos of seats. But these little scenes still inspire me. 
This temple shared its grounds with a kindergarten. 
Thankfully, September is still going to be hot, so summer isn’t gone just yet. 
We hope you had a good one too!
IKIMASHO! 
Those food pictures… and this donut… 😍
So… Cute! Thanks for the quick tour 😊
Nice post! I like this photo-heavy style of story telling. I’m living in Tokyo myself! I typically go with the “spend an hour making a meme and grab a stock photo approach” when I build my posts myself haha. I’ll be sure to follow your website!