December started with the leaves falling, one at a time… 
And creating colourful blankets on the ground. These yellow ginko trees were only matched by the yellow of the sun… 
Of which there has been an abundance of lately. Virtually every day for the past month has been pure blue skies. Weather-wise, December is a very good month to visit Tokyo. 
Amber tones all around! On the station platform… 
At a temple… 
In the bakery… 
And at the udon shop! 
By the end of the month, the leaves were everywhere! 
And any that were left, were turning red. It seemed as Christmas approached, the reds were taking over 🎅 
Apple pie and ice cream 
Mackerel marinated in mirin, with a big bowl of miso soup. 
Mrs IKIMASHO got this really cool advent calendar with little drawers that pull out, allowing you to add your own messages for the day. 
We baked cookies… 
My terribly decorated ones not featured! 
Christmas dinner with some cornbread for a change 
A leisurely lunch in Omotesando then a walk through Harajuku in the late afternoon sun. 
And random walks at night 
The hustle of Shibuya… 
With ongoing construction. A redevelopment plan that will continue until 2027. 
Tokyo Tower lit up like a Christmas tree 
And some cool neon inside a craft cola bar 
To be honest, I didn’t really know you could have craft cola in the same way you have craft beer. This cola featured a blend of spices with a great kick of cloves. Served as a syrup in a plastic pouch with ice, lemon, and carbonated water – you mix it all up then drink it. 
More heavy flavours at a Taiwanese restaurant. Luroufan is a rice bowl dish featuring finely chopped pork belly, slow-cooked with five spice. 
We paid a visit to Gotokuji as we hadn’t been there in a while 
You may know it as the temple featuring thousands of little maneki-neko cat statues 🐾 
Ominous clouds over another huge temple complex that we discovered called Sojiji, bordering Kawasaki. 
Loved the vibe of this fruit shop! 
As well as these ladies, leisurely gliding up the street.
Wishing you all a wonderful end to 2022, and a fantastic year ahead!
Justin / IKIMASHO
IKIMASHO! 