As we head into the last full week of June, it feels like not so long ago the sakura petals were falling… 
The suburban streets displaying their trademark canopies of pink and white. 
Food, in all its forms, always seems to be on my radar. I must have stood and watched this guy for about 15 minutes crafting fresh soba from scratch. It was interesting to see how many times he rolled it, before folding it back on itself over and over again. 
The soba place was next to a tonkatsu restaurant that we sometimes go to. 
On another random outing, I spotted this fun stand-up udon/soba shop… 
While I settled for a bowl of soupless tantanmen from another shop not too far away. 
Quirky street lights… 
And an even quirkier coin laundry. 
All of these places are independently owned, usually by elderly people who live on the same premises, and so it will be sad when they finally start to disappear. I especially like this one. 
En route to see some sakura one day, we stopped off for a mid-morning meal. A light and refreshing bowl of tuna on top of rice, with a hearty soup on the side. 
It was nice to see the train passing by this tunnel of flowers. 
Sakura petals delicately placed… 
And a billboard delicately perched on top of a building. I’m not sure how well this would survive an earthquake… 
Another healthy lunch of mackerel, rice and soup. A few little chicken karage thrown in for good measure too. The interesting part about this meal was the little condiment jar they gave you on the side – a nice mix of garlic, chili etc to put on the rice. 
Can you spot our little friend? 
There he is. 
A sunny scene in the suburbs… 
And a quaint one down the backstreets somewhere in Kawasaki. 
This spring, the weather was glorious… 
Allowing the flowers to really make an impression. This was all outside an apartment building. 
A rustic bowl of chicken ramen in Ebisu… 
Where I also saw a dog chilling out in a cardboard box outside a fish shop. 
Twilight vibes in the neighbourhood. 
And clear skies overhead before a special lunch one day.
Up high, there is always a sight to see… 
While down below, the streets invite you to peek around every corner. 
As always, the best part about living in this city is exploring it on your own terms. If you want to have a busy/energetic experience, of course you can go to the bigger stations. But for me, after a busy week of work, it’s always nice to potter about the quieter neighbourhoods. 
Even the cars find the vibe sleepy and just want to take a nap. 
Mackerel again, this time marinated in mirin. Sides of minced tuna, nato, green beans etc. 
Always time for coffee. 
May of course meant the Sanja Matsuri… 
An opportunity to see one of Tokyo’s most exciting festivals… 
With thousands of people all over east Tokyo, chanting and lifting portable shrines through the streets. 
I’m really looking forward to more traditional festivals during the summer months. 
Boards of Canada released a new album after 13 years and I was one of the lucky ones to go to the Tokyo premiere. 
It was a night I will always remember, and the album itself is amazing. 
Speaking of things I will always remember, I think it would be hard to forget this bakery looking like a fever dream. 
At the end of May, the first hydrangeas started to appear. 
We took a trip out to Enoshima… 
Where there were nice colours on display. 
Back in Tokyo, you never know what you’ll find on the street corner… 
Or walking past a random shop. 
Lazy evenings… 
And zen mornings. 
The beauty of nature. 
Thank you for reading my little check-in from this part of the world.
I hope you are all keeping well…
As you get ready for summer, please stay safe and healthy.
Justin / IKIMASHO
IKIMASHO! 
From Ireland with love from Franc and me ????
Sent from Outlook for iOShttps://aka.ms/o0ukef ________________________________
Thank you so much…I feel as though I took an excursion to Japan this Monday morning…and yes, I expect there may be a dramatic change in the atmosphere of your suburbs as older people who live over their unique shops pass on…not clear that the next generation will maintain those special places…and what about all that cooking? Is there a next generation who will do that??🙏
These are wonderful! Your composition has increased so much. Excellent food photos, up close subjects. Reminds me how my photography became better as I lived there. You have captured what we that miss it there, so well. Thank you for sharing.
What a wonderful panorama of views of Tokyo and beyond. I think my favourite photo was the little dog sitting in a box. Thanks.
What a wonderful compilation of photos of Tokyo and beyond. The hydrangeas are lovely. I especially liked the little dog sitting in a box. Thanks