Nozomi and I spent the day in Kichijoji a few days ago and it was terribly fun. I’ve been to Kichijoji several times and this makes the final visit.
Nozomi in front of another mural!
I like the look of vintage Japanese advertising. We didn’t go in here but I’ve been to a couple old izakayas during the year that have been around for decades and they always have an interesting feel. There’s one in Ginza that’s directly under the train tracks (so you can’t hear anything except the thundering tracks every few minutes) and staffed entirely by old men. Kind of place that might be worth a vist if you come to Japan. Just be adventurous and venture off the main roads now and then.
And then right next door – Cafe Montana! Haha oh the creativity. That’s what I love about areas like this. West Tokyo is the best. Its also home to Koenji and Shimokitazawa which I’m sure you’ve noticed I think are endlessly fun to explore.
I think I was on the verge of going blind
We got popsicles and strolled through Inokashira Park for a bit. That’s a suika, or watermelon popsicle – in the shape of a slice of watermelon! The black “seeds” are little chocolate chips!
Then we wandered around looking for a game center to take those purikura I posted on my “blogiversary” so I got a few pictures inside. Film sure gives the place an interesting look.
Haha coincidentally Momo won these for us the next day! Oh mame-shiba..(warning: its a very strange (but cute) video).
Then dinner and dessert in DevaDeva Cafe, which Ryoko kindly showed me last week!
Pretty huh?
This picture came out pretty romantic, no? I like that I can use my camera to stare directly at the sun and I especially like that that man in the middle is holding his arms out.
Anyway thanks for reading. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the photos if you care to share them. And if you’re new to the blog please check out my website and my flickr – I update them both frequently. : ) Man, could I have possibly given you any more links to click on in this post!?
Oh and upcoming: Shimokitazawa (on film, finally), and CLIMBING MT. FUJI (!! wish me luck!!)
*click images for full view
your posts are so beautiful, fun, and so lively!!! dont leave japan.. hahah
last visit?!? so sad.
can’t wait for fuji post!!
WOW I love the last photo and want it as a poster, postcard, and wallpaper.
Pictures are great as usual, and yeah, the last one is brilliant :D On a random note, one of my friends has just moved to Kichijoji so it looks like I’ll be heading there quite a few times before going back to England :)
I really admire the time and effort you’ve put into making this blog. I just stumbled across it from a link you had posted on Vimeo. It’s full of some beautiful shots and every picture is interesting. I’ve been an admirer of Japan for some time but don’t have the money to go. Whats your lifeline there that keeps you going financially? I’ll be sure to check back later.. it’s a shame I discovered it a year late! If I go to Japan at some point.. I’m going to try and recreate my own version of your blog!
Once again, thank you for this! :)
~ Mikael
Thanks Mikael! It means a lot.. : )
I’m actually here as an exchange student so I get to pay the same tuition as I do at my home university, which helps a little. But really I owe this to my parents and grandparents. I also do my best to live pretty inexpensively. I’m incredibly lucky I got to have this experience though.
I hope that if you do make someday you take pictures and share them! I’d love to see – I’m sure I’ll miss Japan immensely!
Thank you so much though, really!
Love this post!
The pictures are all lovely,
and now I want a watermelon popsicle.
Maybe I’ll make some (:
And GOOD LUCK climbing Mt Fuji!!!
Mmm if you come up with a recipe please share it on your blog!!
yaaaaay Mt. Fuji!!! Can’t wait! I would buy that last photo, seriously.
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