Autumn Glory- Showa Kinen Park

Coming from the Bay Area, California where the weather is relatively tame and seasons are not distinctly different, I knew I had to experience Japan's koyo (autumn-colored foliage; 紅葉) at least once. While there were many beautiful places to see the changing colors of autumn leaves in Chiba, I decided to meet up with my Tokyo friends and make a trip to Showa Kinen Park located in Nishi-tachikawa. Nishi-tachikawa was a long way from Chiba, but it was well worth the trip. The park was quite expansive, so there was a lot of walking involved. I was so impressed with the brilliant golds, oranges, and reds all growing densely together. I didn't need to saturate any of my pictures to show off nature's beautiful colors.

 Peachy

 Beautiful road lined with golden gingko trees

 Gingko trees smell funny.

 

子供の森 ("Children's forest")- We heard loud noises as we were walking and realized we entered a crazy war zone where kids get to jump on bouncy white domes. It was only for middle school kids and younger, though. Where's the bounce house for adults? [Sorry for the bad picture.]

 Juicy reds and oranges

 the Japanese garden

 

 bamboo and autumn leaves

Gold, gold everywhere~

The sunny afternoon soon transitioned into a chilly evening. Visitors slowly made their way out the park as the park announcers politely announce the park's closing. I highly recommend this park for viewing Japan's spectacular autumn leaves. Although Mt. Takao is another popular destination during the Fall season, this park is spacious enough to roam freely and feel at peace among the trees. 

Happy Thanksgiving

How was everyone's Thanksgiving?

I started my Thanksgiving with a wonderful surprise from my amazing amigas back home. Thank you for helping me cure my homesickness! Your awesomeness makes me miss home a bit more, though.

Let's see, what did I learn on Thanksgiving? I learned that a large pot of oil can catch fire, fire extinguishers don't stop spraying until they are completely empty, things turn pink after they're sprayed by fire extinguishers, and drinking beer helps with colds (a little).

It was a very unfortunate afternoon for my friend. Long story short, the falafel lunch party she threw was canceled because the big pot of oil she was boiling caught fire. Luckily, nothing else caught fire and nobody was hurt. The smoke was terrifying, though. I helped call the fire department, and at least 4 fire trucks (and a helicopter...) showed up. We were able to put out the fire using the fire extinguishers, but we wanted the firemen to double check that it was completely out.

The firemen questioned us for a long time, especially me since I spoke the most Japanese out of all of us there. I wondered if they were going to quiz each other about the details of the situation.

There were a lot more firetrucks and police cars (plus a helicopter..). It was really quite impressive and unnecessary. I wanted to take a picture of all of it, but it didn't feel like the appropriate time. I snapped a picture of the last firetruck when everything was over.

Then I ended the night by having a few drinks with some of the teachers. The boys decided to do a beer challenge.

Unusual Thanksgiving, but I learned a lot.
Hope everyone had a great one. I'm thankful for everyone's safety that day, for this opportunity to work abroad, and especially for all the wonderful people who are always there for me and always inspire me to do better.

Asakusa Tori no Ichi 11.20

I went with a friend to the Asakusa Tori no Ichi fair, which is an annual event in November on the day of the rooster (tori) to welcome the new year (please click the link for more detailed information).

We got off at Iriya Station and didn't know which way to go. You'd think it would be better advertised.
After walking a block or two, we saw some other foreigners and people carrying the bamboo ornaments walking from the festival. It was a quiet walk toward the temple, but soon we saw lots of brightly lit lanterns, long lines, and crowds of people carrying bamboo ornaments.

Most people seemed to be lining up to go into the main temple to pray. There were lots of yattai (food stands) and tons of those bamboo ornaments in the tented areas.

 

Inside the war zone.

Despite the crowds, it was nice seeing such a traditional Japanese event and eating hot festival food on a cold night.

Autumn Leaves at Hondoji

I took the train to Kitakogane and walked about 10 minutes from the station (North exit) to Hondoji Temple. I expected to see some intense fiery reds today, but I guess it's still too early since the trees were only tinted with reds and yellows.

I'm still figuring out how to use my Canon 650D. It was a nice, sunny day and the leaves glowed beautifully in the light. Someday, I hope I can shoot better and take some breathtaking shots.

If only this leaf didn't have holes...

I stood around one temple for a long time because the trees with the loveliest colors were there. I must have taken a hundred horrible shots before getting a decent one. Gotta love the mix of reds, yellows, and greens.

One of the temples I saw from afar

 

I stood around here for a looong time...

Somebody's incredibly cute puppies.

Although I was slightly disappointed that most of trees haven't changed color yet, Hondoji temple was a lovely and peaceful place with lots of natural beauty.

Fiery Reds and Bright Golds of 紅葉

Trip to Otsuki, Yamanashi

I arrived in Otsuki, Yamanashi in the afternoon, where I met up with my host parents. They brought me to a 紅葉 (kouyou- changing colors of autumn leaves) illumination in the evening. All the photographers there looked so pro with their tripods. 

Wish I knew how to use my camera better. These beautiful trees deserve a better photo shoot than this, but I did the best I could with my amateur skill. The deep crimsons, rich golds, and hints of light green lit up beautifully against the pitch black sky.

  

 Not all the trees have turned color yet, but the color combination is breathtaking. What a feast for the eyes!

The night was extremely chilly. At the entrance, there were food stands that sold yakitori, oden, udon, and other hot, hearty food.

  おでん (oden)- Japanese winter stew/soup

  

The next day, we strolled around the neighborhood a little and had tsukemen and udon for lunch. It was a short visit, but there's nothing like a relaxing weekend in the countryside with great company, gorgeous natural scenery, and delicious food.

Halloween Tokyo Disney Sea

Some other teachers and I went to Tokyo Disney Sea on our day off in October. Even though it was a Wednesday, the place was still crowded. Don't people have work?!

  

beautiful Halloween decorations

  First ride- The Tower of Terror. Pretty neat, but not a fan of rides that make me feel like throwing up my guts.

 
Tower of Terror

Indiana Jones- My favorite ride at Disney Sea. Beautiful setup and design. Got a fast pass beforehand for this ride and rode it again later that day. Long wait, but worth it.

 Taken while waiting in line

Raging Spirits

I love roller coasters, but this one wasn't really worth the hour wait. The first drop was exciting, but the rest of the ride was just okay. It probably took less than a minute.

Lots of scenic places and beautiful architecture.

Street with souvenir shops

The Mediterranean area was gorgeous. Felt like I was in old Italy.

 

 

 Gorgeous view

 Halloween decorations

The Mermaid Lagoon felt so magical with its playful colors and lights. Only kiddy rides there, though.

 View from the top of the Jellyfish ride (that ride just goes up and down slowly)

I missed out on the Toy Story ride, which was supposed to be the best ride there. Wish I could have shot virtual things! The other teachers said it was awesome.

Amazing lights in Toy Story area

Rode the merry-go-round in the Arabian Coast. Pretty area, but didn't get to explore it too much since it was near closing.

Arabian Coast 

I'm not a huge fan of Disney, but Disney Sea was worth visiting for its picturesque setups and meticulous decorations.

Summer sightseeing- Tokyo and Yokohama

 Meiji Shrine
Visited it by going through part of Ueno Park. Beautiful and calm nature all around. Tons of tourists.

Tsukiji Fish Market
Lots of delicious, fresh seafood and open markets like this. Looks kind of like the streets of Taiwan. Most food places close in the afternoon around 2pm. My friend and I didn't go in the early morning to see the fish and seafood preparation, though I heard lots of tourists head there early for that.

Delicious sashimi donburi

Rainbow Bridge
Guess it's not a very popular tourist attraction anymore. There was hardly anybody there. The surrounding area was very industrial (ie. cement factories and construction sites), and the walking area of the bridge was right next to the cars (bottom part of the bridge). Loud, windy, and scary.

Decent view of Odaiba, though.

View from the bridge- Tokyo tower in the distance

Yoyogi Koen

Beautiful, large park. Lots of bboys gathered there on a Sunday evening. Hip hop, graffiti, skaters, rappers, and some yatai too (might have just been that Sunday).

 Japanese Bboys

 

 Taco rice in Okinawa was so much better than this one...

 Kichijoji
Calm, relaxing neighborhood with a good balance of residential streets, shopping area, and quaint shops. Loved the little streets with small shops.

Summer festival- got there on the right day I guess

 Huge graffiti mural at a bike parking lot. Finally got to see this in person!

Koenji 

Wish I had taken more pictures here. There were many small quiet streets packed with mom-and-pop stores, cool hip cafes, bars, and restaurants. Loved the artistic feel of the neighborhood.

Yokohama Chinatown
Second time here. A bit too clean for a Chinatown! Tons of nikuman places claiming to be the world's #1 nikuman and lots of all-you-can-eat dimsum (all around 3000 yen though). Where's the good, cheap Chinese food?!

  

Fancy garage