Tokyo」タグアーカイブ

Beginning in Spring

When I moved into SR Kichijoji, it was a cold February. Walking around the streets I could still see the mountains of snow that had been pushed to the sides of the pathways. Thinking back now, it’s hard for me to remember how cold it was then, since I am now sitting under my AC right now trying to hide from the Summer heat that’s outside. So far I’ve experienced two seasons here in my sharehouse, and it’s been so interesting to see the contrast of Spring and Summer in Kichijoji.

DSC00726

At the beginning of Spring, it was still cold; but you could tell people were starting to come out of their Winter caves. The grass was getting greener, the plants were suddenly bursting into a lush colour and everyone was waiting with anticipation as the cherry blossoms started to bud.

DSC00722

Indeed, cherry blossom season is one of the best times to be in Kichijoji. Just like the explosion of blossoms, people come and cover every square inch of Inokashira park. I feel quite lucky with my home, since it only takes me 20 minutes to stroll over to the park. Needless to say, I ended up visiting the park during cherry blossom season everyday. Just like all the visitors to Inokashira park, I too had caught sakura fever.

DSC00710

One Month in Japan!

Yesterday I celebrated being in Japan for one month by heading to Tokyo for the day! Living in Kawabecho means one short train ride to Yokohama Station and then catching one of the JR lines to Tokyo. It took only around 40 minutes to get to Ueno Station which flies by when you’re listening to music and peering out the train window. Moving into Flora Yokohama Hoshikawa, I thought it would be such a hassle to get to Tokyo but it is actually very simple! Closer than what you think!

13933170_1365348860145256_340079881_n

When I arrived, I walked around Ueno Park and checked out a special event which was being held for the Olympics. The enticing sound of drums and cheering lead me to where the event was being held and after free entry, I got to watch Brazilian dancers making their way through the crowds to the sounds of drums. The atmosphere was unreal!

Being an incredibly hot day, I decided it was a perfect time to check out the ‘Masterpieces from the Centre Pompidou: Timeline 1906-1977’ exhibition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum! With pieces from well-known artists like Picasso and Matisse, it was well worth the entry fee. I have never been so in love with an art exhibition.

13820415_1365348856811923_2049546219_n

After that I went in to Ikebukuro to have a stroll around Sunshine City since I had never been before. I was so amazed at how big and beautiful the entertainment precinct is. I walked around the shops, watched the water display, sipped on fresh strawberry milk and enjoyed the atmosphere of a busy Saturday.

Being a book lover, I had also heard how amazing Junkudo Bookstore was so I had to go and have a look. After taking the elevator to the 9th floor, I discovered the foreign books section and spent around an hour admiring all that was on offer. Their variety of English Young Adult, General Fiction and Japanese Literature books was overwhelming. If you love reading, please check out this fantastic bookstore located near Ikebukuro Station!

13956978_1365348866811922_1428404103_n

I was exhausted after fitting all of that into one afternoon so I headed back to the share house after visiting the bookstore. Nearly falling asleep on the last train, I was surprised to hear my name called, especially after not knowing many people in Japan yet. I turned around and it was one of my share house mates! It made my day getting to randomly catch up with someone and walk home together. You never know who you’re going to bump into on a peak hour train! After having a nice hot shower, I retreated to my single room and relaxed. It is so quiet here that you won’t be disturbed when wanting to rest. So far I love living at Flora Yokohama Hoshikawa!

Check out my blogs to see more of what I’ve been up to:

lostwithannie.wordpress.com

instagram.com/lostwithannie

Interested in the share house I live at? Check it out: https://www.oakhouse.jp/eng/house/kanagawa/yokohama/flora-hoshikawa