Azaleas on a Sunny Day

Yesterday was my day off, so I tried getting a bunch of errands done. I woke up a bit later than I indended, so I skipped making breakfast, and bought a little something from my local donburi shop around the corner. I had a ¥500 off coupon, so I spent under ¥200 for meal of rice, fish, and egg.

After that, I stopped off at the post office to mail out some packages that I had been putting off for forever. I think I may have attached the wrong content lables (same contentd but different amounts). I also had a short chat with the clerk about how much foreigners like Japanese sweets.

Then I went to the supermarket, where there was a sale on grapes, and the neighbouring clothing shop to look for tee shirts. I didn’t find what I was looking for, unfortunately.

After dropping my groceries off at home, I went into the city for some shopping and to convert some money for my upcoming visit to the States. I bought some gluten free bread (I have a wheat allergy), soap, and a bithday card for my mom. 

Once I had what I needed, I did an hour of karaoke. Since I haven’t been practicing as much since I was sick in February, my voice sounded awful. I couldn’t hold any long notes to save my life.

I finished off the day with an extra large salad, some youtube, and a little gaming. I can’t wait for my next day off.

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Tsurumai Park Cherry Blossoms

A student recommended that I visit Tsurumai Park last weekend to see the cherry trees. 

Tsurumai Park is a popular place to go flower viewing, so it can get pretty crowded. Since my days off are usually Sunday and Monday, I thought it migh be better to go on a weekday.

It was still very crowded.

Most of the spaces under the cherry trees were already taken by the time I got there, so I walked around the park. I enjoyed a bottle of ramune soda and had a look at the stalls, but they didn’t really have anything I wanted. After about thirty minutes, I jumped back on the train to Nagoya.

I expect the trees to be flowering for another week or so, so now’s your chance for flower viewing if you’re chubu.

Okazaki Cherry Blossom Festival Pt.1

The Okazaki Cherry Blossom Festival started a few days ago. People from all atound Aichi (and further, I’d bet) came to oogle the somewhat famous cherry trees. Now that the weather’s finally consistently warm, the trees are blooming up a storm.

After work, I met up with a friend to try and enjoy a little bit of the festival before they closed at 10. We quickly made our way to the venue, grabbed some snacks if grilled meats and sweets, and found a place to take a few pictures.

Most of the trees were illuminated with lanterns of naked bulbs. There were also tons of booths and stalls selling snacks or swag for over inflated prices.

My friend and I ended up sharing a ¥500 bag of cotton candy, while we walked about, and joked about how our phones captured better pictures than our cameras.

All in all it was okay, though we have both seen better. It’s scheduled to continue until mid-April, though it’s sure to be crowded.

From Higashi Okazaki station, it’s about a ten minute walk. Just head towards Okazaki Castle and you can’t miss it.

One Year Anniversary

I arrived in Japan exactly one year ago on June 4th, 2016. I have not been out of the country since then. I have zero regrets.

Warm Roses

The mornings have been coming a little earlier and earlier each day. It hasn’t impacted my sleep cycle all too much just yet, but it will soon enough.

White like Snow

The weather has been pretty great recently. With the exception of a bit of rain, the days have been rather warm. Many Japanese people are super proud of their distinct four seasons, and it seems for good reason.

Stylized Sakura

Sakura season is almost over, but luck for me, I could get a decent number of photos. The majority of my cherry blossom viewing adventures were done in Okazaki and Kyoto.