2012 Picture of the Week (49/52) – Beautiful

I never get tired of this view.  One of the best things about living in Kanagawa is that Mt. Fuji can be seen from almost anywhere, as long as your view isn’t obstructed.  If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you may recognise this view.  On the left is Mt. Fuji covered with snow and some clouds, while the mountains in the foreground are the Tanzawa Mountains.  I’ve climbed two mountains in this photo, Mt. Fuji and Mt. Oyama (it’s the peak on the left in the Tanzawa Mountains).  No matter how many times I see this view, I am amazed.  It is beautiful.

Mt. Fuji and the Tanzawa Mountains on a very clear day.

Urban regeneration

Japan has an interesting mix of new and old architecture in its cities.  Next to a shiny skyscraper, you can actually find an old wooden house. A lot of older buildings are torn down when vacated, especially when a family moves out of a house.  A new house is usually built to replace it.  There’s a constant regeneration happening in the cities.  One particular place is about to undergo regeneration. That’s the south side of Futamatagawa Station in Yokohama.  At the moment, it’s occupied by a bus terminal and a small commercial building called Green Green, which includes a Sotetsu Rosen store and Yokohama Bank.  One building has already been torn down, previously occupied by a bookstore.  There are plans to build a major road through this area, as the road network isn’t very convenient.

This building, Green Green, is slated for demolition, possibly later this year.

Here’s a closer look. It’s kind of old looking, isn’t it?

Replacing Green Green will be 2 buildings.  One is a highrise apartment/condo building of about 29 floors (or so I’ve heard).  The other is a highrise commercial building with a shopping centre.  I’m looking forward to watching it go up.

2012 Picture of the Week (29/52) – Fruit stand

Many times of the year, you can see fruit stands selling locally grown seasonal fruit.  This one is near Futamatagawa station, and has been there for the past week.  I didn’t get a good look at it, but I believe one of the fruits they sell there is Japanese pears, or nashi.

Fresh fruit is great!

2012 Picture of the Week (10/52) – Cloudy Skies

Lately, it’s been pretty dreary outside. Mostly cloudy days and rain. Even though spring is coming, winter temperatures remain. The cherry trees are expected to bloom late this year due to the cold winter. Hopefully, it’ll be a beautiful spring.

The Tanzawa Mountains are barely visible from Futamatagawa.

Instagram 1-10

This is the first set of Instagram pictures I’ll be posting.  Each week, I’ll post 10 photos, starting with my oldest ones.  These ones are from May 24th-25th, 2011.  What I’d like you to do is leave a comment stating which photo you like the most and which you like the least, and please give a reason.  Thanks!

1. Izumino station from the train (Izumi-ku, Yokohama)

2. Finally sunny again in Yokohama (Nishi-ku, Yokohama)

3. You must run through the exit!

4. Blurry train arrives at the station. (Asahi-ku, Yokohama)

5. Odakyu Shonandai station (Fujisawa, Kanagawa)

6. Food's all gone! (Big Boy)

7. Ecoる Coca-Cola (Fujisawa, Kanagawa)

8. Going up to the train. (Fujisawa, Kanagawa)

9. Lots of lines in Machida. (Machida, Tokyo)

10. Nakamise (Machida, Tokyo)

Once you’ve decided the best and worst photo, please leave a comment!

2012 Picture of the Week (3/52) – Snow in Yokohama

Today was our first snow of the year. In Fujisawa, it snowed, but it didn’t stick around at all. However, when I got to work, I was surprised that the snow was staying around in Yokohama. In fact, it stayed all day!

Snowy rooftops from my classroom window.