Places to Visit in Tokyo: Ikebukuro West Gate Park

 

          I have been wanting to visit Ikebukuro West Gate Park for a long time because of a Japanese drama with the same title I had watched some years ago. I unexpectedly came across it when I went to Ikebukuro to meet some writers who decide to just write their novels in a random cafe in this side of town. The face of the 14-year old innocent boy in the drama, who was killed and hidden in a locker, flashed on my mind and the image won't go away.

Where to Eat Ramen in Tokyo: Ippudo

Entrance of Ippudo

Ippudo is a chain ramen restaurant that can be found in a lot of places in Tokyo like Shibuya, Shinjuku and Roppongi. There is also a branch in Takadanobaba, a station along the Yamanote Line. Because of the shop's proximity to Waseda Univeristy, there is always a long line of students waiting their turns during lunch time. Ippudo does not only serve delicious tonkotsu ramen, it is also very affordable.


The interior design of the restaurant is mainly made up of wood - from the tables and chairs to the chandeliers, as well as the condiments holders and table accessories.


The shop offers a bowl of ramen for around Y800 depending on the type you are ordering or you can get a set meal with rice and gyoza for a few more hundred yen, which I must say is super worth it. I always order this spicy ramen set that is perfect for a cold winter evening! 

Things to See in Tokyo: Ikebukuro Crossing

Because I am so crazy with pedestrian crossings

         

Amane Misa Boots

 

          These boots remind me of one of my favorite anime characters, Amane Misa of the manga, anime and now live action move, Death Note.

My Photo in Daloy Kayumanggi December Issue

 

          My friend, who is the editor in chief of Daloy Kayumaggi - a Filipino newspaper in Japan, asked me if they can publish this shot as the Photo of the Month for their December issue. Thank you, Daloy Kayumaggi, for this rare opportunity!

Prope Dori, Tokorozawa

 

         I took this shot because I want to remember after many years how this street, where I pass through every day, looks like at this point in time.

Christmas Illumination in Tokyo: Baccarat Ebisu Eternal Lights

The red carpet leading to the main display

     The Baccarat Ebisu Eternal Lights are a famous attraction at the Ebisu Garden Place every December. It is only one among the many Christmas illuminations in Japan at this time of the year. The main attraction at the end of this red-carpeted street is a large Europen-styled chandelier, one of the biggest in the world, which measures 5 meters tall and 3 meters wide. It had 250 glowing lights that brighten the whole place around it. The chandelier was made in 1994.

Hello 2014!

 

          "Happy 2014!" says the Tokyo Tower. Cheers to a new year ahead of us!