Planet Tokyo

Shibamata Taishakuten is a Buddhist temple located in Katsushika, the eastern end of Tokyo. It has been bustling with worshippers since it was founded in 1629. In modern times, it appeared in many literary works which made it a popular tourist destination. The movie series "Otoko wa Tsurai yo" set in this place and its surrounding spots brought more people to the district when it started in 1960s. It holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running movie series starring a single actor.

I pedaled there on a beautiful Sunday for the first time in years. The scenery was exactly the same as the last time I visited. It felt like the clock hadn't moved there while everything had kept changing dramatically in the rest of the world. You would feel nostalgic when you visit there even if it's the first time.

Of course I didn't forget to eat their local speciality "kusa-dango" or "mugwort rice dumplings" at the end of the trip. It tasted good.

4 years ago | [YT] | 2

Planet Tokyo

Sakura season is over. Their petals were fluttering here and there when I pedaled around my neighborhood randomly. It was stunning although they were ending their lives. Let's wait for the next spring to come.

4 years ago | [YT] | 1

Planet Tokyo

Here is another ride for sakura or cherry blossoms. I pedaled around many sakura spots in the Tokyo Metropolis on a beautiful day. Under COVID, I didn't see any drunk people throwing parties under the trees, but there were still plenty of people intoxicated by the beauty of sakura flowers. At the end of the ride, I witnessed the flower petals fluttering around stunningly. The flowers' lives are so short, but that makes them more beautiful.

What sakura spot did you like the best?

4 years ago | [YT] | 1

Planet Tokyo

Sakura season has come. There is no reason not to go see those beautiful flowers.

I pedaled from Oji, my dad's birth place, to Naka-Itabashi, my mom's birth place, along Shakujii River. It's lined by more than 1000 sakura trees. It's not recommended to throw a hanami party under COVID but people were still strolling around and enjoying the stunning scenery. So did I. Yes, we need it for a change.

I also visited my uncle living in the area and had a chat with him. I was glad to see him doing well.

Let's hope we will have a "usual" spring next year.

4 years ago | [YT] | 2

Planet Tokyo

Just a lazy Sunday afternoon ☺️

4 years ago | [YT] | 1

Planet Tokyo

I'm a big fan of burgers. Fortunately there are a few "real burger restaurants" within a 10-km radius of my place. I visited one of them for the first time in a few months the other day. The meal tasted like heaven and I was happy more than words can say. I needed to pedal a lot to burn calories after that but it was fun too.

4 years ago | [YT] | 1

Planet Tokyo

This is my monthly routine. I mean I go get a haircut every month. The hair salon is in a mall near Arakawa Cycling Road that leads you to various places. There is no reason not to pedal after the haircut. I headed to Akigase Park located in Saitama City this time. It’s been my favorite place since I was a teenager. There are some nice trails there. Enjoy the trail ride somewhere not very far from the Tokyo Metropolis!

4 years ago | [YT] | 1

Planet Tokyo

What would you do if you needed to go get something for dinner and it was almost the sunset time? This is what I do 🚴‍♂️🍣👍

4 years ago | [YT] | 2

Planet Tokyo

Hayao Miyazaki, the movie director of Studio Ghibli, says that he was inspired a lot by the nature of Tokorozawa, Saitama when he created one of his greatest works My Neighbor Totoro. He has been living there for a half century.

The movie portrays the ‘50s but there are still many forests like the one in the movie even today. Some of them are called Totoro’s Forest. I pedaled to the area and ended up in Totoro’s Forest #2. It looks like there are dozens of forests named Totoro’s Forest and their nature is protected by donations through the Foundation of Totoro’s Hometown. I respect their efforts.

I really enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere over there. I hope you guys feel it through the lens.

4 years ago | [YT] | 0

Planet Tokyo

Lately I tend to buy groceries online but I still go to a grocery store sometimes. The other day I went to a supermarket chain run by Walmart Japan. This is what it was like. Do you guys prefer going to a store in person or getting things online?

4 years ago | [YT] | 1