asukayama park

Back in April, we checked out Asukayama Park.

I noticed on someone's Instagram that the same park had ajisai (hydrangea).

I had planned on checking it out on Thursday, but rain was in the forecast, which turned out to be wrong (it was sunny)...boo!

So instead, I went on Friday.

And while the weather was overcast, it was so so humid and gross.

When you arrive at the JR Oji Station, take the South exit and walk over the pedestrian bridge to the park.

The hydrangea run alongside the train tracks, at the base of the park.

So many different types.

So pretty yeah?!

For lunch I went to Meijido and had their kimagure plate.

Kimagure is translated as "whimsy" or "moody" but I like the "capricious" definition.

Today's Kimagure Plate had (top) fried chicken sandwich, sweet-salty bread topped with sweet bean paste and whipped cream, (bottom) basil tuna broccoli bechamel sauce tartine (toast) & egg ham sandwich roll.

Everything was so good and I enjoyed the tartine, chicken sandwich and sweet salty bread the most in that order.

The last time I visited Meijido, there was a grandma sitting across of me, and I am pretty sure she was sitting across from me on this day too.

She ordered "her usual" and the waitstaff knew exactly what to bring out for her...so cool!

Despite the humidity, I'm glad I was able to check out the hydrangea here.

I have a few more pictures as well as some videos here...I shot some using the "time-lapse" mode and I hope you will not get dizzy viewing it...

sakura walk(s) (akabane iwabuchi & oji)

Since Satoshi had some time before his class yesterday, I took him to see the area I visited near Akabane.

We also picked up some snacks from Meijido (tonkatsu sandwich, yakisoba pan and coffee milk).

Everything from Meijido was so good. We had to control ourselves from buying everything we saw...

Lunch was at a cafe inside of the Tokyo Kita Ward Museum.

We also shared this sakura mont blanc...matcha cake topped with whipped cream, a little strawberry gelee and sakura flavored cream...so good!

It was so warm (22C/71F) that we were glad to get out of the sun for a bit.

There were many people picnic-ing at Asukayama Park, especially since the weather was so nice.

I had spotted this park from the platform as I waited for the train the other day.

Kitty-corner from Asukayama Park is Otonashi Park.

Many people picnic-ing as well.

It was nice to be out and about though the temps have really gone up.

I'm glad Satoshi was able to enjoy some of the cherry blossoms too.

sakura walk (akabane iwabuchi)

The backstory: On our way to Gunma, as the train crossed over the Arakawa (Ara River), I noticed a line of (bald) cherry trees that went as far as the eye could see.

After returning from our trip, I figured out where the spot was and then waited for cherry blossom season.

Fast forward to yesterday, I went to check it out and it didn't disappoint...there were even some shibazakura (moss phlox).

The line of cherry trees reminded me of Yawata, which we visited in the past.

The wind was icy but at least the sun was out and I'm glad it wasn't crowded.

Afterwards, I went to Oji Station and had lunch at Meijido.

Apparently, this bakery has been in business since 1889!

On the 2nd floor is their cafe.

You can eat your baked goods there (with purchase of a beverage), or order from their menu.

I had their butter pretzel (chewy and filled with butter!), tandoori cheese bread (loved the burnt cheese bits) & nut danish...everything was so good!

I also bought a half loaf of their sakura (cherry blossom) & matcha (green tea) patchwork bread for our breakfast today.

Not much walking on this day but I'm glad I got to visit this part of Tokyo.

Meijido
1-14-8 Oji
Kita, Tokyo
Phone: 03.3913.4662
Hours: 6:30-21:00
Closed Sundays