Asano (tempura, sashimi, etc.) in Yanaka (Tokyo, Japan)

Back in 2007 I returned to Japan for the first time after a nearly 20 year absence. On our second night we ate at a Izakaya near our hotel called Asano (浅野 or あさの). When we lived in Japan in 2009 and 2010 we ate there again. But today’s photos come from last summer when I enjoyed my third meal there.

Asano owner, cook, and conversationalist

The owner is very friendly. He remembered me from each of my prior visits like any good Izakaya proprietor would.

Japanese tempura

Hopefully I’ll get the chance to partake again in the not-too-distant future.

Posted on May 31st, 2014 under Japan. Tags: food, Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VR G lens, Nikon D600, yanaka. Comments Off on Asano in Yanaka

Nippori Station – Tokyo, Japan

Posted on March 22nd, 2014 under Japan. Tags: Tokyo, trains, yanaka. Comments Off on Nippori Station (日暮里駅)

paper chain made out of hand-made Japanese paper
purchased at the Isetatsu store in the Yanaka / Sendagi area of Tokyo

While in Tokyo this past summer I asked my wife if she wanted me to bring anything home. She wanted some of the unique paper that can only be found at a little shop near where I was staying in Yanaka. I didn’t know which styles she would want so I started taking photos to send to her. The shop owner came flying out of the back and was quite angry that a photo had been taken. I tried to explain, but she didn’t care if my photos were going to help her sell more paper. I probably should have just left. Instead I bought some of the paper and brought it home. Last week my wife turned the paper into one of the world’s most expensive paper chains to decorate our house for the holidays.

Posted on December 16th, 2013 under Japan. Tags: christmas, isetatsu, Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VR G lens, Nikon D600, yanaka. Comments: 3

Finger puppets in Tokyo’s Yanaka

The details in these displays in the window of Shokichi can keep me staring for long periods of time. Head on in for a puppet show.

Posted on November 6th, 2013 under Japan. Tags: Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VR G lens, Nikon D600, Shokichi 笑吉, Tokyo, yanaka. Comments Off on Yanaka’s Shokichi Finger Puppets (谷中 指人形 笑吉)

天王寺の桜

One of my favorite places in the world during any season, Yanaka’s Tennoji can be an oasis like no other on a blue sky day in early April.

Posted on April 29th, 2013 under Japan. Tags: buddhist, cherry blossoms, sakura, temples, Tokyo, yanaka, 桜. Comments Off on Tennoji (天王寺) during sakura season