My Bike is not Mini

My bike is actually not small or mini. It has 26-inch wheels, basket and heavy duty frame with a battery. However, my bike ride around Tokyo is mini or short distance. I used to ride a century ride (100 miles) so riding round Yamanote Circle is really "mini ride". The red gate here is called Akamon and the entrance way to University of Tokyo. These school girls were taking pictures of each other, and I took a picture them with my bike.



My usually ride is to Ueno Park. You wouldn't believe that there are so many trees, animals, birds, and people in this park. They got Ueno Zoo, outdoor concert place, and several museums in the Park. I like this pond because it's got beautiful Water Lilly, but now is not a season for the flower.



I found this little shrine in Ueno Park. This shrine has the matchmaking god. I should probably pray for the god, but it's getting dark and I am heading home.

Lunch Outdoor in Rainly Season

June is a rainy reason in Japan, and I haven't done much bike riding lately. It's June 26th, Friday and NOT raining. I decided to walk to my favorite lunch spot La Qua for outside lunch. They have a water fountain show with music from 1:30 pm. I like to eat my lunch at the picnic table by the Water Symphony Show. Unfortunately, by the time I finished my hamburger, the water show was over. Next time, I will take my pictures first and then eat lunch.


La Qua is a small shopping mall with an amusement park. It is similar to the Downtown Disney in Anaheim with rides. I have ridden the roller coaster here, and it's lot of fun. However, I don't recommend riding it right after your lunch!

Hydrangeas and Jazz Concert

I love Hydrangeas. Especially they look beautiful in the rain. But I was very happy that it wasn't raining today so I could ride my bike. I decided to go to Hakusan Shrine to see Hydrangeas. There are more than 3,000 Hydrangeas in this small Shrine.

It was so crowded, but I was glad that I went. They also had free jazz concert at the Shrine. The band even played a couple of Glenn Miller songs. I wish I was able to records the concert and share the music with you. At least I can share my photos of Hydrangeas with you.

Yamanote Line

What's Circle Yamanote? The Circle Yamanote or Yamanote Line is the train system that circles around downtown Tokyo. Believe or not, it is very prestigious to live inside of the Circle - just like living in downtown Manhattan. Of course you pay for the price but it's convenient and fun. I live in upper Northwest corner of the Circle. Can you guess who lives in the middle center of the Circle? The Emperor family!!

Opening

I got Sanyo electric hybride bike, and that's why I start writing about my mini cycling trips around Tokyo. I have been living in Japan little over a year, and cycling is the best way to discover my new hometown Tokyo. I don't go too far. Most of my rides are within 30 kilometers from my Tokyo apartment. I live near Tokyo Dome, the home of Tokyo Giants. The view from my living room window is just like this picture. The Tokyo Dome is a big white mushroom!