Summer Scoop 2007

The last week of July officially marked the end of the rainy season in Tokyo...so they say. We were definitely hit with far more rain this year than last, which compelled us to use our car more frequently than travelling by foot or by bike. However, we did spend time walking in the rain to and from the supa and to Jidokan. Donning his raincoat and rainboots, Markus loved to dawdle in the puddles. The usual seven-minute trek to Jidokan often took us about 15 minutes.

Exerting energy at Saty's Kiddy Playland in the balloon saloon

Despite the showers and typhoons, we've had an active summer so far. Tokyo offers so many wonderful indoor amenities open to the public year round.

Saty, a local department store complete with a super market, several floors of apparel, toys, and a cinema, is one of our favourite local getaways. During the rainy season, which also falls during the children's school summer vacation, it's likely you'll be exploring the great indoors with plenty of other energized kids. Nevertheless, the more, the merrier! In July, Mihoko and I took Chihiro and Markus to Kodomo no Shiro. Markus and I have been there several times before.

This was Chihiro's first and boy did he ever have a blast! The boys loved the indoor jungle gym and doting on out all sorts of fun musical instruments. We were also entertained by a music concert of familiar songs learned from Jidokan.

Markus enjoyed the funny mirror...here's his flexing pose!

Natsu (summer) is the season of matsuri (festivals), which occur just about every weekend at different places. Women wearing yukata's are a very common sight, especially in the evenings. I just love seeing the colourful and unique patterns. Last year, we attended the local Natsu Matsuri festival at Heiwa Park nearby, however we opted out to this year's festivities. Instead, I attended a phenomenal, high-energy, acrobatic musical called "Matsuri" at the Muscle Theatre in Shibuya with some girlfriends. In the meantime, our husbands took the kids to a the Children's Museum in Shibuya. Unfortunately, taking photos was not allowed in the theatre. It was such an awesome show, especially since we had close arena seats...thanks Miyuki-san!!!

We all met up after the show. The hungry boys were trying to be patient while waiting for the food at the Izikaya restaurant in Ikebukuro.

With Tomoko-san and Miyuki-san after the show

Near the start of July, Markus and I visited Hie Jinja Shrine to attend the Sanno Festival - a week-long festival near Akasaka. We aimed to arrive for the morning mikoshi procession, but no such luck. It was the first time taking the trains out to Akasaka so I was unfamiliar with the area. The Koban (police box), conveniently located near the train station was a useful source for directions. Regardless of our tardiness, it was an opportunity to see another beautiful worship shrine and witness some traditional events such as a tea ceremony and listen to taiko drums, which Markus loves!

The concrete Sanno torii gate stands tall at the west entrance

The red Inari Sando torii gates are donated by local companies for business prosperity.

Guests at a tea ceremony

In addition, we experienced some exciting events at Jidokan. On July 7, we celebrated Tanabata festival. This day commemorates a romantic mythical story, handed down from China. Once a year, a princess star is to meet her prince on a bridge across the Milky Way. It was believed that wishes made on this day would be fulfilled. People attach strips of colourful paper with wishes on leaf-bearing bamboo stalks and place them in their gardens or in other places. We decorated our own bamboo stalks with paper ornaments and streamers during Jidokan class.

We are currently on summer hiatus until August 21. The last day before vacation, we had a big Natsu Matsuri at the school, which incorporated all age groups of Jidokan. Many of the children wore their cute gimbeis and yukatas.

Though Jidokan classes are on yasumi (holiday break), kiddie pool days are offered twice a week. Since the summer temps are soaring and humidity is in full effect, it's been a great way for Markus and friends to beat the heat!

With all that's said, the summer is far from over! That's our summer scoop for now...more to come.