Sunday Stroll: Azabu-Jūban

Azabu-Jūban is a small residential neighborhood in Tokyo literally right behind the bustling Roppongi Hills complex. This area has many embassies and therefore many expats - apparently a lot of celebrities live here too. It's decidedly upscale (lots of fancy luxury cars), but still has a "homey," quaint vibe with traditional Japanese shops nestled among the fancy bakeries and cafes. This neighborhood couldn't be farther from the Roppongi nightlife scene yet it's just a short walk away.

Starting the day off with some delicious yuzu shoyu ramen at Afuri

Early blooming sakura

Admiring the blossoms

500 yen pizzas?? We might be back :)

Dogs, dogs everywhere!

Don't know what this restaurant was, but if there's a line, it's gotta be good

High rise condo building next to a temple

Otaru

As a side trip from Sapporo we went to Otaru. Otaru is a lovely little port city known for its old warehouses, scenic canal, and glassblowing industry. Every winter they build snow sculptures along part of the canal and string lights across it for the magical Otaru Snow Light Path. A winter wonderland!

All aboard! Otaru is about 30 minutes from Sapporo by train.

Steam powered clock, a gift from Vancouver

Inside the Orgel Music Box Museum. I have never seen so many in one place!

Most of them were a little gaudy for my taste

"Bulge man" - Marimokkori, the mascot of Hokkaido

Apparently this is related to some kind of candy...hmm

Hokkaido is known for its seafood

Igor finally noticed the "no photo" sign after he took this LOL

Beginning of the light path

Snowplow train