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

Sunday Stroll: Jiyūgaoka

Jiyūgaoka is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Tokyo. I can see why - it's got it all. Shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, adorable tree lined streets, lots of dogs...yeah, I could picture myself here :)

This is definitely a dog neighborhood

It's an international neighborhood with a lot of expats

No idea what this crazy store is...

Cherry blossoms will be blooming soon!

Coffee VW van, how cool!

Steak & Hamburg Good Taste!

New Year's decorations still up

Beyond-adorable shoes

Happy all the holidays

Sunday Stroll: Imperial Palace Grounds and Kagurazaka

Meganebashi (Eyeglass Bridge) at the entrance to the inner Imperial Palace grounds.

Kokyo Gaien, the outer palace grounds overlooking Marunouchi, Tokyo's financial district. One of the very few places in Tokyo you will find this much open space.

Reconstructed watchtower. Almost all the structures in the palace complex burned down during the U.S. firebombing of Tokyo in 1945.

Afternoon tea at Paul, a French bakery chain...brought back memories of studying in France :)
Kagurazaka is a neighborhood known for its French influence.

Adorable (read: pricey) produce store

Waseda dori in Kagurazaka closed off for Sunday afternoon strollers like us

Quirky statues outside the Tokyo University of Science.

Sweet little house in one of the back alleys

Our (approximate) route