In Inokashira Park Zoo is the oldest female elephant in Japan, her name is Hanako. She became 64 years old in January 2011. She came from Thailand in 1949 and became popular. We all wish her long life. However, there was a tragedy that Hanako accidentally stepped over the staff working there and killed him. She was called “murderer” at that time.

These are the Icicles of Misotsuchi in Oku-chichibu. They are built up very slowly by water dripping down. The best time to see these icicles is during the coldest part of the year, from about the middle of January to the middle of February. They're located in the in the Arakawa headwaters.

Another good found in the Nihonbashi area where I usually stay in Tokyo. The sourdough based toast simply stole my heart and inspired me how to enjoy sourdough as a healthier base of nutritious and simple breakfast. It was impressive how popular he bakery place is - long line started soon after the opening time in the morning. Apparently they are one of the local favorites who is well known to the foreign visitors too like me:-) Fortunately they manage it properly to maintain a quality experience. Located right beside a community playground, Parklet also has a lovely grocery inside where you can find their selection of artisanal food and drinks. Will come back next trip! 

Kawamura Memorial DIC Museum of Art is located in Sakura, Chiba Prefecture. It has a wide collections, from Rembrandt to Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman. In the past, there have been exhibitions of famous artists like Gerhard Richter. It's not just that it has a wonderful collection, but also that structure of the building shows the paintings and sculptures in a way that lets you consider freely whether or not they are great. Around the museum there is space to stroll, and some shopping. It's a place you can enjoy without getting tired. The museum is approx 50 min from Tokyo.

This is Salon de Cafe, where my friend brought me for my birthday. There is a sense of quality in this modern, welcoming shop. The service and atmosphere are also very good. The strawberry parfait in this cafe is very delicious. Please check it out once!