We moved from the hotel in Shinjuku out into the more rural area, near the Ontakesan metro stop.  A family friend let us stay in their guest apartment, which was amazingly generous of them.  They even made us salads from their house garden.  I’ve never been treated better by a host family.

We headed out to Ginza, which is home to Ito-ya, the world’s most amazing pen/paper/notebook/art supply store.  I’ve never seen anything like it.  Nine stories tall, every floor full of things that I wanted.  Granted, I’m a huge nerd for pens and notebooks, and the Japanese sure know how to do it.

I would like one of each of these notebooks, please.

This housekeeping book cracked me up.  How could housework not be fun with that big smiley face?

Hand made sheets of paper.

Beautiful brushes for me to practice my non-existant kanji writing skills.

Would you like some colored pencils?  That’s not enough for you?

How about this?

Every one of these was a regular pencil, of differing widths and lead thicknesses.

Next…  grilled meat!  We went to a restaurant with Range, where they dump a bunch of hot coals in the middle of your table, and you’re able to grill meat to your heart’s content.  One of the best things about Japan is the “shared cooking” experience, whether it be okonomiyake, teppanyaki, nabe..  a couple beers, a central cooking area, and good friends, and the night is perfect.

On goes the meat!

Range tends the grill.

I got up and walked around Ontakesan at night.  I love taking night walks.  Here’s the train station at Ontakesan.

Just me and the station attendant.

This bar is quite proud of its empties.

Ah, a shrine in the middle of a crowded street.  Let’s go check it out, shall we?

Water for cleansing yourself before you head over..