Taiyo no Cafe

There are many interesting little cafes tucked away in Yokkaichi, and one of them is Taiyo no Cafe. Taiyo means "sun," and the warm feeling sunshine brings is definitely reflected in Taiyo's atmosphere. It is a very simple, open, laid-back cafe in which French, Bossa Americana music and more is played to set customers at ease. (For an example, check out this pretty little version of "Jambalaya" sung by Lisa Ono.)

I love the painting on the main wall:

I've been to the cafe twice now, and both times I ordered the tuna egg salad sandwich that comes with a side of mixed fruit and jello cubes. So yummy! They also serve all-you-can-eat-parfaits for an extra 420 yen, but I've never tried them. Some friends say the parfaits are addicting, so I guess it's safer that I stay away from that option for now! ;-)

Hope you've been able to enjoy some sunshine out your way--it's been rather rainy and overcast lately here (but at least today was sunny!).

Nakagawara Station

Our nearest station is easy to miss. It's quaint, quiet, and quite pretty on sunny days:

Alongside the station are these paintings:

Who wouldn't want to ride a magical, colorful, inviting train like the one painted here?

The rail crossing on the main road before making a right to get to the station.

We usually don't use Nakagawara station because it takes just about as long being on time and waiting for the train as it does to bike to our next nearest station (plus that saves us a few yen). On rainy days or super busy days, though, it's our definite go-to. We'll miss awesome public transportation when we move back to the states, but it's better than missing all of you! :-)

Size Matters Not. Judge Me By My Size, Do You?

So what's really awesome (and often confusing) about Japan is that it can be very random. Like when you're walking around Sakae in Nagoya, trying to find somewhere to eat, and you spot this:

We got off the main road, and along the curve there were little Star Wars figurines set up in the grass. No one was around. There weren't any signs. Just. Star Wars. I feel like in America someone would steal all of these. But not in Japan.

Easter Sunday

Late March and early April is a busy time of year in Japan. Luckily, amidst the flurry of meetings and trainings, there are also flurries of cherry blossoms! Taking the time to relax and appreciate the beauty of spring -- especially with good food and fun friends! -- has been really wonderful!

This Easter Sunday, Chad and I went cherry blossom viewing with a woman from my gym and her granddaughter. The weather was perfect, and the cherry blossoms were just bursting with beauty. Below, our fine feast is pictured:

Top Left: Karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken)
Middle Row: Tempura, more Tempura, and Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Bottom: Deviled Eggs, Carrot Cake Cupcakes, and Huge Oranges!
(Can you guess who made what food?)



Relaxing with full bellies!



Volleyball shots:

After about three and a half hours of relaxing at the park, we headed home. What a wonderful way to spend Easter!

Hope your Easter was as blessed with food and friendship as ours was ~~!