Jiyugaoka is another neighborhood that is becoming gentrified and yuppi-fied. Susan was first here three years ago and remarked on how much more built up and refined it has become. Similar to my reaction to memories of Yurakucho.
Street after street after cross streets of homestyle and lifestyle shops fill this area around the train station. By this time of day we needed a respite. The rain had stopped so we walked into Afternoon Tea, which we had hoped had a care. It did not but it did have a Marimekko shop next door. It continues to astound me how everyone stays in business. The demographic is very young--very young pre-school children with mothers, all well-dressed and spending the day meeting other young mothers and playing, shopping and eating in the cafes and street fair atmosphere of this mostly pedestrian-only enclave. Jiyugaoka is new money; young people of affluence. Here the almost total absence of "things Japanese" is noticeable. This is an area that is trying to be white, rich and trendy. Young toddlers with moms shopping at the "right stores" for baby clothes, scrapbooking, kitchen ware and generally channeling Martha Stewart.
Hurried back to Shinagawa Prince to meet Wayne and Kevin for dinner. They had arrived this afternoon from Honolulu. A fabulous dinner at Cha Cha Shirokanedai. This izakaya is down steep, rail-less stairs in an apartment building. Beautiful food. Small dishes, beer and sake! Yum! |
Wall is gold leaf
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