Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Azabu Juban - love at first sight

Azabu Juban - our home in Tokyo for now is a charming little pocket in the heart of Tokyo's grey landscape.Surrounded by the buzz of neurotic Roppongi - the seedy sleazy pub district on one side and the high rise 'Roppongi Hills' - a glitzy happening mall- on the other, Azabu Juban doesnt seem to have anything to do with all that. Almost Parisian in charm,yet very Japanese, the small shopping area seems to exist on its own terms. Small hat boutiques to bakeries called St Moritz.Dog saloons to atmospheric cafes. Narrow winding hilly lanes.Cobble stoned to boot. It's all about charm and atmosphere.

A walk through Azabu has led us to some amazing discoveries. Small dimly lit hole-in-the-wall cafes where we thought we spotted a sax player playing to a cosy group of drinkers.A flower shop abutting a pet cemetry. 'M.Roman' selling 'juicy couture' (whatever).Even a kaleidoscope shop! It was like stepping into Mary Poppins' world.Kaleidoscopes in all sizes and shapes! Different worlds in different kaleidoscopes- one more awesome than the other. Come to think of it - a lot like our own time here in Japan!