One of the reasons why I love Japan is the Parks, may it be theme parks and public parks. Every city has a number of public parks, mostly are equipped with washrooms and fresh water even in very remote areas.

Here I'm sharing our latest Park Hopping Photos.

At Showa Kinnen Park (Tachikawa City, Tokyo)


Parks nearby








There are lots of small parks in our neighborhood. The nearest park is just about 20 steps away from our house. Well it's already summer here, I thought we can go out and take a walk more often, but summer in Japan is very hot and humid. As in you rather stay at home play or watch Barneys and Dora with your little kid than take her to the parks. Seriously, nowadays I have to wait for sunset before going out.

Ooopss... our darling taking Haru Chan to the park...

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Anzu was 7 months old when we took her with us in the nearest Amusement Park in our place, Yomiuriland. As expected, we weren't allowed to go on a kiddie rides yet because of the age and height requirement. Kids must be atleast 2 years old and some rides allow the kids with the height of atleast 90cm.

That's why my poor Azumi and her lil cousin Ryukun just enjoyed looking around, eating, and playing "peek a boo" once in awhile to each other on their respective strollers lol.


Some attractions of Yomiuriland.


Anzu was 12 months old when I took her to Sanrio Puroland because there was a halloween event for the kids. She wore a bumblebee costume. Then again, she wasn't allowed ( yet )to take the rides so we enjoyed ourselves watching musical shows, magic, walking around and taking photos with Sanrio Characters. Too bad, she was scared of them so I didn't have a decent picture with Hello Kitty.



Sanrio Puroland is an indoor amusement park especially designed for toddlers. However, strollers/babycars are not allowed inside.


Finally, Anzu to experience her first ever ride in an amusement park - Carousel Merry Go Round at Sea Paradise



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Carrying a 1.8kg of rice cake is one of the highlights of our lil darling's First Birthday.

This is a traditional gift given by Okasan --my mom's mother in law who loves and adores Azumi so much, treats her like her own great grand daughter.




Well here's another interesting Japanese custom which might sound a bit pitiless to celebrate the child's first birthday in Japan.

The celebrant is asked to carry 1.8 kg worth of rice cake or mochi on their back to wish them a happy and long life.

This special rice cake or mochi is traditionally called Issho Mochi ( 一升餅 ), made to be part of the celebration. It's kinda heavy so babies are usually assisted to be able to walk even just a few steps. This also symbolizes the parents’ hope that the child will never go hungry throughout his or her lifetime.



Azumi successfully carried the mochi for few seconds assisted by us. The mochi is round which symbolizes "no trouble". So we are hoping that this practice brings our love child a long life with no troubles.