kitty-chan on the side of a really busy road in okazaki. i took a small bike ride around okazaki today (my day off) and finally remembered to bring my camera with me. so, enjoy the photos of my little town.  

i don't know what this animal / mythical creature is called, but i like it. many businesses have it out front. it might be a bit on the vulgar side now that i'm taking a closer look.  

Smaller river in okazaki i found today on my bike ride through the city 

just thought this was cute. I always see different types of decorations hanging above entrances to homes/businesses. Thought this one was especially festive - have no idea if it symbolizes anything. 

There is this small path off the main road on my way to work every morning. I decided to follow it today, and I stumbled upon a really nice buddhist temple. Apparently, they have some sort of festival/event here at some point in the year, where they walk across hot coals. I'm going to try to find out a bit more info on that. Burnin' soles are a must see! 

Not a bad view of Okazaki 

A small graveyard is above the main temple. 

Front of the temple - at the top of the hill. And, to think, I always thought there was a restaurant at the top of this hill. If only I understood Kanji. 

new york city? get the rope! 

The climb up to the temple. 

I was told these cute critters were memorials to small children who passed away, hence the bibs and skull caps. I'm not sure, they look like little Buddhas to me. 

Here's a really nice old house on my morning commute. 

Another shot of the old house - too bad the wall is obstructing most of the view. Homeowners love their seclusion here - walls are everywhere. 

A mini Kiyomizudera right here in Okazaki. This is the side of the house in the above picture. 

Here are some pics of our AEON Annual Halloween Party last Saturday night. What makes this a halloween party? No costumes, you say? Well, we said it was a halloween party, that's why. About 35 students showed and many stayed until 2:30. All of the teachers, however, snuck out much earlier, myself included.  

Plenty of beer, but where's the food? "On" was a bit slow with the vittels, but I think everyone had a good time, nevertheless. 

More of the Halloween Party Saturday night. 

Yee Haw!! It's Halloween at AEON this week. And, we have to dress in full costume everyday. The fun part is going out for lunch. Because Japanese fashion is so out there, some people probably don't think of this as an actual costume. 

Here's our breakroom with everyone in costume. From left - Kumiko-san (china girl), Manager (witch), Yukiko-sensei (purple witch), Kent-sensei (priest), Mari-sensei (devil), Kit (kung fu master). 

kit's real costume is a kung fu master, but he stole mari-sensei's devil staff and bat ears for effect.  

Mexican wrestling masks in village vanguard. 

strawberry fields forever 

The front counter of Valentine Cafe - downtown Okazaki 

Valentine Cafe has become one of our favorite hangouts. The staff is lovely and the cakes are devine. They also have wonderful tuna salad.  

So, Kit and I decided it was time to see Okazaki Castle. Actually, I dragged him there against his will. It was such a nice day, so, we rode our bikes there - it's only 5 minutes from Kit's house, and then we walked around the park for a while and went to the top of the castle.