Machibura (街ブラ) To Sort My Thoughts

I read @itz.inno’s post about 街ブラ (read as machi bura) which means street stroll and realized I haven’t done it for a long while. It’s been my hobby since I moved to Japan because there’s just a lot to see. Since I needed to take a break from all the chaos in my head and at home, I went out after work to go nowhere. I just needed a breather.

While I was taking my time walking, an old lady called my attention saying it looked like I didn’t put any effort to my walk but I was still fast. She had to exert much effort into her walk but she still couldn’t catch up with me. I was actually thinking deeply, processing my emotions and my life, when she interrupted my thoughts. It was a good encounter though. I explained to her that maybe I had longer steps than her who’s walking fast but in small steps. She told me maybe it’s because I’m still young. I told her no. 😅 She asked me where I was going but told her ブラブラ (read as burabura) which means walking aimlessly. She had to go on another way so that ended our small chat.

That small conversation made me realize I like talking to older people. I can learn from them a lot though I had to mind what my manners in my words. My Japanese is not so polite so I really had to take extra care of the things I utter.

I also like talking to young kids and I honestly miss the time I did an English camp with elementary students. They’re so playful and clingy at times. It’s also fun talking to them because I don’t need to mind if I’m being polite or not in my sentences.

I was following the walkway and saw some artwork along the way. At first the theme’s like kid’s artwork then later on it became flowers, then animals.

Although it’s like no one’s around at 8PM, I was still comforted by the surroundings. There were apartments where the sound of their TV’s a bit loud I could hear it from outside their home.

I found a colorful apartment which isn’t so common in Japan. It’s usually dark or neutral colors, not colorful like this. I’m guessing the rent isn’t so expensive on this one because there’s no gate, no delivery box, no lobby, and it looks small. This is probably okay for most people but I wouldn’t live here. Sure I can save from rent but I need some safety measures especially that most of the time, I’m alone at night. How about you? Do you think this place is okay for you to live?

The high fence made me wonder what’s on the other side. Then I realized it looked like a school. Probably a private school around here. I passed by some students earlier while walking, I wonder if they’re from this school.

The leaves from this tree reminded me of a Christmas tree. I never thought I’d see it here in the neighborhood.

I reached a small park. I’ve been on this walkway before but I had forgotten about this park. It’s not so big but not so small either, just probably enough for the people around the neighborhood. I usually think parks with big rocks are so cool they make a flowing river but when I checked, there was no water.

A few more steps and beautiful flowers captures and I reached the main road.

I haven’t been to one side going to Higashi Nakano station so that was the route I took.

It was a bit uphill which I wasn’t expecting. When you follow this road all the way, you’ll reach Ikebukuro. I haven’t walked this road yet so I was a bit excited and hesitant.

I didn’t continue my walk in this road because I got sidetracked when I saw a torii gate. Looks like I just found a shrine.

I’ll share about it in another post.

Now I’m going back but this time, I didn’t follow the same route I took coming here. The path I took was going to Nakano Sakaue station, so I just had to go straight and follow the big road.

There’s no much to see while walking. I saw some establishments catering to students’ after school or tutoring services. I thought it’s normal for elementary, middle school and high school students but then I saw they also have after school programs for preschool and kindergarten. Amazing!

I almost reach the train station when I saw this very small Shinto shrine. It’s called Shiratama Inari Shrine, a very small one but very sacred looking because of the red flags surrounding it. It’s facing the main road so I easily spotted it.

I reached Nakano Sakaue station. I’ve been here a lot of times already so I know where to go and how to go home. But before going home, I stopped by a supermarket in the area to get some chips and frozen food. Ah yeah the calories I burned from this walk was gained again because of the chips. 🥲 I was so stressed, I needed some nacho cheese.

Going home from here, I usually pass by the gatekeepers of the temple around here. Do they look scary?

That’s all for my Thursday night.
Thanks for reading!
See you around! じゃあ、またね！

_{All photos are taken by my phone unless stated otherwise.}
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Walking,Photowalking