Convenience

Had to go and pay the gas bill today. All utility bills can be paid at ANY convenience store and there are loads of them Lawsons, Mini Stop, News day, 7 Eleven, MiniMart, Daily Yamazaki etc. As well as bill payment and food purchase they have ATM's (no good to me) Copiers and fax machine, booking as well as pickup point for on-line sport theatre etc bookings, digital camera printing, delivery services of parcels or luggage, delivery companies will drop off there (if you will not be at home) and some postal services, stamps and postcards. All very convenient.

The other thing today is that school is back, and now there are kids everywhere in their summer hats and big school bags. Most of the uniforms are severe navy and white but the newcomers seem to have a pale blue dress. The bags are big! solid sides but light weight. I checked these out in a bag store, not sure who got to use the coloured ones as I've only seen black ones in use.
After paying my bill I walked along the street & stopped at the Cafe of Book-Off and had an iced tea. The cafe was full of people who looked like they were settled in for the day. There is no pressure to move on in any cafe I have been in, in fact in Mr Donut (stopped in one in Yanaka to dry off my feet!) they come round with coffee refills. At Book-off there is a big table and often people there with laptops or kids reading books while mum or dad browse. A very relaxing environment!