It isn't always necessary to leave the city to get some time away from the noise and crowds. In order to live, sometimes it is necessary to reduce what we consider nature.

Back in the States, I would never have been able to enjoy such small, isolated, and in reality somewhat synthetic nature. I would have thought it too fake. (I thought farms and wheat fields were too urbanized.) But this is one of the biggest cities in the world, and I can't hold it to the same standards as say Great Falls Montana. It is like enjoying bonsai. You know that the dwarfed tree is not natural, but it still can provide relaxation and a sense of pleasure just looking at it.

I have heard that Tokyo (which is not really a city, but more like a state) has a very low ratio of parks compared to other large cities. That may be true, but there are still plenty of areas to enjoy. Just avoid the "popular" tourist-type areas. And forget cherry blossoms.

This was taken on the Tama River between Tokyo and Kanagawa. After dark, there are very few people around, except for the homeless on the other side. I like to come here when there is weather--rain, wind, cold---as most people won't be out. Only the occasional fellow nut and fishermen/women will be wandering around in the cold on foot.