Mito 水戸市 City of Flowers and Beans

Above is the beloved mascot of Mito, Mito-chan. She is the cuter of the two mascots because the other (natto the fermented bean) looks more like an elastic hot dog. 

Right now I am still exploring the city and find it great fun to stop into random shops that I pass, if they look interesting. Unfortunately, I still don't read as much Kanji as I'd like... so some of the stores are more of an adventure (what's this and what is it supposed to do?!?!?)

Mito is a city  of just over a quarter million people and  so has all sorts of things to do. There is shopping in the train station and little shops and restaurants littered throughout the busy streets. Like most of Japan, the city is not like any city in America that I am used to. The city has many more tall buildings with ample parks and green (or in the winter, brown) spaces in between. 

I have not really enjoyed any of the cities that I have stayed in within the United States, but there is a certain charm to Mito. Maybe I am just blinded by the fact that I will be living here for a year and either have to learn to love it or deal with myself...

part of Mito's charm is it's focus on nature and plants.

 There is moss everywhere.

Gardens are more than a mere afterthought.

People value flowers and natural beauty, even the manhole covers attest to that!

Also, the more I explore the more I discover "hidden" nature spots. 

I say hidden like that because many people use them, and yet they somehow retain the privacy of a forgotten nook in the woods. 

I love them!!

And I am learning to love my city. ^.^