I mistook this rampant winter “crow’s cucumber” for passion fruit

冬でも、生い茂ったカラスウリが電気線にからまっていました。

This weed-like vine is full of fruit, hanging from the power lines near the Odakyu rail tracks. In Japanese, it’s called “karasuuri,” and some varieties are used in Chinese medicine. I love how rampant it is, even in winter.

Tall palms define border of 1970s modernist-style mansion’s lawn

外国産の背が高いヤシの木は大きい庭の境界線にとてもすてきです。

Few homes in Tokyo have lawns, let alone a row of tall exotic palms. If I’m not mistaken, these may be butia palms from South America. What a cool garden. Near Sangubashi.