Tamagawa

Less than 2km away from where I live, is a river that flows into Tokyo Bay, Tamagawa (多摩川). The river is also the border between Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture. Crossing the river, heading towards the south will take you to Yokohama; follow the river downstream for about 10km and you'll come to Haneda airport in Tokyo Bay.

Whereas, somewhere upstream, a place called Futago Tamagawa (二子多摩川), is a famous spot for BBQ. Come weekend mornings and you can see teenagers gathering on the Kanagawa-side bank (but not on the opposite bank), enjoying BBQ. Not because Tokyo people don't like BBQ; but it's illegal to BBQ on the bank of the river on the Tokyo side.

Also, on the Kanagawa side, are the numerous practice grounds for golf. You see, golf is probably the third most popular sport, after baseball and soccer. But then, there just ain't enough flat land in Japan to cater for their "golfing needs". So you can often see small patches of lands, fenced up with green nets up to a height of about 4 storeys, being used to practise golf. In fact, it is not unusual even to find a practice ground in the middle of a housing estate; there's one nearby.

Now, back to Tamagawa. While there're golf practice grounds on the Kanagawa bank, on the opposite bank are baseball fields belonging to the schools in the area. (See what I meant about baseball being the most popular sport?) On weekend afternoons, if weather permits, the fields along the bank will teem with people from all walks of life.

Ojisan's fishing by the river, high school boys playing baseball (duh), obasan's jogging on the cycling course, kids taking turns riding the wagon down the slope, parents flying kites with their children, pets being taken out for a walk... And if you know where to look, you'll see couples hiding behind bushes (making out?)

Riverbanks as recreational spots and evening hang-outs - quite a common sight in Japan, but in Malaysia? Inconceivable. Insane.