The famed Aoyama Petanque clubhouse?

A few years back when I first started hurling the rock, the experienced players from Aoyama Petanque would often come down to Myoshoji and with their fine play, personalized towels, state of the art measuring devices and regular reference to "World Championships," I had thoughts of Aoyama Petanque being like the Wimbledon of the Tokyo boules scene.

Visions of personalized lockers, showers, and a clubhouse serving the freshest croissants and vintage Bordeaux poured through my mind and I looked forward to one day making my debut at the sacred club.

Of these grand expectations, only the warm hospitality, generous food and drink spread, and purist approach to the game proved true.

The "clubhouse" is in the shape of a collapsible table, and a few makeshift chairs. Shelter from the elements is provided by the overhanging trees and for those "extreme" weather conditions, a scrub bunker protects players from heavy downpours.

In other words, not that different to our beloved Myoshoji Park.





Thanks for a great day on Saturday Aoyama. Some fine play and a lot of laughs.

Greg