I have always been fascinated by locks; the use of gravity to move water--and whatever is floating on top of it--up or down in a controlled fashion. Although Japan has lots of natural waterways--often with quite sharp descents to the sea--, I was pleasantly surprised to find a lock on a man-made canal in the … Continue reading Toyama’s Fugan Canal – retooling an industrial waterway
This article describes the historical places of interest in and around Usuki, a castle town in Oita on the island of Kyushu. (Archived article - Originally published by Japan Today)
Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years (although there are locals who say Kyoto is still the capital and the emperor is just on a business trip to Tokyo). It is this long history, and in particular, the religious and cultural sophistication that developed over the centuries, that still attracts … Continue reading Murin-an: a glimpse of fin de siècle Kyoto
Nihonbashi has always been a business and commercial hub in Tokyo, with Mitsukoshi--Tokyo's premier department store-- and the Tokyo Stock Exchange located nearby. But with recent developments of other multi-use buildings hosting shops, office facilities and hotels, the area is enjoying a new vibrancy. The name "Nihonbashi" means "Japan Bridge". It is the name given … Continue reading Nihonbashi: where modern Tokyo and historical Edo meet
My friend, Tajima-san, is a big sumo fan. So much so that he is an active supporter of the Arashio sumo-beya (a/k/a stable). And he kindly offered to take us along to a "keiko" (training session) at the stable. Sumo is Japan's indigenous national sport, with references to it found in Japan's earliest written histories. … Continue reading Sunday brunch at a Sumo stable
Jigsaw Japan 