In keeping with Japan Today tradition, this December article introduces a seven lucky gods walk in Tokyo's Kameido neighborhood, one of the oldest districts of the city. Seven lucky gods walks, mini-pilgrimages that can be completed in a few hours, are a popular new year's activity. (Archived article, originally published in Japan Today.)
This article takes visitors on a day trip to an outdoor architectural park in Kawasaki featuring centuries-old traditional wooden houses from eastern Japan, as well as opportunities to experience some traditional crafts common in that time period. (Archived article first published in Japan Today.)
In keeping with Japan Today tradition, this December article introduces a seven lucky gods walk in Tokyo's Shinjuku neighborhood. Seven lucky gods walks are a kind of mini-pilgrimage traditionally completed at the beginning of the year to secure luck for the year. This one, however, can be done at any time. (Archived article, first published … Continue reading Shinjuku-Yamanote Seven Lucky Gods: A walk to collect luck for the new year
This Japan Today article introduces Koyasan, one of the holiest places in Japan. This ancient Buddhist center of worship is relatively easy to reach from Osaka and well worth a visit. (Archived article, first published in Japan Today)
My latest Japan Today article explores an historic trading center in Kyushu that has preserved many of its Edo Period craft traditions, and gives visitors a chance to check them out! (Archived article, first published in Japan Today)
To take full advantage of the October 2024 supermoon, Tokyo's Hamarikyu Garden is remaining open until 9:00 pm, with special lighting and small events, from October 15 through 19, 2024. Centuries ago Hamarikyu Garden, on the banks of the Sumida River near Shiodome, was the residence of a feudal lord. It then became a favorite … Continue reading Moon-viewing from Hamarikyu Garden
This article, originally published in Japan Today, provides readers with the information they need to make a visit to an Ibaraki tea farm, touring the farm and its facilities and learning how to brew and taste the perfect cup of tea. This outing is a great day trip from Tokyo! (Archived article from Japan Today)
My friend Etsuo recently suggested that we get together for dinner at Sunaba, one of his favorite soba restaurants. "We can have toshi-koshi soba," he exclaimed, excitedly. Ah, yes! Toshi-koshi soba, a serving of buckwheat noodles eaten at the end of the year. The noodles are symbolic in a couple of different ways. Soba noodles, … Continue reading Symbolic Soba for the New Year
Seven Lucky Gods walks are a popular new year's activity and this Japan Today article is published just in time for readers in Tokyo to use it in the coming new year period. (Note, there's a list of other walks at the end, too.) Since the article does not include a dynamic map, one is … Continue reading The Nihonbashi Seven Lucky Gods Walk: An exploration steeped in history and tradition
This article in Japan Today describes Munakata Taisha, an ancient shrine with three locations to house three sea goddesses. The locations themselves contain fascinating history, which is celebrated in an annual festival taking place October 1-3 (Archived article published in Japan Today.)
It was a dark and stormy night. A young Buddhist monk named Kukai was aboard one of four ships crossing the East China Sea from Kyushu to Tang China, fearing, as did all aboard, for his life. He prayed for rescue to Munakata Omikami, a goddess of the sea, and also invoked the help of … Continue reading Chinkokuji: preserving part of Kukai’s legacy
Every December my Japan Today article details a different seven lucky gods walk, allowing my readers in the vicinity to enjoy the walk and pick up some luck for the new year. This December it's a walk in Chiba, about an hour out of Tokyo. All the best for 2023, everyone! (Archived article from Japan … Continue reading The Sakura Seven: A walk to gain good fortune
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