April 30, 2019 literally marks the end of an era. The 30 year imperial reign of Akihito, the Heisei emperor, will come to an end as his majesty abdicates to a well-deserved retirement. The next day, his son, Crown Prince Naruhito, will ascend to the Chrysanthemum Throne and a new imperial reign, Reiwa, begins. The … Continue reading Imperial fever, imperial fervor
Shibuya, with its iconic "scramble" intersection, shopping, and entertainment, has become a symbol of modern Tokyo. It's insanely busy and very crowded, especially with teenagers and young adults. The below photos were taken at a relatively quiet time of day. Yet Shibuya is also home to a fair bit of traditional culture, particularly in the … Continue reading Finding quiet and culture in Shibuya
Particularly after World War I (perhaps earlier and continuing even now), it was not unusual for military forces to build underground facilities. The principal reasons were doubtless concealment--their presence was harder to detect--and protection--they were harder to be destroyed by the enemy if they were detected. Examples include the facilities of France's Maginot Line, Singapore's … Continue reading War goes underground: Japan’s former Naval headquarters in Okinawa
This article introduces Bessho Onsen, an historical onsen town in Nagano Prefecture that is easily accessible from Tokyo and perfect for a weekend getaway. Stay in a ryokan and let yourself be pampered by omotenashi hospitality and lots of amazing food. (Archived article originally published by Japan Today.)
Even when I'm not in Japan I frequently find myself drawn to "things Japanese". So I felt very lucky when I realized I was going to be on the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia during the annual Japan and Friends Day organized by the Japanese Society of the Gold Coast (held on Saturday, 23 March … Continue reading Japan to the World: A matsuri in Queensland
Jomyo-in sits between Ueno's National Museum and Yanaka Cemetery, yet it feels off the beaten track and perhaps even somewhat forgotten. A 17th century Tendai sect Buddhist temple that began its life as accommodation for monks associated with nearby Kanei-ji temple, Jomyo-in's principle claim to fame these days is the thousands of stone jizo statues … Continue reading Jizo by the thousands at Jomyo-in
I previously introduced jizo, a bodhisattva especially popular in Japan as the guardian and protector of children and travelers. Small statues of jizo can be found all over Japan. In many locations, the donors who place the statues do so as a good deed, a way to earn merit, the reward for which is manifested … Continue reading Six Jizo to watch over Edo
This article introduces a number of ideas for things to do and see in the Sakishima Islands of Okinawa. (Archived article originally published by Japan Today.)
The frothy whipped green tea served in traditional Japanese tea ceremony is strong and bitter. But unlike Western style tea or coffee, one does not ever add sugar! That is not to say that we completely ignore Mary Poppins' maxim. Rather, for over 400 years in Japan, whenever traditional tea ceremony tea is served, it … Continue reading How Sweet It Is! Making wasanbon tea sweets
The valleys and mountains north of Mt. Fuji are full of remnants of the lives of some of Japan's earliest inhabitants--the Jomon hunters and gatherers of Japan's pre-agricultural period (traditionally dated between 14,000 and 300 BCE). But archaeologists have had to dig for it. Archaeology has only been undertaken in Japan for about 150 years, a … Continue reading Shakado Museum of Jomon Culture – really digging back in time
Semi-tropical Okinawa is famously the first place cherry blossoms are seen in Japan every year. And they’re blooming now! One of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots on Okinawa’s main island is Nakijin Castle Ruins. The ruins are on the Motobu Peninsula in the northern part of the island. There has been a stone … Continue reading Nakijin Castle – blossoms among the ruins
This article gives three suggestions of winter activities in Nagano aside from skiing: the snow monkeys of Jigokudani, the art town of Obuse, and the hina doll display in Suzaka. All can be enjoyed economically by using a special 2-day rail pass, too. (Archived article – Originally published by Japan Today)
Jigsaw Japan 