This article explores some fascinating and surprising aspects of a stroll in the Akatsuka neighborhood of Tokyo's Itabashi-ku. (Archived article – Originally published by Japan Today)
Category: Kanto
Learning to Make Japan’s Most Durable Washi Paper
I recently had the chance to learn about Nishinouchi Washi, which is a particularly durable form of handmade washi paper. I also learned about some of its particular uses, included turning into cloth for garments and making chochin paper lanterns. Read about it in this article in All About Japan.
Fukiware Falls: unusual water bears the gift of negative ions
Waterfalls are well known to release negative ions that boost the spirits of mere mortals who visit them. Japan is blessed with many waterfalls and so lots of negative ion opportunities. One unusually shaped waterfall worth seeking out is Fukiware Falls in northern Gunma Prefecture (almost halfway between Minakami and Nikko). The falls is in … Continue reading Fukiware Falls: unusual water bears the gift of negative ions
Rambling for Roses: an early summer celebration
Tokyo's well maintained public parks/gardens are enjoyable year-round, yet spring and early summer finds them at their most colorful. It is currently the height of the rose season. A few years ago I wrote about a number of great places in Tokyo to enjoy early summer roses, but have recently learned of a new one … Continue reading Rambling for Roses: an early summer celebration
Finding Mercy at the End of the Earth: Enpukuji’s Iinuma Kannon
Looking at a map of Japan, there is a spot due east of Tokyo that juts out into the Pacific Ocean. This is the mouth of the Tone River, which, at this point, forms the boundary between Ibaraki and Chiba Prefecture's. It is, in a sense, the end of the earth. Yet it is a … Continue reading Finding Mercy at the End of the Earth: Enpukuji’s Iinuma Kannon
Wisteria and wandering a corner of Koto-ku
Springtime in Tokyo is time of brilliant color everywhere you look. Once the cherry blossoms have faded, azaleas are the next most prominent, but the dangling bundles of wisteria are perhaps the most evocative. Kameido Tenjin Shrine, in the northeastern corner of Tokyo's Koto-ku, has become my favorite place to enjoy wisteria. As I noted … Continue reading Wisteria and wandering a corner of Koto-ku
How to Train your Samurai: Education in Edo Period Japan
This article introduces the Mito school of samurai education and where to see its remnants today. (Archived article – Originally published by Japan Today)
Ryushi Memorial Museum: little museum with big art
Tucked in a quiet corner of Tokyo's Ota Ward is a little treasure of Nihonga art. The Ryushi Memorial Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Nihonga artist Kawabata Ryushi (1885-1966). Ryushi (Japanese artists are usually known by their given names) began working the Nihonga style after encountering it at a Boston art … Continue reading Ryushi Memorial Museum: little museum with big art
Ichinomiya: an historic hilltop in Tomioka
These days, Gunma's Tomioka is best known as the site of the World Heritage-listed silk reeling factory, Japan's first modern production facility. But it has more ancient roots and more modern history as well. Some of this can be found on a hilltop about a 10 minute walk from Joshu-Ichinomiya Station. Nukisaki Shrine: Nearly fifteen … Continue reading Ichinomiya: an historic hilltop in Tomioka
Learning Japan’s Ancient Horseback Archery
I recently enjoyed a lesson in yabusame, Japan's traditional horseback archery. What an interesting sport! What fun! Read about it in this article in All About Japan.
Eating well in Ibaraki
Not long ago when speaking to a friend in Korea I mentioned that I was going to be visiting Ibaraki Prefecture for a few days. "Oh," she exclaimed. "You'll eat well. Ibaraki is famous for good food." Indeed, I soon discovered that one eats very well in Ibaraki. Famous Fish: Ayu and Anko My first … Continue reading Eating well in Ibaraki
Mizusawa-dera and the Kannon who rescued a princess
Mizusawa-dera is nestled in the foothills above the Gunma town of Shibukawa. The temple is known for its statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. This statue has eleven heads and a thousand arms, so that she can hear all prayers and reach out to help those who need it. Although many of the … Continue reading Mizusawa-dera and the Kannon who rescued a princess
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