Not long ago a Japanese friend was telling me about a book he was reading that detailed how Japan historically observed seasons in two week increments. Japan's love of the seasons is undeniable and when I reflected on what my friend was explaining to me, in some ways, I could see it. In particular, it … Continue reading The last celebrations of the new year’s season
Autumn was a bit late to reach Japan this year, but is now in full "bloom"--awash with beautiful autumnal hues as the leaves of deciduous trees change and eventually fall. There are plenty of places to go in search of those stunning autumn leaves, especially gardens, parks and major avenues. If you're interested in getting … Continue reading Leaves and literati: a little Autumn stroll
Japan has a well-deserved reputation for the colorful splendor of its autumn leaves. The only challenge to enjoying them is figuring out where to go to do so. The mountainsides in many areas become a riot of color that can be enjoyed by hikes on well-groomed trails. There are also the many magnificent gardens. And … Continue reading Autumn Enlightenment at Kyoto’s Chion-in temple
This article introduces the traditional cloth dyers of northern Shinjuku-ku in Tokyo, clustered near the Kanda River since the beginning of the 20th century. Every Autumn, several dyers open their studios to public visits in a Konya Meguri (Dyer's Tour). Learn more in this article. (Archived article originally published by Japan Today.)
Japan has many great traditional performing arts, some with over a thousand years of history. Perhaps the best known of these is kabuki, a form of theatre developed "only" about 400 years ago. The plays involved relate-able stories, elaborate costumes and clever staging, making kabuki immediately popular across all social classes (must to the displeasure … Continue reading Kabuki: Japan’s historic theatre art
The Shinohara family of Utsunomiya were a long-established mercantile family and a visit to their beautifully-preserved home, just minutes from Utsunomiya, offers insights into how successful merchants lived, as well as into the architectural styles of late 19th century Japan. As one might expect of a large family home in this area, it is faced … Continue reading The Old Shinohara Family Home: glimpse into the lives of Meiji Period merchants
I find it fun, when visiting a large city, to learn as much as possible about what drives it and what makes it tick. For a city such as Tokyo, an economic powerhouse (even after 3 decades of a relatively stagnant economy), one place to learn more is the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the heart of … Continue reading The Tokyo Stock Exchange: investment as sightseeing
This article introduces sites related to Oya stone, a pumice stone quarried near Utsunomiya in Tochigi Prefecture. The stone and the sites are fascinating; its an easy place to visit as a day trip from Tokyo, or as a stopover on the way to Nikko. (Archived article originally published by Japan Today.)
It is often observed that Japan borrows ideas and technologies from various sources, adapting them to suit Japanese needs and sensibilities, essentially making them Japanese. Paper, one of Japan's earliest borrowings from China, is no exception. Japanese paper is nothing short of amazing. Traditional hand-made washi paper is lovely and soft; fun to make and … Continue reading Origami Kaikan: a chance to explore the folds and layers of paper
August in Japan is always a time when television programming is replete with movies and documentaries about World War II. It was on August 15, 1945 (JST), that the Japanese officially surrendered to the Allies, thus ending the Pacific War. That fact, combined with the fact that August is traditionally a time when Japanese people … Continue reading One impact of war, the desire for peace
Who doesn't love a performing clock, with various figurines that dance or move at appointed times throughout the day? In Tokyo there are a number of such clocks, including the Marionette Clock at Ebisu Garden Place and the Mullion Musical Clock outside the Hankyu Men's Store in Yurakucho. But perhaps the busiest and most intricate … Continue reading Nittele Big Clock: a Ghibli-inspired clock like no other
These days we hear a lot about recycling to reduce waste and ease pressure on the environment. Nishi-Rokugo Park, also known as Tire Park, is a great example of turning waste items into something both useful and fun. In this suburban playground/park, more than 3,000 tires are repurposed into whimsical shapes and playground equipment to … Continue reading Never get tired of recycling at Nishi-Rokugo Park
