Otemachi, the district that sits between Tokyo Station and the Otemon gate of the Imperial Palace has long been one of Tokyo's main business centers. Over the last 20 years it has seen incredible architectural changes bringing a new vibrancy to the area as old buildings are pulled down to make way for new office … Continue reading A lesson in the importance of not disturbing spirits
Japan is host to a variety of annual festivals, often seasonally driven, and often associated with Shinto shrines. These festivals usually involve music, dancing, fair food and portable shrines that are paraded through the local neighborhood. One of the more unusual of these annual festivals takes place on the first Sunday of April (in 2017: … Continue reading Kanamara Matsuri: A unique celebration of the pink of spring
Tracing the Tachi-ai River to its source, while enjoying cherry blossoms is an article describing a walk through a neighborhood of suburban Tokyo that includes blooms and blossoms, several historical buildings, and the source of a river. (Archived article - Originally published by Japan Today)
On a clear winter's day in 1634, Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun of the Tokugawa dynasty, was riding his horse south of Edo Castle, together with a number of retainers. He was returning to the castle from having worshipped at Zojoji Temple, a major temple complex with which the Tokugawa family have a long and … Continue reading Atago Hill – success is on the rise
I ease my freshly scrubbed self into the hotel's large bath. It's very hot, but not so hot that I am unable to sit myself down. I immerse up to my chin, close my eyes and sigh. La dolce far niente! Although I'm not in Italy, this is the phrase that runs through my mind … Continue reading Taking the waters at Kusatsu Onsen
This article takes readers on a walk to visit Japan's seven lucky gods at shrines and temples in the historic Yanaka neighborhood of Tokyo. Such walks are a popular new year's activity, said to bring luck and fortune to participants. (Archived article - Originally published by Japan Today.)
This article takes readers on a seven lucky gods pilgrimage through the Yanaka area, a Tokyo neighborhood popular with tourists, although most probably miss many of these sights. Learn more in this article. (Archived article originally published by Japan Today.)
If Santa and his elves find themselves overwhelmed with preparing and delivering Christmas packages, they would do well to turn to Haneda Chronogate for help. Opened in 2013, Haneda Chronogate is the flagship facility of Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd. (also known as "kuro neko"), the shipping firm that first conceived and developed TA-Q-BIN, express package … Continue reading Haneda Chronogate – package processing to rival the North Pole
You can feel it in the air, even in Tokyo. Christmas is coming. Tokyo gets itself into the Christmas spirit with festive lighting displays on major thoroughfares, shopping centers and tower complexes as well as seasonal decorations in department stores and other public venues. And from December 16 to 25, Hibiya Park is host to … Continue reading The Tokyo Christmas Market – another Hibiya Park triumph
Asakura Fumio (1883-1964) is sometimes called the "Rodin of Japan", a modern, Western-style sculptor whose work is characterized by true-to-life imagery that was ahead of its time in Japan. Although born and raised in Oita, Kyushu, he came to Tokyo as a young man to study at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts and then … Continue reading Asakura Museum of Sculpture – the legacy of a great 20th century artist
The ginkgo tree is the official tree of the Tokyo Metropolitan District, having been selected for that honor by popular vote in 1966. While these trees are ubiquitous across the city--the majority of the half million trees lining Tokyo streets are ginkgo trees--they are at their most stunning during the month of December, when their … Continue reading Going for gold — Tokyo’s ginkgo trees in their full glory
November 20, 2016, was the culmination of a 3 week long promotion of Tohoku products at the Toranomon Hills complex in the area becoming known as "Shintora" (combining the names of the Shinbashi and Toranomon districts of Tokyo). The absolute highlight of the day was the Shintora Matsuri Parade, featuring troupes from the six major … Continue reading Shintora Matsuri Parade: bringing Tohoku to Tokyo
Jigsaw Japan 