Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine sits on a small wooded hill next to Yamate-dori, one of Tokyo's famed ring roads, just a short walk from Yoyogi Park and an even shorter walk from the shrine's namesake train station on the Odakyu Line. The shrine was founded in 1212, dedicated to Hachiman, a deification of the Emperor Ojin … Continue reading Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine: sacred hilltop with prehistoric roots
This article in Japan Today introduces the Gallery of Horyuji Treasures at the Tokyo National Museum, a little known gallery with lots to offer, including a new digital gallery. (Archived article published in Japan Today.)
This article in Japan Today introduces Kappabashi, a Tokyo neighborhood known for its shops selling all manner of kitchen tools for private use and for professional kitchens. Readers also get details on making one's own wax food models. (Archived article in Japan Today.)
Zojiji Temple in Tokyo's Shiba neighborhood was once considered a guardian of the southwest entry to Edo (the old name for Tokyo). Visitors approaching the city via the Tokaido Road would have passed nearby and would, inevitably, have seen the massive awe-inspiring structures of the expansive temple complex, which was a seminary and center of … Continue reading Zojoji’s Sanmon: A Rare Look at a Gateway of Antiquities
On October 14, 1872, Japan's first passenger rail service opened, running between Yokohama (near modern-day Sakuragicho Station) and Tokyo (near modern-day Shimbashi Station). Such a milestone deserves celebration, especially one observing a service that has, in large degree, molded a nation. Certainly JR East agrees, so that Tokyo, at least, is widely decorated with posters … Continue reading Celebrating 150 years of railroads in Japan
This article for Japan Today highlights the Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park, a haven for migratory and other birds, bird watchers, and other nature lovers; located not far from Tokyo's Haneda Airport. (Archived article in Japan Today.)
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)
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
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
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
This article describes a couple of locations in and around Tokyo associated with Admiral Togo Heihachiro, a major figure of the Meiji Period and beyond. (Archived article – Originally published by Japan Today.)
Tokyo has been expanding itself into shallow parts of Tokyo Bay through landfill and land reclamation for four centuries. It is thanks to such expansion that Tokyo's southeastern-most ward, Ota-ku, can claim the largest area of any of Tokyo's 23 wards. One of those Ota-ku landfill projects was begun in the 1940s and by 1960 … Continue reading The Parks of Peace Island: Adventure, Relaxation and maybe a bit of History
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