A little over an hour north of Sydney, on the edge of Caroline Bay, sits a pretty little Japanese garden that has, for the past 30 years, been a delight to locals and tourists alike both for its authenticity and its relaxing atmosphere. The garden commemorates the sister city relationship between Tokyo's Edogawa-ku and the … Continue reading Edogawa Commemorative Garden: Japanese beauty under southern skies
This promotional article in Japan Today highlights some little-known parts of Okayama prefecture, as well as introducing a different perspective on some of Okayama's better-known features. (Archived article published in Japan Today.)
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 explores an odd rivalry between two ancient Buddhist temples in the Kansai region. (Archived article in Japan Today.)
Every December my Japan Today article details a different seven lucky gods walk, allowing my readers in the vicinity to enjoy the walk and pick up some luck for the new year. This December it's a walk in Chiba, about an hour out of Tokyo. All the best for 2023, everyone! (Archived article from Japan … Continue reading The Sakura Seven: A walk to gain good fortune
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.)
This article for Japan Today introduces a fun excursion to Obuse, an historical trading town near Nagano city with strong connections to Hokusai Katsushika, one of Japan's greatest artists. (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 special promotional article for Japan Today surveys the highlights of the Dewa Sanzan area of Yamagata, which is featured on the Japan Heritage website. (Archived article in Japan Today.)
I don't usually write about an event just after it has occurred. It seems unfair to tell readers about something they've just missed. But I will break my own rule this once. Nearly all matsuri, traditional Japanese festivals usually associated with shrines, have been cancelled since the Corona virus pandemic began in 2020 so it … Continue reading Otsu Matsuri: the post-Covid return of a traditional matsuri
The Chiba Prefecture city of Sakura, about an hour east of Tokyo, got its start as a castle/garrison town guarding access to Edo (pre-modern day Tokyo). Although the castle itself was torn down in the 1870s (along with most of Japan's castles) by decree of the Meiji government, the town's roots as a castle town … Continue reading The Samurai Street of Sakura
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