2019

Hakone

Owaku dani

Owakudani (大涌谷, Ōwakudani) is one of the most famous scenic spots. The volcanic landscape was created during the last eruption of Mount Hakone around 3000 years ago. Owakudani is an active volcanic zone and sulfurous fumes are gushing out of the cracks in the earth. View of Owakudani from Ropeway Hakone Geo Museum Hakone Geo Museum displays mechanics of Owakudani creation. Kuro tamago Kuro tamago meaning black egg is a specialty of Owakudani.  The egg cooked in the hot water has its shells blackened by the sulfur. It’s said if you eat one egg, you can extend your life by seven years, two eggs, by 14 years. One pack contains […]

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Gora Park

Gora Park (強羅公園, Gōra Kōen) is a western style landscape park located on the steep slope above Gora Station. It feature a wide panoramic view of Hakone, the fountain and rose garden in symmetry. Rose garden Rose Garden Greenhouse The park also has two greenhouses, one is tropical botanical garden and the other is a seasonal flower garden. Hydrangea flowering in June Hakuun-do Chaen Japanese style tea house The Hakuun-do Chaen Japanese style tea house was designated as the national tangible cultural property in 2001. Japanese tea & sweet are served (500yen).

Mt.Fuji

Oshino Hakkai

Ohino Hakkai (meaning eight oceans in Japanese) is made of eight spring water ponds located in Oshino village, Yamanashi prefecture, and registered as UNESCO world heritage site in 2013. The spring water comes from melting snow on the slopes of Mt.Fuji. When Mt.Fuji erupted around 800 AD, the flow of lava sprit it into Lake Yamanaka-ko and Lake Oshino-ko. Lake Oshino-ko was dried up into a basin due to river erosion, then only eight springing ponds were left. The water went deep underground Mt.Fuji and was filtered through porous layers of lava for over 20 years, resulting in very clear spring water. The water of Oshino Hakkai is called “the […]

Hakone

Hakone Open Air Museum

The Hakone Open Air Museum opened in 1969 as the first open air art museum in Japan. It creates a harmony of nature and art by exhibiting various sculptures on its lawns with views of the surrounding forests and mountains. The museum has various galleries and exhibitions outdoors and indoors. The Picasso collection, art gallery built in 1984 displays wide range of works including paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures and ceramics, etc., and photo of the artist’s studio revealing his life. Outside various sculptures from Japanese and overseas artists are displayed on the lawns. Miss Black Power by Niki de Saint Phalle (France) “Inspired from the growing belly of an expecting […]

Hakone

Mt.Fuji

Mt. Fuji, a symbol of Japan is the highest conical mountain with the height of 3776 meters. Located on the border of Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefecture, it was registered as UNESCO world heritage site in 2013. Known as shy mountain, Mt.Fuji rarely appear, but if you are lucky beautifully snow-capped mountain can been seen. At the top there is Shinto Torii gate and thousands people climb Mt.Fuji from the beginning of July to the beginning of September, when it is officially open to the public. Some walk up from the bottom but many people drive up to the fifth station at 2400meters, and then walk up to the top taking […]

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Yanaka

  Yanaka is one of the few areas of Tokyo that survived the Great Earthquake and Big fire of 1923. Old houses, many temples and old Edo atmosphere remain here. “Ya” means valley and “naka” means middle, so Yanaka means “in the middle of valley” from where we stroll down to the Nezu area.  Tenno-ji temple Tenno-ji temple, the largest in the area was established in 1274 during the Kamakura era (1185-1333) and a Buddha statue was built in 1690 modeled after Buddha in Kamakura. The lotteries that were held on the temple compounds were stopped in 1842, since then the temple regains the calmness, and is well maintained. Lotus […]

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Omotesando, Takeshitadori, Harajuku

Across Harajuku station there is the biggest contrast between tranquil Meiji shrine and hustle bustle Takeshita dori filled with too many youngsters to pass thru especially on Sunday. Used to be the approaching path to Meiji shrine, now Omotesando is beautifully lined with tall zelkova trees and luxurious brand shops. Omotesando is luxurious shopping street for young adults. Also known as an architectural showcase streets in the world featuring many fashion flagship stores within a short distance of each other.  Designed by Tadao Ando puritzer prize winner to blend in harmony with the landscape, the building is roughly the same height as the Zelkova trees lining the street. Dior Omotesando, […]

Meiji shrine
Harajuku

Meiji shrine

Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken, Meiji shrine was built in 1920 after their death. Emperor Meiji ascended to the throne at the age of 15 in 1868 and contributed a lot to modernization of Japan. Large barrels of sake with makers’ names are stacked up as offerings. Sake plays an important role in Shinto rites and festivals like wedding ceremony.  Wine barrels donated by wine makers to pray for a fruitful relationships between Japan and France.       Pass thru the two story Nanjinmon gate to the main shrine. Big camphor trees at left side of Main shrine look one tree but actually a couple […]

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East garden, Imperial palace

Nijubashi bridge Nijubashi means double bridge which goes into the Imperial Palace. The silhouette of the arches are reflected in the water of the moat and looks like a pair of glasses, so it’s also called the “eye glass bridge”. Only twice a year, on Emperor’s birthday and on January 2nd ordinary citizens are allowed to cross Nijubashi to offer congratulations to the imperial family on the balcony.  East Garden of Imperial Palace You can enjoy various flowers throughout the year. Camellias in winter, weeping cherry trees in spring, hydrangeas, irises, and wisterias in summer, maple leaves in fall.  ＜Related Post＞ The Ultimate Guide | 18 Recommended Things To Do in […]

Sensoji Temple
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Asakusa, Sensoji temple

Sensoji is located in Asakusa Station in northeastern Tokyo and can be accessed by the Asakusa Line or the Ginza Line.  Kaminarimon, thunder gate Kaminarimon, thunder gate of Sensoji temple, is a landmark of Asakusa. The present thunder gate was rebuilt by a donation from Konosuke Matsushita , founder of Panasonic in 1960.He is said to be suffered from arthritis of knee, but recovered by visiting Sensoji temple. When you path through the gate you can find Dragon hidden on the bottom of lantern. Dragon is believed to be the god of water and protect the temple from fire.Many visitors touch the dragon to get the benefits. Nakamise Shopping Street […]