2020

cherry blossom
Ceremony & Event

Why do Japanese like cherry blossoms so much ?

“Why do Japanese like Cherry blossoms so much ?” I’m very often asked this question from the tourists from overseas.   In civil war period when Samurai warrior lost the war they preferred to die beautifully than live in shame. So they committed suicide by harakiri, cutting his belly. This mentality may be succeeded to even now, and the Japanese like beautiful and short lived cherry blossoms. The most popular is “Somei Yoshino” species cloned by grafting during Edo period. “Somei Yoshino” bloom at stretch and last only for two weeks until they beautifully fall like cherry blossom showering. When one “Somei Yoshino” starts to bloom at Yasukuni shrine the meteorological […]

yasukuni shrine
AREA

Tokyo’s first Cherry blossom at Yasukuni Shrine

A cherry tree with straw belt wrapped may look old and normal. But this is a special Someiyoshino species!!When this Somei yoshino cherry tree standing by Nogakudo hall of Yasukuni shrine starts to bloom, Japan Meteorological Agency officially announces the start of the cherry blossom season in Tokyo. Then all Japanese prepare for cherry blossom picnic in Tokyo. They spread the sheet under cherry trees, enjoy eating, and drinking while viewing cherry blossoms. Yasukuni Shrine Founded in 1869 on the order of Emperor Meiji Yasukuni shine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to souls of about 2.5 million Japanese who died in war for their country. Go through the Shinmon gate […]

Kiyosumi garden
Tokyo

Kiyosumi Garden

History of the garden Originally Kiyosumi garden was the residence of the wealthy merchant in Edo period. During Meiji period the founder of Mitsubishi, Yataro Iwasaki bought the the grounds of Kiyosumi Garden, planning to create a garden for his employees’ recreation and to invite the distinguished guests. The garden was completed in 1880 as circuit style garden where includes a large pond drawing water from Sumida river, man made hills and valuable stones collected from nationwide by Mitsubishi’s steamships. On the occasions of the Great Kanto earthquake in 1923 and WWⅡ this garden saved many lives as an area of refuge. Kiyosumi garden was opened to the public in […]

Jigokunozoki, View of Hell
Chiba Tour

One Day Hike, thrilling Mt. Nokogiri & Giant Buddha

Overview One day trip out of Tokyo is to visit quiet and peaceful temple on the mountain. There are breathtaking viewpoints of coastal areas, giant carved Buddha and Kannon, numerous small Buddha statues, temples, a tea house and amazing nature all around. Mt. Nokogiri is one of the deepest spot, around 2 hours from Tokyo st., by taking beautifully scenic JR trains around the Boso Peninsula. The Guide will meet you at Hamakanaya st. nearest to Mt. Nokogiri.   What is Not included Private transportation fee   Ropeway one way ticket : 500yen for adults, 250yen for children (6-11yrs old)   Nihonji Admission Fee : 700yen for adults, 400yen for […]

Nihonji temple
Chiba

Mt. Nokogiri & Nihonji Temple

Mt. Nokogiri 330 meter high Mt. Nokogiri located along the coast of the Boso Peninsula, Chiba pref is an ideal and peaceful place to visit for one day trip out of Tokyo. Start by taking beautifully scenic train around Boso Peninsula for 2 hours from Tokyo st. to Hamakanaya st., the nearest to Mt. Nokogiri. 10 minutes walk reaches the Ropeway stop at the bottom of the mountain. From here you can hike, but I recommend you take a Ropeway as more exercise is needed than expected at the top where most attractions are located. There are breathtaking views of Boso peninsula, Tokyo Bay spreading below. Nihonji Temple Hyakusyaku Kannon […]

Noguchi Hideyo 2
EXPERIENCE

A Man holding a test tube in Ueno park

Who is he? Hint is a test tube he holds while standing in Ueno park. The front side of 1000 yen also shows his portrait. He is a Bacteriologist well known among all Japanese people. The statue of Hideyo Noguchi, bacteriologist stands in front of the National museum of Nature and Science at Ueno Park. Story of Hideyo Noguchi Hideyo Noguchi was born in Fukushima prefecture as the eldest son of a very poor farm family. When he was one and half years old he accidentally fell into a fireplace and suffered burn injury on his left hand. Although the fingers were mostly gone, he was able to receive surgery […]

Saigo takamori
AREA

UENO Park

Ueno Park Ueno park is a large park known for the statue of Saigo Takamori standing at the park’s south entrance. He played an important role in Meiji Restoration and called the last Samurai. Covering 532,000 square meters, Ueno park is one of cherry blossom viewing site and includes Tokyo National Museum, National Museum of Western Art and Ueno zoo, the oldest zoo in Japan.The park grounds were originally part of Kan-eiji temple, one of the city’s largest temples of Tokugawa family during Edo period. At Meiji Restoration in 1868 the temple was destroyed in a battle between the Meiji government and loyalists of the overthrown Shogunate. Statue of Dr. […]

public bath
EXPERIENCE

How to Take a Bath in Japanese Hot Spring

Bathing in hot spring is a must experience for visitors to Japan. But there are some manners you should observe. Learn about them and enjoy  like Japanese do. Please make sure which entrance is for you. Color of Noren (hanging cloth) is usually blue for men, red is for women. First, take off your clothes at dressing room. Swimming suits and tattoo are not allowed. But you can bring in a face towel to cover your privacy. Once you get in the bath tab keep the towel out of water. Before entering the bath rinse your body with warm water from the tap or bath tab with bucket.   3. […]