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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 […]

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Nakamise, Asakusa picture scroll of shutter

Why not take an evening stroll down the quiet Nakamise street of Sensoji temple? When the shops start to close, the beautiful Emaki (picture scrolls) appear on shutters instead. In 1992, some artists gathered under the direction of a famous Japanese artist named Ikuo Hirayama and painted on the shutters of Nakamise shops. Various artworks include the Sanja festival, senko hanabi sparklers, cherry blossoms, and other beautiful scenery that embody the Edo atmosphere. Nakamise is one of the oldest shopping streets around. It stretches roughly 250 meters from Thunder gate to the second gate, Hozomon. The street is lined with about 89 stores selling Japanese traditional souvenirs. Here you can […]

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Naritasan Shinshoji temple, Chiba

If you have half day layover at Narita Air port why don’t you visit Naritasan Shinshoji temple, landmark of Narita? Naitasan Shinhoji temple is the head temple of Shingonshu sect and ranked one of top three temple of Kanto region and visited by about 10 million people every year. History of Naritasan Shinshoji Founded in 1070 and rebuilt in 2008 Naritasan Shinshoji temple is Shingon sect Buddhist temple and Fudo myoo is the main deity of the temple. In 939 when the nation was in upheaval by a revolt Archbishop Kanjo conducted a goma rite in front of image of Fudo-Myoo deity for 21 days, praying for the sake of […]

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Oga Lotus flower

Oga lotus flower in full bloom at Chiba Park from June to July. Oga lotus flower is named after Dr. Oga who found the seeds and successfully cultivated lotus flower. Dr. Oga of Tokyo univ., and a junior high school girl found three seeds during the excavation and research in Chiba city. Dr. Oga tried in vain to cultivate two seeds, but the last one was successfully cultivated into pink large lotus flower in 1951!! That was estimated 2000 years old by radiocarbon dating method at Chicago univ. The name of Oga lotus flower was worldly known and introduced as the oldest flower in “LIFE”. Designated as national natural treasure […]

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Motoazabu hills

Motoazabu hills, Landmark at Azabu area.Why is it shaped like a mushroom? It has a reason. Middle and lower floors are shaped so as to satisfy shadow regulations and create open space for the neighborhood. The Hills was built within the former compound of Zempukuji temple and was designed as surrounding scenery of the temple. Azabujuban shopping street where prospered as a temple town in Edo Era, have now more than 300 new/old shops mixed with many 100 years standing shops and new stylish ones. There are more than 20 embassies and many foreign residents around the area. You can feel old Edo Era and international tastes.

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Embassy in Minato ward, Tokyo

Minato ward, Tokyo has 82 embassies accounting for more than half in Japan. Why are there so many embassies in Minato ward?In the Edo era there were many Daimyo feudal lord’s residence there. In 19th century after opening the nation to the foreign country , Meiji government offered the site of Daimyo residence as foreign Embassy. As Minato ward was accessible to port Yokohama and the Japanese government Embassy increased there.Although the national flags are wrapped because of strong wind, which country’s embassy can you guess?

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Tsukiji fish market

Tsukiji fish market crowded with overseas tourists. Early in the morning the narrow streets of outer market are filled with nice smell of grilled chicken, tuna, whale and scallops. Long lining for bite size egg roll. Hurried up by the busy turres and workers tourists pass thru the intricate street while fascinated by splashing fish and tuna filleting. Tsukiji market is the best place to buy not only fresh fish but vegetables and fruits, tea, dried fish, pickled vegetables and kitchen utensils. Long line of tourists wanting to eat raw fish on the spot in front of sushi restaurants before noon. Tsukiji is food park, the right place to encounter […]

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Shibuya Scramble crossing & Statue of Hachiko

Shibuya Scramble crossing!! Shibuya crossing is popular for film “lost in Translation” “The fast and the furious: Tokyo Drift” is world’s busiest intersection where hundreds of people cross at a time from 5 directions. Fearful of being lost some tourists holding each other’s hands shout “1,2,3, Go!!” as if to bungy jump from Kiyomizu temple. They struggle their way to meet in the center where fewer people than expected shoot a photo from every angle. Starbuck’s 2nd floor across from Shibuya st is perfect for overlooking the chaos every tow minute, many colorful umbrellas on rainy days. You can see many colorful umbrellas gathering on rainy days. Hachiko in Shibuya […]