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, […]

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 […]

Tea ceremony’s history & spirits

Tea ceremony grew out of the culture and customs of the old samurai class, servants of feudal lords and was strongly influenced by Buddhism. The Buddhism monk Eisai is believed to have brought the tea leaves from China to Japan as a medicine for the first time in 12th century. As it contained caffein it was used to keep the Buddhist monk awake during meditation. The habit of drinking tea spread to among Buddhist monks, the wealthy and the noble. Around 16th century Murata Juko started tea ceremony and he is said to have brought the heart and soul into the tea ceremony. The Takeno jo-o succeeded him and made […]

How to enjoy Tea Ceremony

  When you are served tea, first, place the tea bowl between you and the next guest. Then bow to the left saying “Osakini chodai itashimasu”. (Excuse me for going before you. ) 2. Bow to the host saying “Otemae chodai itashimasu.”　(Thank you for the tea. ) 3. Then take the tea bowl with your right hand, and place the bowl on the left palm. 4. Bow slightly to express thanks and then turn the bowl clockwise twice in order to avoid its front. 5. Take sips several times (2 or 3 times) to the last sip. 5. Wipe the place you drank from with thumb and index finger. Wipe […]

How to enjoy Japanese summer : Hanabi fire work & Senko Hanabi sparkler

Japanese summer is hot and humid. So Japanese invented many ways to spend this season comfortably. Hanabi Fire work One way is to enjoy Hanabi firework at night. The people gather at riverside or beach to see firework. There are many food stands selling watagashi sugar cotton candy, takoyaki octopus dumplings and Yakisoba fried soba noodle and others. Kids enjoy fishing goldfish and yo-yo colorful balloons with the parents, grandpa and grandma all together. Couples wearing Yukata light cotton kimono and having Uchiwa round fan date at night to escape from the summer heat. More and more fashionable and unique fire works appear to entertain the people gathered. Senko hanabi […]

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 […]

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.  Contents History of Naritasan ShinshojiKabuki Family, IchikawaHeiwa no Daito, Great Pagoda of PeaceOmotesando, Approach path to Naritasan Shinshoji TempleNaritasan Park 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 […]

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 […]