Chino wa Kuguri early in the summer

Placed in front of the shrine sanctuary early in summer is Chinowa, large hoop made of Japanese kaya grass. People pass thru three times in such a way to draw a number of 8. This is a ritual to purify ourselves and to be released from all sufferings and illness accumulated during the first half year. We pray we can live safely in the rest of year.

Experience tranquility in Yamamoto tei, Shibamata

Within a few minutes from Shibamata Taihakuten temple is Yamamoto-tei, a former merchant’s residence where features Japanese – Western style, creating a harmony of a Japanese drawing room, western architecture and Japanese garden. Yamamoto-tei Japanese traditional house & garden has been ranked 4th by American magazine Sukiya Living:The Journal of Japanese Gardening in 2019. Contents History of Yamamoto-teiKyotaku, Living roomShoin, Japanese drawing roomSukiya style ceilingHana no ma roomShutei, Main gardenHouou no ma, Drawing roomNagayamon gate History of Yamamoto-tei The building was originally the home of Einosuke Yamamoto, founder of Yamamoto camera component manufacturer. After the Great Kanto Earthquake 4 generations of Yamamoto family lived here, then in 1991 the building […]

Nostalgic Town, Shibamata & Temple of Wood Carving

Located at eastern Tokyo, Shibamata is nostalgic area accessible from Tokyo Sky Tree. After Tokyo Sky Tree why don’t you stop at JR Shibamata station and visit historic Taishakuten temple well known its carving gallery? Shibamata is also loved by the locals as the town where famous movie actor, Tora-san lived. Contents Tora-san & his sister SakuraTaishakuten TempleNitenmon gateZuiryu no MatsuWood Carving GallerySuikei-en Japanese gardenEdogawa River Bank & Yagiri no WatashiAccessHours & FeesWood Carving Gallery & Garden of Taishakuten Temple : AM 9:00 – PM 4:00Admission : 400 yen Tora-san & his sister Sakura In front of JR Shibamata station there is a pair of bronze statues of “Tora-san” and […]

Makuhari Messse, Venue for next Olympic Paralympic games

Makuhari Messe designed by Fumihiko Maki, a Pritzker Prize winner is the second largest convention center in Japan after Tokyo Big site. This large scale convention center covers 210,000 square meters and consists of three major zones, the international exhibition hall, the international conference hall and the Makuhari Event Hall. Makuhari Messe, Hall 1-8 waiting for flying national flags Opened in 1989 international exhibition hall 1 to 8 was constructed in the image of the mountain of Boso peninsula. Hall 9 to 11 was constructed to be reminiscent of the Boso seacoast. It’s comprised of concrete and a structural steel frame. and hosts many events like music, film, cars and […]

Kamakura Flower Tour

Contents  by RickyOverviewWhat’s Not IncludedDeparture & ReturnDeparture PointDeparture timeWhat to ExpectItineraryStop At: Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura)Stop At: Hase-deraStop At:Tsurugaoka Hachimangu ShrineStop At:  Kamakura KomachidoriAdditional InformationCancellation Policy  by Ricky Overview Kamakura is a site of the first military government and attracts you through its simple but serene Zen Buddhist atmosphere and samurai culture. You can enjoy a mixture of old Zen temples and modern, charming boutiques on the Komachi Dori shopping street as well as beautiful ocean view. Kamakura is also famous for its Zen vegetarian food, soba noodles, traditional Japanese food and snacks, as well as seasonal beautiful flowers. What’s Not Included Private transportation Coffee and/or Tea Lunch Snacks Admission fees Departure & […]

Half day near Narita Airport ; Riverside SAWARA & Sake Experience

Contents OverviewWhat’s Not IncludedDeparture & ReturnDeparture PointWhat to ExpectItineraryStop At: Sawara stationStop At:　Suwa shrineStop At:　Tokun Sake BreweryStop At:　Historic Old Town area in Sawara, Katori Overview If you have half day layover at Narita Airport, historic river town, SAWARA is ideal place to visit by local train. Sawara st. is located about 45 min from Narita air port terminal 1 st, and the tour guide will meet you at Narita airport st. or JR Narita sta. Sawara flourished as an important transportation point of rivers Tone and Ono crossing in Edo era. Still now the town is well preserved retaining nostalgic atmosphere and you can travel back in time to Edo era. The […]

Bonsai Museum & Bonsai Experience

Contents OverviewWhat’s Not IncludedDeparture & ReturnDeparture PointWhat to ExpectItineraryStop At: Omiya Bonsai Art MuseumStop At: Omiya Bonsai VillageStop At: Seiko-en Bonsai GardenAdditional InfoCancellation Policy Overview The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum is a must place for Bonsai /Japanese Garden lovers. At Bonsai village Bonsai classes are held for the beginner(reservation needed). Opened in 2010  as the first bonsai museum, Omiya Bonsai Museum consists of Collection Gallery, Bonsai Garden and Bonsai Terrace on 2F. At Collection gallery Bonsai culture is introduced through monthly displays of bonsai pot, stone, and seasonal Bonsai. Collection gallery leads to Bonsai garden displaying 60 seasonal Bonsai outside. Some can be viewed from all angles and photographed. After the museum […]

Half Day Trip near Narita Airport : Naritasan Temple

Contents OverviewWhat’s Not IncludedDeparture & ReturnDeparture PointDeparture Time What To ExpectItineraryStop At:  Naritasan Omote SandoStop At: Naritasan Shinsho-ji TempleStop At: Great Pagoda of PeaceStop At: Naritasan ParkAdditional InfoCancellation Policy Overview If you have half day layover at Narita air port, this is the ideal trip. Known for its international airport, Narita is also rich in historic sites such as temple, beautiful pagoda, Japanese garden. The tour guide will meet you at JR/Keisei Narita station and the tour starts with strolling along the approach path where you must be attracted with good smell from baked eel restaurants and traditional souvenir shops. At the main gate of Naritasan Shinshoji temple eight different Buddha […]

Bonsai Village, Oasis for Bonsai Lovers

After visiting Omiya Bonsai Museum why don’t you stroll around Bonsai village? The area around the museum is very calm residential area. It would be nice to see pretty  garden of each house where pine trees and other flower trees are neatly well kept. In the village there are 5 Bonsai gardens where Bonsai are created by each owner, displayed and some are sold. If you find a favorite one among them, the staff will teach you how to take care. Bonsai classes are periodically held for the beginner at some gardens (reservation needed). note: closed on every Thursday.  Photography and Touching Bonsai are not allowed. Contents Seiko-en GardenBonsai class […]

BONSAI Museum, must place for Art / Garden Lovers

Contents Omiya Bonsai Art MuseumHow is Bonsai different from potted plant?How to appreciate BonsaiJin, ShariTypes of treesShohaku Bonsai :Zoki Bonsai:Shapes of BonsaiChokkan  and MoyogiChokkan(formal upright) :Moyogi (Informal upright): Fukinagashi and KengaiFukinagashi :Kengai :Kabudachi and Yose-ueMulti trank Bonsai style (Kabudachi):Forest Bonsai style (Yose-ue):Access to Omiya Bonsai Art MuseumAdmission fee : Omiya Bonsai Art Museum Bonsai is one of the traditional arts which represent Japan. The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum is a must place for Bonsai Art /Japanese Garden lovers. Opened in 2010  as the first bonsai museum Omiya Bonsai Museum consists of Collection Gallery, Bonsai Garden and Bonsai Terrace on 2F. Let’s walk into Collection gallery where Bonsai culture is introduced […]