English In many western countries, the chrysanthemum, or Kiku, are flowers used for funerals. In Japan, the Kiku has a very different meaning: It is the country’s official symbol. The Japanese monarchy is referred to as the “Chrysanthemum Throne”. The imperial crest uses a stylized version of the Kiku blossom. You can even find the […]
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English If you are looking for something different to visit in Tokyo, I would highly recommend Yanaka, with unfortunately the exception of Yanaka Ginza (Soon on TokyoStreetView). Yanaka is one of the places in Tokyo that has been frozen in time and that could, at least for us foreigners, be a bit weird. Indeed Yanaka […]
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English Nikko is one of Tochigi prefecture most famous places, known for its huge cultural history, temples, waterfalls and scenery. Among Nikko’s wonders both the lake Yuno-ko and the Senjogahara Marshland are a ‘must-see’ all year long. A good friend of mine (http://blog.benoa.net/) who also happens to be a professional photographer decided to make the […]
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English By far our favorite shopping spot in Tokyo, Daikanyama is also one of the trendiest spot that many tourists ignore when visiting Japan. With respect to Omotesando, Daikanyama offers a far better shopping experience with trendier shops and restaurants than the mythical and usually overcrowded Japanese avenue. Granted Daikanyama may look like a maze […]
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English Jigokudani Yaen-koen, known for its many onsen (hot spring baths), is located in the Yokoyu valley of Nagano prefecture. Like the humans that come to bathe, there is a large population of Japanese Macaques (“snow monkeys”) that also bathe in the hot springs. First opened in 1964, Jigokudani Yaen-koen and more precisely Jigokudani Onsen […]
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