do Kiriko is a 180 year old Japanese craft founded during the Edo period. It originated from the skillful hands of a Japanese craftman, Kyubei Kagaya, who started exploring a unique technique of cutting patterns into the glass surface of different objects. It was only during the Meiji period, or roughly 130 years ago, that […]
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We believe that Tokyo’s iconic Yamanote line does not need any any introduction. Still, if you are not familiar with it, let’s just say that the Yamanote is one of Tokyo’s most important train lines, circling the city and featuring 29 stations for a total length of 34.5km. First opened in 1885, the Yamanote started […]
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Tsukiji Market, or Tsukiji Fish Market as we know and love it, is scheduled to close up and move to a new location in Toyosu by November 2016. While this decision will most probably have a beneficial impact on the business itself, it is on the other hand sad news for anyone who loved the […]
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Koinobori is one of Japan many beautiful traditions that comes full of history and meaning. These carp streamers were originally created to celebrate the Tango no Sekku Festival, celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th moon in the lunar calendar. Today, Koinobori are flown to celebrate Kodomo no Hi, or Children’s Day all across […]
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It was in the 12th Century, that Kamakura quickly became a city of both Japanese politics and culture, as influential as Kyoto, with the iconic Tsurugaoka Hachimangu temple at its center. Because of its influence, Kamakura gathered a powerful army and as such had to train its troops and samurais in the latest combat techniques […]
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Tokyo counts many gorgeous cherry blossom/sakura spots that are all worth your time and attention if you do not mind the bustling crowds. But, away from the masses and mostly kept secret by many photographers and sakura specialists, there is a 2km long sakura wonderland that will literally blow your mind with its beauty and […]
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Aoyama, like Yanaka, hosts a huge cemetery located in the center of Tokyo and open to the public. First opened in 1872 as Tokyo’s’ first municipal cemetery, Aoyama Cemetery hosts many wealthy and historical Japanese figures as its permanent guests, and, surprisingly, Aoyama cemetery is one of the few cemeteries in Japan that has a […]
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Built in 1620 at the order of Asano Nagaakira, a powerful feudal lord (Daimyo) of the Hiroshima clan, the Shukkein-en garden later served as the villa of the Asano family during the Meiji period. Shukkeien, which can be translated into English as “shrunken-scenery garden”, includes valleys, mountains and forests represented in miniature all across the […]
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Lake Ozenuma is heaven on earth. Located in the Oze national park and separated by the Oze marshland by a small hill, the lake is not easily accessible. You will need the proper gear to get there without hurting yourself. Once you’re there, Mother Nature will do her best to welcome you into this oasis […]
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Oze Marshland, also known as Ozegahara is a 8km² marshland located in Gunma prefecture, and at about 1,400 meters above sea level. Being one of Japan’s most popular national parks, Oze is easily one of the best places to go and enjoy nature away from the city. Difficult to access, the Oze marshland, is hard […]
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Founded in 733 and converted to the Tendai Sect in 859, Jindai-ji is actually the second oldest temple in Tokyo area after Sensoji in Asakuasa. Rather difficult to access from Tokyo, Jindai-ji is actually located in the Tokyo suburb of Chofu, but this temple has much to offer for anyone willing to make the trip […]
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Tsukiyomi-no-kami is an auxiliary shrine or “Betsugo” of Ise’s Grand Shrine Geku located near the center of Ise. This shrine is dedicated to the brother of Amaterasu Omikami, presiding over the ‘night world’ and revered for viewing the moon at night.
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