(Image by Ann Lee via https://www.flickr.com/photos/cyesuta/29679818878/) The Tobacco and Salt Museum first opened in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo in 1978. The museum was founded by the Japan Monopoly Corporation (now Japan Tobacco Inc). At the time, tobacco and salt were under protections by a government monopoly, abolished in 1985 and 1997, hence the themes of the museum. In 2015, the museum moved to Yokokawa in the Sumida ward, into a renovated warehouse building. Today, permanent exhibitions are split into two sections, salt on the second floor and tobacco on the third. The museum also hosts several temporary exhibits throughout the year. The museum houses more than 30,000 items including … 続きを読む

(Image by Dick Thomas Johnson via https://www.flickr.com/photos/31029865@N06/8283321851/) With its lush nature, varied activities and extremely easy access from Shinjuku, Mount Takao in Tokyo is a hugely popular destination for weekend outings and hikes. Its popularity spiked even further with its achievement of 3 Michelin stars in 2007, and Mount Takao now attracts nearly 3 million people annually. Mount Takao has 8 hiking courses catered to hikers of all levels, and nearby venues including a hot spring and museum, make the Mount Takao a great destination for any fun-seeking traveller. To keep it short, this article will only introduce Mount Takao’s 6 must-see spots hidden within it! 6 Spots to Visit … 続きを読む

(Image by Alvin Leong via https://www.flickr.com/photos/leonghongrui/5167114604/) Hello Kitty may be one of Japan’s most famous international exports. Luckily for Sanrio, she isn’t just their company’s one hit wonder – they have a string of characters hits to their name, from the sugary-sweet My Melody rabbit to the famously apathetic egg, Gudetama. If you can’t have enough Sanrio in your life, it’s time to fulfil those dreams and head on over to Sanrio Puroland in Tama City. It’s a relatively small theme park, but it’s loaded with enough pastel-coloured kawaii to keep you and your kids happy for the day. As a bonus, there’s plenty of themed merchandise on sale. If … 続きを読む

(Image by Zengame via https://www.flickr.com/photos/zengame/28643787448/) If you can’t get to the coast or corals, why not try the Aqua Park Shinagawa in Tokyo? Let the lava lamp loveliness of jellyfish wash over you. Experience the weird wonder tunnel vision of sharks and rays flying over your head. Get your seat early for the dolphin show and make sure you’re wearing waterproof kit! The aquarium is packed with awesome otters, sneaky seals and if you’re peckish like a penguin, tasty treats. An Aquarium Inside A Hotel With About 25,000 Fish Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa (マクセル アクアパーク品川) is an indoor aquarium (inside the famous hotel, Shinagawa Prince Hotel, and not to be … 続きを読む

(Image by Guilhem Vellut via https://www.flickr.com/photos/o_0/13842616063/) Tokyo boasts an abundance of antique markets selling many kinds of valuable antiques. As fascinating as the diversity of merchandise on offer at the markets are the vendors themselves, who have plenty to say about their wares. Interacting with them is one of the delights of a market visit. One of Japan’s Premier Open-Air Antique Markets Those with a sharp eye for antiques vouch for the high quality of this market, guaranteeing a lucky find or two. This market is called Oedo Antique Market, and it is considered as one of Japan’s premier open-air antique markets. The Oedo Antique Market is Japan’s largest outdoor … 続きを読む

(Image by Natalie Maguire via https://www.flickr.com/photos/natalietracy/43633700072/) The origins of the Zojoji temple date back to the 9th century and it is said it was founded by a disciple of Kukai (Shingon sect), near Hirakawacho a little bit up to the north. The temple was transferred to the Jodo Pure Land sect in 1393 and became one of its most important locations in the east of the country. (Image by Guilhem Vellut via https://www.flickr.com/photos/o_0/13842949654/) Tokugawa Ieyasu received the eastern provinces in 1590 and chose Zojoji and Kaneiji to be hereditary temples (菩提寺 bodaiji) for his clan. A pagoda and the Toshogu pavilion, both in Ueno Park, are the only remains of … 続きを読む

(Image by Yuko Hara via https://www.flickr.com/photos/yuko_ppp/2149224664/) A quiet neighbourhood with a popular market street, beautiful sakura-lined cemetery and plenty of temples—it’s no surprise this part of town is becoming popular, but you might be surprised by just how lovely Tokyo’s Yanaka area actually is. Just a short walk from Ueno Park, the charm of the area is preserved by the tendency to re-purpose older buildings rather than rebuild, creating a contrast that remains somehow reassuring. You can sample the old-fashioned treats of Japan followed up with some modern takes on their specialties, all within meters of each other. Whether you’re normally a wanderer or not, here you just can’t help … 続きを読む

(Image by Hajime NAKANO via https://www.flickr.com/photos/jetalone/5231270710/) Located on a bay and having rivers as convenient transportation routes, Tokyo has a few ferry companies that tourists may find useful. The Water Bus (水上バス, Suijō Basu) services are an enjoyable alternative to trains or subways when traveling between destinations that are near the water. The locations that are most notably convenient for water bus access are the man-made islands of Tokyo Bay, especially the Odaiba shopping and entertainment district. Many water buses also travel along the Sumida River, one of the city’s most famous rivers. The many bridges that span the river have each been designed differently. Boats along the river provide … 続きを読む

(Image by Google Street) Origami, which is said to have originated in China, Japan, and Spain, is widely known in many regions, including Europe, as “Origami”. In recent years, its artistic side has been re-evaluated as its popularity abroad increased. The history of origami in Japan is said to have originated all the way back to the Muromachi period, as it was used with traditional ceremonies such as Noshi. The origin of the origami toy in Japan was a request from the Ministry of Education to produce origami in 1885. The first Education Minister, Mori Arinori, used the experience of studying abroad in Europe and the United States to refer … 続きを読む

(Image by 士航 魏via https://www.flickr.com/photos/fudoc/14891889760/) Nezu Shrine in Tokyo’s Bunkyo ward near Ueno Park is one of Japan’s oldest shrines, and certainly one of its most attractive. Nezu Shrine is set in lush greenery, with ponds of carp, pathways that are tunnels of small shrine arches, and elegant, beautifully coloured, wooden structures that reflect Japanese culture in all its age and beauty. Nezu Shrine is at the peak of its spring beauty when the Shrine’s thousands of famous azalea bushes bloom pink and white on its spacious hillside garden in April. Nezu Shrine is also popular as a venue for traditional Japanese weddings. Nezu Shrine History Legend has it that … 続きを読む