(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

(Image by Yuriko IKEDA via https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilyfan/8373365714/) Yomiuri Land is an amusement park located in the western part of Kawasaki, at the border with Inagi in Tokyo prefecture. The place naturally features fun and thrilling rides and is renowned for its seasonal decorations, with a thousand of blooming cherry trees in spring and wonderful winter illuminations. Opened since 1964, Yomiuri Land is a leisure and theme-park, with forty-three rides catering for all ages and special attractions varying throughout the seasons. There is, for example, an ice rink in winter and a pool complex in summer. A specific decoration is also displayed on each season, such as sakura flowers at the beginning … 続きを読む

(Image by David Pursehouse via https://www.flickr.com/photos/mdid/3895656935/) Sengakuji Temple (泉岳寺) was built just south of Edo castle (on the grounds of which Tokyo Imperial Palace now stands) by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1612 in memory of Imagawa Yoshimoto, a powerful feudal lord to whom Ieyasu had been pledged as a “hostage”by his father during his youth (a common practice during the era to enforce trust between clans). A fire burnt down the main building in 1641 and the temple was moved to its current location and reconstructed. It was destroyed again during World War II and the structure we see today was built in 1953. Sengakuji would likely be just another temple … 続きを読む

(Image by Yoshikazu TAKADA via https://bit.ly/2XSEDc6) One of the best-known symbols of Tokyo is the busy pedestrian scramble outside Shibuya station. Virtually anyone who’s ever come to the capital has probably been drawn to it at some point. People refer to it variously as Hachiko Crossing, Shibuya Crossing or the Shibuya Scramble. Whatever you want to call it (for the sake of convenience, we’ll follow the example of local businesses here and call it the Scramble), it’s a true tourist magnet. The chaotic free-for-all of foot traffic, with people zigzagging every which way to get across the street, almost seems tailor-made to form an establishing shot of the metropolis on … 続きを読む

(Image by Dick Thomas Johnson via https://www.flickr.com/photos/31029865@N06/16054943312/) Meet Japan’s Oldest 14.3-Hectare Zoo The oldest zoo in Japan, Ueno Zoo was established in at its present site in Tokyo in 1882 as part of Japan’s modernisation drive during the Meiji Period. Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo is world class, with animals and birds from around the globe. Best of all, its settings convincingly imitate the wild, meaning the animals can be observed in what come pretty close to their native habitats. Tokyo Zoo is divided into 63 main sections, grouped into such categories as the Gorilla and Tiger’s Forest, Japanese Animals, The Children’s Zoo (with animal petting area), Animals of Africa, a Birdhouse, … 続きを読む

(Image by Manish Prabhune via https://www.flickr.com/photos/suzumenonamida/16035904479/) Edo-Period Paradise Connecting the Sea and the Land “Hamarikyu Onshi Teien” (Hamarikyu Gardens) is located in the heart of Tokyo and is full of nature. It is also known as an oasis in the city centre and has been loved by many people since ancient times. It is very popular as a sightseeing spot that can be easily enjoyed on a day trip from anywhere in the centre of Tokyo. Hamarikyu Gardens consists of a vast garden and the Metropolitan Expressway to the west end. It is within walking distance from Tsukiji, Shiodome, and Shimbashi. It has good access to Toei Oedo Line and … 続きを読む