Hatsumode; New Year’s visit to a shrine
Happy New Year! Hope this year is going to be a great year for you! In Japan, we have a custom called “Hatsumode” (はつもうで, 初詣). “Hatsumode” means New Year’s visits to shrines (recently visiting temples also is ok) and many people visit shrines to pray for happiness and a healthy year. Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, […]
Yanesen area vol.1: Nezu shrine
Yanaka (やなか, 谷中), Nezu (ねず, 根津), Sendagi (せんだぎ, 千駄木) area, called “Yanesen (やねせん, 谷根千)” is very good at walking around. “Yanesen” is a coined acronym consisting of the initial “Kanji” of this 3 areas’ names. The area still has historical townscape and 60 temple/shrines. “Nezu shrine” (根津神社) built in 1706, is one of 10 […]
Sugamo: “Harajuku of the old ladies”
Visiting “Rikugien“, stop by Sugamo jizo-dori (すがもじぞうどおり, 巣鴨地蔵通り). This street is located near “Sugamo” station, JR Yamanote Line. (you can walk to “Rikugien” from this station as well.) This street is one of the most famous streets in Tokyo, especially popular with the old generation. it is said this street is the “Harajuku […]
Try your luck! Omikuji (おみくじ)
Asakusa is a very famous sight-seeing place in Tokyo, a traditional downtown. There is a big temple named “Senso-ji”. Going through the gate, “Kaminari-mon”, there are a lot of souvenir shops selling goods and sweets. After praying at Senso-ji, how about drawing “Omikuji”, personal fortunes? Omikuji is a Japanese paper fortune which can be obtained […]
Fell calm at temples in Tokyo
In Tokyo, there are over 300 temples, not only famous big temples but also small ones. You can find some small temples while walking around Tokyo. If you find a temple, just stop by. There are the quiet atmosphere with the exception of a few days (New year holidays, festivals), You can feel calm […]