Korea in Tokyo!
Shin-Okubo (しんおおくぼ, 新大久保) is a Korean town in Tokyo, located near Shinjuku. The nearest station is “shin-Okubo” station (Yamanote-line) or “Okubo” station (Sobu-line); both are just 1 station from Shinjuku. Or we can visit there on foot form Shinjuku station. We walk straight through Kabuki-cho, about 10 minutes walk. In this area, there are a […]
A local “real Izakaya”!
Today I introduce a “Izakaya” in Nakano, 1 station from Shinjuku on JR Chuo Line. I really love and recommend this local Izakaya! Compared to chain cheap Izakayas, the price is a little higher and the customers are older, but this Izakaya offers very fresh seafood. Well, check foods pics out! […]
Kushi-age: Japanese deep-fried kebab
“Kushi-age” (くしあげ, 串揚げ) is Japanese deep-fried Kebab. In Japanese, “Kushi” (くし, 串) means skewers (mainly made of bamboo) and “Age” (あげ, 揚げ) means “deep-fried”. It’s also called “Kushi-kastu” in the “Kansai” region around Osaka. “Kushi-age” can be made with chicken, pork, seafood, and seasonal vegetables. These are skewered on bamboo kushi; dipped in egg, […]
Setagaya Boro-ichi: the oldest flea market in Tokyo
“Setagaya Boro-ichi” (せたがやぼろいち) takes place in Setagaya on 15th, 16th December and 15th, 16th January every year. This market has taken place since 16th century and the oldest flea market in Tokyo. This area “Setagaya” was one of thriving area as a post station of a road between Kamakura and Edo (Tokyo). People […]
New “Haneda International terminal”
We have 2 airports in Tokyo Area. One is “Narita” and the other is “Haneda”. “Narita” airport handles the vast majority of international flights and “Haneda” handles almost all domestic flights to and from Tokyo. But recently “Haneda” shares that role with “Narita” International airport. Therefore “Haneda” made a new International terminal last October, 2010. […]
Yanesen area vol.2: Old and New
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. (Check “Yanesen area vol.1″ as well :) This area didn’t have a large city development, therefore we still can see old houses & stores in this area. Shops at Yanaka ginza […]
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 […]
“GUNDAM” still loved
One day, I was enjoying “Izakaya” with friends. Friends were talking about “GUMDAM”, series of animation. The first one was broadcasted on TV in 1979-1980. This series leaded to a boom of “Robot Anime”, a kind of animation in Japan. My friends said they used to draw characters when they were children and […]
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 […]
The Waka poetly garden, Rikugien: Autumn leaves Light-up
This strolling, mountain and pond-style garden was created basted on the theme of Waka poetry in the 15th year of the Genroku Period (1702) by the shogun, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi’s trusted confidante Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu. This garden is a typical example of the famous gardens of the Edo Period. In the Meiji Period, this garden became […]
Kanpai!: Cheers at Asahi Beer headquarters
At the end of the day you visit Asakusa, walk along “Sumida” river. There is a park along the river, a good place to relax. You can see “Sky Tree”, a tower like “Tokyo Tower”, on the other side of the river. It’s under construction, and will be completed by 2012, and […]
Denpoin street in Asakusa
Visting Asakusa, please walk on “Denpoin street”. (でんぽういんどおり, 伝法院通り). It’s very close to “Senso-ji”. The street has atmosphere of the “Edo” period, from 1603 to 1868. Palm reading（てそう, 手相）, Cloths for “Kimono” (きもの, 着物) Do you know what it is for? It’s an old extinguisher in the period, called “Yousuioke”(ようすいおけ, 用水桶), […]
Autumn leaves at a Japanese garden
“Showa kinen park” is a huge park located in Tachikawa city, a suburb of Tokyo. It takes about 1 hour from Shinjuku on “JR Chuo Line” (orange line). For more detail of the information, Please check the park website. The park is good to enjoy Cycling, BBQ, Boat, Picnic, Pool in Summer… etc. […]
Kappa-bashi kitchenware street vol.2: Fake Food Sample
You could see “Fake Food samples” of dishes are displayed in the windows of restaurants in Japan. They look like the actual dishes, isn’t it? If you are interested in these “fake food samples”, how about going to “Kappa-bashi kitchenware street”? * please read the previous article, “Kappa-bashi kitchenware street vol.1” for more infomation of […]
Kappa-bashi kitchenware street vol.1: Find your favorite!
After visiting “Senso-ji” in Asakusa, how about going to Kappa-bashi kitchenware Street? Almost of all shops on the street, sell kitchenware & every kind of restaurant equipment imaginable. The nearest station is “Tawara-machi” on Subway Ginza Line (yellow line), next to Asakusa station. you can walk from Asakusa, 10 min. walk. I recommend going there […]
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 […]
Night out in Shinjuku, Tokyo!
Shinjuku is one of the most interesting places in the world at night. If what attracts you is the tempting night life in Tokyo, please walk around “Kabuki-cho” & “Omoide-yoko-cho” in Shinjuku:) You can have fun to just wander. Kabukicho – an entertainment and red-light district in Shinjuku. Kabukicho is the location of many host […]
Nakano Broadway: Another Otaku Heaven
Where is “Otaku Heaven” in Tokyo? Of course Akihabara is a very famous “Otaku Heaven”. But we have another heaven in Tokyo. It’s….. “Nakano Broadway”! Nakano Broadway is near Nakano station (Just 1 station from Shinjuku on JR Chuo Line (Orange Line)). Outside Nakano station North exit, you can see a shopping arcade. This arcade […]
Welcome to electric stores!
If you are interested in electric appliances, visit electric stores!! One of big chain stores is “Yodobashi Camera”. In Shinjuku near the west entrance to the JR station, Yodobashi has several tall stores close together, also providing a wide selection of electronics. If you want to buy something, don’t worry. Nowadays, multilingual staff available. Amd […]
Look down on Tokyo City from a height of 202 meters!
Tokyo is such a huge metropolitan. How about seeing Tokyo from Observatories of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku? They have two observatories(North/South) in the main building. Admission: Free of charge. No reservation necessary!! Service hours: 9:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. *During the year change period, it will be closed. >>More info On a […]
Inogashira Park, Kichijoji
Kichijoji is one of the most popular towns in Tokyo. Why is Kichijoji so popular? One of the reasons is good for shopping. There are not only department stores but also a lot of shops, cafes on streets. You would find your favorite shop in Kichijoji. Well, another reason is “Inogashira Park”. Inogashira Park is […]
Ghibli Museum, Mitaka
Do you like Ghibuli Films? Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Castle in the Sky, My Neighbour Totoro etc. They are very famous in the world. If you like them, how about visiting “Ghibli Museum”? This museum is located in Mitaka Inokashira Park. The nearest station is “Mitaka” station on JR Chuo Line (Orange […]