Hanami Party

March 24, 2007 - 9:21 pm by kiokitok in Culture  

The Japanese enjoy mild climate in spring. Various flowers come out in this season. Among those flowers, cherry blossom is probably the most popular. When it comes out, people feel happiness because they just get over the cold winter. On the other hand, they feel sadness in their mind because cherry [...]

Ueno Park

March 17, 2007 - 5:57 pm by kiokitok in Travel  

Origin of Ueno goes back to the early Tokugawa shogunate. Ueno had been less populated area than other areas in Edo (Tokyo). In 1625, the Kan-ei-ji temple was built on the hill in this area, in order to enshrine Shoguns. In addition, Kan-ei-ji was believed to protect the Edo castle from demons [...]

Kobe

March 12, 2007 - 11:19 pm by Yuk in Culture, Food, Travel  

Kobe is a good place where I who live in Kyoto can go by the day trip. That day was Chinese New Year. So I went to Kobe by the Hankyu train. It took 2 hours from Karasuma (Kyoto) to Sannomiya (Kobe), fare was 600 yen (if you buy a ticket in Kinken shop [...]

Tsukiji Fish Market

March 10, 2007 - 5:18 pm by kiokitok in Travel  

In south east of central Tokyo, there is the biggest fish market in Japan; Tsukiji Fish Market. Varieties of fishes are brought in from Tokyo Bay, and are auctioned every morning. The market is sometimes regarded as the kitchen of Tokyo because of its amount of sales. It is also a popular [...]

Global Warming at the Toji Flea Market

March 7, 2007 - 6:04 pm by mrmook in Travel  

Well it was March 4 and most definitely T-shirt weather at the Toji Temple last Sunday.
I don’t have any particular insight into the worldwide meteorological (meteor illogical?) situation but it appears to me as if something is ever so slightly out of whack. I mean to say that I [...]

Hina Matsuri

March 3, 2007 - 8:00 pm by kiokitok in Culture  

Girls celebrate March 3. They arrange Hina Ningyo dolls in the living room, invite their friends and neighbors, and have some party. During the party, people wish the best of those girls.
In many different cultures, girls play with dolls. In Japan, Hina Matsuri was already celebrated in the 9th century. However, [...]

Hinamatsuri (Hina Doll Festival) in Hita, where Edo merchants’ life still exist

March 2, 2007 - 9:08 am by akko@hakata in Travel  

Hita is a place which flourished in Edo period (Samurai Time), about 200-300 years ago.
It was actually the center of Kyushu, culturally, economically and politically,
and still protects and cherishes its tradition, just the way it was.

Hinamatsuri (Hina Doll Festival) i(Feb.15-Mar.31) is the event you can enjoy the most beautiful season of Hita, by [...]

Flea Markets of Kyoto (2)

February 25, 2007 - 1:58 am by Yuk in Travel  

I went to Garakuta-ichi and Tedukuri-ichi. These are a different kind of market from Kobo-san and Tenjin-san that I wrote an article at last time. In these markets, the kind of the stall is limited. In Garakuta-ichi, only antiques stalls stand, and handmade goods and crafts line in Tedukuri-ichi.
Should go to Garakuta-ichi at early morning!?

Garakuta-ichi [...]

AKIBA Tokyo, experience COOL JAPAN’s sub-culture !

February 23, 2007 - 11:54 am by akko@hakata in Travel  

AKIBA, the town used to be the largest electronic town, is today the mecca of Japanese sub culture, representing COOL JAPAN !

Maid Kissa, is a cafe where young and pretty maids with their unique costume serve tea for you. Most Maid Kissa do not allow photo taking, but you can get its full image [...]

HARAJUKU Tokyo, experience COOL JAPAN in most fashionable town!

- 11:28 am by akko@hakata in Travel  

This is Harajuku station, the starting point of fashionable tour in Tokyo. If you’re in need of Harajuku Tour Information, why not refer to Harajuku Digital World?
Also if you’re looking for some Japanese cool toys, KIDDY LAND is the place!

SoftBank flagship shop opend on Harajuku Street on Feb.10.

Harajuku has many fashionable cafes as well, [...]