Sightseeing

The Tokyo National Museum is one of Japan’s largest museums, collecting, preserving, and exhibiting a diverse array of Japanese and East Asian art and archaeological artifacts. With a collection exceeding 120,000 items, six exhibition halls constantly display valuable cultural properties. Among them, the Japanese Gallery in the Honkan (Japanese Gallery) is particularly noteworthy. Here, visitors can experience the flow of…

Located in Toranomon, Minato Ward, the Okura Museum of Art is Japan’s oldest existing private museum. It houses approximately 2,500 works, including antiques from Japan and across Asia collected over a lifetime by businessman Kihachiro Okura (1837-1928), active from the Meiji to Taishō periods, as well as modern Japanese paintings gathered by his son Kishichiro Okura (1882-1963), the founder of…

Located at 1 Chiyoda-ward, Tokyo, the Imperial Palace is the residence of the Emperor of Japan and was once the site of Edo Castle, the home of the shogun. Today, a portion of the grounds is open to the public free of charge, allowing anyone to visit and explore. Entering the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace from the nearest…

For visitors to Japan, washoku (Japanese cuisine) is a highlight of the journey. Leveraging fresh, seasonal ingredients, washoku has evolved into diverse dishes. Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013, it’s globally celebrated for its delicate flavors, elegant presentation, and varied techniques. For deeper insights into the cultural significance and must-try dishes, see our article, “Traditional Japanese Foods:…

Traditional Japanese food transcends mere cuisine, embodying an art form steeped in history and cultural depth. From seasonal ingredients and fermentation techniques to the ideal ichiju sansai (one soup, three dishes) meal structure, Japan’s culinary philosophy reflects a unique harmony. To explore the full scope of Japanese food culture and must-try dishes for visitors, see our article, “The Charm of…

With Japanese cuisine drawing more international tourists, nihonshu (sake) and authentic shōchū elevate the dining experience. At the Japan Sake and Shochu Information Center in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, visitors can explore, learn, and savor Japan’s cherished alcohol culture. Engage your senses at a sake and shochu hub Operated by the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association, the Japan Sake and…

Famous for cherry blossoms, the “Chidorigafuchi Boat Pier Operated by Chiyoda City” (referred to hereafter as “Chidorigafuchi Boat Pier”) is a central Tokyo gem with nature-filled walkways and boating spots. While spring draws crowds to its moat-side sakura, the area offers year-round charm with vibrant summer greenery and autumn foliage. Edo-jō’s legacy at Chidorigafuchi Boat Pier Located in Chiyoda Ward,…

Among wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets), few are as refined and beautiful as jōnamagashi (premium wagashi). These seasonal sweets, crafted to reflect Japan’s scenery and flowers, are truly worthy of the title “edible works of art.” At “AN TOKYO Japanese Culture Experience,” you can not only try your hand at making jonamagashi but also experience a traditional matcha tea ceremony in…

Origami is a traditional Japanese pastime in which square sheets of paper are folded into shapes such as animals, plants, and more. It’s an activity that anyone—from children to adults—can enjoy. You can fold alone and focus quietly, or fold with friends or family to deepen communication and share creativity. But the appeal of origami goes far beyond that. At…

Kawai Gyokudō (1873–1957) was a painter who observed nature and human activity and elevated those scenes into the world of nihonga—traditional Japanese painting. His works, full of poetic sensibility, continue to captivate the hearts of art-lovers to this day. In his later years, Kawai Gyokudō devoted himself to the serene landscapes of Mitake in Ōme, Tokyo, where a museum now…

Every day, about half a million people pass through Tokyo Station, one of Japan’s largest terminals. But did you know that inside this still-active station stands a museum that has preserved more than a century of memories? That museum is the TOKYO STATION GALLERY (hereafter referred to as the “Tokyo Station Gallery”), a special space where the building itself becomes…

Born in Japan and now highly acclaimed in museums around the world, ukiyo-e (traditional Japanese woodblock prints) continue to captivate audiences far and wide. From the works of Katsushika Hokusai to Utagawa Hiroshige, Tōshūsai Sharaku, and Utagawa Kuniyoshi, masterpieces by these renowned artists are displayed internationally. Of course, you can also enjoy ukiyo-e in museums right here in Japan. In…

When it comes to sightseeing in Tokyo, most people think of delicious food, trendy shops and cafés, and unique museums or theme parks. While Tokyo certainly overflows with excitement, its appeal isn’t limited to its urban attractions alone. Just steps away from the bustling city, you’ll find tranquil spots where you can pause, unwind, and immerse yourself in nature. In…

Developed during the Edo period, ukiyo-e is a genre of woodblock prints whose distinctive compositions and vivid colors captivated the Impressionist painters of 19th-century Europe. Among the artists who created ukiyo-e, none left a greater mark than Katsushika Hokusai. Active in the late Edo period, Katsushika Hokusai was renowned for his bold compositions and expressive style, and is remembered as…

When you think of Okinawa, what comes to mind? Pristine beaches, tropical breezes—and of course, deliciously unique local cuisine. Though Okinawa lies far south of Japan’s main islands, Tokyo has no shortage of places where you can experience its charm. From cozy hidden gems on quiet side streets to lively spots filled with Okinawan music, these restaurants are packed with…