Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture is a popular tourist destination with many temples and shrines that date back to ancient times. Each temple and shrine has its own attractions, but Hōkokuji Temple (which introduces itself in English as “Houkokuji Temple”) is especially known for its beautiful bamboo grove. Enjoy the seasonal beauty of Houkokuji Temple’s Japanese garden As you pass through…
Visiting Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Japan is a rewarding experience, offering insights into the country’s cultural traditions and practices. Here are practical tips and answers to common questions for first-time visitors. Goshuin: special seals at shrines and temples Goshuin are special seals collected from shrines and temples, usually kept in a goshuinchō (seal book). These beautiful mementos serve…
Japan beckons travelers with its rich tapestry of culture, where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with modernity. Among the many experiences awaiting them are places of worship devoted to Buddhism and Shintoism, Japan’s ancient religion. Here’s a guide to assist international visitors with the proper manners and etiquette for paying respects at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Before you visit Dress…
Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine is located near the Japan National Stadium, a venue for international competitions. Filled with nature and dominated by a large sacred ginkgo tree, its grounds serve as a peaceful retreat for local residents. The shrine offers many attractions, including the Sendagaya Fujizuka, a replica of Mount Fuji, and the Shōgidō Hall, which houses a large shōgi (Japanese…
Shintoism believes that spirits reside in everything, from mountains and rivers to even household furniture. The benefits bestowed by the deities enshrined at Shinto shrines are varied, ranging from traffic safety and business prosperity to protection against evil. Among these, the improvement of financial fortune is one of the most sought-after blessings. Koami Shrine in Tokyo is renowned for its…
In 1991, the popular series Sailor Moon began its manga run and has since been adapted into anime and stage plays, gaining fans worldwide. Azabu Hikawa Shrine in Tokyo is a special place for Sailor Moon fans. It is known as the model for “Hikawa Shrine” in the series, the home of one of the main characters, Rei Hino. Torii…
Kanda Myōjin, also known as Kanda Shrine, is a historic landmark located within walking distance from Ochanomizu and Akihabara Stations in Tokyo. Revered as a guardian presence in Tokyo, it has a deep history and offers numerous blessings to its visitors. The deities enshrined there serve as the tutelary ujigami (regional guardian deities) for many areas, including Kanda, Nihonbashi, and…
In a bustling corner of Roppongi, crowded with people day and night, one restaurant, “Uohama Roppongi,” stands out prominently. The restaurant prides itself on serving dishes made with ingredients shipped directly from the source. One of Uohama Roppongi’s selling points is the rich variety of its menu. “Whatever you want, whenever you visit,” is their motto. In this article, we’ll…
Tempura stands alongside sushi and ramen as a globally recognized jewel of Japanese cuisine. Some tempura estabishments, while embracing conventional choices like white fish—kisu (Japanese whiting) and the like—and standard vegetables such as eggplant and pumpkin, also venture into unique and unexpected ingredients. Among these innovators is “Tempura Hisago Ōsaki” (referred hereunder as “Tempura Hisago”), located just a ten-minute stroll…
Just past the buzz of Bunkamura Street in the Shibuya district of Tokyo lies Oku-Shibuya, a serene enclave far from the bustling main avenues. This area is home to a unique restaurant, “Garlic Bar Nyonnyogo,” a culinary haven where enthusiasts gather to indulge in the rich flavors of garlic-infused cuisine. Aomori’s local flavors, reinterpreted “Nyonnyogo style”! First, a few points…
At the exceptional Tokyo restaurant “Roppongi Yakiniku Kintan,” the management is guided by a bold vision. “We aim to be the most loved yakiniku restaurant in the city,” they proudly state, referring to the Japanese word for grilled meat cuisine. At dinnertime, the restaurant pairs their excellent yakiniku with wine, while lunchtime offerings include hearty set menus. A dream menu…
Harajuku, known as a birthplace of new culture, is also at the forefront of culinary innovation. Right in the heart of this vibrant district, just a short walk from the bustling Takeshita Street and the tranquil Meiji Shrine, lies “Vegan Bistro Jangara,” a restaurant dedicated to vegan cuisine. “グリルバーガー,” Grilled Burger 1,350 JPY (tax included) Originating from the Kyushu Jangara…
“ABURICIOUS” is a play on words combining aburi (blow-torched) and delicious. It also happens to be the name of a signature menu item at “KINKA sushi bar izakaya Roppongi” in Tokyo. “サーモンとアイオリソースの炙り押し寿司,” SALMON OSHIZUSHI As many satisfied diners have already discovered, ABURICIOUS is blow-torched pressed sushi which originated in Canada. Not only delicious, it’s a hit on social media, captivating…
Just a short walk from Roppongi Station, you’ll find a restaurant offering a paradise for lovers of sea urchin, or uni, as it’s known in Japanese. At the aptly named “UNIHOLIC,” diners can enjoy a delightful time savoring sea urchin sashimi and various original sea urchin dishes, indulging in uni to their heart’s content. This luxurious uni and salmon roe…
Kyoto’s rich culture, spanning architecture, traditions, and culinary arts, finds a new home in Tokyo. At “Kyoto Ichinoden Roppongi Hills,” diners can delve into the essence of Kyoto’s dining culture without leaving the city. “蔵みそ焼懐石御膳,” Kura Miso-Yaki Kaiseki Gozen (available only through reservation) 5,500 JPY (tax included) A culinary journey through the seasons Kyoto Ichinoden, established in 1927 in Kyoto,…