Japanistry Tokyo
Places & Travel

Omiya Bonsai Village: Saitama’s Hidden Treasure

Omiya Bonsai Village is a small bonsai nursery precinct in Bonsaicho in Saitama started by a group of professional bonsai gardeners in Tokyo during the 1920s. Spurred on by the destruction wrought on the capital by the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake...

June 19, 2017
Places & Travel

The Day Tour of Tokyo Imperial Palace

Signing up for a tour of the Imperial Palace is one of those things that I had been meaning to do for a long time, but figured I could do anytime so never actually bothered to register. For those not already aware, Tokyo Imperial Palace is not...

June 18, 2017
Attractions & Events

Tokyo City Keiba: A Night at the Races

If you’re looking for something a little different to do one evening, why not try your luck at the races? There are two racetracks in Tokyo: Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu and Tokyo Oi Racecourse in Shinagawa, also known as Tokyo City Keiba. Tokyo City...

June 8, 2017
History & Culture

Why Do Japanese Eat Eel in Summer?

At some point around mid-summer you’ll no doubt notice a fleeting craze among Japanese for eating eel (unagi). The unique dish is obviously a firm favourite among Japanese, and usually it is only the price of the snake-like fish that puts people off...

June 6, 2017
Attractions & Events

Adachi Fish Market: The Tsukiji Alternative

Tsukiji Fish Market is undoubtedly a fascinating experience: the biggest whole fish market in the world with over 2 million kilograms being sold every day. But—despite the seemingly never-ending delays—it will at some point move to its new and...

May 15, 2017
Eat & Drink

Sweets & Alcohol: Tokyo’s Dagashi Bars

Recent years in Tokyo have witnessed the spread of the dagashi bars where, for a charge of ¥500, you can help yourself to an assortment of candies to chomp on with your beer or high ball. Dagashi are the Japanese equivalent of penny candies or pick...

April 3, 2017