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, they clubbed together and established the village in 1925 as a self-governed community, and…
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 generally open to members of the public. The…
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 Keiba is the more famous of the two and by far…
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 from visiting the unagi restaurants more often. The day to watch out for…
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 gleaming facilities in Toyosu, and probably lose some of its appeal along the way. Tsukiji isn’t…
Usually the best view you get of Akasaka Palace is from peering through the pristine white gates of the main entrance, but from late April to late June the main house, garden, and Japanese style annex (Yushin-tei) are open to the public. You need to register through the website, although outside of the busy periods such…
The 8th World Bonsai Convention is being held in Saitama Super Arena from 28 until the 30 April (see here for the details). Below is a selection of some of the 300 bonsai displayed at the event. Incidentally, one bonsai sold for ¥100,000,000 ($900,000).
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 ‘n’ mix—sweets that cost ¥10-50 yen each and come…
Guest Post Japanese antiques and collectibles are probably the most sought after in Asia today, with its fascinating and attention-to-detail handicrafts, artworks, fashion, culture and architecture. Collectors in the Western world seem to love everything related to Japan, be it their kimonos, Japanese swords, samurai warrior-related gifts, or, you’re right, sushi and sashimi! As a…
Below is a list of the flea & antique markets that are held on a regular basis in Tokyo. There are other events such as the Heiwajima Antique Fair which take place during the year so be sure to check out the events calendar for further details.
Tokyo might not be London when it comes to food markets, but there are several regular events around the capital where visitors can taste local delicacies from around the country. The markets listed below are held at least once per month. For less frequent food-related markets and festivals see the events calendar.
There seems to be an enduring mantra that Tokyo is the most expensive city in the world. In fact, while Tokyo, like any major metropolis, can burn a hole in your wallet, there are many ways to see the city on a budget. Below are some tips for the cost-conscious traveler. Choose Your Timing Timing…
Prior to 1885, train lines connected Ueno (via Akabane) to Aomori in the north and Shinagawa to the port city of Yokohama (Japan’s first train line), but there was no train line connecting Shinagawa to this northern line. To resolve this tracks were laid in 1885 connecting Shinagawa to Akabane in the north of Tokyo.…
If you’ve done the top 10 things in Tokyo and you’re in search of something a little different, then here are some suggestions.
Most associate onsen with rural Japan and the famous onsen regions such as Hakone and Kusatsu. In Tokyo, Oedo Onsen Monogatari in Odaiba and LaQua near Tokyo Dome are probably the most well-known onsen, but in fact there are many excellent and traditional onsen hidden in the backstreets or tucked away in residential areas. These…
A selection of dishes for those in search of a culinary challenge.