Japanistry

975 posts
This website started as a hobby to explain photography (posts listed here), but over time expanded to provide (hopefully) useful information about Japan and the Japanese language. I also run edonoyu.com with a friend—a site that covers onsen in the Tokyo region.

Sankeien

Beautiful Japanese garden which preserves 17 important cultural buildings moved from other areas of the country.

Asakura Museum of Sculpture

This 3-floor building is the former residence and studio of Asakura Fumio (1883-1964) who came to Tokyo from…

Samurai Museum

Museum in Kabukicho with displays of the swords, matchlock guns, and armor used by the samurai over the different periods of Japanese history. You can also dress in samurai attire and have your photograph taken.

Mitsui Memorial Museum

Over 4,000 exhibits, including six designated as National Treasures, from the collections of the Mitsui family and Mitsui Group.

Sunshine 60 Observation Deck

The observation deck in the Sunshine 60 building is on the 60th floor (251m above sea level) and provides 360° views of Tokyo. Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance on clear days.

Sato Sakura Museum of Art

A small museum specializing in nihon-ga—Japanese traditional-style paintings. The museum holds 4-5 exhibitions every year, each of which…

Minami-Aoyama

Aoyama (Minami-Aoyama and Kita-Aoyama) is an exclusive area of Minato Ward that separates Shibuya Ward and the upmarket districts of Akasaka and Roppongi. It is known for its exclusive fashion stores, chic cafes, classy bars, and good restaurants, which are dotted around the narrow side streets east of Aoyama Dori.

Commune

This L-shaped area of shacks, caravans, food stalls, craft beer, and good coffee was originally set up as a temporary venue under the name Commune 246. It’s a fantastic little “for the community” venue that recreates something of an East London feel. A great place for a beer when the weather is good.

Tokyo on a Budget: Making it Work

There seems to be an enduring mantra that Tokyo is the most expensive city in the world. In…

Where is the Best Place to Stay in Tokyo?

With over 9 million people living in the 23 special wards and sightseeing spots in all parts of…

Tora-san Museum

A museum dedicated to the otoko wa tsurai yo (“It’s Tough Being a Man”) film series.

Yamamoto-tei

Former home of a businessman and a superb example of sukiya-zukuri architecture.