Odaiba is a waterfront area to the east of Tokyo city, its a reclaimed land island and a popular spot, especially on the weekends for tourists and locals alike. I’ve been there a few times, as there is a “Bills” restaurant there and every now and again I crave scrambled eggs for breakfast, so if in… Read More Odaiba day trip
an amazing oasis of peace in busy Tokyo… Read More Tranquil Tokyo
The Toshiba Science Museum is located close to Kawasaki Station, south of central Tokyo. The museum encompasses 3 main parts, the history of Toshiba including details about the original founders and their philosophy and early inventions; a display of many of the “firsts” invented by Toshiba over the years, in many different markets and a… Read More Toshiba Museum., Kawasaki
This lovely Shinto shrine and grounds is very close to the centre of Tokyo, hidden behind the DIET building. Its open most days from 5 am – 6pm and is a really tranquil place in one of the worlds busiest cities. The original shrine was built in 1478 in the grounds of Edo castle,… Read More Hie Shrine, Tokyo
I had a few spare hours one morning in Tokyo in early April, which was just as the Cherry Blossom was peaking there. I caught the subway over towards the Imperial Palace and the Chidorigafuchi moat, which is one of a dozen different moats around the palace, that are known for their spectacular Cherry Blossoms. The… Read More Sakura viewing at Chidorigafuchi and Yasukuni shrine
The 58th Tokyo craft fair was held in late January on the 11th floor of the Takashimaya Department store in Shinjuku. I had to go to Tokyo for another reason, and wasn’t really so close to Shinjuku, but the concept of this fair really interested me. It was based around crafts that were common in… Read More Tokyo Craft Fair
Nihonbashi bridge is a very historic site in Tokyo. Nihonbashi actually translates to Japan Bridge. It is in the Chuo district of Tokyo and has linked the areas on either side of the river at this site since the 17th century. It was initially a wooden bridge and was first constructed in 1603. From reading about… Read More Nihonbashi Bridge, Tokyo
Senkakuji is a small Sōtō Zen Buddhist temple in Minato-ku district in Tokyo not far from Shinagawa station. It is famous for the graves of the 47 Ronin one of Japan’s most well-known stories and the most famous story of the Samurai code of “Bushido” – courage, loyalty and honor. The story of the 47… Read More Senkakuji
Yurakucho station is one stop south of Tokyo Station along the JR Yamanote Line. It is also next to the glitzy Ginza district with all its high class shops, restaurants and entertainment. Yurakucho is, for me anyway, a bit more down to earth, old fashioned and relaxed – and a lot cheaper to eat.. One of the big… Read More Yurakucho “Yakitori Alley”
Shibuya is one of the more well known “wards” of Tokyo…The Shibuya area is a lively area of Tokyo famous for shops, Neon signs, stores like Shibuya 109, Tokyu hands and Loft Many of the fashion and fun trends in Japan have their birthplace in Shibuya. The main entry point into the area around… Read More Shibuya, Tokyo
Just Life in Japan 