Number 10 on the Kamakura 33 Kannon pilgrimage, Hokokuji is one of Kamakura’s most peculiar temples. Secluded and located in the eastern hills of Kamakura, Hokokuji was founded in 1334 and, like many other temples in the region, it suffered badly as a result of the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake. What’s so special about this […]
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If it were not for the Yebisu Beer museum and the Taillvent-Robuchon “maison bourgeoise” (sorry folks for breaking your dream but this is not a “chateau” or a castle since the structure was not built by any lords from the French royal family) Yebisu Garden Palace would have been one of Tokyo’s most boring places […]
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Sitting proudly within the confines of the the Kotoku-In temple, the Great Buddha statue, or Daibutsu is another very popular religious attraction of Kamakura. Despite its overall sense of serenity, the Daibutsu had a rather tumultuous history! It all started in 1233 when the good people of Kotoku-In decided to erect a giant wooden representation […]
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Originally erected and founded by Minamoto Yoritomo in 1063, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is the most important Shinto Shrine in the famous resort city of Kamakura, near Yokohama. Its popularity among Japanese tourists of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is almost without limit and its 1.8km long approach gives the shrine its unique sense of grandeur that unfortunately quickly vanishes […]
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Enoshima’s hidden little village, with its small shrines, is by far the best part of this Island. WIth a unique view of Mt.Fuji, the place looks like it was frozen in time with villagers living almost completely cut from the rest of the world. If you continue further down to the shore you will stumble […]
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Very popular among both Japanese and foreign tourists, Enoshima is a gorgeous little island just off the coast of the city of Fujisawa but still connected to it by a long bridge. With a circumference of about 4km, Enoshima offers many different attractions ranging from a marina, to different shrines, parks and caves hidden on […]
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English Close to the main Daiden, Zojo-ji Temple main building, stands a very unique cemetery also known as the Unborn Children’s Garden, where people come and and pray for the miscarried, aborted or stillborn children of Japan. This cemetery or garden, is unique in many ways since unlike usual cemeteries you will not find any […]
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English What stands out the most here at Zojo-Ji temple is the striking contrast between the old and new Japan. While its immediate neighborhood is dominated by modem buildings and Tokyo Tower, Zojo-ji feels like it has been stuck in a bubble where time moves at a slower pace to its surroundings. Located a few […]
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English While it is very difficult to disagree that the best observatory in Tokyo is either Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tokyo, one could argue that these places won’t let you enjoy the actual building in question. If you are looking for the perfect place to enjoy gorgeous scenic views of Odaiba, Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Skytree […]
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English Mushashi Koyama may have one of the most famous “Shotengai”, or shopping streets, in the opinion of foreigners living in Japan. Located in the heart of Tokyo on the Tokyu Meguro Line and just two stop away from Meguro Station, Musashi Koyama is one of these small “villages” in Tokyo that need to be […]
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English Want to enjoy some traditional Japanese sweets while walking in Taishakuten Sando, one of Tokyo’s most famous Showa era shopping streets? Well forget everything that most guidebooks suggest you do within the confines of Tokyo and take a 30 minute train ride to visit Shibamata! Very popular among Japanese tourists, Shibamata is one of […]
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English Located in Shibuya, Meiji-Jingu (Meiji Shrine) is a Japanese holy site dedicated to the spirit of the Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shoken. Built only recently (from 1915 to 1926), the shrine was built in the traditional ‘nagare-zukuri’ style using mainly copper and Japanese cypress. Unfortunately, like many other buildings around Tokyo, Meiji-Jingu […]
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