Monchicchi in Shin-Koiwa, Tokyo
Moncchichi (モンチッチ) is Japan’s most lovable and huggable monkey, basically a stuffed animal doll that first appeared in Japan in 1974. It became wildly popular in the latter 1970s and…
Takao Baigo plum blossoms
Takao Baigo (高尾梅郷) is a rural area with several plum blossom groves near the famous Mt. Takao in Hachioji, Tokyo. The plum blossoms bloom in March, so if you were…
Olympic rings and cherry blossoms at Odaiba, Tokyo
Odaiba is Tokyo’s foremost waterfront area with large shopping malls, luxury hotels, beaches, park areas, Giant Unicorn Gundam, and Tokyo 2020 Olympic venues. Pleasant place to hang out. In the…
Awa Odori 2019 schedule in Tokyo-Kanto
Compiled by Philbert Ono, Updated: Oct. 11, 2019 This is the 2019 schedule of Awa Odori dance festivals to be held in the Tokyo/Kanto area (Tokyo, Saitama, Kanagawa, and Chiba…
Kameido Tenjin Shrine Wisteria
Kameido Tenjin Shrine (亀戸天神社) is one of Tokyo’s most beloved Shinto shrines. It has pretty flowers, it’s photogenic, it’s historical, and it retains a local ambience. From late April to…
Koganji Temple (Togenuki Jizo) in Sugamo
On the northern and less crowded part of the JR Yamanote Line in Tokyo is Sugamo Station. Sugamo is famous for the Jizo-Dori shopping street near the train station. Dubbed…
Visiting Toyosu Market
Visited the new Toyosu Market on the second day (Oct. 15, 2018) it opened to the public. It’s proving to be massively popular among the curious and sushi lovers. This…
Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
With the world-famous Tsukiji fish market moving from Tsukiji to Toyosu in October 2018, Tokyo’s Tsukiji area is undergoing major changes. After 83 years of Tsukiji being synonymous with Tokyo’s…