Flying north all the way to Hokkaido a couple of weeks ago, I saw beautiful nature and see yet another new side of Japan. However this week, I was reminded how there are so much yet to discover right within my neighborhood in Hiroo in Tokyo. I have shared in the past post about Hiroo, … Continue reading Power spot in the heart of Tokyo residential area: Hiroo Shrine
Last weekend, we visited Fuchu located in the western Tokyo for すもも祭り(sumomo matsuri or plum festival) held at a shrine with over 1,900 years of history called 大國魂神社 (Okunitama Shrine). Origin of the Plum Festival Back in Heian Period (between 794 and 1185), military commanders of Imperial Court, Minamoto no Yoriyoshi and his son Yoshiie … Continue reading Plum Festival in Fuchu
The Japanese government initiated a second round of domestic tourism initiative to support the tourism industry that was hit hard from the long border closure and request to stay home to prevent the spread of Covid-19. 1st Government Travel subsidy program in 2020 Go To Travel campaign, the first government domestic travel subsidy program that … Continue reading Japan’s travel subsidy experience 2022 version
My sister has visited me in Tokyo from Germany for 9 days. Same as me, she was born in Tokyo to Japanese parents.She lived in Japan until the age of 14, moved to Australia and for the last 8 years she has been living in Europe. The last time she visited Japan was 7 years … Continue reading Native Expat interviews (temporary) Native Expat
Cherry blossom season has nearly come to an end in Tokyo area but it doesn't stop the flowers bursting throughout Tokyo.I am amazed at how much azaleas, dogwood and many flowers decorate not just the park but the streets around me. Although surrounded by pink and white petals, I made a special trip to Sumida … Continue reading Spring in Sumida: fuji flower viewing
As Tokyo and a number of other prefectures drag on the state of the emergency (which has been extended again during June), we continue to explore our neighbourhood. One thing that I really cherish since moving back to Japan is the fact that I can visit shrines⛩. There are tiny shrines without priest and there … Continue reading Step up to success at Atago Shrine
Collectively known as 谷根千 (Yanesen) which takes the first syllable from the 3 adjacent suburbs of 谷中(Yanaka), 根津 (Nezu) and 千駄木 (Sendagi) in Bunkyo ward, this area is a popular strolling area with a 下町 (Shitamachi or downtown) vibe. Luckily, the areas avoided bombing during wars and many temples and buildings have been preserved. Similar … Continue reading Tokyo suburbs highlight: “Yanesen” Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi
Native Expat 