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Ningyo-yaki: Little Baked Doll Cakes images

Ningyo-yaki: Little Baked Doll Cakes

Ningyo-yaki (人形焼) is very popular in Tokyo Asakusa where you can watch them being baked. This is one of my favorite Japanese sweets and a very good omiyage gift. Ningyo is the Japanese word for doll, so the name of this sweet reads "baked dolls". Ningo-yaki are small cakes baked in small m…(192 words)

David image

David

Asakusa Ningyo-yaki Wagashi Sweets Nakamise-dori Souvenir Tera (Temple) Cake Senso-ji Temple Tokyo
Kintsuba - Japanese Sweets in Asakusa images

Kintsuba - Japanese Sweets in Asakusa

Kintsuba きんつば is one of the Japanese sweets that I like because you can watch them being made. This photo is from a small shop in Asakusa located in the Nakamise-dori shopping street at Senso-ji temple. You can try the Kintsuba fresh, still warm. Kintsuba are made from sweet bean paste. The…(255 words)

David image

David

Kintsuba Asakusa Wagashi Sweets Senso-ji Temple Nakamise-dori Japanese style shopping arcade Souvenir Kappabashi
Salt is Sacred in Japan; You will see it often images

Salt is Sacred in Japan; You will see it often

Have you noticed a little mound of salt at the entrance of a restaurant during your visits to Japan?Salt was always a very important part of the Japanese diet and the ancient salt fields you see across Japan will attest to its importance in keeping Japanese people strong and healthy. Salt from …(277 words)

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Salt Restaurant Asakusa Business Funeral
Kaminari-okoshi: Asakusa Thunder Crackers images

Kaminari-okoshi: Asakusa Thunder Crackers

Kaminari-okoshi (雷おこし) are traditional Japanese sweets. Crispy rice is mixed with sugar and syrup, pressed down into a flat shape and cut into squares. Often there are some peanuts mixed into it, but there are also many other flavors such as macha green tea and sesame. The added ingredients giv…(286 words)

David image

David

Asakusa Senso-ji Temple Wagashi Sweets Souvenir Tera (Temple) Nakamise-dori Tokyo
Fierce Protectors of Temples - Nio Statues 仁王 images

Fierce Protectors of Temples - Nio Statues 仁王

When I come to a temple in Japan, I always stop to take a look at the Nio statues standing guard at the gates. Nio 仁王 means Benevolent Kings. These are fierce-looking protectors, looking like demons or warrior-gods. Sometimes they are life-size and sometimes they are impossibly tall and stron…(193 words)

David image

David

Tera (Temple) Senso-ji Temple Art Asakusa Statue
Agemanju - Sweet Deep-fried Cakes in Asakusa images

Agemanju - Sweet Deep-fried Cakes in Asakusa

There are many good reasons for a visit to Asakusa: Senso-ji temple’s gates and pagoda, tiny Hanayashiki amusement park, Japanese kabuki theaters, old restaurants, and shops selling kimonos and festival clothing. And then there is the area around the temple’s Nakamise street where you can buy souve…(253 words)

David image

David

Manjuu Sweets Senso-ji Temple Cake Asakusa Visit Food Tera (Temple)
Street Photography in Japan images

Street Photography in Japan

Almost everyone enjoys taking photographs. In Japan, I would venture to say that EVERYONE enjoys taking photographs! Whether it be the camera embedded in modern smartphones or high end digital SLRs, cameras have become an integral part of our lives. And so has photography. My dad was an avid photog…(1485 words)

Ani image

Ani

Photography Camera City Film Technology Tokyo Train Asakusa Walk view
Omikuji - Take Only Good Luck With You images

Omikuji - Take Only Good Luck With You

Omikuji - おみくじ - are fortune papers from temples and shrines that offer advice for your health, career, and good luck in general. There are positive ones - marked kichi 吉 - and negative ones - marked kyou 凶. The most positive one is the daikichi 大吉, the big fortune.You can find omikuji …(310 words)

David image

David

good luck Jinjya (Shrine) Tera (Temple) Omikuji Senso-ji Temple Kameido Asakusa
Craze for Friendly and Cute Rabbits images

Craze for Friendly and Cute Rabbits

T he rabbit is a popular animal in Japan. Many rabbits show up in Japanese fairy tales and children’s stories. Wild rabbits can’t be seen in the center of large cities, but most pet shops have rabbits. In order to get closer to them, some people go to rabbit cafes or visit an island that is home to…(497 words)

HiraganaTimes image

HiraganaTimes

rabbit Cafe Kawaii Tokyo Restaurant Asakusa Shibuya
Sakura in Asakusa images

Sakura in Asakusa

Denbouin Garden will be opened to public from mid-March through early May. This Japanese garden is usually closed. The best time will be late March or early April when Sakura blooms. (The photos in this page are taken in late March or early April last year).entrance fee: 300 yentime: 10:00 - …(123 words)

Keiko, OTT image

Keiko, OTT

Asakusa Cherry blossom Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) Garden Japanese garden Mochi (Rice cake) Park River Shop Walk
The 33rd Asakusa Samba Carnival images

The 33rd Asakusa Samba Carnival

Asakusa Samba Carnival was started in 1981 to remind that Asakusa is an entertainment district. Today was the 33rd event. Usually the last Saturday of August is the day. The parade starts from Umamichi Street near Nitenmon Gate and ends at the intersection of Kaminarimon Street and Kokusai Street. …(202 words)

Keiko, OTT image

Keiko, OTT

dance Asakusa festival Summer
Ukiyo-e (woodblock print) in Asakusa images

Ukiyo-e (woodblock print) in Asakusa

Sakai Kokodo is one of the oldest stores specialized in UKIYOE established in 1870. You can buy a replica of Katushika Hokusai or Utagawa Hiroshige. Located on the Nakamise Street.Mokuhankan is a newly opened shop, where you can buy beautiful woodblock prints and can experience how to make these.…(147 words)

Keiko, OTT image

Keiko, OTT

Asakusa Ukiyoe Museum Shop workshop Art Art museum
Kamata: The Most Beautiful Knives in Tokyo images

Kamata: The Most Beautiful Knives in Tokyo

Kappabashi, Tokyo's kitchenware wholesaler's district, is a treasure trove of gorgeous ceramics, unusual spices, pots and pans of all sizes and, of course, Japan's world-class knives.No place glitters more than Kamata Hakensha, a bustling shop where every surface is covered with perfect, sharp …(303 words)

Chiara image

Chiara

knives Tokyo Kappabashi Japan English Asakusa Shop
Geisha Makeover in Asakusa, Tokyo images

Geisha Makeover in Asakusa, Tokyo

You might know about Geisha, who is a female entertainer, trained in the traditional arts, singing and dancing, and serves as a party companion and hostess. Maiko is an apprentice of Geisha. In Asakusa, you can be a Geisha and Maiko and have photos taken.There are some places you can experience …(384 words)

skymaho image

skymaho

Tokyo Asakusa geisha Kimono Kimono experience Samurai
Taiyaki - Japanese Sweets in Asakusa images

Taiyaki - Japanese Sweets in Asakusa

Taiyaki たい焼き are small Japanese cakes that you can watch being baked. The cakes are shaped like a fish and have a sweet filling. The most common taiyaki have sweet bean paste or cream inside. Try them fresh and still warm. They are very tasty and a simple pleasure like having fresh pancakes or …(281 words)

David image

David

Asakusa Taiyaki (Fish-shaped cake) Wagashi Sweets Hanayashiki Amusement Park Shop chocolate Cake Panda yatai
Tenugui - Printed Textiles with Japanese Patterns images

Tenugui - Printed Textiles with Japanese Patterns

Tenugui are small pieces of cloth for everyday use. They make perfect gifts and souvenirs. Now many Japanese carry small towels in their bags, but before the more fluffy towels became popular tenugui was widely used.A tenugui is a thin piece of cloth made from cotton. It dries very quickly, is …(334 words)

David image

David

Souvenir Tenugui (Japanese towel) craftmanship Art Asakusa
Yozakura - cherry blossoms at night images

Yozakura - cherry blossoms at night

Sakura (桜) is Japanese for cherry blossom. Yozakura (夜桜) is written with the characters for night and sakura and means viewing cherry blossoms at night. Sakura looks beautiful in the evening with the right lighting. Try both, a cherry blossom picnic during the day and an evening visit to fully e…(335 words)

David image

David

Cherry blossom Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) Tokyo Imperial Palace Asakusa Nakameguro Sumida river Spring Evening Tokyo Tower
Experience Your Own “Japanese Style Wedding” in Tokyo! images

Experience Your Own “Japanese Style Wedding” in Tokyo!

What’s the most romantic place in the world? Paris? Hawaii? Rome? Those may be some of the obvious contenders, but there seems to be an increasing number of people who would name Tokyo as the most romantic travel destination.This idea of Tokyo as a modern day romance capital, combined with the …(238 words)

Japanista image

Japanista

Tokyo style Japanese Restaurant English Asakusa Jinjya (Shrine) Ginza wedding hakama
Senso-ji Temple's Secret Japanese Garden in Asakusa images

Senso-ji Temple's Secret Japanese Garden in Asakusa

Senso-ji in Asakusa Tokyo is famous for its tall pagoda, red gates, and huge lanterns, but the temple also has a fantastic Japanese garden. It lies hidden, closed to the public together with Dembou-in, the residency of the temple's head priest. In the spring, the garden is open to visitors. M…(291 words)

David image

David

Japanese garden Asakusa Senso-ji Temple Garden Cherry blossom Spring Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing)
Kissaten: Lovely Retro Coffee Shops images

Kissaten: Lovely Retro Coffee Shops

Kissaten 喫茶店 is one of the words that appear in the early chapters of Japanese text books. Kissaten are coffee shops, but not of the chain variety. Most of these coffee shops are delightfully retro, unique, and atmospheric. A kissaten is the perfect place for taking a break from everyday busy ti…(298 words)

David image

David

Coffee Coffee shop Sweets Tea Cake Asakusa Cafe
How To Make the Strongest Wish: Shimanrokusennichi and Hozuki Flower Market at Senso-ji images

How To Make the Strongest Wish: Shimanrokusennichi and Hozuki Flower Market at Senso-ji

Shimanrokusennichi at Senso-ji temple in Tokyo Asakusa is your chance to make the strongest wish possible.It might be Friday the 13th and a full moon as I am writing this, but an extremely auspicious day is coming up in a few weeks. July 10 is Shimanrokusennichi 四万六千日 at Senso-ji temple in…(236 words)

David image

David

Asakusa Senso-ji Temple Japanese festivals Flower Market Tera (Temple) good luck July
Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto and Local Inari Shrines images

Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto and Local Inari Shrines

The famous Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine in Kyoto really is a fantastic place to visit. There are the colorful main buildings to see and even more impressive is the walk through the shrine's land. In the case of Fushimi Inari, this means taking a long walk up and around the hill that belongs to the s…(316 words)

David image

David

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Kyoto Jinjya (Shrine) Asakusa Walk
Best Tourist Souvenir-- Samurai Umbrella! images

Best Tourist Souvenir-- Samurai Umbrella!

Purchasing a real samurai sword in Japan is very difficult, especially after they enforced the laws against the possession of knives a couple years ago. I also assume that taking a samurai sword out of Japan will definitely be a hassle at the airport. A better option might be purchasing the samurai…(112 words)

GenS image

GenS

Samurai Umbrella Souvenir Tokyo Asakusa Kamakura Airport Trip
Japanese vaudeville images

Japanese vaudeville

If you want to experience Japanese traditional theater but Kabuki and Noh are too esoteric for you, try the vaudeville.You will have the experience of kimono, geisha and all the samurai-ism you crave for and on top of that you will get much much more:- an autograph by the artists before the p…(380 words)

Claire image

Claire

Tokyo Yokohama Asakusa Theatre
Amazing taste of Soymilk in Asakusa images

Amazing taste of Soymilk in Asakusa

Some of you may know the delicious taste of Tofu. But best of best is super delicious taste of soymilk. There are becoming decreasing of the number of such great Tofu shop. But you can easily taste it in Asakusa. Ichikawa Tofu, 3rd generation succeeding Tofu shop. Ichikawa Tofu5:00am-1:00p…(139 words)

Shige image

Shige

Asakusa Tofu (Soy bean curd) May Shop
Hanayashiki - Asakusa's Beloved Tiny Amusement Park images

Hanayashiki - Asakusa's Beloved Tiny Amusement Park

Asakusa is an old part of Tokyo. In a city that changes quickly and often, it is not surprising to read about the many changes that have happened in this area. Asakusa was a major entertainment district filled with theaters and restaurants. While many of the theaters disappeared, the small amusemen…(571 words)

David image

David

Asakusa Children Hanayashiki Amusement Park Amusement park Senso-ji Temple Tokyo
If you get the “大吉=very good luck” in Asakusa, you are the hero! images

If you get the “大吉=very good luck” in Asakusa, you are the hero!

100 years ago, Asakusa was the biggest amusement park in Japan.In Japan, the temple was the center of entertainment.Now I do not believe it,100 years ago, Shinjuku and Shibuya and Harajuku, was a village rather than a town.Roppongi was a town that raccoon dog walk.From 300 years ago, …(175 words)

asteka image

asteka

Asakusa Japan Tera (Temple) good luck Food Park Walk Shibuya Shinjuku Japanese
Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival images

Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival

A serendipitous location that is often overlooked, Sumida Park is located in the heart of the old shitamachi (downtown) tourist area of Tokyo. Most visitors miss this historic landmark. It is a perfect place for a break from the city, and only a short walk from the famous Sensoji temple complex.…(837 words)

Taito-kun image

Taito-kun

Cherry blossom Asakusa Spring Park festival Tokyo City Food History Japanese
Yamanote Area images

Yamanote Area

If you come to Tokyo to do some sightseeing, you will most definitely be riding the yamanote train line, which loops around downtown Tokyo, stopping at all the most key entry points.The "Yamanote" area historically has been considered very upper class Tokyo, while Asakusa, Ueno, and those areas…(124 words)

KurtisW image

KurtisW

Tokyo Train Asakusa Ueno Ebisu
Why Men Look Handsome in Kimonos in Japan? images

Why Men Look Handsome in Kimonos in Japan?

I've noticed more men wearing Kimono on weekends recently. The obi belt tied just above the hips, masculine shoulders emphasized by a narrower line going down the body, a deep blue color. Try walking in back of one of these gents. Watch the way the geta sandals click on the stone walkway and how th…(251 words)

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Kimono Asakusa Fashion Kimono experience Geta slipper Asakusa Kimono Fashion Tokyo Kimono Rental for Men Male Kimono Japan Japan Kimono Kimono fashion for men
Running Long Distance in Tokyo Summer images

Running Long Distance in Tokyo Summer

Summer weather in Japan can challenge runners with staying hydrated. If you run for distance and have signed up for a race in the fall, then you need to train through the hot summer months, while still logging long kilometers. In August, the weather can get up to mid-30s with a great deal of humidi…(651 words)

Sweet42.195 image

Sweet42.195

Tokyo Summer running Train Park City Asakusa Shibuya River Nature
What Japan is proud of - Craftsmanship! : Japanese Watches images

What Japan is proud of - Craftsmanship! : Japanese Watches

I had an opportunity to visit the Museum and as a SEIKO watch fan, had a very good time there. Here is the highlights of the Exhibit for those who cannot make it here. Those who visit Tokyo and have time, I highly recommend to visit this place. Note also that it is close to other popular tourist…(188 words)

KIH image

KIH

Watches Tokyo Visit Asakusa Museum SEIKO
Anpan Specialist Bakery in Asakusa Tokyo images

Anpan Specialist Bakery in Asakusa Tokyo

If you like Japanese sweets, there is a cute Japanese bakery in Asakusa that you should not miss. This bakery specialises in Anpan, soft bread filled with sweet bean paste. A great variety of Anpan is available at the An Desu store (あんですMATOBA). There is the regular anpan with red bean anko…(296 words)

David image

David

Asakusa Bakery Anpan (Japanese sweet roll) Sweets Coffee Bread Anpanman
Imado Shrine - Manekineko Lucky-in-Love Cats images

Imado Shrine - Manekineko Lucky-in-Love Cats

Imado Shrine is one of the main places for Japan's manekineko lucky cats. Here they come in pairs and bring you good luck in love. Although the shrine itself is small, it is home to a huge number of manekineko statues and fortune goods.Buy one of the round ema 絵馬 tablets and write your love w…(349 words)

David image

David

Imado manekineko Asakusa Jinjya (Shrine) good luck love Omikuji Tokyo
Fuji Ramen - Fresh Noodles in Tonkotsu Soup images

Fuji Ramen - Fresh Noodles in Tonkotsu Soup

Fuji Ramen in Asakusa serves tasty ramen in tsukemen with tonkotsu base soup and noodles made fresh at the shop.This shop is special because it makes its own noodles. You can see the small workshop near the entrance. The noodles are straight, medium thick and very good both as ramen or tsukemen…(255 words)

David image

David

Ramen noodles Tonkotsu Tsukemen Asakusa Tokyo
My favorite trips to the old towns in JAPAN images

My favorite trips to the old towns in JAPAN

SugitoTtown(杉戸町), which located in Saitama Prefecture is one of the post-station towns developed along the Nikko Highway(日光街道) in Edo period.The Highway starts from Nihombashi(日本橋) in Tokyo and reach Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture.This town is one of the 21 post towns along the Hig…(566 words)

Erika1228 image

Erika1228

Japan Tokyo Visit Train City English Trip Asakusa Event History
Everything about Trains between Yokohama and Tokyo images

Everything about Trains between Yokohama and Tokyo

Born and raised in Yokohama, I know a lot about trains running between Yokohama and Tokyo. Here is a list of each of the trains with shorts explanations.JR1. The Tokaido LineThe Tokaido line is the fastest way to get from Yokohama to Tokyo. Between Yokohama station and Shinagawa station, it…(425 words)

GenS image

GenS

Tokyo Yokohama Train Shinjuku Shibuya Asakusa Airport Chiba Haneda Airport Ikebukuro
Asakusa-Odaiba Direct Line (Sea & River Boat Cruise) images

Asakusa-Odaiba Direct Line (Sea & River Boat Cruise)

Asakusa-Odaiba Direct Line connects Odaiba and Asakusa.http://www.sunnypages.jp/travel_guide/tokyo_leisure/water_busses/Asakusa-Odaiba+Direct+Line/1875http://www.suijobus.co.jp/cruise/line/as_od_line.htmlOdaiba (お台場 or simply Daiba 台場) is a popular newly-redeveloped waterfront area wit…(197 words)

maxnino image

maxnino

Asakusa Sea River Tokyo Shopping Hotel Building Tera (Temple) Odaiba Television
Beautiful Sumidagawa River near Asakusa or Shinagawa Tokyo. Japan from a river view is truly lovely. images

Beautiful Sumidagawa River near Asakusa or Shinagawa Tokyo. Japan from a river view is truly lovely.

Honestly, when I hear the word "Yakatabune", what comes up in my mind first is; a night river cruise in a decent sized house boat with inner tables, legless chairs installed on a tatami floor in it, where, you are probably with your close friends or good colleagues at work, and will be served tradi…(392 words)

Masa image

Masa

Asakusa River Building Odaiba Sake (Rice wine) Sashimi (Raw fish) Sushi Tempura Tokyo Wine
Tsukemen Ramen Shop & Noodle Maker in Asakusa Tokyo images

Tsukemen Ramen Shop & Noodle Maker in Asakusa Tokyo

This is Tsukemen Kobo Asakusa Seimenjo, a Japanese ramen shop that makes their own fresh noodles and specializes in tsukemen. Take a look at the tiny noodle factory near the entrance. If you are lucky, you can see the staff making fresh ramen noodles. They make three types of noodles here: reg…(360 words)

David image

David

Asakusa Ramen noodles Tsukemen Japanese food tabehodai all you can eat handmade