Tag: park

‘Meguro’s Best’ – Cherry Blossom River Walk & (Much) More

March 22, 2018

Cherry blossom viewing is especially popular along the Meguro River. Most people don’t realize, however, that there are many interesting sightseeing spots to visit along, or near, the route – the Meguro Sky Garden, Sugekari Park, the Sato Sakura Museum, Rakanji Temple, Meguro Fudo-son, Meguro Gajoen, etc.  Here is a detailed, do-it-yourself tour of ‘Meguro’s … More ‘Meguro’s Best’ – Cherry Blossom River Walk & (Much) More

Best ‘Ascendable’ Tokyo Area Giant Buddhist Statues

January 15, 2018

There are two main types of giant Buddhist statues in Japan, Daibutsu (Giant Buddha) and Dai-Kannon (Giant Goddess of Mercy). Older statues are made of bronze or stone.  Newer ones tower over local landscapes, are made of reinforced concrete, and can be explored – internally. Five impressive ‘ascendable’ statues surround Tokyo and all are worth … More Best ‘Ascendable’ Tokyo Area Giant Buddhist Statues

Touring Historic Homes in Yokohama – December is best!

November 20, 2017

Many lovely Western homes, built in the early 1900’s, can be found in the Yamate area of Yokohama. Some have been converted into museums and cafes.  Seven historic homes are now owned by the government and are open to the public, free of charge. Although they can be explored year-round, the best time to visit … More Touring Historic Homes in Yokohama – December is best!

Touring Shikoku’s Kagawa Prefecture (after Naoshima)

July 31, 2017

The Seto Inland Sea’s ‘art island’, Naoshima, is now on the bucket list of many tourists. Most visit the island and then head off to another famous location on the Japanese main island of Honshu. Unfortunately, they miss the opportunity to explore many fantastic lesser known sightseeing spots in the rest of Kagawa Prefecture. If … More Touring Shikoku’s Kagawa Prefecture (after Naoshima)

Morinji Temple & the Tanuki Tea Kettle

July 22, 2017

Morinji is a Zen Temple located in Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture. It was established in 1426 and is famous for its connection to a shape-shifting tanuki. Tanuki are dog-like raccoon animals, and they are often depicted as mythical creatures.  If you walk from Morinjimae Station to Morinji Temple, you can see picture signboards that tell … More Morinji Temple & the Tanuki Tea Kettle

Fukushima City and Nihonmatsu City – Overnight Sightseeing Tour

April 27, 2017

The Tokyo American Club has been supporting Fukushima through volunteer projects for many years. In appreciation, the locals often encourage us to return as tourists. On one of those trips, I co-led a tour for the Women’s Group (now called ‘Connections’) to highlight some of the prefecture’s wonderful sightseeing spots. If you really want to … More Fukushima City and Nihonmatsu City – Overnight Sightseeing Tour