Discoveries from around the archipelago
Some cities have neighborhoods on "the other side of the tracks". Tokyo has neighborhoods on "the other side of the river". These aren't neighborhoods to be avoided though - rather, most of them have storied pasts and fascinating sights. One of my favorites to explore is the sumo neighborhood of Ryogoku. Ryogoku today is known... Continue Reading →
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in Japan and one of my favorite places to "feel" the holiday spirit is in the Ginza. Tokyo's former silver minting neighborhood is now an unabashed temple to commercialism and yet I never tire of exploring the brick-lined back streets here, stumbling over Michelin-starred sushi joints,... Continue Reading →
When I lived in Tokyo four years ago, Ueno Zoo had no panda. Since then, they've once again become the proud owners of a black and white bear and it seemed the perfect weekend outing for my toddler this past weekend. But beyond the zoo, visitors to Ueno can enjoy even more forms of entertainment,... Continue Reading →
I love Asakusa. I know, I know, it’s one of Tokyo’s most touristed neighborhoods, but somehow that only adds to the appeal. The city’s oldest temple, the city’s newest (and tallest) building, tasty treats from the Edo era and a host of little secrets hidden in the backstreets … some places in your guidebook may... Continue Reading →
Here it is - the first post where I explore the individual neighborhoods of Japan's major cities. That's what I loved about living in Tokyo - every neighborhood had a different personality, a different character. This being the week of the Olympics, I thought the perfect place to start would be the site of Tokyo's own Olympic... Continue Reading →
