In the busy commercial neighborhood of Kamiyacho in Tokyo I came across these long, steep, ancient stone staircase.. Wondered what it was and saw the sign board, Atago Shrine. Hmm interesting, lets check it out. The stairs are really steep and I found it later that a Samurai climbed the steps on horseback to deliver plum blossoms
The birth rate in Japan is said to be at a record low and the government, media, society frequently discuss this issue but with not much success. Economic difficulties, less societal support structures (day care etc.) etc. contribute to the problem… Japan has been historically celebrating Children’s day wishing healthy and strong growth for kids,
I love the camera system from the first iPhone which I have owned, the iPhone 3 and have been witness to the innovation progressing on the smartphone one generation after another. I have started to make many of my blog entries with some images taken from an iPhone 6 camera as against always depending on the
Tokyo has many Cherry blossom spots across the city with Chidorigafuchi and Asakusa being some major attractions. Tokyo Tower is also one of our personal favourite with the Zojoji Shrine, a buddhist shrine providing a beautiful contrast in the cherry blossom season. The beauty of sakura (cherry blossoms) on the Zojoji grounds is enhanced due
Going around in Kabukicho in a salaryman suit can be an uncomfortable experience. Popular red light district of Shinjuku it was right next to the place where I used to visit a customer for my weekly meetings. Within all the noise of the services of the entertainment district and LED lights is a blissful and a
On a cold winter day in December, walking to the Shinto Shrine Kanda Myojin I noticed a dome like structure in the distance and the overall European feel the structure had. I found out from searching the internet that it is the Tokyo Resurrection Cathedral which also goes by the name of “Nicholai-do”. Decided to
Still the month of February and longing for the spring in Tokyo? Visit the many gardens in Tokyo sporting the Plum blossoms called “Ume” in local Japanese. Yushima Tenman-gu Shrine near Ueno Station. Yushima Tenman-gū Shrine or Yushima Tenjin is a Shinto shrine in Tokyo, Japan devoted to Tenjin, the Kami of Learning. Due to
Kameido Tenjin Shrine, also known as Shitamachi-no Tenjin-sama (Tenjin shrine of downtown Tokyo) is famous for the Kameido Ume Matsuri, plum blossoms in the month of February and March as the city takes turn for the spring season. There are around 200 plum trees, as the diety enshrined here Sugawara no Michizane is enshrined, is
In Japan, people traditionally go to a shrine or a temple and write their wish (or thanks if a wish came true) on a wooden tablet–called “ema” (Japanese: 絵馬), good luck charm –that has a picture of a horse (or sometimes another animal) on the back, and then hang the tablet at the temple or
Me to my friend (in Japan as a tourist) : So what are your plans over the weekend. Friend : I wanna go Kyoto! Me : What in Kyoto are you planning to see Friend : The Torii, gates (FUSHIMI INARI TORI), Kinkakuji, etc etc etc. Me : Well I can help you do the
Financial transactions are one to one. 100 yen money for 100 yen worth of goods and services. Exchange (give and take) 100 dollars with your friend and both of you have 100 dollars. Exchange an idea with your friend and both of you have two ideas. Knowledge doubles. In the Hindu mythology is a term called “Saraswati-dan” , loosely
Interested in seeing the Indian architectural influence in Tokyo? Next to the Tsukuji Fish Market, walking towards Ginza, is a temple which from the exterior has a distinctively Indian feel to it. The Tsukiji Honganji Temple has Indian roots and according to the information we collected at the temple the Hindu architecture influence is due
Yasukuni Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. It was founded by Emperor Meiji and commemorates anyone who had died in service of the Empire of Japan. The Honden shrine commemorates anyone who died on behalf of the empire, including not only soldiers, relief workers, factory workers, and other citizens, but also those
Buddhism carried many ideas from India to Japan and its easy to find many of those even today in the most interesting places. Akihabara is the place for geeks, anime, electronics and what not, but just a five minute walk is a thousand year old shrine The Kanda Myojin where we found the Indian God Mahakaal
Tokyo is a modern megapolis, and will showcase its “modern” face complete with the renovated infrastructure, the anime culture and the image makeover with the Cool Japan campaign recently launched. Tokyo is certainly much more than that and it retains its traditional Japanese roots prevalent in some neighbourhoods in the city, particularly in Asakusa, on the