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The Tokyo Traveler

Archive for August 2008

August 31st, 2008

Nihon on the Net - 8/31/08

Tattoos in Japan - not just for yakuza (gangsters) anymore.  While there are still social stigmas surrounding the tattooed, attitudes are changing…slowly.

10 things about Tokyo that will blow your mind by MatadorTrips.  Mind-blowing, maybe not, but still an interesting read.
Busses in Japan are a cost effective alternative to taking the famous bullet train, better know […]

By Shane -- 0 comments

August 30th, 2008

A Menagerie of Good Fortune

Cats, dogs, horses and birds, oh my!  These are just a few of the animals that represent good fortune in Japan.  They are a common sight in business and homes around Tokyo and are often printed on talismans that can be purchased from the temples and shrines that abound in the city of Tokyo.  Folklore […]

By Shane -- 0 comments

August 29th, 2008

Vegetarian in Tokyo?

Are you a vegetarian looking for dining options in Tokyo?  If so, then you will definitely want to try shojin ryori, the traditional food of Zen monks in Japan, which is pure vegan and is in rooted in Buddhist teachings dating back to the 13th century. 
A shojin ryori meal consists of seasonable vegetables and […]

By Shane -- 2 comments

August 28th, 2008

Centuries of Traditional Craftsmanship

Toto Norenkai is an association of shops and businesses that have been in operation in Tokyo, formerly know as Edo, for over 100 years and three generations. In Japanese the single word “Toto” captures the essence of both old Edo and modern-day Tokyo, and “noren” refers to the traditional curtain-like sign that is hung […]

By Shane -- 0 comments

August 27th, 2008

Tokyo - A Rainbow of Colors

If you were asked to pick a color associated with Tokyo, what color would that be? I think the first colors that come to mind for most people would be red and black but the city offers a veritable rainbow, or niji, of colors to her visitors. Let’s explore the colors of Tokyo…
Aka […]

By Shane -- 2 comments

August 26th, 2008

Furoshiki - A ‘Green’ Carry All from Japan

Recently I shared 10 Tips for a Greener Trip to Tokyo and told you that the use of eco-bags by residents of the city was increasing. The furoshiki is the original eco-bag and is a simple square piece of cloth that the Japanese have been using to wrap and carry items for centuries. […]

By Shane -- 5 comments

August 25th, 2008

Hibiya Park

Sitting on land that was once home to the mansions of feudal lords (daimyo) in the Edo Era and used as a military training ground in the following era you will find Hibiya Park. The garden was first opened in June, 1903 and was the first western style urban garden in Tokyo.

Ponder the central grass […]

By Shane -- 1 comment

August 24th, 2008

Nihon on the Net - Japan Blog Matsuri Edition

  As promised, this weeks Nihon on the Net will feature Impressions of Tokyo submitted to the newly revived Japan Blog Matsuri.  We have quite a few great articles to read, so let’s get started…
Tae Kim, next months host, talks about Google Street View of Japan in Google, what will they think of next? at […]

By Shane -- 7 comments

August 23rd, 2008

Japan News (in English)

If you are looking to keep up to date on the news from Japan there are a number of newspapers (shimbun) that publish in English.
Most of these newspapers can be found at major newsstands in Tokyo. If you are outside the city they are a little harder to come by but you can always […]

By Shane -- 1 comment

August 22nd, 2008

Royal Park Hotel

The Royal Park Hotel is located in Ningyocho, one of the city’s oldest and most traditional neighborhoods. The hotel goes out of its way to make sure that guests feel welcome and offers a variety of different ways for guests to explore the history, culture and culinary options that the area has to offer. […]

By Shane -- 0 comments