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The Tokyo Traveler

Archive for the ‘Symbols of Japan’ Category

July 18th, 2008

Need some luck? Get a Daruma Doll

Have you been having a string of bad luck lately?  Are you starting a new job, a new business or a new relationship that you want to be successful at?  If so, you should get a Daruma Doll.   Legend says that these dolls are named after Daruma, the Japanese name for Bodhidharma, the founder of […]

By Shane -- 5 comments

July 16th, 2008

Hello Kitty - Japan’s Famous Feline

Hello Kitty is a busy feline these days, and at thirty-four she is not showing any signs of slowing down, in fact she is busier than ever. Hello Kitty was recently named Tourism Ambassador to China and Hong Kong and she will be featured on limited edition postage stamps that will go on sale […]

By Shane -- 1 comment

June 26th, 2008

Yukata - Summer Kimono

The yukata is a type of kimono worn during the summer months by both men and women in Japan.  Usually made of 100% cotton, they are light weight and comfortable to wear in the hot summer months. 
The Japanese don yukata when they head out to festivals, use them as a robe after a bath, at […]

By Shane -- 3 comments

May 31st, 2008

Woodblock Prints - A Great Souvenir!

One of the most recognizable forms of Japanese arts are woodblock prints or ukiyo-e. The word ukiyo refers to the world of common people and e means picture. This art form originated in the late sixteenth century in the ancient capital of Kyoto and the first ukiyo-e were not woodblock prints at all but […]

By Shane -- 2 comments

May 23rd, 2008

Royalty in Tokyo - The Imperial Palace

Across from the grand Imperial Hotel you will find the Imperial Palace, home to Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan. The palace has housed the Imperial Household of Japan since 1868, when the imperial family relocated from Kyoto which had been the imperial capital for more than a thousand years.
Japan’s monarchy […]

By Shane -- 5 comments

April 23rd, 2008

Children’s Day in Japan

Kodomo no hi (Children’s Day) is observed in Japan on May 5th. The event is celebrated by hanging carp streamers (koi-nobori) and displaying samurai dolls and helmets (kabuto) in and around the home.
Kodomo no hi was originally the day that Japanese families would pray for the health, strength and future success of their sons. […]

By Shane -- 3 comments

April 6th, 2008

Sumo at Yasukuni Shrine

This past Friday, I went to Hono-ozumo at the Yasukuni shrine near Kudanshita Station. It was a ceremonial Sumo tournament and much more. I’ve never seen Sumo live before but I’ve watched it on TV, a lot, and let me tell you that it’s pretty impressive live! The event at the Yasukuni […]

By Shane -- 16 comments

March 29th, 2008

Geisha or Maiko?

The word Geisha literally translates to “arts person” or “one trained in arts” (gei = art, sha = person) and Maiko translates to “dancing child” (mai = dance, ko = child).

A Geisha is a woman trained in the traditional arts of Japan which include dance, song and the playing of musical instruments. A Meiko […]

By Shane -- 0 comments

March 27th, 2008

Tanuki - The Raccoon Dog

The Tanuki or Raccoon dog is famous in Japan as a symbol of protection from fire and theft and is said to be able to help businesses flourish. They are also know as very mischievous and fun loving creatures and as a result you will often find statues of them outside bars and restaurants. […]

By Shane -- 0 comments

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