The Tokyo Traveler

Summer is almost a memory and fall is fast approaching in Tokyo.  The Japanese are well known for being proud of their four seasons and autumn is no exception. In Japan the changing of the seasons are celebrated throughout the country with festivals, seasonal foods and special events.
In the fall, the harvest of new rice is celebrated at temples and shrines and moon viewing, tsukimi, is all the rage.  Residents and visitors alike head out for walks in the parks of Tokyo to take in the colorful fall foliage with almost as much delight as when they head off to …read more

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Bunkyo Ward is located in the center of Tokyo and is home to many of the city’s colleges and universities along with over 190 thousand residents in a 11.3 square kilometer area.  It sits alongside Arakawa Ward and is the fourth smallest ward in terms of area and fifth in terms of population.  Despite it’s small size there is a lot for the visitor to do and see in Bunkyo Ward.
A Brief History
Bunkyo-ku, translated as “culture ward”, was established in 1947 and is a combination of Hongo Ward, which dates back to the Edo period, and Koishikawa. The ward has …read more

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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 (Red) is the color of the circle representing the sun on the Hinomaru, the flag of Japan, and is considered good luck. The Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa and many of the shrines around Tokyo are painted in this deep crimson color.Kiiro (Yellow) is the …read more

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Mid June marks the peak blooming season for irises, or shobu, in Tokyo.  This is one of my favorite flowers and I always take some time to fit in a visit to an iris garden this time of year.  Here are just of few of the Gardens in Tokyo where you can see these beautiful blooms:

Meiji Jingu Shrine – The garden is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ( 6 p.m. on Sat. & Sun.). Admission:¥500.  Closest Station: Harajuku (Yamanote Line) or Tokyo Metro Meiji-Jingumae Sta.
Horikiri Shobuen Garden -  The garden is open daily from 8 a.m. …read more

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