The Tokyo Traveler

Each year on the second Monday of October, the Japanese celebrate Health & Sports day, Taiiku no hi in Japanese, with a national holiday.  Established in 1966, this holiday celebrates the anniversary of the 1964 Tokyo Olympic opening ceremony and encourages residents to enjoy sports and cultivate a healthy mind and body.
Schools and communities sponsor local sports days to celebrate Taiiku no hi and to  encourage children to live an active lifestyle while having some fun with their friends and classmates.
The benefits of a healthy mind and body are not limited to children or one day of the year.  …read more

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A fun article by a fellow Japan blogger on the history behind why you have to remember to Keep to the Left! in Japan.
Check out some of the videos on the Japan National Tourist Organizations YouTube Channel.
Have you heard about the banana diet fad in Japan?
Allegations of fixed matches and more in the world of Sumo Wrestling.
Tokyo – Eat Like a Local is featured in the October issue of Budget Travel.
Lastly, read about the Jenns family travels in Japan at Intelligent Travel.
Image Credit:  Wikimedia, Iwasa Katsushige 001

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Wander through a bird sanctuary, have a picnic, ride a Ferris Wheel, ponder Tokyo bay and visit Tokyo Sea Life Park in just one day!  It’s all possible when you visit Kasai Rinkai Koen, a large park located just over the Edogawa river from the heart of Tokyo.  Take a break from the hectic pace of the city and enjoy a day at this great park!
Kasai Rinkai Park first opened to the public in 1989 and is the largest park in Tokyo’s 23 wards. Lovely grassy areas, a barbeque and picnic area and great views of Tokyo Bay from the …read more

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Tokyo landmarks are turning pink in honor of breast cancer awareness month.  As a woman, and as someone who lost a dear friend to the disease this summer, I am proud to share with you what Tokyo is doing to help raise awareness of this disease that affects 1 in 8 women, and those that they love, worldwide each year.  Breast cancer does not recognize borders, language barriers or cultural differences – it is an equal opportunity disease.
This year, The Peninsula Tokyo becomes only the second officially recognized Japan landmark to be illuminated pink as part of a Global Illumination …read more

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