June 14, 2014

Tokyo Walk: Temples & shrines of Asakusa (Part 1)

Asakusa has a large number of shrines and temples in easy walking distance from each other. There is even a pilgrimage of the 7 Lucky Gods, where you can go through a few of those shrines and collect stamps along the way. For myself, I did my own pilgrimage last April. Starting in Uguisudani, the least used station of the JR Yamanote line and finishing at Senso-ji, I visited:

Onoterusaki Shrine
Otori Shrine
Benten Pond
Yoshiwara Shrine
Tobi Fudoson Temple
Ishihama Shrine
Hashiba Fudoson Temple

June 13, 2014

Spring at Kyu-Furukawa Garden

While I was at Kyu-Furukawa Garden for the rose festival, I spent some time strolling around the Japanese garden.

June 12, 2014

Rose Festival at Kyu-Furukawa Garden

In May, I went back to Kyu-Furukawa Garden for its Spring Rose Festival.

June 11, 2014

Institute for Nature Study

The Institute for Nature Study (自然教育園; Shizen Kyoiku-en) is a nature reserve in Tokyo near Meguro Station.

June 11, 2014

Hayashi Rice at Kurofunetei in Ueno

Hayashi rice (lunch set).

June 10, 2014

Boat ride on Lake Sagami

After getting down from Mount Jinba and reaching Lake Sagami, I boarded the big swan sightseeing boat for a tour of the lake.

June 9, 2014

Hike from Hinohara Village to Lake Sagami: Mount Usuki, Mount Ichimichi, Mount Daigomaru & Mount Jinba

After visiting the Hossawa Falls, which was actually a detour, I turned east to reach Mount Usuki (臼杵山) and continued to Mount Ichimichi (市道山). Those are two of the “Three Togura Mountains” (戸倉三山). After Mount Ichimichi, I walked south to Mount Daigomaru (醍醐丸) then went down to Wada Pass (和田峠) before climbing the stairs leading to the summit of Mount Jinba (陣馬山). I then walked part of the trail to Mount Takao but went down the mountain at Myo Pass (明王峠) in the direction of Lake Sagami (相模湖), passing Yose Shrine (与瀬神社) along the way. I then took the train back to Tokyo from Sagamiko station.

June 8, 2014

Hossawa Waterfall

The Hossawa Waterfall (払沢の滝; Hossawa-no-taki) is located in Hinohara Village, in western Tokyo. It is only about 10 minutes from the bus stop, next to the trailhead to Mount Sengenrei. This page has a map and directions to its location.

June 6, 2014

Miso Ramen at Ramen Oyaji in Machida

Oyaji-men, with additional egg.

June 3, 2014

Sagami River Koinobori Matsuri

The day before Children’s Day (May 5th), I went to Suigotana (水郷田名), in Sagamihara City (Kanagawa prefecture), to visit the Sagami River Koinobori Matsuri. Koinobori are carp-shaped wind socks traditionally used to celebrate that day. During the festival, over 1,200 koinoboris are hoisted up to blow in the wind (which fortunately was very strong that day).