暦 Koyomi End Mar - Apr
こよみを楽しむ
IN HARMONY WITH THE SEASONS
Nodate
(O u t d o o r t e a s e s s i o n s)
野点
text & coordination/ Rieko Ido, photo/ Hajime Watanabe 文とスタイリング:井戸理恵子、写真:渡辺肇
In the days of old, when winter turned to spring, the weather turned mild and agreeable and when various flowers started to bloom, the Japanese would head out to the fields and hills with their bentos, and sometimes with tea and sweets. This was also done in the belief that those had departed from this world to the next, via the mountains and sky, would descend from the mountains during this period, and
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it was a chance to meet and greet them. And so as time went by, this tradition of picnicking under fully-bloomed sakura trees, or having a cup of matcha or sencha outdoors became known as nodate. Savouring tea, enjoying conversation and sometimes reciting poetry on fine and fair spring days accompanied by a refreshing breeze. Such immersion of oneself in nature as green shoots of grass and flora
are sprouting is an elegant pastime unique to the Japanese who are keenly in tune with the changes of the seasons.
Rieko Ido A graduate of Kokugakuin University, researcher of ancient Japanese customs and knowledge, conducting technical analysis on findings to apply them to modern lifestyles. Currently teaches at Tama Art University.
Get in Touch with Japanese Garden and Bonsai Culture After a long winter, people can´t wait for the arrival of spring. With the beginning of April, not only do the new school and business years start; also the first flowers and blossoms start blooming, providing a fresh and encouraging start. Immerse yourself in this paradise of warm pastel colors and experience Japan’s unique spring beauty while strolling through Tokyo’s many gardens. To aid you in your travels, we will introduce you to Japanese garden culture, its history and the special form of gardening called bonsai. Our guide to spring flowers will lead you through your exciting new adventures in and around Tokyo’s marvelous gardens.
Small steps toward magnificent garden culture In the past, gardens were created by the upper-class of society and could be classified into three main groups: 1. Gardens representing natural scenery for aesthetic pleasure and later for strolling through 2. Dry landscape gardens 3. Tea ceremony gardens Japanese gardens are meant to mimic natural landscape in a miniaturized form. The history of garden design goes back about 1,000 years. The first form of gardening was seen in sacred places, deep in the forest containing natural objects like trees, mountains and rocks with extraordinarily rare shapes. These places, marked with pebbles, white sand or rope ties, were used for ceremonies to honor gods or sacred spirits which were believed to live in or visit these areas. Chinese culture, especially Buddhism, started influencing Japanese garden design in the 6th century. Since then, gardening styles have changed throughout the centuries and Japan has developed its own special form of gardening. The ancient capital of Kyoto contains more than half of Japan´s historical gardens. Eikando Zenrin-ji Temple
Address: 48 Eikando-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto URL: http://www.eikando.or.jp/English/index_eng.html
Japanese Gardens in Changing Times Nara Period (710 – 794)
Nara used to be the capital of Japan and, during the end of the 8th century, Japanese garden culture sprouted as gardens for higher society were built. These early gardens featured a pond with an island in the middle, surrounded by shorelines and stone settings.
The capital moved to Kyoto and the upper class started building large gardens using layouts inspired by the Chinese concept of feng shui. These places, visited both for amusement and ritual worship, featured large ponds and winding streams connected by bridges, as well as islands and pavilions. The late Heian Period was characterized by a new style of garden architecture, called Pure Land Buddhism. These ParadiseGardens were equipped similarly to their predecessors, but were much bigger and more colorful.
Motsu-ji Temple (Iwate) Address: 58 Hiraizumi Osawa, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate-ken URL: http://www.motsuji.or.jp/english/index.php
Kamakura (1185–1333)
& Muromachi Period (1336–1573)
Saishou Tea Garden inside Tokorozawa’s Aviation Memorial Park (Saitama)
Address: 22 Daigo, Higashioji-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto URL: https://www.daigoji.or.jp/index_e.html
Address: 1-5-37 Sanjo-oji, Nara-shi, Nara-ken URL: https://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/pdf/regional/kinki/nara_shi.pdf
(794-1185)
(1573 – 1603)
Daigo-ji Temple (Kyoto)
Heijo Palace Site (Nara)
Heian Period
Azuchi – Momoyama Period
A new concept of garden architecture was introduced: the tea garden. These gardens were meant to resemble the spirit of wabi (侘び) through their rustic simplicity, utility and calmness. The narrow garden was regularly watered to stay humid and green. Besides a cherry tree bringing color during spring, other brightly colored flowers were not included.
Ruling power was taken over by a military regime (将 軍 shogun), which supported a new form of Buddhism called Zen. As a consequence, garden architecture changed, becoming more simple and compact. The results were dry landscape gardens connected to temple buildings, with the main purpose being to support monks during their meditation exercises.
Edo Period (1603-1868)
The minimalistic garden design changed back into one of recreation and extravagance, with large strolling gardens being built. Another new form of garden design was the tsuboniwa (坪庭), a small courtyard garden created by the urban population. They provided a piece of nature and fresh air, featuring decorative elements like stone lanterns, water basins and stepping stones meant to be viewed from a porch or from inside the house.
Meiji Period (1868-1912)
With the Meiji Period came the age of modernization and the re-opening of Japan to the Western world. A new law in 1871 opened old, private strolling gardens and abandoned gardens from the Momoyama and Edo periods to the public.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Tokyo) Address: 11 Naito-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo URL: https://www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/english/index.html
Erin-ji Temple (Yamanashi) Address: 2280 EnzanOyashiki, Koshu-shi, Yamanashi-ken URL: http://erinji.jp/ (Japanese only)
“The White Gravel and Pine Garden “
Modern Japanese Gardens (1912~)
Tenryu-ji Temple (Kyoto)
Due to modernization, Western-style city parks were designed featuring new elements like flowerbeds and open lawns. After World War II, government agencies took over the task of building gardens instead of private citizens. These new gardens are meant to be consistent with the architecture, raising landscape design to a different level.
Address: 68 Saga-Tenryuji, Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-fu URL: http://www. tenryuji.com/en/
Adachi Museum of Art (Shimane) Address: 320 Furukawa-cho, Yasugi-shi, Shimane-ken URL: http://www.adachi-museum.or.jp/en/
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Spring Flower Guide for Tokyo’s Gardens 1
Showa Memorial Park / 国営昭和記念公園
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Rikugien Garden is a large strolling garden built during the Edo Period. You need about an hour to discover the entire area, which features a central pond surrounded by artificial hills and forests connected by walking trails. Have some tea and sweets in the Fukiage Chaya teahouse, located on the shoreline of the pond, and enjoy the lovely view over the garden. During spring, the breathtaking weeping cherry trees are in full bloom and are lit up after sunset, providing a special and romantic experience on mild evenings.
This national government park in western Tokyo features themed gardens and woods, a traditional Japanese garden (including a tea house and a bonsai area), playgrounds, a lake with rental boats, a BBQ area, flower fields and much more. Due to the large size of the park, rental bicycles are available to enjoy the place along the provided trails.
Hours: 9:30am – 5pm (Mar. – Oct.); (9:30am – 6pm on weekends & holidays from Apr. – Sep.) Admission: 410 yen (adults); 80 yen (children) Address: 3173 Midori-cho, Tachikawa-shi URL: http://www.showakinen-koen.jp/guide-english/schedule-english/
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Tulips
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Sakura
March 4
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Rikugien Garden / 六義園
Hours: 9am - 5pm (Last entry 4:30pm) Address: 6-16-3 Hon-komagome, Bunkyo-ku Admission: 300 yen URL: http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/rikugien/outline.html
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April
Sakura
Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden / 向島百花園
Mukojima Hyakkaen is a flower garden in eastern Tokyo and the only one remaining there from the Edo Period. The concept of the garden was that visitors could enjoy hundreds of different flowers throughout the year. When first opened, the main feature was its 360 plum trees. Over the years, however, different flowers highlighted in Chinese and Japanese literature and poetry have been added.
Hours: 9:30am – 5pm (Last entry 4:30pm) Admission: 150 yen Address: 3-18-3 Higashi-mukojima, Sumida-ku URL: http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/mukojima/outline.html
Rhododendron
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Poppies
May 3
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Wisteria
June 4
Iris
Koishikawa Korakuen Garden / 小石川後楽園
Koishikawa Korakuen Garden is located in the heart of Tokyo, right next to a popular amusement park area, Tokyo Dome City. This is a well-preserved vestige from the Edo period and one of the oldest gardens in Japan’s capital. Its design was based on the concepts of Zhu Zhiyu, a Chinese scholar of Confucianism. Influenced by the West Lake of the Chinese city Hangzhou, the garden features a Full Moon Bridge and other typical Chinese elements beside the usual central pond and artificial hills.
Hours: 9am – 5pm (Last entry 4:30pm) Admission: 300 yen Address: 1-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku URL: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/english/park/detail_05.html#koishikawa
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BONSAI - Tradition that is small in size, but big in culture Besides gardening on a large scale, bonsai refers to the act of creating miniature potted plants. Since nearly every plant species can be transformed into a bonsai, people can enjoy beautiful spring cherry blossoms as well as fall foliage - without even leaving their homes! In Japan, pine trees are most common and traditional to be turned into bonsai. Originally, this specific art of gardening came from China during the 8th century and was called penjing , which used to be practiced only by higher society, and spread throughout China as luxurious gifts. This tradition made its way to Japan during the Kamakura period as a religious souvenir, and became a hobby practiced by virtually everyone. In the late 19th century, bonsai made its debut in the West; recently, the younger, more global generation, has been embracing it as well. Bonsai Master
Kunio Kobayashi
Award-winner Kunio Kobayashi (b. 1948), who was raised in Tokyo`s Edogawa district, says he dedicated his life to bonsai from age 28. For more than two decades, he has given lectures about bonsai all over the world
“Bonsai means Life” Kunio Kobayashi, world-famous bonsai master, runs his school and museum in Tokyo’s Edogawa Ward. At age 28, he dedicated his life to bonsai and gained the required skills through self-study. Having grown up in a nursery, he was familiar with the beauty of plants and nature from a tender age, but one encounter in particular set him off on his determined path in life: During an exhibition, he spotted a Japanese white pine formed in the shape of a bonsai tree. Fascinated by how its elegant shape represented life´s dignity, the young Kobayashi decided immediately to start creating such graceful trees himself. “Bonsai is art,” he said, and can be described using the three words of individuality (個性 kosei); harmony (調和 chowa); and elegance (品位 hini). Since it takes years of learning and practice to become a bonsai master, after 40 years of creating clear and beautiful bonsai, Kobayashi changed his style to one that showed several aspects of the tree which had never been seen before. “Aji no aru (味のある) bonsai ”, which communicates both depth and grace. With this new form observers can directly sense the Japanese culture of wabi-sabi (詫び寂び): quiet simplicity and subdued refinement. While scraping off parts of the bark to achieve this form (leaving a stem with just a thin string reaching the leaves), the dry wood turns white. The result – metaphorically representing the combination of life and death – shows the beauty of aji no aru bonsai, and rewards you with both life energy and a new way of sensing the power of life. Today, Kobayashi has more than 200 apprentices and international students studying and following his advice, and for over 20 years, he has presented his skills at lectures in over 20 countries. The Bonsai Museum offers a special one to three months program for international followers to learn directly from the master. Attendees live together with Kobayashi’s family and other apprentices to learn and observe the traditional way of creating bonsai trees. There is no need to worry in particular about Japanese language skills, as explanations can be provided in English and Chinese, too. A typical tokonoma arrangement
The Shunkaen Bonsai Museum, opened 15 years ago, and displays over 1,000 bonsai trees. The garden is designed with typical Japanese elements, and the museum itself is a traditional Japanese house with tatamimat flooring and paper sliding doors. One entire room is dedicated to each of the most elegant trees, displayed in typical tokonoma (床の間), a common alcove in the wall of Japanese homes. An inscribed hanging scroll (kakejiku 掛け軸) and a viewing stone, called suiseki (水石), create the perfect balance of simplicity to show the bonsai trees’ most aesthetically pleasing features. While strolling through the garden, visitors have the unique chance to observe the master and his apprentices as they work; suddenly, they feel like members of the team. Get yourself dressed in wonderful kimono and explore the garden or drink a cup of the delicious green tea you prepared yourself during a tea ceremony. This museum provides guests with the full range of Japanese cultural experiences in one single breathtaking place. We met Benjamin and Philipp (from Germany), wearing beautiful kimono and carrying katana swords, looking like real samurai from the past. They told us that the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum was the best place they have visited in Japan! Shunkaen Bonsai Museum /春花園 盆栽美術館 Hours: 10am – 5pm (Closed Mon.) Admission: 800 yen + a cup of green tea (adults); 600 yen (students) Address: 1-29-16 Niihori, Edogawa-ku, 132-0001 Tokyo Access: 7-min bus ride from Mizue Station (Toei-Shinjuku Line) until Keiyo-guchi bus stop URL: http://kunio-kobayashi.com/en/index.html
Bonsai Lesson: 3,800 yen per person (admission to the garden included) Tea ceremony: 4,000 yen per person for 30min Kimono experience: 5,000 yen per person for 30min Please make a reservation via “Japanese Culture Visit” (Mrs. Ichimi) Tel: 090-2409-2742 E-mail: honwaka-tei@jcom.home.ne.jp URL: http://www.japanese-culture-visit.com/english.html
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How to Bonsai! Shops, Cafes, Bonsai Kits and more! Patisserie Yukinoshita / パティスリー雪乃下 Breathtaking Bonsai Matcha Tiramisu One item from Yukinoshita’s delicious dessert range is sure to catch your eye: the Bonsai Matcha Tiramisu. The delicate mascarpone layered between moist matcha sponge cake is brought to perfection with a small amount of sake distributed by a pipette. Yukinoshita uses only fresh products selected personally by the patissier, who uses the same traditional handmade processes employed in the past. Hours: 10am – 7pm (Lunch 11am – 2pm) Address: Komachi Plaza 1F, 2-7-27 Komachi, Kamakura-shi Access: 5-min walk from Kamakura Station – East Exit (JR Yokosuka Line) URL: http://yukinoshita. info/ (Japanese only)
Green Scape / グリーン スケープ Get the hottest pots in town!
Shohin Bonsai Shop “Kinokaze”/ 小品盆栽 季の風
Bonsai, Pots & a Cafe: This store has it all! This store, located in the suburbs of Tokyo, features everything that a bonsai and nature lover could wish for. Make your way to this unique place and get your own little tree. Most of them are small or midsized, ready to be transformed and grown into a bonsai. Pick the perfect pot out of 600 different designs to match your bonsai. After strolling through the shop, why not relax at the shop’s cafe? Freshly ground coffee and homemade pound cakes are waiting for you. English-speaking staff are available to answer questions about all the products.
Green Scape, a shop selling bonsai trees and supplies located next to Meguro River, features a calm and relaxed atmosphere with a fresh design. Get stylish pots for your bonsai and other plants made by Tokoname Ceramic Art Association in a simple yet modern form. Beside bonsai-related products, you can also find traditional ornaments for the tokonoma, wind chimes, indirect lighting, as well as original teapot and teacup designs.
Hours: 11am – 5pm (Closed Tue. – Thu.) Address: 2-27-9 Inokashira, Mitaka-shi Access: 7-min walk from Mitakadai Station (Keio Inokashira Line) URL: http://www. kino-kaze.com/english
Hours: 11am – 8pm / 11am – 7:30pm weekend & public holidays, (Closed Wed.) Address: Cerisier 102, 1-18-4 Kami-Meguro, Meguro-ku Access: 2-min walk from Nakameguro Station (Tokyu Toyoku Line, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line) URL: http://greenscape.co.jp/ (Japanese only)
Paper Bonsai / “KAMI-BONSAI ” The bonsai you can easily take home!
Bonsai Set / “JAPANESE BONSAI ” Grow your own little tree! If you want to grow your own little tree from scratch, there are several bonsai sets on sale to provide the perfect start! A beautifully designed pot including soil, seeds and instructions is the beginning for your fun new hobby. Choose between black pine, sakura or maple trees.
Cultivating a bonsai is not as easy as it may seem, so we have the perfect solution for people whose thumbs are not particularly green. This easy-to-make paper bonsai comes in four different designs - each focusing on a different season! The handy, A6-sized kit is the perfect souvenir. Since caring for a bonsai means shaping it by yourself, you can even design this paper bonsai according to your own preferences. Position the leaves and branches, highlight the leaves, give them structure or add other items. There is no limit to the creative possibilities! We put the paper pieces together and wound up with a result that looks too real to believe! Where to get: Tokyu Hands Shibuya 6F, 12-18 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku URL: http://www.kami-asobi.jp/kamibonsai/index-en.html
Where to get: Loft Shibuya, 21-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku URL: http://seishin.cside6.com/product/other.html (Japanese only)
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Must-see and must-dos!
Spring Fun!
Cherry Blossom
& Viewing in Tokyo @ Asakusa TOKYO SKYTREE
®
Cherry blossom viewing, a century-old tradition in Japan, means enjoying sweets with friends under a sakura tree and watching pink petals fall gently to the ground. Follow us as we take you on an exciting tour around Asakausa and TOKYO SKYTREE, an area with many sakura viewing spots and famous landmarks! FACEBOOK CHECK-IN SPOT
Perfect Angle
Sumida Park
The park, stretching for a few hundred of meters along the Sumida River with an unblocked view of the TOKYO SKYTREE, has been a popular destination for admiring cherry blossoms since the Edo Period (1603-1867). Home to a wide variety of cherry trees, Sumida Park is a great checkin spot for tourists. Chomeiji Sakuramochi, or rice cake with sweet red bean paste wrapped in salt-preserved cherry leaves, is a traditional sweet to bring to outdoor picnics.
ASAKUSA WALKING MAP
Sumida Park Access: Approximately 3 minutes by foot from Asakusa Station on the Tobu Skytree Line
Only 3 minutes from Asakusa Station to TOKYO SKYTREE by Tobu Skytree Line
Sensoji Temple Nakamise- dor i
Chomeiji Sakuramochi Address: 5-1-14 Mukojima, Sumida-ku, Tokyo Hours: 8.30am - 6pm
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Chomeiji Sakuramochi ¥200
EKIMISE Asakusa
View from the River
Tokyo Cruise
START
Azu ma bas hi
As
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The cruise takes you along the Sumida River, where beautiful sakura trees line the riverbank. Running between Tokyo’s old town Asakusa and the futuristic area of Odaiba, the cruise is a cool alternative to tour this bustling city. Access: Approximately 3 minutes by foot from Asakusa Station on the Tobu Skytree Line
MUST-TASTE SNACKS
TOKYO Solamachi Limited Edition Sweets
These sweets not only taste exquisite, but also come in creative and cute packaging. They surely do make a great souvenir for family and friends back home! Japanese Matcha Chocolat
This honey flavoured matcha cake with rich, luxurious chocolate filling is a long-selling treat sold only at TOKYO Solamachi.
SORA de MOCHI
Made using egg white, glutinous rice and sweet red beans, the cake is fluffy in texture and melts right in your mouth. SORA de MOCHI comes in different packaging and is loved by adults and children alike.
Get it here!
Shun Ka Shun Ka Kyorakudo @ TOKYO Solamachi 2F 6 ¥648 for four pieces
Sablé Cookie
(maple black sugar flavor)
Get it here!
Senjushuku Kitaya @ TOKYO Solamachi 2F 6 ¥150 for one cake ©TOKYO-SKYTREETOWN
Fève, which means both beans and happiness in French, is a bean snack brand by famous Japanese patisserie chef Hironobu Tsujiguchi. The packaging is as blue as Tokyo’s sky and has the height of TOKYO SKYTREE—634 metres—marked on it.
Get it here!
Fève @ TOKYO Solamachi 2F 6 ©TOKYO-SKYTREETOWN
¥800
Honjoazumabash
Eat, Drink and be Merry!
ONE DAY TOUR IN TOKYO’S OLD TOWN
TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN
SM
TOKYO Solamachi
The walk from Asakusa to TOKYO SKYTREE offers a spectacular view of cherry blossoms. After taking a stroll, visit TOKYO Solamachi inside TOKYO SKYTREE for a collection of gourmet restaurants and souvenir shops. Do not forget to visit the observation decks at the top as they offer a million dollar view of the city.
Scan for more information on TOKYO SKYTREE
Shop
Pokémon Goods Collection
Pokémon Center
SKYTREE TOWN
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BEAMS
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© 2017 Pokémon. © 1995-2017 Nintendo/Creatures Inc. /GAME FREAK inc. ポケットモンスター・ポケモン・Pokémon は任天堂・クリーチャーズ・ゲーム フリークの登録商標です。
©TOKYO-SKYTREE
Pokémon Center SKYTREE TOWN (exclusive to 3 shops in Tokyo)
Shop
@TOKYO Solamachi 2F 9
Opened in October 2016, this leading Japanese boutique retailer showcases a wide range of selected items, clothing, fashion accessories and daily necessities. Why not look around for a chic outfit to wear to cherry blossom viewing events?
Hikifune Stn.
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Pokemon doll ¥2,160
Fashion Mania
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@TOKYO Solamachi 4F
Fans, prepare to be greeted by a large size “Sky High” Pokémon Rayquaza at the store! Opened in 2016, the spacious interior displays a variety of Pokémon goods, including exclusive merchandise that can only be found here. Monthly events always attract a crowd.
TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN
Lunch Great View
GOAL
Stn.
Toei Asakusa Line Asakusa Boulevard
About 15 minutes from Asakusa Station to Tokyo Skytree on foot
Oshiage Stn.
TOKYO SKYTREE Stn.
RIGOLETTO ROTISSERIE AND WINE @TOKYO Solamachi 2F 7
Located right at the bottom of TOKYO SKYTREE, the restaurant offers delicious grilled dishes and wine at their outdoor patio. Golden rotisserie chicken, crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, is a mouthwatering option to please the taste buds.
Tokyo METRO Hanzomon Line
Golden rotisserie chicken ¥1,200 for four pieces
Night View
Oimo Tree Waffle
Decorated with bright red potato drizzles and star chocolates, the tree-shaped pastry tastes wafflelicious! (Sold on weekends)
Freshly m ade goodness only at TOKYO Solamachi
Bird’s eye okyo view of T at night ©TOKYO-SKYTREE
Overlooking Tokyo’s night skies
TOKYO SKYTREE Observation Decks
Get it here!
The TOKYO SKYTREE Tembo Galleria rises 450 meters above ground and features a stunning view of Tokyo at night. The glass floor lets visitors experience the thrill of walking in the skies.
¥480
Ticket counter: TOKYO SKYTREE 4F (FAST SKYTREE TICKET COUNTER is for foreign visitors) Hours: 8am - 9pm Tembo Deck (350m) last entry 9pm / Tembo Galleria (450m) last entry 9.20pm *All prices are inclusive of tax
Oimosan-no-omise Rapoppo @TOKYO Solamachi 2F 5
©TOKYO-SKYTREETOWN
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@Kawagoe
OUTSKIRTS OF TOKYO
Sakura Viewing in Little Edo Ikebukuro
Tobu Tojo Line
Kawagoe
30 minutes by rapid train
Kawagoe, a little town that still preserves the nostalgic atmosphere of Edo, is barely an hour away from urban Tokyo and has become one of the most celebrated places for cherry blossom viewing in spring in recent years.
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Shingashigawa River Kawagoe is connected to Edo (former name of Tokyo) by Shingashigawa River, whose riverbank served as a stopping place for merchant boats in the past. Address: 53-36 Kamishingashi Kawagoe-shi, Saitama Access: Get off at Shingashi Station on the Tobu Tojo Line then walk for 9 minutes or get on the Kawagoe shuttle bus and get off at Asahibashinishi bus stop
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Kitain Temple Kitain, a Buddhist temple founded more than a thousand years ago, is a prime spot for sakura viewing in spring.
Fortune-telling sea bream
Address: 1-20-1 Kosenba Street, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama Admission: ¥400 (adults), ¥200 (middle and elementary school students) Hours: [3/1-11/23] 8.50am-4.30pm (weekdays) 8.50am-4.50pm (weekends and holidays) [11/24-2/28] 8.50am-4pm (weekdays) 8.50am-4.20pm (weekends and holidays) Closed on 12/25-1/8, 2/2-3, 4/2-5 and 8/16 Access: T2 Kitainmae bus stop on the Tobu Koedo Loop Bus
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DINNER SPREE AT IKEBUKURO
The shrine, known for matchmaking, gives out 20 small stones to those who are eagerly looking for their better half every morning at 8am. Visitors can also get a fortune-telling poem in the form of a sea bream.
Have a perfect ending to your day trip to Kawagoe by enjoying gourmet at SPICE food court in Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro. Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro Hours: 10am-10pm (B2-3F, 9F and 10F operates until 9pm, except on Sun & holidays) SPICE Hours: 11am-10pm Mon - Sat (11F-13F), 11am-11pm (14F-15F) and 11am-10pm on weekends (11F-15F)
Match-making stones
Address: 2-11-5 Miyashitamachi, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama Hours: 8am-6pm Admission: Free Access: One minute by foot from T8 Miyashita-chō bus stop on the Tobu Koedo Loop Bus Scan here for more information on Tobu Department Store
Conveyer Belt Sushi TORITON @11F The Hokkaidooriginated restaurant is dedicated to offer fresh sushi at reasonable price.
Japanese Grill Champion @14F Enjoy melt-in-your-mouth A5 Kuroge Wagyu steak and rare parts of high quality beef at this Japanese yakiniku restaurant.
BEST DEAL!
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
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GH STAY FOR ONE MORE NI
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Kawagoe Tobu Hotel
Located only 5 minutes away from the station, this hotel is a convenient place to stay. Spacious, relaxing guest room is perfect for travelers looking for cozy comfort. Staying here also means getting a head start in visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine! Address: 29-1 Wakitamachi, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama Access: 5 minute walk from Kawagoe Station on the JR Kawagoe Line and the Tobu Tojo Line Website: www.tobuhotel.co.jp/kawagoe/
Tobu Railway Value Pass GO
KAWAGOE
Scan here for more information on Tobu Railway
KAWAGOE DISCOUNT PASS
KAWAGOE DISCOUNT PASS PREMIUM provides unlimited city travel on buses
Receive discounted fares and special offers from participating shops in Kawagoe with this pass. Also available is the KAWAGOE DISCOUNT PASS PREMIUM, which includes unlimited travels on buses within the city. This is by far the best deal to travel to and around Little Edo! Price: KAWAGOE DISCOUNT PASS ¥700 (adults) / ¥360 (Child ) KAWAGOE DISCOUNT PASS PREMIUM ¥950 (adults) / ¥480 (Child ) Ticket Counter: Central 1 Ticket Gate, Central 2 Ticket Gate, TOBU TOP TOURS Ikebukuro Travel Agency and Tobu Tojo Line South Ticket Gate (1F) at Ikebukuro Station on the Tobu Tojo Line
KAWAGOE DISCOUNT PASS
More than Just Cherry Blossoms!
All Kinds of Flowers in Full Bloom @Ryomo Area (Ashikaga and Tatebayashi)
Besides cherry blossoms, there are many other flowers, such as shibazakura (phlox moss) and colourful flowering vines, to add cheer to the romantic atmosphere in spring in Gunma Prefecture and Tochigi Prefecture.
Tobu Treasure Garden
Over one million plants of 4,000 species is a natural spectacle you do not want to miss. The Shibazakura garden starts to flourish in early April with white, red and pink blossoms, while other gardens turn into a sea of dreamy colors with a wide variety of flowering plants.
Address: 1050 Horikucho, Tatebayashi-shi, Gunma Access: Approximately 15 minutes by foot from Morinjimae Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line or 10 minutes by taxi from Tatebayashi Station Website: http://treasuregarden.jp/en/ *25 Mar 17 Spring Opening! Nemophila blooms from early April to early May.
Morin-ji River
Tobu Isesaki Line
Morinjimae Stn.
Best time of the year to visit Shibazakura: Early April - late April Someiyoshino Cherry Blossom: Late March - early April Yaezakura (Double Cherry Blossom): Early April - mid April
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Morin-ji Marsh Post Office Morin-ji Temple
Tobu Treasure Garden GOAL
Morin-ji Numa (pond)
Tsutsujigaoka Park The civet cat, featured in Japanese fairy tale, is as cute as ever. Choose from a collection of cat-theme goods, including key chain holders and smartphone straps.
The park has many interesting landscape attractions, such as an 800-year-old giant azalea tree and 10,000 azaleas of 50 different species. Mid April - early May is the best time for flower viewing. Address: 3181 Hanayamacho, Tatebayashi-shi, Gunma Access: Approximately 30 minutes on foot from Tatebayashi Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line
Scenic trail
Pink wisteria Purple wisteria
Wisterias come in many colors and flower in the order of pink, purple, white and yellow for a whole month.
Ashikaga Flower Park The astonishing vigor of wisteria contrasts greatly with the romantic pink color of cherry blossoms, which come into full bloom each spring all over Japan. Night illumination adds a touch of mystery to the romantic atmosphere. Home to a variety of purple, pink, white, yellow wisteria, this park is a must visit for flower lovers.
Winter night illumination is just as impressive as the scenes of spring
Tobu Railway route map
Ryomo
Yellow wisteria
Address: 607 Hasamacho, Ashikaga-shi, Tochigi Telephone: 0284-91-4939 Access: Approximately 30 minutes by shuttle bus from Ashikagashi Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line (refer to the website for shuttle bus schedule) Website: www.ashikaga.co.jp/english/index.html
Best time of the year to visit: Wisteria: Mid April to mid May Azalea: Mid April to early May Heather: Early May to late May
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White wisteria
Ryomo（りょうもう） Ryomo connects Tokyo with Gunma and Tochigi. Since it only takes one hour from Asakusa Station to Tatebayashi Station by Ryomo rapid express, Gunma makes a great destination for a day trip.
Tobu Tourist Information Center Asakusa
The center provides multi-language sightseeing information on Ryomo, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen. Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen area Tobu passes can also be purchased here. Address: Tobu Asakusa Station on the Tobu Line Hours: 7.20am-7pm (open all year round)
Tobu-nikkō
Kinugawa-Onsen Shimo-Imaichi
Gunma-ken Akagi
Tochigi-ken
Ashikagashi
Ota Tatebayashi
Saitamaken
Kawagoe
Shin-Tochigi Tochigi
Ibaraki-ken Tobu Dobutsu Koen Kasukabe
TOKYO SKYTREE
Tokyo Ikebukuro
Kanagawa-ken
Asakusa
Haneda Airport
Chiba-ken Scan here for more information
Narita Airport
A Peek into Japan’s Past and Future in Saitama
Easily accessible from Tokyo, Saitama City of Saitama Prefecture has an estimated population of 1.27 million and ranks as the 9th largest city in Japan. In this multifaceted city, flourishing urban vibrancy comes into perfect balance with simple countryside scenery. See for yourself how tradition and modernity coexist in Japan by paying a visit to Saitama City!
Encounter Japan’s Future
The highlights of Saitama City’s booming skyline include Saitama Shintoshin Station, high-rise skyscrapers, a super arena with spectator capacity of 30,000 and COCOON CITY, a cluster of shopping malls offering pretty much everything you can think of.
◀Landscape in Transformation
The fields of Saitama City’s Minuma-ku commands a great view of the fast growing Shintoshin, which means “the New Heart of the City” in Japanese. Believe it or not, you can actually feel the metamorphosis taking place right here. Take the walking trail recommended by locals to view this city in a new way.
Latest Fashion News All in COCOON CITY COCOON CITY is a mega shopping complex close to Saitama Shintoshin Station. Consisting of three large shopping buildings and two spacious parking areas, the mall offers all kinds of shopping options and entertaining activities to make sure everyone has a great time. For a glimpse into local cuisine and fashion, you can’t go wrong with COCOON CITY.
Misono: A Developing District The Saitama City Government has made great
Misono Wing City is to make productive use of
efforts to transform vast areas of land into
land resources, improve living quality and create
welcoming landscapes in the past years. The
a more livable community. To give life to the
reformation of Misono, a 320 hectare land
project and integrate suggestions from both the
neighboring Urawamisono Station, is in full swing
public and private sectors, Urban Design Center
and will turn the area into the next-sub city centre
Misono: UDCMi was set up. Construction work was
with a focus on sports, health, environment and
carried out from 1994 - 2014 and will be finished
resources in no time. The concept behind the
between 2021 - 2026.
Toro Station Omiya Station Omiya ⇅ Shinjuku 30 minutes by rapid train Akabane Station Ikebukuro Station Shinjuku Station
Omiya Park Station
Iwatsuki Station
Saitama Shintoshin Station Urawa Station Higashi Urawa Station
Minami Urawa Station JR Shonan Shinjuku Line JR Saikyo Line, Kawagoe Line and RinkaiLine JR Utsunomiya Line Tobu Noda Line JR Keihin Tohoku Line JR Musashino Line and Keiyo Line
Answer questions for a chance to win prizes! Tell us which part of Saitama interests you most after reading this article to win!
Giveaway prizes include… Three pairs of tickets to Bonsai Art Museum and the Railway Museum in Omiya, and more!
Complete our questionnaire online at www.wattention.com/saisurvey
Experience Japan’s Traditional Way of Living
Besides bustling excitement, Saitama City is full of remarkable historical and cultural heritage which you can discover through walks and excursions. There is no place better to enjoy Japan’s rich and colourful tradition.
Dango in sweet soy sauce 2 for 200¥
● Hikawa Dango Shop Located next to the path leading to Hikawa Shrine, the shop has won the hearts of locals for years. Mitarashi dango, or grilled mochi balls dipped in sweet soy sauce, and fried manju confectionery are popular options. Hours: 9am-6.30pm Closed on Mon Address: 2-130 Takahana-cho, Omiya-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture Access: Approximately 10 minutes by foot from JR Omiya Station East Exit.
● Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine
● Masuya Unagi Restaurant
With more than 2,000 years of history, the shrine is one of the oldest in Japan. As its name “Ichinomiya” suggests, it is the top shrine in the Musashi area. This is the shrine that gave Omiya its name.
Although there is no lack of restaurants in Urawa offering melt-inyour-mouth eel dishes, Masuya is the most famous because it has been around for over 120 years. The secret sauce gives the fish a special grilled flavor you can not get anywhere else.
Address: 1-407 Takahana-cho, Omiya-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture Access: Approximately 15 minutes by foot from JR Omiya Station East Exit and Kita Omiya Station on the Tobu Noda Line
Hours: 11am - 2.45pm, 5pm - 8.45pm, L.O. 7.45pm on Sun & Weekend Closed on Mon Address: 7-1-3 Kishi-cho, Urawa-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture Access: 6 minutes by foot from JR Urawa Station - West Exit (Keihin Tohoku Line, Utsunomiya Line, Shonan Shinjuku Line)
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Omiya Bonsai Village
Trivia information! According to the staff at Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, beginners can try looking at the bonsai from bottom up for an amazing outline of branches. This is a good trivia to impress your friends with!
Saitama’s Kita-ku Bonsai-cho is within a couple minutes walk from the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum. In 1923, a group of gardeners from Tokyo moved in after the Great Kanto Earthquake, laying a solid foundation for today’s bonsai village. Although the number of bonsai gardens has dropped from 30 to six in recent years, the place remains the centre of Japanese bonsai culture.
● Omiya Bonsai Art Museum Opened in March 2010, the museum aims to preserve the tradition of bonsai culture. As the only public bonsai art museum in Japan, it welcomes bonsai beginners from all around the world. The multilingual voice guide explains how to appreciate bonsai and is recommended for those who want to know more about Japanese culture.
Toro Station on the JR Utsunomiya Line
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Omiya Bonsai Art Museum Omiyakoen Station on the Tobu Noda Line
The 8 th World Bonsai Convention in Saitama Bonsai is celebrated not only as an aesthetic piece of art but also as an affordable, cute interior feature all over the world. The World Bonsai Convention, slated to be held from 27 30 April , is a great chance to check out the latest trend in bonsai art.
Le Tour de France SAITAMA CRITÉRIUM Named after Le Tour de France, the closed circuit race has been held in Saitama’s Shintoshin for four times, attracting top riders who have participated in Le Tour de France as well as professional riders across the world. Experience the excitement and adrenaline rush of Le Tour de France by visiting Saitama!
● Minuma Tsusenbori Park
Into the bamboo forest we go!
At the centre of the lush area is Minuma Tsusenbori, the oldest lock in Japan. The outdoor space, covered with bamboo stalks and green grass, is of natural beauty and historic interest. Access: Approximately 5 minutes by foot from Urawa Station on the JR Musashino Line