WAttention Tokyo Vol.30

Tokyo Edition

Singapore - Malaysia - L.A - Taiwan - Thailand - Paris - Hong Kong - Indonesia - Mexico - Australia

FREE Winter 2018-2019 VOL.30

Your guide to the best of Tokyo

Culture Special

Tokyoite Kaimono [shopping]

Culture Area Special

Akasaka & Roppongi -Reinventing Elegance

Special Feature

Ibaraki -a Land of Charm Vol.30 Special Survey + Giveaway Love Japan? Follow

WAttention

暦 Koyomi Januar y

睦月

こよみを楽しむ

IN HARMONY WITH THE SEASONS

First Snow 初雪

folding screens “First Snow”

The most important part of this painting is that it creates the feeling that you are there, inside the world of the painting, and enjoying the excitement of the winter’s first snow. It might be the aluminum leaf background on a smooth mulberry paper, or the way the silver leaf flakes can sometimes seem to float inside the painting... or the way the white drops appear to be suspended above the surface of the painting, but whichever of these elements it is, it makes one cold while standing next to this painting. It created too cold a feeling for me to be able to display in the winter time, and I even found that when I decided to show it on a whim in the summer, it was as if it made the air conditioning more effective.

Even more than the fortuitous pine, plum and bamboo motif which I often like to use, or the taut or wavy lines in which I painted them, I like the fact that in the cloudy mirror of the shiny screen’s

ALL AN WEST

surface I think I can see what appears to be the people who live

Born in 1962 in the US, Allan West settled in Tokyo and eventually graduated with a Master

inside the painting who awkwardly extend their left hand to shake my proff ered right one.

of Fine Arts from Tokyo University of the Arts.

You can visit his open studio in Yanaka, Tokyo.

www.allanwest.jp

text & artwork / Allan West, coordination / Mariko Takahashi, photo / Keiji Okazaki WAttention Tokyo |

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Why “WAttention”?

Our name comes from the hope that people around the world will pay more “Attention” to “WA（和） ; an important term in Japanese culture meaning harmony with nature, peace and even Japanese culture itself!

VOL.30

世界中の人々に「和」 （WA）に注目（Attention）してほしいという願い を込めてWA+Attention= WAttentionと名づけました。

Contents Publisher

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In Harmony with the Seasons

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Tokyo Hot News

Associate Editor

Tokyoite Kaimono[shopping] Culture

Editorial Advisor

- PIONEERING THROUGH THE AGES - The Shoppping Culture of Tokyoites - Shopping Shaping The City

Editorial Team

Akasaka & Roppongi

Design Team

Reinventing Elegance

Kenji Ishida / Chew Yan Qiao

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Feature 1

Feature 2

Yasuko Suzuki / WATTENTION CO., LTD. Yuka Suzuki Mariko Takahashi Zoria Petkoska / Ellen Hwang / Jude Austin Nancy Liu / Andrew Smith Hsin-Yun Chang(WEB) / Doris Lo Graphic Designers Photographers

- History of Akasaka - Roppongi’s Designer’s Flag Contest

Keiji Okazaki Noboru Hanamura / Kenji Sugasawa Sales & Marketing

Robot Restaurant

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Naoki Kiyota / Yuri Nakazawa / Chihiro Tamura

Blasting Away Expectations 20

Special thanks

Another 3hr Trip

Roppongi Shopping Street Association

Ibaraki

広告･記事に関するお問い合わせは

- Around Tokyo in 180 Minutes - Ningyoucho and Nihonbashi

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Feature 3

和テンション株式会社

a Land of Charm 28

〒150-0002 東京都渋谷区渋谷2-3-8 倉島渋谷ビル401号

Vol.30 Special Survey + Giveaway

Phone: 03-6418-5701 (main) / 03-6418-5828 (editorial) Fax: 03-6862-6760 E-mail : info-tokyo@wattention.com

Interested to find out more about the places and things featured in our magazine? Head to our official WAttention website where you can read the articles in full, with additional information.

From Editors

シンガポール事務所 WAon Pte. Ltd 2B Craig Road Singapore 089662 Phone : +65-6324-2127

Follow WAttention online

WAttention Tokyo has reached its 30 th issue.

To the many readers who have supported us throughout the years, we, the editorial staff, would like to take this opportunity to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Arigatou gozaimasu!

Since launching WAttention Tokyo in 2011, we have seen a remarkable increase of foreign visitors to Japan, with an ever broader diversity of backgrounds. We will continue to strive to create articles that people from all over the world can relate to and that will spark their interest.

We are going to keep diving further and deeper into Japanese culture, revealing the many faces of Tokyo that are yet to be discovered.

Please continue to support us and look forward to our following issues.

Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!

Winter 2018-2019

WAttention Tokyo はおかげさまで 30 号を迎えました。多くの読者の皆さんからご 愛読をいただいたおかげだと、編集部一同、感謝を申し上げます。WAttention

Tokyo の創刊は 2011 年。それから今日まで、日本を訪れる外国人の皆さんは劇的

に増加しました。数だけではなく、訪れる方たちの国や地域の数も多様化しています。 私たちはこれからも、それぞれの興味にお応えできるように、東京をさまざまなアン

グルから、さらに深く紹介していきます。今後とも、ご愛読をお願いします。 編集長: 鈴木幸香

-Associate Editor Yuka Suzuki

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Culture Special

ARCHITECTURE & ARTS IN TOKYO

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The Untouched Soul Of Shitamachi: Shibamata & the towns of Tokyo that keep the old norms alive

Discover Niigata from Tokyo.

Let's Go!

Love Japan? Follow

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［WAttention Tokyo 定期送付のご案内］ 配布エリア外にお住いの方や、 毎号お読みになりたい方のために定期送付いたします。

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TOKYO H T NEWS Bringing you the latest hot news Winter 2018-19

Embark on a trip to the universe at Yurakucho After successful launches of planetariums in Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City and TOK YO SK Y TREE®, KONICA MINOLTA is opening a brand new planetarium at the heart of Yurakucho on December 19. This dome features a Digital Multi-purpose Theater, a state-of-the-art planetarium with awe-inspiring Sound Dome Ⓡ, a stereophonic sound system technology and a virtual facility called VirtuaLink. It might be difficult to catch a glimpse of a shooting star in Tokyo, but an exciting adventure to the skies is always waiting for you at KONICA MINOLTA PLANETARIA TOKYO. KONICA MINOLTA PLANETARIA TOKYO planetarium.konicaminolta.jp/planetariatokyo/ (Japanese)

Journey to the world of Hokusai in 2019 Hokusai Updated exhibition Katsushika Hokusai, popularly known simply as Hokusai, is a famous artist specializing in ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art. During his seven-decade long career, Hokusai authored a wide arrange of woodblock prints, many of which have not been exhibited. If you would like to know more about this legendary figure, do visit Mori Arts Center Gallery for the Hokusai Updated exhibition. From January 17 to March 24, 480 pieces of Hokusai’s art in total will be on display, split in 4 different exhibit periods. 118 of these works are a collection of special prints for private use and they have never been shown together before. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore the fascinating world of Hokusai through his many prints.

Japanese bar tools specialty store reopens in Ginza Bar Times Store celebrated its new facelift on October 19, opening its doors to unreserved customers during business hours in Ginza.

Before the reopening , only cus tomers with reser vations were accepted. While professional bartenders will have no problem finding qualit y shakers, bar spoons, stir sticks and many other original products here, amateurs who love a drink can also find something suitable for their needs. This is definitely the place to go if you are looking for a unique gift. BAR TIME STORE www.bar-times.com/ginza/

Get your ninja training at this virtual dojo opening in February 2019

Wine and dine while exploring Tokyo’s charming attractions Wouldn’t it be great if you can enjoy authentic Japanese meal and the famed Tokyo attractions at the same time? Japanese bus company Willer heard your wishes and will offer creative Japanese cuisine on their buses from December, two months after they started running a restaurant bus providing its riders with French dishes. Fine local ingredients and traditional condiments like Edostyle miso and irizake (Japanese sake with preserved plums) will be used to make nostalgic Japanese meals. The bus will be equipped with audio guides in English, Chinese and Korean. Tokyo Restaurant Bus willerexpress.com/en/restaurantbus/

Slated to open in Kanda, Tokyo on February 10, 2019, VR NINJA DOJO is a ninja attraction equipped with the latest VR technology. Visitors will dress in ninja costumes, wear VR gadgets and learn the authentic moves from a ninja master before engaging in a virtual ninja battle. Lessons include swordplay, shuriken (ninja stars), martial arts and much more.

If you are not in the fighting mood, you can still enjoy watching your friends battling away on the monitors through mixed reality technology.

Unleash your inner ninja at this one and only virtual dojo in Japan.

▼ keep reading here: ▶

WTT30 hot news WAttention Tokyo |

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Culture Special

Tokyoite Kaimono Culture [Shopping]

Shopping (kaimono) is a necessity for some and an enjoyment for others, but for Tokyoites it’s both those things combined with unique cultural elements that have been shaping the city for centuries. Places of historical importance have also become key areas of commerce, serving as major shopping hubs long before now and still today. Even Tok yo’s train and metro stations have blended into the department store concept to become eki depato, huge shopping complexes which you never have to leave the station to enjoy. These factors, combined with inescapable 24 -hour convenience stores and ubiquitous vending machines, make Tokyo the world’s undisputed “Kingdom of Convenience.”

PIONEERING THROUGH THE AGES The Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store is preser ving histor y while leading it at the same time. The Mitsukoshi brand itself dates back to 1673, and it became Japan’s f irst modern-day depar tment s tore in 19 0 4.

Since then, Mitsukoshi has persisted in innovating, bringing about many other firsts in Japan - the first escalator, the first messenger boys, the first fashion show, and, among many other things,

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the first shopping center to include a restaurant inside the store.

Importantly, Mitsukoshi’s underlying philosophy has always been cr ystal clear: Give customers even more than they would expec t.

To t h is da y, M i t s uko s h i does not merely sell products - it curates elements of Japanese culture carefully while blending them seamlessly with foreign-inspired concepts.

Poster of Mitsukoshi 1910 by Hahakabe Kinshu ©ISETAN MITSUKOSHI LTD.

Mitsukoshi and Nihonbashi Weaved Together The city of Edo, today’s Tokyo, and its historic Nihonbashi Bridge were both founded in 1603, marking the start of the Edo Period (1603-1868). Just 70 years later, Mitsukoshi’s history began when Takatoshi Mitsui opened what was in essense Mitsukoshi’s original storefront, the Echigoya kimono fabric shop.

Ever since that time, Mitsukoshi and Nihonbashi have been inextricably linked.

Hospitality with History Madame Kiyoko Kondo, the okami , chief service manager, of Nihombashi Mitsukoshi, believes that taking care of the customer is a must, and “wowing” the customers is the extra step that Mitsukoshi has always taken and continues to take. Kondo embodies the principle of omotenashi, impeccable Japanese-style hospitality.

More Than Just Shopping Deeper within that stunning facade, however, in Nihombashi Mitsukoshi you can find a different art exhibition every week, and a wide variety of fascinating cultural workshops. Above all, Mitsukoshi is revered in Japan for its reliability, featuring its elegant, unified style and widely respected brand throughout all their products, shops and department store branches.

The fi rst messenger boys in front of the Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store

Mitsukoshi Redesigned Since its humble beginnings in 1673, Mitsukoshi has never been afraid of change. Recently, the management teamed up with star architect Kengo Kuma to redesign the first floor of the flagship Nihombashi Main Store, as part of a broader renovation project that will continue until 2019.

Kuma is renowned for his elegant blend of modern architecture and traditional Japanese elements - a perfect match with Mitsukoshi.

▼︎ Keep Reading Here ▶ ©ISETAN MITSUKOSHI LTD.

WTT30 kaimono WAttention Tokyo |

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Tokyoite Kaimono Culture

The Shopping Culture of Tokyoites

Curious Edo People and Trendy Tokyoites Shopping culture has been evolving, absorbing other cultural elements and remixing them into today’s shopping landscape. It isn’t just the businesses at the forefront of this innovation, but also the genuine curiosity and thirst that Tokyoites have for novelties that has been driving shopping trends forward. The inventive spirit of Edo people is a big reason why Edo, now Tokyo, has developed into such a metropolis. One cannot describe Tokyo today without the uniqueness of Edo culture and spirit, which is traditional while being unlike the Kyoto culture. As any healthy rivalry between major cities goes, Edoites, and now Tokyoites, have prided themselves in having more down-to-earth culture, as opposed to old Kyoto and all its frills.

It seems businesses have always been marketing-savvy – wherever the customers went, they followed. And in the Edo period businesses followed people right into the Kabuki theater. This pastime was perfect for ad placement, and kabuki actors became an early form of ‘brand ambassadors’, with everything from what the kimonos they wore on stage to the food they ate as part of the plot, becoming instant hits.

Moreover, kabuki and ukiyo-e also play a big part in today's advertising, being used for product design and subway posters depicting good manners and so on.

HACHIDAIME ICHIKAWA DANJIURO “Yanone Soga Goro Tokimune” 1852

by Kunisada Utagawa

YONDAIME ICHIKAWA KODANJI end of the Edo period

by Kunisada Utagawa

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One of the Harajuku fashion styles of the 2000’s

Chasing Trends Most importantly, Edo people were always quick to catch onto a trend, and today ’s Tokyoites are known for starting trends that spread like wildfire. The over-the-top, uber-kawaii Harajuku might come to mind, where youths gather to wear fashion that challenges ever y f iber of mainstream culture. The nature of being counter-culture means constantly moving, and never getting comfortable in a trend, meaning that the Harajuku of 2018 is not the Harajuku of 2008, much to some people’s chagrin. However, just like cherry blossoms, many people have also come to accept how transient these cultural trends are, and decided to embrace the change.

Harajuku style left the main Takeshita Street to tourists and branched out into the back alleys of Ura-Harajuku or Cat street, constantly changing appearances and moving forward.

Ura-Harajuku

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Tokyoite Kaimono Culture

Shopping Shaping The City

High Streets and Local Shopping Streets – Two Sides of a Coin Tokyo is a city of contrasts locked in an interplay, one of which is the balance of high shopping streets and local shopping streets. Just a stone’s throw away from the play ful Harajuku shopping area, is Omotesando, which enjoys the status of a high street full of swanky flagship stores offering luxury brands.

Ginza was also an avant-garde culture hub, home to the first cafes, and Tokyo's answer to Paris at that time. This affluent past and cultural roots have carried on to this day and these areas have internationally famous luxury shopping streets, dotted with places of high culture and art, like theaters, galleries and kimono shops.

Yanaka Ginza Shoutengai

Nostalgic Charms of Shoutengai Ginza Six

MIDTOWN HIBIYA

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As these high streets became ever more modern, To k y o a l s o ke e p s t h e m o r e t r a d i t i o n a l l o c a l shopping s treet s w ith their unique ever yday charm. T hese s treet s are unpretentious , laid back, affordable and offer an array of products which of ten spread out of the shops and onto the s treet it self. From ar tisans ’ handiwork to tast y treats, and even convenient chain stores, these streets are worth exploring. Yanaka Ginza in Yanesen area, Ueno Ameya Yokocho, are but a few where you can enjoy the old downtown atmosphere. Almost every station is guaranteed to have a local shopping street or ‘shoutengai’ in some form. Best of all, these streets are not far from high streets or department stores, and they coexist in perfect harmony.

A Shopping Culture Seeking Something More Complex A s the success ful Mit sukoshi model shows us, the shopping experience can be elevated by incorporating ar t and cultural activites. This was also why kabuki and ukiyo-e worked so well with shopping trends, and why areas like Ginza thrived ー not only because of its shopping options, but also its cafes, which served as social gathering spots for artists, and its streets where the first mobo (modern boys) and moga (modern girls) strutted in their cosmopolitan fashion. Moving towards that unison of shopping and arts and culture, Tokyo has seen the opening of modern shopping complexes like Tokyo Midtown and Ginza Six. These complexes consist of gardens and streams; exhibition spaces, whole galleries and museums; cinemas, shops and cafes ー while also being directly linked to public transport station allowing for a seamless connection to the city life.

Shimokitazawa

Tokyo Neighborhoods Are Their Own Little Worlds

TOKYO MIDTOWN “Moga” in Ginza photo by Charles Phelps 1929

In Tokyo, the shopping landscape of every neighborhood has a deep connection to the area’s histor y, features and development. The unique charms are reflected in the architecture, the style of cafes, and the fashion of the people gathering there. As Harajuku is the kingdom of kawaii, Omotesando the home of chic, and Ginza the center of luxur y, many other areas are known for something specific. Akihabara is the sub-culture town, Shibuya is the cool kids’ hub, and Asakusa is the retro Edo v ibes. Shimokit azawa and Koenji are the mos t popular second-hand shopping areas, with this type of vintage fashion becoming popular among young people.

Second-hand shopping brings a breath of uniqueness, as many pieces are one of a kind and the opposite of the mass-produced simple fashion produced by the big retailers. Buying second-hand is more than a fashion statement; it’s a longing for something distant, something different, something nostalgic, despite new generations never having lived in the times that inspired their fashion choice. The list goes on and if we have learned anything from Tokyo’s shopping culture and history, it’s that these neighborhoods will be forever reinventing themselves.

Tokyo: The Capital of Convenience To k y o ’ s s h o p p i n g c u l t u r e i s m a r k e d b y o n e m o r e characteristic: ubiquitous and ultra convenient shops called ‘konbini’. These life-savers are open 24 hours and an essential part of people’s daily lives. They constantly monitor people’s needs in the busy modern lifestyle of the metropolis and come up with new ways to make life easier. In the konbini kings like Lawson, FamilyMart, Seven-Eleven, MINISTOP and so on, people can buy all kinds of snacks, sandwiches, even hot tasty meals, freshly brewed coffee and the list goes on. They can also use a photocopier, printer, buy toiletries, pay utility bills, buy tickets to concerts and museums, and even schedule their online shopping to be delivered to a konbini of their choice!

Vending Machines

▼︎ Keep Reading Here ▶

WTT30 kaimono WAttention Tokyo |

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Old Meets New

Akasaka & Roppongi

AREA SPECIAL:

赤坂

The History Of

Akasaka The history of the district goes back to around 1567 when Hitotsugi village was first established on the lands that would later become Akasaka. Fast-forward a few decades to the Edo Period and the area finally started to come to life thanks to the many samurai residences that were being built there.

The sudden influx of the warrior class to the area also attracted merchants, which in turn resulted in Akasaka becoming more of a commercial district. This trend continued right until the Meiji Restoration in 1868, when the warrior class ceased to exist and the Akasaka samurai were replaced by politicians, soldiers, and public servants, all of whom needed to be fed and entertained. After the Meiji Restoration this allowed many ryotei (high-class Japanese-style restaurants) and over 100 geisha houses to open in Akasaka. With their guests consisting of Japan’s most influential and powerful men, Akasaka soon became one of the most famous entertainment districts in the country.

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Manryu

A lot of Akasaka’s popularity was due to the geisha Manryu. Manryu was born around 1894 as Shizu Tamukai. When she was just seven years old, she entered an Akasaka geisha house named Harumoto to be trained in the art of dance, singing, and traditional entertainment.

From a very young age, Manryu was praised for her great beauty. She was a natural choice as a model for the beautiful women postcards, which quickly made her a star. One might even say that she was the f irst modern Japanese female celebrity, with people actually saying things like: “When it comes to a woman, it’s Manryu.” At one point, the stunning geisha was even voted the most beautiful woman in all of Japan, bringing yet more fame to her home district of Akasaka.

- Reinventing Elegance

Roppongi is NOT just your popular nightlife district and just up north, Akasaka has more to offer other than its political and business vibes. Follow us as we peel off another side of its vintage beauty and modern flare that you have yet to see.

Hinokicho Park ©THE CAPITOL HOTEL TOKYU

Sadly, huge portions of Akasaka were destroyed during the W WⅡ bombing s , but bec ause of the area’s close proximity to the National Diet Building, its redevelopment was swif t and took advantage of the chance to shed some of Akasaka’s risqué reputation and be reborn as a more high-class place.

In practice, this meant keeping all the expensive restaurants but doing away with the geishas. Today, Akasaka is still entertainment-oriented, but in more of a gourmet sense.

BYLINE: Cezary Jan Strusiewicz

Akasaka Hikawa Matsuri

WAttention Tokyo |

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Old Meets New

AKASAKA HIGHLIGHTS

Taking tradition to the next level The Capitol Hotel Tokyu brings century-old tradition to life

Hie Shrine and The Capitol Hotel Tokyu 12

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The Capitol Hotel Tokyu is situated in an area which used to be a samurai residence and geisha district. It’s known for striking the perfect balance between tradition and modernity, offering a wide arrange of cultural experience programs for its guests, such as attending a geisha performance at a traditional Japanese restaurant and learning how to pray properly at Hie Shrine, a neighboring shrine with 500 years of histor y. Don’t miss out on this chance to get close to traditional Japanese culture!

©THE CAPITOL HOTEL TOKYU

Renovated ryotei connects the Kaisu is a hub for international exchanges

past with the present

A kasaka ’s hanamachi ( geisha dis tric t) used to be the place where politicians and business leaders from home and abroad would gather for important discussions during the economic boom in Japan. Although hanamachi disappeared along with the bubble economy, Akasaka remains the hub for international exchanges to this day. Originally a traditional Japanese ryotei frequented by VIPs, the Shimazaki Restaurant was converted into a multifunctional space that brings together a hostel, a café and a bar.

Kaisu extends a warm welcome to guests of all nationalities, carrying on the heritage of Akasaka’s glorious past.

Exquisite hospitality throughout the ages Toraya’s refurbished flagship store and its exhibition gallery Toraya is a Kyoto-born confectioner y shop with hundreds of years of histor y, proudly ser ving as a purveyor to the Imperial court. Toraya opened its first Tokyo shop in 1869, when the capital was transferred from Kyoto to Tokyo. The Toraya Akasaka shop has been witness to the changes and development of the area, ever since its grand opening in 1879. After undergoing a largescale renovation in 2018, the shop is now walled with glass, bright with natural light, and ready to continue making history. The basement level is a gallery showcasing Japanese culture while the third floor features a viewing area where you can see confectioners at work. We suggest that you order some freshly made Japanese confections at Toraya Pavilion to get a taste of history.

*The toppings of Japanese dessert anmitsu changes seasonally **The gallery theme changes from time to time

Japanese Western-style restaurant Akasaka Tsutsui and its endless culinary delights In 1950, Koso Tsutsui, the founder of Akasaka Tsutsui, opened a restaurant in Kayabacho’s Shinkawa. Five years later, he moved the restaurant to Akasaka, a prosperous area with high levels of economic activity at the time. Tsutsui was a man of many innovative ideas; he replaced forks with chopsticks and substituted wine with soy sauce in order to make Western dining more appealing to Japanese people. Their grilled Japanese black wagyu loin beef bowl is a dish that’s famous among foodies. Topped with a unique sauce made using dark soy sauce, Japanese sweet rice wine mirin and sugar and served with butter and black pepper, this culinary invention is a gem you don’t want to miss.

A new bar experience in Tokyo Bar Wagokoro Akasaka brings you the best of eastern and western elements Nicely tucked away in Akasaka’s bustling commercial area, Bar Wagokoro Akasaka is a bar with fine touches of Japanese flair. The white bar counter and traditional kiriko glassware reflect the owner’s exquisite taste and astonishing detail. Apart from enjoying a collection of Japanese whisky and a matcha-based cocktail, you can also taste chocolates which include miso, konbu and other Japanese condiments. This bar exhibits the perfect harmony between eastern and western cultures and echoes Akasaka’s exotic legacy and charm.

▼︎ keep reading here: ▶

WTT30 Akasaka WAttention Tokyo |

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Old Meets New

AREA SPECIAL:

六本木

Roppongi’s Designer’s Flag Contest

transforms Tokyo’s infamous late night entertainment district into a place of art and design

Roppongi, one of the most popular entertainment and business districts in Tokyo, has an even more famous and high-class background that a lot of Tokyo locals have admired.

During the Meiji period, this area housed the mansions of nobles and relatives to the Imperial Family. Nowadays, Roppongi has a diversified lively nightlife and is in the process of reinventing itself as a hub of art and design.

At the dawn of the Edo Period during the 17th century, the area that would become Roppongi began humbly with the building of four temples on a vacant plot of land. After the temples were constructed, Daimyo, Japanese feudal lords, from the ruling Tokugawa Shogunate, the last Japanese feudal military government, raised their estates on the land. The remnants of these temples and elaborate estates can still be seen in parks quietly tucked behind the hustle and bustle of large streets intersecting throughout Roppongi. In recent years, the building of famous art museums and galleries, such as The National Art Center, Tokyo and Tokyo Midtown has attracted many interested in design and the arts to Roppongi.

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When visiting Roppongi, as you enjoy its fine art museums and galleries, be sure to spend time exploring the sights and sounds of its streets and see firsthand how creative festivals and events are reshaping this iconic area.

One such event is the annual “Roppongi Designer’s Flag Contest”. Flags of various designs are hung from 135 lampposts lining the five streets that come together at Roppongi’s large intersection.

This contest has been held for over ten years, letting creativity from professionals and nonprofessionals help re -imagine Roppongi as a place of late night entertainment to a place of art and design. In 2019, from the end of March throughout April, flags will decorate the streets of Roppongi, making it the perfect time to visit this popular international area of Tokyo. ◆

2018 ROPPONGI DESIGNER’S FLAG CONTEST 2018’s Award-winning Works

Roppongi Shopping Street Association http://www.ractive-roppongi.com/e/index.html WAttention Tokyo |

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Old Meets New

ROPPONGI HIGHLIGHTS

Roppongi Crossing

Azabu Aono Souhonpo A Sweets Maker true to its tradition and culture Azabu Aono Souhonpo has been and remains a standing testimony to the Roppongi area’s rapid transformations, while also standing as a bastion of traditional Japanese culture and its confections’ finer elements. Founded in 1856, the renowned Japanese sweets shop dates back to when Roppongi was primarily -known as the penultimate residential area for Tokyo’s ultraelite class. Today, fifth-generation owner Shinji Aono is actively invested in restoring Roppongi’s image as a vibrant center of art, culture, and elegance.

In today ’s ultra-modern Roppongi, stepping into Azabu Aono is akin to a time-traveling adventure. For those who know the cultural roots of Roppongi, Aono Sohonten’s classic style and enduring elegance don’t seem out of place in the least; instead, it provides a welcome, living witness to oft-forgotten culture in the hope of being a guidepost toward it. When it comes to the actual shop and its sweet-making activities, the proud owner, Aono-san, says that while he is not entirely against change, he strongly believes there should be two essential constants: quality and taste. Based on that , and despite the high costs involved, Azabu Aono has stayed true to its business model and all its sweets continue to be freshly made in the same, single building.

Shinji Aono: Fifth generation owner

Azabu Aono features an expansive range of classic adzuki bean sweets: monaka, mochi, and manju, as well as namagashi (usually, then and now, used in tea ceremonies), yokan, zenzai and others.

Moreover, new flavors and shapes are added with each changing season, so the variety never ends. As a kicker, true to classic Japanese culinary aesthetics, all of Azabu Aono’s sweets are as beautiful as they are delec table. Treat yourself and enjoy!

Hanabira mochi: Traditional New Year’s sweet

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Art stemming between people, time and space The fascinating charm of architectural grandeur Although known as an international center for glamor and glitz, Roppongi also houses quite a few art museums, galleries and installation art that add to Roppongi’s artistic cityscape.

Opened in 19 85 , TOTO G A LLERY・M A is a pioneer of ar t education, showcasing the unique world of architects through both indoor and outdoor exhibitions. Walk into the gallery and you will be mesmerized by architectural wonders that seem to appear around every corner.

Calligraphy puts the mind at ease Enter the world of Japanese calligraphy The art of calligraphy has won the attention of fans all over the world. Its attractiveness lies in the interpretation of words through strokes and dots in ink. Roppongi Calligraphy Ar t Classroom offers a one-time experience program where foreign visitors with no previous knowledge of Japanese calligraphy can get a taste of the traditional art. Senior calligraphers will guide you every step of the way and inspire the calligrapher inside you. If you are looking for something to calm the mind, this place offers an unexpected oasis of tranquility.

The first florist in Japan to use imported flowers A beautiful witness to Roppongi’s history Roppongi started out as a residential area for feudal lords and a town of temples in the Edo period. After World War II, Roppongi developed into a hub for western bars, restaurants and pubs due to U.S. Forces being stationed there. Established in 1892 in the same Roppongi crossing as today, U. Goto Florist is the first Japanese flower shop to use imported flowers for bouquets. The 125-year-old establishment is frequented by many loyal customers, including the Imperial Household Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassies. If you happen to be in town, do drop by this charming and historic florist.

▼︎ keep reading here: ▶

WTT30 Roppongi

Art Museums in Roppongi Area Don’t know which art to start with?

Go to our website for a list of the best must-see museums in Roppongi. ▼︎ keep reading here: ▶

WTT30 museum

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ROBOT RESTAURANT

Blasting Away Expectations Shinjuku’s main entertainment district, Kabukicho, is full of crowded bars, themed izakayas, karaoke clubs, arcades, and a variety of other ways to experience Tokyo’s nightlife. However, no other place sparks as much excitement as Kabukicho’s thrilling Robot Restaurant. Though the name seems straightforward enough, there is a lot more to “Robot Restaurant” than meets the eye.

The production takes the concept of “Neo Tokyo” to an extreme, by ambitiously mixing elements of tradition Japanese music and Kabuki aesthetic with modern anime tropes and dancing robots. As many photos and videos there are on the internet raving about this intriguing spectacle, no one really knows exactly what to expect before they actually see it for themselves.

In the lounge, you can get a taste of what the atmosphere is like before the show while enjoying some light snacks and delicious cocktails among the other eager patrons. Robot Restaurant’s vision of modern Japan is most apparent here with all its brilliant, colorful lights and mirrored walls. It significantly contrasts the solemn

temples and tea ceremonies of Japan, but it is still somehow uniquely Japanese. Despite the dazzling, gameshow-like setting, the lounge is surprisingly relaxing. Live music performances set the mood as you mingle with the many international guests of all ages who gathered from around the world to witness the wild display of exaggerated Japanese culture.

Like a mobile game come to life, Robot Restaurant features cute Japanese girls riding enormous anamorphic robots firing lasers at each other. That image by itself may be enough to get people interested, but Robot Restaurant seems perfectly selfaware in the absurdity, bringing a new level of charm and enjoyment to the experience.

Begin the show with an open mind, and by the time an evil cyborg demon is brutally eaten alive by a giant robotic snake, you can’t help but cheer. Worth noting is the great passion of the performers who keep the show fresh by updating it every month.

On holidays like Christmas and Halloween, there are special seasonal performances.

WAttention Reporter

Andrew Smith from America

“We saw Anthony Bourdain’s video and thought we had to experience it for ourselves.”

“We don’t really know what to expect, but we’re enjoying the atmosphere so far.”

Shaun and Melinda from Australia (before show)

This Australian couple chose to make Robot Restaurant part of their six-day holiday in Japan after hearing about it from Anthony Bourdain. Before the show, they didn’t know what to expect, but knew it would be spectacular. As Shaun and Melinda enjoyed drinks together in the brilliant Robot Restaurant lounge, they commented on the atmosphere and the many “bright, colorful lights”.

Adam (father) and Noah (son) from America (before show)

“This is for me!” Adam laughed revealing it was his birthday.

“We chose this place because we found the videos online and thought it looked like fun.”

The American father-son duo chose Robot Restaurant for the special occasion because it “looked like fun” when they researched it online. In celebration of his recent graduation, Noah wanted to visit Japan because of his love of Pikachu and other Japanese game characters. After shopping at the Pokemon Center, they thought Robot Restaurant would be an electrifying way to close the night.

“It was awesome — way better than I expected! It was like a sensory overload, ya’ know, but in a good way.”

“It’s very unique to Japan.”

Scot from California (after) In Japan on a business trip

Robot Restaurant Address: 1-7-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku Time: 4pm - 11pm (Shows: 4pm, 5:55pm, 7:50pm, 9:45pm) 1 show approx. 90 min Admission: 8,000 JPY Access: 5-min walk from JR and Tokyo Metro Scan QR code for more infomation Shinjuku Station

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3NINGYOCHO HR ANOTHER

Around Tokyo in 180 minutes

TRIP

NIHONBASHI

人形町 ・ 日本橋 With around 100 shops selling goods and services in the Ningyocho and Nihonbashi area, their origins spanning over 100 years, whiffs of the Edo era can still be experienced when walking along the streets.

魚久 粕漬売店

Uokyu Kasuzuke Brings out the Best Flavor Uokyu is a popular Japanese restaurant that serves kasuzuke cuisine. Kasuzuke is a traditional way of pickling fish and vegetables in sake lees. The lunch set, ranging from ¥1,000 to ¥1,500 is of great value as it includes a slice of fish, rice, miso soup and pickled vegetables.

Aside from longstanding shops,

江戸の匠・東京唐草屋

Ningyocho is full of local

Karakusaya Furoshiki

establishments. Whichever you

Karakusaya has the widest lineup of furoshiki, traditional Japanese wrapping cloth that is eco-friendly and can be used for gift wrapping, bundling or as a bag. Since modern furoshiki comes in different sizes, colors and designs, you will definitely find something that suits your personal tastes.

choose to drop in, you will be wowed by the exquisite taste and warm hospitality.

On the other hand, Nihonbashi is home to old Japan’s commerce.

Here you can find Japan’s first department store - Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store - and the grand old bridge after which the area is named. New developments such as COREDO Muromachi and its cinemas and late night dining options have also given Nihonbashi a new lease of life at night.

重盛永信堂 人形焼

Shigemori-eishindo Ningyoyaki Ningyoyaki is easy to find in Tokyo but Shigemori-eishindo is the number one place to have this baked confectionery.

Founded in 1917, the shop prides itself in providing the best quality ningyoyaki, a cake-like pastry filled with rich, sweet red bean paste. Peeking through the window to watch the bakers work their magic is always great fun.

Ningyoyaki shaped in the form of Seven Gods of Fortune is one the best sellers.

森乃園

Morinoen 香老舗 松栄堂

Shoyeido Incense Established more than 300 years ago, Shoyeido is known as the oldest Japanese incense maker, offering a wide variety of unique, hand-blended incense products that range from incense sticks to sachets and burners. A fragrant paradise is just the light of an incense away! Shoyeido’s incense are formulated with natural ingredients, so take your time and find the ones you love.

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Enjoy sweets in the comfort of a tea house that dates back to 1914. Their popular Hojicha combo set gives you a rich roasted green tea parfait, accompanied by two types of traditional Japanese sweets: warabimochi, a jelly-like not-too-sweet dessert; and zenzai, a sweet red bean soup with mochi rice balls.

Hojicha Satisfaction Combo 1,580 yen

日本橋案内所

Nihonbashi Information Center Speak to the multilingual concierge staff available here to get insider tips on where best to shop, eat and sightsee to make the best of your Nihonbashi trip. The souvenir shop here stocks everything from food to modern accessories inspired by Edo chic, and the Ippin Café serves up green tea and traditional snacks from popular historical shops, perfect for a quick pick-me-up.

Scan the QR code for more Kanda Station information about the featured places in Ningyocho & Nihonbashi

Mikado Coffee Mikado can be said to be a pioneer in the third wave coffee movement, roasting imported coffee beans in house to suit the local tastes since 1948. They take pride in good acidity in their brew, balanced with body and aroma.

AREA MAP

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Chopsticks and chopstick rests from all over Japan are available here.

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Ningyocho Station

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“Let’s go to Ningyocho & Nihonbashi with Royal Park Hotel in Ningyocho provides a smart phone free renting service named “handy” that is exclusive to our guests.

Perfect Pairings Choose from over 1,300 types of chopsticks from all over Japan, made from various types of wood and different cuttings and designs at this chopstick specialty shop. Prices range from 500 yen for a pair up to a staggering 1 million yen gift set from Fukui Prefecture.

!”

-With free access to local & international phone calls, internet and other features.

-You can receive special discounts and other benefits, simply by showing the Royal Park Hotel logo on the back of “handy” to the staff at participating stores in both Ningyocho and Nihonbashi areas.

Our guests would be able to enjoy their stay better and develop a closer relationship with locals.

Address: 2-1-1 Nihonbashi-Kakigara-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Phone: +81-3-3667-1111 URL: https://www2.rph.co.jp/en

More Info

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A quiet prefecture with abundant nature, Ibaraki has incredibly well-preserved historical landmarks to distinguish it from neighboring prefectures. Peaceful streets conceal the diligent activity of craftsmen at the heart of this picturesque prefecture; the smoky air filled with the distant sounds of banging hammers from artists hard at work.

Ibaraki a Land of Charm

Explore the easily accessible Japanese prefecture of Ibaraki, a beautiful land full of history and nature.

Signpost in the starting point of the Tsukuba-michi Road. ▶ It’s about 4km (2.5 mile) stretch to Tsukubasan-Jinja Shrine.

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Statue of the last Shogun, Yoshinobu Tokugawa and his father Nariaki Tokugawa: Kairakuen Garden

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Alluring Traditional Crafts and the Learning Spirit of the Last Samurai Yuki/Kasama/Mito At Fukuda Pottery Works in Kasama you can try your hand at creating the beautiful pottery that made the city famous and learn the importance of a true craftsman’s patience from Katsuyuki Fukuda, a sixth-generation master of the art. You can find out even more about Kasama’s popular traditional craft through a hands-on experience at Craft Hills Kasama.

Watch as messy lumps of clay transform into one-of-a-kind creations through entertaining classes led by expert artists.

When in Kasama, one shouldn’t miss the Kasama Inari Jinja, one of the top 3 Inari shrines in Japan and dating back to 651.

Some of the key features are its many stone fox sculptures and the beautiful, purple, 400-year-old twin wisteria trees which bloom in early May. Persistence and devotion are apparent in all the impeccable traditional handmade crafts that come from Ibaraki, like the modest-yet-elegant silk called Yuki-Tsumugi, carefully made in the historic town of Yuki. Tsumugi-no-Yakata offers a hands-on experience, so you can learn about the traditional weaving and dying techniques the people of Yuki used centuries before. The spirit of old Yuki is woven deep into the city as the traditional Edo period streets act like thread linking the past and the present. As you pass by the Buyu Sake Brewery and other surviving misegura from the early 17th century, it’s easy to imagine what the lively streets of Yuki were like years ago.

Ibaraki’s disciplined culture of hard work and the samurai spirit also extend to academics. Mornings in the prefecture’s capital, Mito, are alive with eager students rushing to school ready to learn — a tradition lingering from the renowned Kodokan, Japan’s largest Han (Domain) school. These Edo institutions were established to educate the children of powerful feudal lords and their retainers. From its founding in 1841 by Nariaki

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Tokugawa (9 th Lord of Mito), until 1872, just after the Meiji Restoration, young nobles and samurai, among who Nariaki’s son and later the last shogun, Yoshinobu Tokugawa, studied medicine, mathematics, martial arts, and more. This important Cultural Proper t y is now a tes t ament to the ac ademic endeavors of these last samurai and Yoshinobu Tokugawa, the commander and hence the top samurai. The ruins of the old town’s historic castle, gardens, and residences — many still bearing the famous Tokugawa triple-hollyhock family crest — inspire a deeper exploration into Japan’s exciting history.

Just as important as hard work is relaxation. That is why Nariaki Tokugawa also established the historic Kairakuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three garden landscapes, in Mito. Out of admiration for the utility of the fruit, he planted many plum trees on the premises. Now it is home to nearly 3,000 plum trees of 100 varieties. To celebrate the blossoms, the annual Mito Plum Festival is held from mid-February to early March.

The best place to view the breathtaking landscape is from the stunning Kobuntei, one of Nariaki Tokugawa’s residences.

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Kimuraya-Honten This long history store now run by its sixth owner, puts Mito’s numerous plum trees to good use by creating delightful artisan desserts like Mito-no-ume, which are almost too adorable to eat. The sweet plum flavor is simply irresistible. Nariaki Tokugawa would be proud.

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7 Tanukian Tsutaya With over 142 years perfecting its craft, this restaurant creates delicious Soba Inari — sweet deep-fried tofu wrapped around Japanese noodles.

This delicacy is closely connected to Inari shrines and its fox messengers, as there is a belief that they love eating deep-fried tofu.

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Modern Technology and Japanese Nature in Ibaraki Tsukuba Science City/Mt. Tsukuba/Kasumigaura On the more modern side of Ibaraki, the studious city of Tsukuba has become influential in the world of science and technology. Like the young samurai before them at Kodokan, the children of Ibaraki are hungry for knowledge, and the Tsukuba Expo Center provides a fun place to learn through its dazzling planetarium, full-scale 50-meter-tall (164 ft) model rocket, and various exciting hands-on exhibits.

Though the world is separated by many countries and cultures, the pursuit of science seems to always bring people together. That is especially true for the Japanese space program which contributed greatly to the international space station with the addition of the Japanese Experiment Module, the largest single component of the ISS. At JAXA in Tsukuba, models of the satellites, modules, asteroid explorers, and rockets being used to launch Japan into the future are on full display. Reignite your passion for science and exploration as you learn about space at JAXA. Back on Earth, among the flat farmlands and grand lakes of Ibaraki, rugged mountains also found their place — the most notable being Mt . Tsukuba nick named “ Shiho ” or “ Pur ple Peak ” for i t s color f ul transformations in the morning and evening. The sacred mountain covered in v ibrant fores t s is Ibaraki ’s top location for hiking and relaxation. Many natural hot springs ONSEN bubbling up around Mt. Tsukuba welcome climbers after an active day of sightseeing.

Amidst such awe-inspiring nature, Ibaraki overflows with spirituality.

Today Jap ane s e p e ople s t ill make t he pilg r image up t he ancient Tsukuba-michi road to one of the Kanto region’s most famous shrines, Tsukubasan-Jinja shrine, to visit the cultural site and the mountain’s many sacred power spots like the impressive “Osugi”, an enormous, centuries-old cedar tree. The mountainside shrine highlights the age-old culture of Ibaraki with its various religious structures decorated with intricate wood carvings. There are also shrines located of Mt. Tsukuba’s two peaks, Nantaisan and Nyotaisan, which reach up to 877 meters (2877 ft). Both are accessible by cable car and ropeway to hikers who want to experience Ibaraki’s nature and look out over the city below.

Ibaraki promotes its luscious greenery and landscapes by making it a central part of many fun-filled activities. At Forest Adventure Tsukuba, test your balance and bravery by climbing around their thrilling courses among the leaves. Great attention is put into cultivating a beautiful natural environment to maximize the experience throughout Japan’s changing seasons. You can also appreciate Ibaraki’s natural scenery while getting some great exercise by renting a bicycle and riding along the Tsukuba-Kasumigaura Ring-Ring Road. These former railroad tracks now take cyclists on a journey around Lake Kasumigaura, Japan’s second largest lake, and the surrounding area through grassy fields, shaded tunnels of leafy trees, old Edo towns, and more.

As one of Japan’s most important bread-baskets, Ibaraki is a fantastic place to pick your own fresh fruit and vegetables. Fukuda Green Farm is full of juicy produce, such as pears and persimmons, ready to be gathered at eaten among friends and family. Moreover, Kasumigaura area is the best of blueberry production in Japan. Thanks to Ibaraki’s fer tile farmland, the prefecture has gained a reputation for having delicious food. You can easily find tast y, fresh-from-the-oven bread f ro m l o c a l b a ke r ie s like M o r ge n in Ts uk ub a , a to w n f a m o u s f o r mouth-watering bread and pastries. For meat-lovers, Hitachi gyu’s high grade beef is tender and rich in fl avor.

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Superb Ocean Views

And More

Ibaraki’s eastern coast is lined with fantastic ocean views from beautiful beaches like Oarai which is mostly known for its iconic seaside Shinto shrine.

The powerful silhouetted structure against the horizon creates spectacular sunrise views. On the coast, there is also the stunning hexagonal observation building Izura Rokkakudo designed by legendary architect Tenashin Okakura who founded the Japan Art Institute and Tokyo Fine Arts School and wrote “The Book of Tea” published in the USA, like it was pulled directly from an old Japanese painting, Izura Rokkakudo quietly looks out over the ocean from the cliffs of northern Ibaraki as powerful waves crash against the rocks.

Ibaraki is proud of its cultural heritage and incredible nature sprawling across the whole prefecture, and there is a lot to love. Witness the dreamlike ocean views of Oarai lsozaki Jinja as waves from the Pacific Ocean crash into the Shinto Gate of the Seashore God, “Kamiiso-no-torii”, spraying a cool, refreshing mist into the air. Take a relaxing hike through the mountains under the crimson autumn leaves to thundering waterfalls and stunning panoramic views.

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Seasonal Festivities Watch the seasons come to life in spring, summer, and fall as colorful flowers bloom across Ibaraki.

One of the 34 most beautiful places in all of Japan, according to CNN, Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki offers a number of outdoor activities among the unique pom-pom-like kochia plants. In addition, Suigo Itako presents Japanese culture through traditional dances and various festivals in early summer.

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Superb Mountain Views

From the seaside to the mountaintops and the fertile farmland in between, Ibaraki off ers a number of attractive sites and activities without the massive lines and crowds. It is also conveniently located near Narita International Airport making it a great first destination after arriving. In Ibaraki, there are a variety of ways to experience the beauty and culture of Japan for all kinds of people from all over the world.

Listed as one of the 3 most famous waterfalls in Japan, the multi-layered cascade of thundering water at Fukuroda Falls does not disappoint. Witness its beauty year-round as the seasons change. For more excitement, you can take a thrilling dive right into Ibaraki’s beautiful mountain scenery from one of the longest suspension bridges in Japan, Ryujin Big Suspension Bridge, 375 meters (1,230 ft) above the gorge.

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IBARAKI sense: a place to touch Ibaraki in Tokyo Ibaraki sense is a shop that gathers the bes t that the prefecture has to offer all in one place in the luxurious Ginza shopping district in Tokyo. Even the design of the shop reflects the charm of Ibaraki through their use of materials, like warm natural wood and stone found in the region, and each corner represents a unique region of the rich Ibaraki prefecture.

Explore Japanese Shrines As the largest and oldest Shinto shrine in the Kanto region, Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine, located in the center of Kashima city holds a lot of history and cultural significance.

Even the Imperial Envoys have come to Kashima over the years to visit. This shrine dedicated to the deity of martial arts holds Japan’s oldest and largest straight sword.

1 Oarai Isozaki Jinja

2 Hitachi Seaside Park

4 Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine

3 Suigo Itako

5 Izura Rokkakudo

6 Ryujin Big Suspension Bridge 7 Bungee Jump at the Ryujin Big Suspension Bridge

Hours: Shop & Cafe/ 10:30am - 8pm, Restaurant/ 11am - 11pm (- 9pm Sun & Holiday) Address: 1-2-1, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Access: 6-min from Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro) on foot or 3-min from Yurakucho Station (JR) on foot

IBARAKI PRESENT CAMPAIGN Here's your chance to get a gift !

Please visit the website ⇒

IBARAKI NAVI Ibaraki Prefectural Tourism & Local Products Association

8 Fukuroda Falls

http://english.ibarakiguide.jp WAttention Tokyo |

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