WAttention Tokyo Vol.35

Tokyo Edition

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FREE Spring 2020 VOL.35

Your guide to the best of Tokyo

Area Special

Tokyo Reborn

with TOKYO 2020

―Rinkai Fukutoshin Area, Shibuya and Harajuku

Tokyo tea culture:

A taste of Japanese tradition in the modern world

Love Japan? Follow

Another 3hr Trip

– How to Make the Best of 3 Hours in Tokyo–

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暦 Koyomi April

こよみを楽しむ

IN HARMONY WITH THE SEASONS

卯月

Mif uji 美藤

text & artwork / Allan West, coordination / Mariko Takahashi, photo / Keiiji Okazaki

The title of this painting is “Mifuji”

four panels folding screen “Mifuji”

For this painting, I approached it as

(beautiful wisteria). It reminds me of

a portrait of the person’s essence, rather

an experience I had as an elementary

than their physical characteristics. It

school student in the US. I had climbed over

has a cheerful sky with copper and gold

the fence behind the school and entered

clouds. In the background I painted the

the woods which were off-limits to us. In

words to the Noh drama play “Fuji”, using

there was a clearing, and a mass of fragrant

a fluid cursive script. In the Noh play “Fuji”

wild wisteria hanging in the bright sun. That

the female spirit of wisteria blossoms

magical vision has stayed with me until this

takes the shape of an elegant princess

ALLAN WEST

day. Wisterias were a favorite subject for my

who performs a special dance before

paintings during High School and in college in

fortunate witnesses. We can imagine the

the US. Even now, they are a motif I return to

refined beauty of the person who inspired

Born in 1962 in the US, Allan West settled in Tokyo and eventually graduated with a Master of Fine Arts from Tokyo University of the Arts.

You can visit his open studio in Yanaka, Tokyo.

again and again.

this painting.

www.allanwest.jp

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.35

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 01

In Harmony with the Seasons

Publisher Yasuko Suzuki / WATTENTION CO., LTD.

03

Tokyo Hot News

Associate Editor Yuka Suzuki

04

Editorial Advisor Mariko Takahashi / Isako Watanabe

Tokyo Reborn with TOKYO 2020

Feature 1

Language Consultant Joseph M. Shiodah

- Rinkai Fukutoshin Area, Shibuya and Harajuku 10

Editorial Team Ellen Hwang / Jude Austin / Jaid Mathews Nancy Liu / Andrew Smith / Alma Reyes Hsin-Yun Chang(WEB) / Hirokatsu Araki(WEB) Maiko Watanabe / Kageyama Ayako

Tokyo tea culture: A taste of Japanese tradition in the modern world

Feature 2

Design Team Graphic Designers Kenji Ishida / Chew Yan Qiao Michiko Otomo / Sean Zerrudo

- Sharing Tea with a Grand Master of Japanese Sado Interview with Sojitsu Kobori - So many wonderful places to experience Japanese tea!

- Explore confectioneries, cafes and Japanese tea-leaf shops

Photographers Keiji Okazaki / Kenji Sugasawa Sales & Marketing Yuri Nakazawa Takuma Imae / Misaki Ichimiya

Another 3hr Trip - How to Make the Best of 3 Hours in Tokyo -

16

Cover

Kagurazaka, Asakusa, Tokyo Station, Shinagawa, Nihonbashi, Ueno

26

Robot Restaurant

28

Readers survey

Top: TOKYO GARDEN THEATRE in Ariake Garden & “Pepper”the robot at Shibuya Fukuras P7,9 Bottom left: Ureshino-cha P12 Bottom right: Kagurazaka P16

広告･記事に関するお問い合わせは

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.

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From Editors Spring has finally made it to Tokyo! In this alluring season, all the streets, big and small, are highlighted by vibrantly blooming cherry blossoms, azalea, wisteria and green, new leaves. For the Japanese people, spring symbolizes a new beginning. Therefore, we have decided to bring you exciting feature stories on the transforming city of Tokyo and its different faces in this copy of Wattention. In Japan, spring also means the time of the year to enjoy shincha, the first-picked tea of the season. Indulge yourself in

Tokyo Edition

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

FREE Winter 2019-20 VOL.34

Your guide to the best of Tokyo

Sports Special

Area Special

Tokyo 1964 – 2020:

Ginza

A Tale of Two Olympics

welcoming the year ahead with Luxury and Centuries-Old Tradition

Another 3hr Trip

SHORT TRIP FROM TOKYO

Around Tokyo in 180 Minutes

Odaiba, Asakusa, Kagurazaka and Shinjuku

Love Japan? Follow

Miurakaigan: Town of Early Blooming Cherry Blossom is about one-hour train ride from Tokyo

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Follow WAttention online

Spring 2020

Japanese tea in spring, just like the Tokyoites always do!

-Associate Editor Yuka Suzuki 東京がもっと輝く春がやってきました。 桜だけでなく、つつじ、藤、 そして、瑞々し い若葉が東京の街を彩ります。 日本人に とって、春は新しい始まりの季節です。今 号は、歩みを止めることなく前進する 「新 しい東京」の横顔を特集しました。 また、 青葉の季節は日本人にとって新茶の季 節でもあります。東京らしいスタイルで 日本茶をお楽しみください。 編集長: 鈴木幸香

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Bringing you the latest hot news Spring 2020

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Japan’s artistic traditions at cultural exhibitions

JR East to partner with famous confectioners to launch a range of vegan and Muslim-friendly souvenirs on 25 February In order to allow visitors from all over the world to enjoy Japanese confectionery and pastries, the JR East Group, which operates mass transit and Shinkansen networks in eastern Japan, have launched a “Plant-Based Sweets Series” together with three other companies: I’ll Co.,Ltd., the company behind Tokyo Campanella; renowned Yokohama confectioner, Gâteaux de Voyage Co., Ltd; and GRAPESTONE Co.,Ltd., which launched the well-known Tokyo Banana cakes. This vegan and Muslim-friendly sweets series have been officially launched at Tokyo Station on 25 February. The series features products such as “TOKYO CAMPANELLA BROWN,” “Las Olas Series,” and “Almond Caramel Sandwiches,”* which are made entirely from plant-based ingredients and alcohol free, making them a great souvenir or dessert for those with dietary restrictions.

Plant-Based Sweets Series www.ejrt.co.jp/plantbased/en *Available from 15 March 2020

Any visit to Tokyo should definitely include some time to appreciate the city’s thriving arts and culture scene.

“Discovering the Arts & Culture of the Olympic Games” is an exhibition based on “The Olympics as a festival of sports and culture and art.” The exhibition, which is part of Olympic Agora, a culture projet, spearheaded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), seeks to present the history and culture of the Olympic Games from an artistic point of view. It will be held from 24 April to 16 June at the Mitsui Memorial Art Museum.

In addition, from 16 March to 1 June, “Timeless Conversations 2020: Voices from Japanese Art of the Past and Present” held at The National Art Center, Tokyo. This exhibition showcases swords and famous masterpieces from the Edo period and before alongside the works of eight contemporary Japanese artists, allowing viewers to appreciate the past with the present.

If you love the elegant beauty of Japanese kimonos, then you mustn’t miss the special exhibition “KIMONO: Fashioning Identities” that will be held at the Tokyo National Museum, Heiseikan from 14 April to 7 June. More than 200 pieces, consisting of artworks depicting kimonos as well as actual kimonos worn by the famous generals Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu, and historical figures such as Atsuhime, will be displayed, providing a rare and fantastic chance to get in touch with the history and culture of kimonos.

Discovering the Arts & Culture of the Olympic Games www.mitsui-museum.jp/exhibition/agora/ Timeless Conversations 2020: Voices from Japanese Art of the Past and Present kotengendai.exhibit.jp (Japanese) ● KIMONO: Fashioning Identities www.tnm.jp/modules/r_free_page/index.php?id=1987&lang=en (*This article was published by February 2020. Kindly visit the above-mentioned URLs for the latest info.) ● ●

Hibiya OKUROJI - a new leisure spot located under a 100-yearold brick arch bridge

Century-old Japanese porcelain maker Fukagawa Seiji to open gallery and tea room in Roppongi Established in 1894, Fukagawa Seiji has not only won the Grand Prize at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris, but also received wide acclaim for its modernization of the traditional Arita-yaki style.

The brand is one of a few porcelain makers that have received a Royal Warrant. Known for its “Fukagawa Blue” cobalt blue glaze and translucent white porcelain, Fukagawa Seiji will be opening its firstever gallery and tea room, “FUKAGAWA SEIJI 1894 ROYAL KILN & TEA” in Roppongi Midtown on 30 March. In this stylish space that marries traditional and modern design, you can view or purchase Fukagawa Seiji’s exquisite pieces, and even enjoy a Japanese-style afternoon tea and limited-edition chocolates served on Fukagawa Seiji porcelain.

Fukagawa Seiji www.fukagawa-seiji.co.jp/news/2015/2015-08-24A.php

Both Tok yoites and tourists can look forward to the imminent opening of Hibiya OKUROJI, a new shopping complex to be located under the brick arches between Yurakucho and Shimbashi Stations. After the renovation, the facility will house an estimated 50 shops including restaurants, bars, and retailers selling artisan products from Japan. “OKUROJI” is a portmanteau that highlights the charm of alleys sheltered away from bustling areas with one such as Hibiya - a uniquely Japanese concept. The scheduled opening of Hibiya OKUROJI in late June will further connect Hibiya, Ginza, Yurakucho, and Shimbashi, allowing visitors to enjoy strolling or dining in this area. Hibiya OKUROJI www.jrtk.jp/hibiya-okuroji (Japanese) ▼ keep reading here: ▶

WTT35 hot news Corrections: The “Banana-Flavored chocolate version of Hachiko as a keepsake of your travels in Japan” introduced in “HOT NEWS” on page 3 of WAttention Tokyo vol.34, which was published on December 15, 2019, misrepresented milk-flavored chocolate as banana-flavored. We would like to correct this mistake as it has caused confusion and inconvenience to readers and related businesses.

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New Tokyo Reborn Tokyo Rinkai Fukutoshin Area, Shibuya and Harajuku As we approach the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, Tokyo appears newer and newer. The Rinkai Fukutoshin or waterfront sub-city center has been undergoing significant changes, such as the rise of new buildings. Since the Edo period, Tokyo has evolved as a “water city,� with the waterfront as its gateway entrance. In tourist packed Shibuya and neighbor, Harajuku, huge and modern commercial facilities are popping up, creating a new horizon for the metropolis.

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with Tokyo 2020 2020 ウォーターズ竹芝

WATERS Takeshiba A City of Art and Culture on the Waters of Tokyo Bay

JR East Group has embarked on an urban redevelopment of Takeshiba as a dynamic waterfront center embodying art, culture, entertainment, retail, gourmet shops and restaurants, and hospitality. We met with Nita Souhei of the East Japan Railway Company, to discuss this colossal project.

The redevelopment project, WATERS Takeshiba, will include a sprawling public space with a lawn and terrace serving universal functions, such as restaurants, shops, offices, and venues for art and culture amidst the open view of Tokyo Bay. On the lower floors of the Tower building, atré Takeshiba will not only cater to shopping and gourmet stores and restaurants but also to an interactive hands-on museum for experiencing various activities. Some stores are scheduled to open on 13 April in advance. Together with the Theater building, which will house two theaters, the entire complex will have its grand opening on 14 July. Consolidating these two facilities, WATERS Takeshiba, therefore, will act as a commercial and cultural hub. After watching a play or musical, one can pass the time with a drink in one of the trendy bars while enjoying the soothing smell of Tokyo Bay. Mr. Nita remarks, “We would like to bring people and energy to this area by making WATERS Takeshiba a base for cultivating art and culture.”

The upper floors of the Tower building will be reserved for the new posh accommodation, mesm Tokyo Autograph Collection Hotel. It will offer the next level of hospitality with its “one-stop” staff service. From the hotel, a marvelous panoramic scenery of old and modern Tokyo can be thoroughly enjoyed. As Mr. Nita explains, “Since there is nothing open to see nearby, the view from the higher floors of the building will be absolutely beautiful not only for the sea, but also beyond where you can see the Rainbow Bridge and other buildings. From another angle, you can see the Hama-rikyu Garden and the modern skyscrapers of Marunouchi, as if the history of Japan is laid out before you amidst the modern cityscape.”

With regards to access, WATERS Takeshiba is just a six-minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station on JR Yamanote and Keihin Tohoku Lines. For tourists, Hamamatsucho Station will be the end of the monorail direct from Haneda Airport.

WATERS Takeshiba hopes to create a waterfront city of art, culture, business, and nature that would emanate pleasure and satisfaction not only to tourists but also to residents both as a weekend spot and also as a daily routine for shifting the mood from work to entertainment and pure relaxation with nature, right in the heart of Tokyo.

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Rinkai Fukutoshin Area TOKYO PORTCITY TAKESHIBA

東京ポートシティ竹芝

TOKYO PORTCITY TAKESHIBA is a brand-new facility that’s due to open in 2020 and has plenty of shops, restaurants, and more. It has several lush terraces outside, which are laid out from the second to the sixth floor in a “step terrace” design. There’s also a huge event hall called “Port Hall,” and an atrium space called “Galleria,” which connects the pedestrian deck to the ground level.

©TOKYU LAND CORPORATION.

Toyosu Bayside Cross

豊洲ベイサイドクロス Toyosu Bayside Cross is directly connected to Toyosu Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line and very easy to access. Built to take advantage of the green scenery and the beautiful water, there are shops, the beautiful Cross Plaza, and, for those who fancy a game of table tennis, the aptly-named “Ping-Pong Forest.”

If you’re hoping to extend your stay, there’s also a hotel with a public bath and stunning views.

© Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.

Haneda Airport Garden

羽田エアポートガーデン

In preparation for the Olympics, a breathtaking new commercial complex called Haneda Airport Garden is set to open in the spring of 2020. It will have two hotels (one “original luxury brand” featuring guest rooms overlooking the Tamagawa River, and the other a high-grade hotel with dedicated women’s guest rooms and tatami rooms, etc.), a huge 2000m2 hot spring (the first of its kind connected to the airport), and a total of 90 shops and restaurants.

© Sumitomo Realty & Development Co., Ltd.

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The Rinkai Fukutoshin area, or the Tokyo waterfront sub-city center, faces Tokyo Bay and has already been immensely popular with tourists, who love it for places like the enormous Odaiba district. In addition, town development is also underway in other areas, such as Toyosu that now stations the new fish market, Haneda as an airport hub, and the port of Takeshiba that serves numerous ship departures.

有明ガーデン

Ariake Garden

Ariake Garden will open sequentially from April 2020. Its status as one of the biggest commercial facilities in the Tokyo Bay Area, with over 200 stores, makes it a shopper’s paradise! Moreover, for those visitors who prefer a more relaxing trip (or, alternatively, who want to keep enjoying Ariake Garden with its beautiful greenery and flowering trees), there’s also a hotel in the area with five different hot springs, which both guests and visitors can enjoy.

© Sumitomo Realty & Development Co., Ltd.

Situated at the famous fish market of Toyosu, Edomae Jokamachi has three separate areas for visitors to enjoy. First, the Toyosu Jokamachi food hall, where you can enjoy delicious seafood, as well as other Japanese food, such as udon and ramen. Second, for the shopaholics among you, the Shijo Koji marketplace is the best place to buy fish products and other souvenirs. Last, the Edomae Hiroba square, where you can sometimes find markets selling fresh produce, and the occasional event, is a great place where people can relax.

羽田イノベーションシティ

江戸前場下町

Edomae Jokamachi

HANEDA INNOVATION CITY

Haneda Airport, the gateway to Japan, has undergone an amazing transformation. With the opening of the HANEDA INNOVATION CITY complex, the airport area will no longer just usher tourists to Tokyo.

It will also entertain them with gourmet dining, music events, hot springs, and other attractions. After a long flight, HANEDA INNOVATION CITY will surely feel like a beautiful oasis of culture and relaxation.

Look forward to it during your next flight!

© Haneda Future Development Co., Ltd.

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Shibuya and Harajuku SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE becomes a New Symbol of Tokyo 渋谷スクランブルスクエア

For years, the massive scramble crossing in front of Shibuya Station has been one of the undisputed symbols of Tokyo.

Tourists from all over the world would, well, scramble to take pictures of themselves among a sea of people navigating the crossing, but now it seems that landmark has been overshadowed, literally, by a new addition to the area: the SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE building.

Opening in November 2019, the SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE was five years in the making, but the wait was more than worth it. About 230m and 47 floors tall, the towering structure overlooking the scramble crossing definitely makes an impression. However, it’s what’s inside it that really matters.

Staying faithful to its original concept of “Mix Together and Generate: From Shibuya to the world,” the building seems to have it all. Besides offices, you’ll find an impressive selection of 213 commercial outlets, including clothing stores, cafes, and restaurants spread throughout sixteen floors of the SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE. Then, of course, there is the observation facility.

Called the SHIBUYA SKY, the observation area is made up of

© SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE

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three zones: SKY GATE, SKY STAGE, and the SKY GALLERY, the last one of which is an indoor observation corridor. But SKY STAGE, located on the roof floor, is probably the most exciting option because it’s situated outdoors, offering unobstructed 360-degree views of Tokyo and its landmarks like Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills, TOKYO SKYTREE®, and Tokyo Bay. There are also places where visitors can take breathtaking shots of Mt. Fuji.

No visit to the SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE would be complete without a look around its souvenir store. The store sells many original Tokyo-themed goods, which would make great reminders of your walk above the busy streets of Japan’s capital.

In the heart of Tokyo, Shibuya and Harajuku, both popular with Japanese youth and international tourists, are also making dramatic changes. New commercial facilities are opening one after another, including Shibuya’s new landmark, SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE.

渋谷フクラス The SHIBUYA FUKURAS skyscraper, located just outside Shibuya Station, is a busy place. With a bus terminal, luggage storage services, and an innovative tourist information center crossed with an art gallery, the building seems tailor-made for international visitors. The new structure stacks over 22 floors, four of which are underground, for them to discover.

SHIBUYA FUKURAS

The driving idea behind the FUKURAS was “a collection of little stories,” which is why the building also houses offices, stores, and a wide selection of restaurants. Floors 2 – 8, as well as 17 and 18, are occupied by the Tokyu Plaza retail space offering everything from cosmetics to kitchenware. Once you’re done shopping and eating, head on up to the rooftop SHIBU NIWA open-air garden and take in the amazing views of Shibuya.

Photo by Christopher Jue /Getty Images for Tokyu Land Corporation

原宿駅＆ウィズ原宿

Harajuku and Shibuya are both changing rapidly, and soon Harajuku station, the oldest original wooden station in Tokyo, will be replaced with a larger, contemporary structure. The remodeling will help manage the ever-growing number of pedestrians in Tokyo and make visiting Harajuku easier for everyone. It’s perfectly situated if you want somewhere to relax or shop, as the new location WITH HARAJUKU is right in front of the Harajuku station building.

New Harajuku Station Building & WITH HARAJUKU

New Harajuku Station Building © East Japan Railway Company

Set to open in April 2020, WITH HARAJUKU is designed using many natural materials. It will be created as a “hang out place of the future” that includes not only restaurants and shops, but also halls, shared spaces, and rented residences. You can also enjoy walking along “WITH HARAJUKU STREET,” which connects Harajuku Station with the wildly popular shopping area of Takeshita Street, forming an attractive streetside store space.

WITH HARAJUKU

▼ Keep Reading Here ▶

WTT35 New Tokyo WAttention Tokyo |

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Tokyo tea culture: A taste of Japanese tea is popular around the globe for its flavor and health benefits. With a place on the table along with many traditional dishes, it rises to the top of the country’s culinary culture. However, this special drink is more than just a thirst quencher. Japanese tea — like matcha (powdered green tea), hojicha (roasted green tea), and green tea — plays a major role in the spirituality of Japanese culture, especially during the tea ceremony, or sado.

Even Tokyo, a shining example of modern Japan, finds quiet time for this centuries-old tradition, with innovative twists.

Sharing Tea with Kobori Sojitsu: A Grand Master of Enshu SADO School

Kobori Sojitsu making tea at the beginning of 2020. This tea ceremony is called Keikoshokon tatezome.

The art and philosophy of the tea ceremony have influenced many aspects of Japan’s aesthetic and spirituality throughout the years. The ritual, with its choreographed motions and various utensils, was considered to be a highly refined cultural experience, even by some of Japan’s most fearsome warriors. Like a delicious Japanese dish, though the main ingredients are similar, the presentation of the tea ceremony differs across Japan as masters have their own interpretations.

Enshu SADO School is a tea ceremony pioneered by Kobori Enshu, a feudal lord in the early 17 th century. This style incorporates the elegance and powerful presence of the Japanese samurai who enjoyed the refinement of the tea ceremony. After 440 years, the ritual and philosophy are continued by the Enshu 10

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SADO School based in Tokyo. The philosophy of Enshu SADO School runs deeply through all of the art presented during the tea ceremony. So even though the ritual is centuries old, new ideas and works are formed with Enshu SADO School as the backbone.

Japanese tradition in the modern world

The tea ceremony bowl Katate Jumonji-kodai Chawan. It represents Kobori Enshu’s favorite image of “white” with the exquisite harmony of decorous form and glaze.

poetry, simplicity, and art into the tea ceremony, Kobori Enshu used his fine taste to mold the concept of kirei-sabi, which is the core essence of Enshu SADO School.

Chabana (flowers for a tea occasion) for March.Akebono-tsubaki (Camellia japonica) and shiromoji (Lindera triloba) in the

Chinese bronze vase the Kodo Kojiguchi Karamatsu-mimitsuki.

The leaders who influenced Kobori Enshu As the 13th Grand Master of Enshu SADO School, Kobori Sojitsu knew the story of Kobori Enshu, the original Grand Master, as if he had lived the life himself. At the time of Kobori Enshu’s birth in 1579, it was nearing the end of the Sengoku period under the reign of Azai Nagamasa. By the time he was 10 years old, he was already gaining favor among Sengoku military commanders for his many talents.

As the Sengoku period (from the end of 15th century to the end of 16th century) faded deeper into the past, the Tokugawa Shogunate longed for peace and culture. Eventually, he became something like a chief of Cultural Affairs, where he could focus on refinement in the new age. At this time, Enshu’s ideas began to enter the mainstream.

Kirei-sabi: Integration of sophistication and simplicity Evolving from masters before him—Murata Shuko, Takeno Jouou, Sen no Rikyu, and Furuta Oribe—who added zen spirituality,

Kire-sabi is where spirituality meets beauty and luminance. This quality of Enshu SADO School is called senrensei no aru chowa no bi, which means “the beauty of harmony with sophistication.”

Looking at the calligraphy, paintings, flower arrangements, and teacups, calmness can be felt. Unlike some other forms of art and fashion, kirei-sabi doesn’t try to overwhelm you. Instead, it elegantly focuses on a key aspect to maximize the impact of the subject. Kobori Sojitsu describes this balance like a good film with the main character in the spotlight who is supported by the other cast members. If one actor were to attempt to outperform the lead, the art would suffer as a whole. This sense of mutual respect and thoughtfulness — known as wakeiseijaku — forms the canvas on which sado art pieces are created.

Kobori Sojitsu The 13th Grand Master of Enshu SADO School He received Fuden-an Sojitsu as his zen and tea name from the Grand Zen Monk Fukutomi Settei, the head of the Daitoku-ji Temple in Kyoto in 2000 after his study there. He became the 13th Grand Master of Enshu SADO School on New Year’s Day in 2001. As a part of keeping the traditions and spirituality of the tea ceremony,as well as creating a tea ceremony that continues to be meaningful in a contemporary world, he collaborates with artists in various fields and actively participates in overseas cultural programs. He believes that “tea brings richness in minds”. *All the photos ⒸEnshu SADO School ▼ keep reading here: ▶

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There are so many wonderful places to experience Japanese tea!

Wherever your tastes run to, be it traditional tearooms and tea ceremony, or the more contemporary matcha eclairs, gelato or pound cake, or anything, in fact, matcha-related, you can find it here. Any one of these shops will let you enjoy a truly Japanese experience in beautiful, and sometimes very unique, surroundings.

Come enjoy delicious Japanese tea flavors at these restaurants!

Green tea is popular throughout Japan, and with so many shops and cafés offering green tea or matcha drinks and dishes, it can be difficult to choose where to go. One thing’s for sure, though: whether you want Unkai’s dishes, tea on rice from Kurogi Chacha, innovative matcha sausages from CHAYA 1899 TOKYO, matcha soba from Jugetsudo Ginza Kabukiza, or desserts from Ginza Fugetsudo — Japanese tea is available in so many forms that you’re sure to find your perfect green tea or matcha match!

UNKAI JAPANESE RESTAURANT in ANA INTERCONTINENTAL TOKYO Ureshino-cha, from Saga prefecture, is one of the rarest and most precious green tea varieties in Japan, and the Japanese restaurant, UNKAI, has come up with a seasonal kaiseki-ryori (full course meal form of Japanese cuisine) that pairs different strains of Ureshino-cha with various exquisite dishes*. Why not stop by and taste this rare tea, from a place which has been well-known for its quality tea leaves for around 500 years?

The Japanese restaurant, UNKAI, is situated in a beautiful location that overlooks a traditional Japanese garden and pond, which have been designed to take advantage of the beauties of each season.

There are also private dining rooms for those who want a more intimate experience.

The smooth, delicate flavor of Ureshino-cha shouldn’t be missed, and the delicious combination of this precious tea and well-chosen special dishes make for an unforgettable experience. *This menu will end on 31 May.

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Jugetsudo Ginza Kabukiza Designed by the world-class architect, Kuma Kengo, around the concept of a bamboo forest, the Jugetsudo Ginza Kabukiza tea house combines two Japanese tastes: matcha and soba noodles. For visitors who are curious about tea culture, they offer a tea experience course, and a bilingual tea ceremony for beginners (reservations required for both).

Jugetsudo has a beautiful lounge for customers to relax and savor the Japanese tea/confectionery combination, and there are also light meals.

CHAYA 1899 TOKYO in HOTEL 1899 TOKYO Although chaya is generally described as a Japanese teahouse, the truth is that CHAYA 1899 TOKYO is managed to integrate the delicate flavor of Japanese tea into everything. While this isn’t too surprising when it comes to things like ice cream, CHAYA 1899 TOKYO has succeeded in making matcha-flavored beer, soda, and sausages! With a wide range of choices, CHAYA 1899 TOKYO is the best place for those looking to enjoy a light meal with delicious drinks in a fresh, natural atmosphere.

KUROGI CHACHA The shop KUROGI CHACHA in GINZA SIX has taken the Japanese love for tea to new heights, with famous Japanese cuisine chef Kurogi Jun basing the creations on Ujicha from Fukujuen, a traditional tea shop in Kyoto. The restaurant is laid out like a tearoom and offers a meal of miso (bean paste) soup, all-you-can-eat rice, tai (sea bream), and chazuke (tea on rice) with tai and a selection of teas. To finish, there are delicious desserts and you can enjoy those appetizing sweets with delightful matcha!

Ginza Fugetsudo Ginza Fugetsudo is a place that sells delicious sweets and a selection of teas. The sweets use seasonal ingredients to create a menu that’s always fresh and intriguing. The shop also offers rice and fish lunch dishes for those visitors looking for something more substantial, and an evening ‘seasonal course,’ along with the option to buy sweets made by craftsmen using locally-sourced ingredients. As the menu changes every month, even returning customers can find brand-new teas and sweets here.

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Explore confectioneries, cafés and Japanese tea-leaf shops Although Japanese tearooms are the first things to spring to mind when people think of green tea, there are plenty of other places where you can enjoy the wonderful flavor of matcha, often in new ways that you may not have thought possible! Whether you want matcha confectioneries, tea leaves or a new take on cakes and snacks, you’re sure to find something to suit you!

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WTT35 green tea Scan QR code for more information

Cafés

Satén Japanese tea Satén Japanese tea is a modern-style teahouse that specializes in Japanese tea, with ingredients sourced from Japanese tea farms across the country. Satén’s specialty is matcha latte, and its wildly popular green tea pudding, but they also offer plenty of other products, such as single-origin Japanese tea.

The interior is simple yet stylish and makes Satén a wonderful blend of traditional and contemporary design.

SALON Nihonbashi Store

THE MATCHA TOKYO Omotesando

SALON is a shop where you can find Teicha (matcha served with Japanese sweets) and learning courses of tea-making (currently in Japanese only). For those who want to try it at home, they sell a wide range of tea-making utensils and beautifully designed wooden boxes. When you order Teicha, you can also opt to make matcha by yourself with kind assist by the store staff. They offer delicious original blended matcha and beautiful Japanese sweets specially delivered from Nara.

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THE MATCHA TOKYO Omotesando is a shop that only uses 100% organic matcha sourced from places like Kyoto Uji or Kagoshima and worked by a tea master to create a light, wonderful taste.

It offers a huge variety of products, including delicious ice cream and dairy-free options such as soy or almond milk lattes. The shop has a pleasant, modern feel to it, and visitors are sure to enjoy their stay.

Confectioneries NAKAMURA TOKICHI HONTEN Ginza Store NAKAMURA TOKICHI HONTEN Ginza Store has come up with several kinds of matcha-flavored confectionery, including ice cream, jelly, and parfait. The most popular dessert is Namacha Zerii, which consists of matcha jelly and ice cream, black soybeans, chestnuts and a special matcha bean jam, which is only available at its Ginza Store. You can also buy the special Namacha Zerii with matcha bean jam, Matcha Financier (small almond cake made with matcha) and more to enjoy at home.

Ginza Kazuya

Anyone who wants proof that good things come in small packages need to look no further than Ginza Kazuya, which is arguably one of the smallest shops in Tokyo. The owner has perfected his recipe for nerigashi (its original sweets with the food texture like jelly) and matcha-flavored treats. Every step of the creative process is done by hand, and this shop also offers sweets that are unique to Ginza Kazuya.

pâtisserie Sadaharu AOKI paris Marunouchi Japanese famous pâtissier Sadaharu Aoki already has five pâtisseries in Paris, and five in Japan including the Marunouchi store , where there’s a wide range of different cakes, from eclairs to macarons, to croissants and many other delicacies to tempt you.

One of Sadaharu Aoki’s trademarks is using matcha to flavor his creations, resulting in Bamboo (photo on the left) or Éclair Mâcha for a true East-meetsWest confectionery experience.

PÂTISSERIE FRANÇAISE Tadashi YANAGI Yakumo Store People with a sweet tooth will be spoiled for choice at Tadashi YANAGI Yakumo Store. The pâtissier, Yanagi Tadashi, studied in Paris and has won numerous awards for his skill, and was juror and Japan’s team leader for the Coupe du Monde (World Cup). In addition to creating a plethora of delicacies for customers, the shop also uses matcha in pound-cake — Le Kiichi — and even mini-pound cake!

Tea leaf shops Shimokita-chaen Oyama If you want to try making matcha at home, then Shimokita-chaen Oyama is the place for you. This shop has a qualified tea master and sells tea leaves and matcha along with delicious, matcha-flavored shaved ice made fresh every day. The most popular one is Bito Matcha Kakigori (shaved ice with low sugar matcha syrup), made using fine matcha from Kyoto Uji available at the shop and espuma, which is a fluffy, mousse-like syrup that gives this dessert a wonderfully light texture.

Cha no Kiminoen Cha no Kiminoen has been in the Japanese tea business for over 90 years. It sells a variety of tea leaves and matcha, with special emphasis on those from Shizuoka, Kagoshima or Kyoto Uji. If the leaves and matcha aren’t enough to quench your thirst for matcha-related items, the shop also sells Japanese teapots and other tea utensils, along with a delicious matcha ice cream.

Suzukien Suzukien has been in the tea business for over 150 years, and sells tea leaves and matcha from all over Japan, with friendly, knowledgeable staff to help you select the perfect blend for your tastes and needs. There are seven different intensities of matcha gelato available here, but the most famous is the Premium No. 7 gelato, which has been certified as the gelato with the world’s highest matcha content!

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3KAGURAZAKA HR ANOTHER

Around Tokyo in 180 minutes

TRIP

神楽坂

不二家飯田橋神楽坂店

FUJIYA Iidabashi Kagurazaka Shop Fujiya is a hundred-year-old cake shop chain famous for their strawberry cake. Most Japanese consider the shop’s mascot, Peko-chan, as part of their childhood memories. At the Kagurazaka shop, you can get your hands on the shop’s original Peko-chanyaki, a traditional Japanese baked cake that comes with a variety of fillings and take a photogenic picture of the scrumptious filling oozing out of the freshly baked dough.

Although Kagurazaka is close to Tokyo’s

entertainment

district,

Shinjuku, it has a character all of its own. As a prominent hanamachi (geisha district) that thrived from the Edo Period (1603-1868) to the Showa Period (1926-1989), Kagurazaka is well-known for its refined, nostalgic atmosphere.

Venture

inside

the

神楽坂佑楽

Japanese Pottery Shop YOULUCK When you turn from Kagurazaka Street to the back ally, a totally different world appears before your eyes. The Kagura path has a nostalgic atmosphere, and you can escape from the bustle of Tokyo for a while.

Here, there is a specialty shop named “YOULUCK”, which specializes in Japanese pottery selected carefully from all over Japan. Because all the works in the shop are handmade, each one has different texture, color and expression. The work is not only for appreciation but can enrich your daily life as well.

cobbled alleys and you will discover tons of historic geisha houses and sophisticated shops that embody the Japanese aesthetic sense and precise craftsmanship.

English explanation support from the staff, local hotel and overseas delivery service of products are also available.

So, no worries about baggage. Buy a Japanese pottery full of charm and it will remind you of the memories in Japan.

梅花亭 兵庫横丁

Hyogo Yokocho Alley Hyogo Yokocho is an atmospheric, stonepaved alley packed with Japanese restaurants and hotels that will take you back in time. The area used to be a storage area for arsenals in the past, so the word hyogo (arsenal in Japanese) is in its name.

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Baikatei Established over 80 years ago, this beloved Japanese confectionery shop offers a line of traditional sweets made using 23 types of handmade sweet bean fillings. These incredible fillings follow meticulous and painstaking recipes that detail the amount of beans, sugar, and condiments that go into each blend. Visitors can take a peek at the amazing skills of the pastry chefs through the shop window.

Scan the QR code for more information about the featured places in Kagurazaka Tok yo

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ジュットク

Juttoku.

Japanese incense has a long history and rich culture. Fragrant wood, such as camphor and cedar, are processed into powder before adding an assortment of herbal ingredients. It is then molded into different shapes for different purposes. Burning the incense releases a gentle, natural fragrance that creates a warm, relaxing ambience. This incense specialty shop runs a press incense/incense sachet DIY workshop for beginners. 善国寺

のレン MURO 神楽坂店

Zenkokuji Temple

NOREN MURO Kagurazaka

This 400-year-old temple was moved to the current location only some 200 years ago to look after Kagurazaka’s neighborhood, which was a residential area for samurai at first.

Later on, the community grew to include a variety of shops and geisha houses. Pay a visit to Zenkokuji Temple to enjoy its architectural splendor and experience the precious heritage of Kagurazaka.

Kagurazaka functioned as a trade hub for rice, miso, soy sauce, and many other goods in the past because of its close proximity to a cargo handling center. Inspired by this history, the shop was established to introduce the splendor of some Japanese condiments like koji, a fungus used to ferment soybeans. Food lovers will definitely see shopping here as a fun treasure hunt.

H a n d m a de p i e c e s o f c u l t u r e , encapsu lating the spirit of wabi -sabi

Ja p a n e s e Po t t e ry Sh o p YOULUCK

This Japanese pottery shop features amazing handmade items fired in traditional kilns, available especially in Kagurazaka, an area steeped in classic Japanese atmosphere. These ceramic souvenirs will be your best memories from Japan!

2-10 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-0825, Japan 81-(0)3-6228-1178 uluck.jp/en/ @kagurazakauluck

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Around Tokyo in 180 minutes

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浅草文化観光センター

Situated in Asakusa, Sensoji is an

Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center

attraction that paints a perfect

A tourist information center located inside a unique building in front of the Asakusa Kaminarimon Gate. The building is the work of Kengo Kuma, one of the bestknown Japanese architects. The ceiling and the interior are quite interesting so don’t even consider skipping it.

The night view of Asakusa from the observatory on the 8 th floor’s terrace is also highly recommended.

picture

of

what

the

bustling

streets of Tokyo’s old town area were like during the Edo period.

Chonin, a class of townsmen including merchants, craftsmen, and artisans who emerged during this time, are still very active today and play an influential role in local businesses. Aside from Tokyo’s kitchenware capital Kappa-bashi and other shopping streets, there are also several historic gourmet destinations to keep you occupied.

浅草たつみや

Asakusa Tatsumiya With an 80-year history, the kimono shop Asakusa Tatsumiya never fails to keep up with the latest trends. Its third generation owner has been incorporating Japanese kimono sashes into tumblers, cushions, centerpiece, and a wide range of goods. With these ingenious souvenirs, you can easily bring home the beauty of a kimono. Do drop in if you are looking for something unique and authentic!

和えん亭 吉幸

Waentei-Kikko Located in the vicinity of Sensoji, Waentei-Kikko is a haven where you can enjoy traditional Japanese haute cuisine. Lovers of music, prepared to be charmed by the owner’s live Tsugarushamisen (a three-string instrument) performance, which always adds a touch of magic to the atmosphere. Experience authentic Japanese hospitality and culture right here.

浅草寺

Sensoji Temple Sensoji is a temple with 1,400 years of history and a must-visit for any traveler to Tokyo. The symbolic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) leading to the temple appeared about 1,000 years ago when it was built along with other major structures in the complex. While here, don’t forget to stroll down the 200-meter thriving shopping street, Nakamise, for an adventure of food and culture.

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AREA MAP Asakusa Station

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茶御飯東京

CHAGOHAN TOKYO No one would disagree that Japanese cuisine is among the best in the world. Chagohan is now offering spectacular cooking courses for those interested in learning the secrets to making delicious classic Japanese dishes, such as sushi, sukiyaki, katsudon, and more.

You can also sign up for vegetarian courses, sake tasting classes, and tea ceremony sessions to gain a deeper insight into Japanese dining. かまた刃研社 伝法院通り

Denbouin-dori With a plethora of retro shops selling crafts and accessories, Denbouin-dori is a great place to experience the culture and atmosphere of Edo. Not only are the shutters decorated with Edo-style paintings, but also shop roofs all have traditional Japanese tiles and the wooden billboards are written in Japanese calligraphy.

AD_3HRS_KAMATA_TKY31.pdf 1 2019/02/06 15:38:31 Denbouin-dori will surely satisfy the cultural curiosity of tourists.

KAMATA HAKENSHA Kamata Hakensha has been serving the neighborhood for over 90 years and has earned a reputation for selling quality Japanese knives and being able to breathe life back into any knife.

While many tourists come with a mission to find the right knife for themselves or friends, others come to have their old knives maintained. As the saying goes, to do a good job, one must first sharpen one’s tools. Find out the criteria for a good knife from the knife masters at Kamata Hakensha.

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Around Tokyo in 180 minutes

東京駅

キッテ ・ 丸ノ内

KITTE Marunouchi Tokyo Station, conveniently located at the heart of the capital, is Tokyo’s gateway to destinations all over Japan. Some say that the station is too big and confusing for first timers. But once you get the directions right, you can definitely get the most out of your time here.

Tokyo Station offers an extraordinary range of cuisine and impressive attractions that tie the modern with the past.

The museum re sts at the is corner of th spot !

Located next to Tokyo Station, JP Tower KITTE is a renovation of the former Tokyo Central Post Office. After opening in 2013, the shopping complex has become one of the most popular attractions for foreign visitors. KITTE means postage stamp in Japanese and represents the expression of greeting and wishes for happiness.

Many tenant shops sell limited-edition goods inspired by postage stamps. The outdoor garden on the 6th floor has a gorgeous view of the city both during the day and in the evening.

, and Quack, Honk Whoop ans Sw d Duck s an this wade along o! to point

三菱一号館美術館

Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo The Museum is a restoration of the old Mitsubishi Ichigokan built in 1894. The western building adds a tinge of nostalgia to central Tokyo’s modern ambiance.

After appreciating the masterpieces of 19th century artists, have a cup of coffee at Café 1894, where its high-rise ceiling reveals the glamour of the original banking hall during the Meiji Period. The café is not only sought after by tourists but also TV drama producers so enchanted by it that they select it for their shooting location. 東京駅一番街

皇居二重橋

Kokyo Nijubashi (Tokyo Imperial Palace) The bridge connects high-rise buildings in the Marunouchi area with a large plaza in front of the Imperial Palace. The plaza, also called Kokyogaien in Japanese, used to be the residence of important officials in the Edo period. The stone bridge is called Nijubashi in Japanese because it used to have two levels. The sight of bridges, green grass and black pine trees is as picturesque as it gets. Enjoy a peace of mind here where time seems to come to a halt.

First Avenue Tokyo Station First Avenue Tokyo Station is an underground shopping center you cannot miss. Tokyo Character Street, Tokyo Okashi Land and Tokyo Ramen Street offer animation figurines, local delicacies and souvenir gifts to bring home. If time is on your side, line up for a bowl of hot ramen noodles to reward yourself at the end of the day.

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AREA MAP Scan the QR code for more information about the featured places near Tokyo

Otemachi Station

Nijubashimae Station

Tokyo Station

Kyobashi Station

SHINAGAWA STATION Shinagawa Station, known as the gateway to Shinkansen (bullet train) and Haneda Airport, is the first post station on the Tokaido Road, an important road connecting Tokyo and Kyoto in the Edo period. Back then, it thrived as a post station town, or shokuba-machi in Japanese. You can still find some remnants of the good old Edo about 10 minutes away from the high-rise buildings in front of the Shinagawa Station.

品川駅

AREA MAP Kitashinagawa Station

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Shimbamba Station

「八ツ山橋」から「品川浦の舟だまり」

From Yatsuyamabashi to Shinagawaura-no-funadamari

品川宿

Shinagawa Post Station On the north side of Shinagawaura-no-funadamari is the old Shinagawa post station, which was illustrated by the famous Japanese ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige.

The post station town, measuring two kilometers in length, has a shopping street that dates back to the Edo period. Since the area was not destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 nor World War II, most of the buildings have a story to tell.

You can still see traditional stores selling fish, sushi, tempura and daily goods. Oiran parade is held at the end of September every year, so don’t miss this chance to see a real life geisha.

Go out from JR Shinagawa Station West Exit, walk along Dai-ichi Keihin and you will come across a pedestrian bridge called Yatsuyamabashi. This is where Godzilla first stepped onto Tokyo’s soil in the famous Japanese movie, Godzilla! Modern buildings crowd the scene from the station all the way up to here, but onward is Shinagawaura, a small fishing village on Tokyo Bay. You can still see beautiful wooden houses that line the street here. Stand on the bridge and you will be greeted by traditional Japanese boats. Look behind you and you see high-rise buildings—what a contrast!

品川宿交流館 本宿お休み処 品川神社

Shinagawa Shrine Go past the old Tokaido Road, make a right turn for Dai-ichi Keihin and you will see a gigantic Torii gate, along with a steep stone stairway. The shrine had deep ties with the Tokugawa Shogunate. Besides laying eyes on the bold dragon carved into the torii gate, as well as the impressive architecture, you do not want to miss Fujizuka. This small mound is a miniature Mt Fuji made in the Edo period for those who were unable to climb it in person. The top of Fujizuka grants a fantastic view of Shinagawa’s skyline. Next to the hall of worship is Ana-inari Shrine, where you can see a torii gate extending before you.

Shinagawajuku-koryukan Treading along with the historic Shinagawa-esque cityscape stands the Shinagawajuku-koryukan. The place functions both as a tourist center and a humble gallery; local art works are exhibited within.

In addition to these, the ground floor also houses a dainty pop-and-mom store - Japanese sweets since the olden days are sure to pique the interest of sightseers! Stop by this spot before heading out past Shinagawajuku!

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日本橋

The Nihonbashi area grew extremely fast following the beginning of the bakufu in the Edo period (1603-1868). The old castle town became the starting point for five major highways connecting the capital with other areas of Japan and a prosperous hub for businessmen, artisans and shops due to large amounts of people passing through. A trip to Nihonbashi will take you back in time to discover century old establishments that strive to preserve tradition, as well as advance with the times.

Around Tokyo in 180 minutes

BASHI 日本橋案内所

Nihonbashi Information Center Speak to the multilingual concierges here to get insider tips on where best to shop, eat, and sightsee to make the utmost of your Nihonbashi visit. The souvenir shop here stocks everything from food to historical shops in the area to modern accessories inspired by Edo chic. International concierges also lead a variety of tours and workshops to give you a taste of Japanese culture.

にんべん日本橋本店

NINBEN Established in 1699, NINBEN is known as the originator of Japanese flavors. Now you can recreate these flavors at home with handy flavoredsoups and seasonings sold at this shop, which also make great souvenirs. At Nihonbashi Kezuriba, you can see how professionals shave bonito tuna into flakes during live demonstrations and enjoy the fragrance of freshly cut bonito flakes.

日本橋木屋本店

KIYA Nihonbashi Main Store Kiya has been specializing in cutlery and knives since 1792, and its shop banner and logo can be spotted in historic art pieces depicting Nihonbashi in 1805. Here you can find traditional handmade knives and knives using modern materials and designs. Unlike Western kitchen knives, there are many unique knives used for different ingredients—be it vegetables, fish or meats.

From carbon steel to stainless steel knives, there’s sure to be one that makes the cut.

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水戯庵

SUIGIAN

Hanayagi School: Kie Ayaka

This theater-themed restaurant and bar proposes a whole new dining experience, offering classy Japanese banquet cuisine alongside live performing arts such as noh, kyogen, nihonbuyo dancing and other traditional Japanese theater. The interior is elaborately designed to reflect the elegance and grandeur of Japanese arts, creating an extraordinary experience full of tastes, smells, sights and sounds.

ミカド珈琲店日本橋本店

Mikado Coffee Nihonbashi Honten More than 70 years ago, Mikado Coffee opened its doors to a stream of Japanese customers craving for a cup of freshly brewed, hot coffee. The coffee connoisseur since then have been roasting imported coffee beans in house to suit the local tastes hence 1948.

Their house blend is a well-balanced mild coffee with a hint of sourness which became the most sought after drink until now. Located in Nihonbashi, the main branch was the first shop in Japan that served coffee to standing customers. It’s definitely worth a visit if you are a coffee aficionado, per se.

日本国道路元標と日本橋魚市場発祥の地碑 ShinNihombashi Station

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The Road Origin Marker of Japan & Monument of Nihonbashi Fish Market

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Nihonbashi was first commissioned by Ieyasu Tokugawa as part of a national roadway network and served as the starting point for five highways connecting Edo with other areas of Japan. Although it underwent several renovations, the stone bridge built in 1911 still links Tokyo with the suburbs. With seven highways originating here, there is a plate marking

AREA MAP

this area as ”Kilometer Zero.” Before moving to Tsukiji after a fire triggered by the Great Kanto earthquake in 1923, Tokyo’s bustling fish market was also situated in Nihonbashi. A monument is set up to commemorate this history.

Mitsukoshimae Station

in Nihonbashi

黒江屋

Kuroeya y Tok

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Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line

Nihonbashi Bridge

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Nihombashi Station

Although Japanese lacquerware is considered to be fine art, it is also widely used by Japanese people daily to boost their aesthetic experience.

Kuroeya is a lacquerware shop that was established more than 300 years ago in Nihonbashi from the people of Kuroe Village in Wakayama Prefecture, a well-known producer of lacquerware. Why not get your hands on a lacquerware dish or bowl for either decorative or practical use and bring the essence of Japanese culture into your life?

榛原

Haibara For more than 200 years Haibara has been specializing in traditional and modern washi, Japanese paper products.

One of their best-sellers is the Japanese round paper fan, a must-have item to beat the summer heat since the Edo period. Even the members of the British rock band Queen are said to have decorated their interiors with Haibara products.

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Around Tokyo in 180 minutes

UENO

上野駅から出発

Start from Ueno Station

上野

Catch the Megurin bus at the number 2 bus stop in front of Ueno Station’s “Koenguchi”. The bus runs every 15 minutes and the fare is 100 Yen each way for both adults and children. See Tokyo National Museum, Kaneiji Temple, Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street and many other attractions from the bus window.

Making the most of your time in Tokyo’s Shitamachi~ If you still have some time in your hands after visiting Ameyoko shopping street and the various museums in Ueno Park, why not experience a different side of Ueno? To save time getting from one place to another, just hop on the local mini Megurin bus!

下町風俗資料館付設展示場 (旧吉田屋酒店)

Shitamachi Museum Annex (Old Yoshidaya Liqeur Store)

根津神社と乙女稲荷神社

Nezu Shrine and Otome Inari Shrine

Shitamachi Museum showcases the history and life of Tokyoites between late 19th century and early 20th century. Shitamachi is the Japanese word for “downtown” or the low-lying parts of the city.

Nezu Shrine is a historic shrine known for its natural beauty.

Surrounded by lush green trees and 3,000 azaleas that come in full bloom every spring.

Otome Inari Shrine, famous for thousands of bright red torii gates that form an impressive tunnel, is on the grounds of Nezu Shrine.

上野駅に戻り

根津のたいやき

Back to Ueno Station

Nezu-no-Taiyaki

Get on the Megurin bus at bus stop number 17 facing the Shitamachi Museum. The bus runs along Shinobazu Pond, a famous attraction that dates back to the Edo period. The pond is often seen in ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art that flourished from the 17th century.

Taiyaki is a sea-bream shaped waffle-like snack filled with a sweet paste. Nezu-noTaiyaki serves homemade taiyaki fresh off the iron grill.

AREA MAP

根津銀座通り

Nezu Ginza Dori The slope between Shinobazu Dori and Kototoi Dori is called Nezu Ginza Dori.

It is a shopping street that locals like to frequent. Offering a mix of old and new shops, the street radiates both nostalgia and vibrancy. はん亭

Hantei

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Tokyo Metro

Nezu Station

U e n o Park

Shinobazu Ponds

Ueno Station

Tokyo Metro JR Line

Tokyo Expressway

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Ueno Zoo Scan the QR code for more information about the featured places near Ueno

JR Yamanote Line

The area in front of Nezu Shrine used to be bustling and filled with store fronts. Hantei is an establishment representative of the area’s historic character. This classical, wooden three-story building, renovated in the Meiji period, now doubles as a fun, modern sweets shop and a kushiage (fried foods) restaurant.

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FUN IN TOKYO

Around Tokyo in 180 minutes 東 京 の ナ イトラ イフ の 楽 し み It is the last day of your trip and you have three hours left before departing for the airport. Don’t know what to do with the time? WAttention did the homework for you. Here is a three hour itinerary that will leave you entertained, refreshed and with lots of memories of Japan!

Nighttime Flower Viewing

Nakano-dori 中野通り

About 300 blooming cherry trees extend for 2

Tokyo offers refuge to weary travellers with its hiddern sanct spots and bright flora - especially during the spring season.

In particular, sakuras line-up amongst skyscrapers; be mesmerized by intricate colors across the metropolis yonder!

kilometers from Nakano Station’s North Exit, through the grounds of Araiyakushi, and to Shin Ome-kaido. Once you are at Nakano-dori, you can’t miss the beautiful row of cherry trees that attract the beholder at the first sight. This is the time of the season to be in Tokyo for a feast of colors and fragrance.

Kameido Tenjin Wisteria Light Up 亀戸天神

Romantic purple blooms of wisteria usually come out at the end of April in Japan. Kameido Tenjin has 15 trellises full of wisteria, with the longest flower shoot reaching 1.5 meters.

During the festival period, the wisteria are lit up at night, creating a fantasy-like atmosphere different from day time.

R el a x i n g & R om a nt ic Yuhi-no-oka inside Sakura-gaoka Park ゆうひの丘

Commanding a panoramic view of Tama, a western

Rainbow Bridge

suburban city in Tokyo, Sakuragaoka is a popular

レインボーブリッジ

a glittering night view of high-rise apartment

filming site of many dramas. Stand at Yuhi-nooka, or Sunset Hill, and you will be greeted with

Odaiba has a 115-meter tall Ferris wheel

There are tons of off-the-beaten-places to visit in Tokyo especially in the evening.

Forget about Tokyo Skytree, Roppongi Hills Sky Deck and other touristy destinations and venture into the following local attractions.

Secret Night Spots

with a spectacular view of the illuminated

buildings and crowded streets.It takes about 40 to 50 minutes from Shinjuku by the Keio Linetogethere.

Rainbow Bridge. To get a closer look at the magnificent Rainbow Bridge, you can take the Rainbow Promenade walkway which connects the Odaiba side with the other side. Isn’t it enchanting to see the breathtaking seafront view from the Shibaura side? However, the 1.7 walkway takes 20 to 30 minutes on foot

Kanpai! Uncovering Izakaya culture Uomamire Shinkichi 居酒屋

The owner of this drinking establishment buys directly from the Tsukiji fish market and provides the freshest seafood with highest standard.

Watch WAttention Movie online for more information! https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=JNCQBsto37g

Tips to help you make the most out of your night in Tokyo Wind down with a drink at Yokocho Yokocho manners Yokocho in Japanese literally means “side alley” and refers to a small, winding smoky lane that leads you into another realm of Tokyo where grit rules over grids. Entering a drinking hole along the yokocho for the first time can be daunting, especially if you don’t speak Japanese.

Following these simple rules will help make your experience enjoyable: 1. Always order a drink or more to go with your food 2. Don’t invade the counter space of the person next to you 3. Don’t linger after finishing your food—bar hop to the next stop!

4. Do bring enough cash to pay, credit cards are often not accepted WAttention Tokyo |

25

05 on .0 p O co u s o n

N e er n p *o er p

et nt of k c u Ti i s c o

d nt for a u o ge sc is pa i D th S

w ho

0 0 0 2,

n e y

WAttention Reporter

Alba Landra from UK

ロ ボ ット レストラン

ROBOT ★ RESTAURANT

A Show which Defies Imagination After almost two years of living in Japan, I can without a doubt say that the robot restaurant is one of the most unforgettable and strangest experiences I’ve had yet.

It would be hard to miss the entrance, with two giant robots flanking the illuminated doorway, it manages to stand out even in the bustling and brightly lit streets of Kabukicho. After a brief trip in an elevator with every inch decorated in neon pulsing lights, you are ushered into the lobby where singers dressed as robots are singing everything from Disney to Avril Lavigne as you buy your glowing cocktails, robot sundaes, and neon bubble tea for the show.

There are almost no words to describe the show, with bizarre, flamboyant, energetic, and crazy not even coming close to summing up the actual

Couple from Australia

Our friends from Australia recommended it to us! They said it was a great show, so we wanted to come to see it ourselves.

Robot Restaurant Address: 1-7-7 Kabukicho, Shinjuku Time: 2:30pm – 11pm (Shows: 3:30pm, 5:30pm, 7:30pm, 9:30pm) 1 show approx. 90min Admission: 8,500JPY Access: 5-min walk from JR and Tokyo Metro Shinjuku Station URL: shinjuku-robot.com

experience. Traditional elements of Japanese culture, such as taiko (Japanese drum), samurai, folklore characters, and even shamisen (threestringed Japanese banjo) music, are all intermixed with anime, pop, and lasers until you get something that defies imagination.

With music and themes changing almost as fast as the lights, there is no time to think before another dance, a different parade of giant neon robots, or a new battle sequence rolls out. From laser light dance shows to Lady Gaga, to giant lobsters and snails shooting sparks at killer robot aliens and mutant ninja turtles rushing in at the last minute to save the planet from invasion, you would be hardpressed to find something that the show hasn’t turned into a glowing robot or dancing alien.

Eventually, after the world is saved from a race

Couple from England

Scan QR code for more information

We watched lots of Youtube videos of the show and heard a lot about it on the Internet before coming to Japan.

We’re so excited to see it!

of evil robots by a series of giant glowing animals and gun-wielding princesses atop a dragon, the show ends with a parade of flags and vibrantly dressed creatures. Glow sticks are passed out to the audience to bring audience participation up a level from simply dodging robot arms, and the infectious energy of the dancers will have even the most reluctant members on their feet, cheering and singing along.

If you’re after a memorable experience and have ever wondered what a massive glowing panda ninja fighting a robot dragon to the soundtrack of Michael Jackson looks like, Robot Restaurant has you covered.

WAttention Tokyo |

27

A set of green tea provided by CHABAKKA TEA PARKS. ZAIRAI Hanakaori ~ HOUJI-CHA

ASATSUYU ~ FUKAMUSHI SENCHA

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WAttention is a name created by combining “ 和 ” (WA) - meaning all things Japanese - with “attention”, referring to our mission to bring attention to the best of Japan.

“Wa” also bears the connotation of “linking”, which is what WAttention aims to do as a bridge linking Japan and the world.

We are the largest-circulating free magazine to introduce Japan’s unique culture as it is and tourism sights as they are to readers all over the world, in either English or the local language.

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