Category Archives: Secret Spots

Resumption of Shipping for Registered Small Packet

We have just added a new shipping option for registered small packet. This method was previously known as “e-packet” until 2020 and had been temporarily suspended due to the pandemic. However, as of 2023, Japan Post has resumed handling this delivery method. We are pleased to announce that the available delivery areas are now equivalent to EMS, and we are reintroducing affordable shipping options for small packages. When checking out, please select either EMS or registered small packet for your order. If your ordered items weigh 2kg or less and you have some flexibility in the delivery timeframe, please consider selecting this shipping method. However, please be aware that the […]

Recommended Tourist Spot in Kyoto – Episode 1: Blood Ceiling

In the spring of 2023, Japan saw a resurgence of foreign tourists along with domestic travelers, resulting in bustling crowds at famous tourist destinations. Undoubtedly, Kyoto remains at the top of the list in terms of popularity. While places like Kiyomizu-dera and Heian-jIngu shrine are undoubtedly wonderful and must-visit locations, in this blog series, I would like to personally recommend hidden gems in Kyoto. First and foremost, I would like to introduce “Blood Ceiling”. Blood Ceiling refers to ceilings where boards stained with blood are embedded. There are many temples in Kyoto where blood ceilings can be found. These ceilings vividly preserve the handprints and footprints of fallen samurai warriors […]

The most powerful spiritual site in Tokyo

If you come to Tokyo for sightseeing, Asakusa is not the only Buddhisit temple you should definitely stop by. Be sure to visit Fukagawa Fudoson, a little further east than Asakusa. We affectionately call it ‘Ofudo-san’, but its official name is Naritasan Tokyo Betsuin Fukagawa Fudo-do. It is a Tokyo branch, so to speak, of Naritasan, an ancient temple near Narita Int’l Airport that is well known to overseas travellers. The temple offers daily Goma, fire ritual at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm, which we would like you to experience. Goma is derived from the Sanskrit word “homa”, meaning holy flame, and is one of the tools used by […]

Goryo-shinko , a folk religious belief of avenging spirits

Religion in Japan has been diverse since ancient times. Although national strategy has forced many changes in the direction of belief, today the majority of the population are atheists rooted in Buddhism. Nevertheless, we live our daily lives without being aware of it, feeling the soul and power in everything we see, not only in the gods and Buddha, but also in nature and everyday tools. In this country, both good and bad things have a soul, and if we worship them carefully and treat them with sincerity, they will guide and help us. The most characteristic of such a wide range of beliefs in Japan is the belief in […]

Hydrangea macrophylla – Japanese Ajisai

Hydrongea

It is so gloomy during the rainy season in Japan. The rainy season varies depending on a region but usually in mid-end June in most regions in Japan. In the rainy season, you can alternatively enjoy some indoor activities if you have to visit Japan in June, however, why don’t you look out for a famous garden for Ajisai flowers if the time is right! Ajisai flowers look so gorgeous when many bloomedat the same time at one spot. In Kanto areas, there are many famous gardens that you can see these Ajisai flowers. If you stay in Tokyo, we recommend “Hakusan Jinja”, a shrine-cum-park, “Hakusai Koen”. They have 3,000 […]

Do you want to stay in Harajuku Pink Hotel?

moshi moshi sakura

It is not common to find a hotel in Harajuku. But Girls! You can find a perfect accommodation in Harajuku and this place is all in pink!! MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS’ first concept accommodation is called “SAKURA”, which means cherry blossoms, and as you can imagine, Sakura is pink. This unique space is dedicated to pink and sakura. The room rate is not exactly economical but it is well worth staying with 4 other friends as the maximum people to share is 5. You can also use the roof top area, which is artistic and fashionable, and ideal for BBQ and a small outdoor party. Staying there is definitely ”Instagenic”, in […]

KINKOKAKU – a secret hideout Ryokan in TOKYO

Japanese Ryokan

Do you prefer to stay in a Western style hotel or in a very unique place that you can never experience other than Japan? please give a thought for staying at a “Ryokan”, a Japanese classic and traditional style accommodation. You can in fact stay at a Ryokan even in a big city like Tokyo. Our recommendation is KINKOKAKU, in Akiruno-Shi. What is special about this place is that all their rooms are detached individual rooms like small houses. They have 5 different rooms/houses accommodating minimum 2 people maximum 8 people in one room. 3 of these rooms are location in front of River Akikawa. You would not believe this […]

No more than water, but gift from the god

matsuo-main

  Do you know the specialty foods of Kyoto? Tofu, yuba, sake, pickles, matcha, wagashi (artistic sweets), etc… Can you imagine what is the most important material for them? Yes, it’s water! There are so many active wells which have good quality water in Kyoto. I have ever been water spots a lot in Kyoto, but I think the spring water at Kamenoi in Matsuo Taisha Shrine is the best and really amazing! It is fresh, mild, magically sweet and very tasty. I understand why Matsuo Taisha is so-called “The Shrine of Sake”. This water must be the gift from the god!   Please visit there carrying empty bottle when you are […]