Category Archives: To Sightsee

Hokusai – Ukiyo-e artist Special Exhibition at ABENO HARUKAS Art Museum

Hokusai Katsushika

One of the most popular Ukiyo-e airtists, HOKUSAI KATSUSHIKA is best known with “The Great Wave of kanagawa”. A special exhibition is held at the tallest building of Japan, ABENO HARUKAS, Osaka from October 6 to November 19 2017. Hokusai was an Ukiyo-e artist of rare talent who influenced Van Gough and Monet. The “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” will be used for the new passport, and Hokusai is becoming a symbol of Japan. The exhibition will focus on his original drawings from the last 30 years of his life, after reaching the age of 60, and investigate the world he sought and depicted until he was 90. (Abeno Harukas […]

Tokyo, Summer Night City

tokyobay

We have lots of fireworks festivals and Bon Dance Festivals at the end of each week all over Japan. Both fireworks and Bon Dance have been held for the peace of the world and holding a service for departed souls including our ancestors. Thousands of people gather to see famous fireworks festivals such as Sumida River Fireworks Fes., Tokyo Bay Grand Fireworks Fes. and Jingu Fireworks Fes. in Tokyo. Very Luckily, we can see them at home without crowds. Also we have a huge Bon Dance Festival at the park near our place in late August. People repeat dancing with same action over and over regardless of age and sex. We […]

ANA CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL KYOTO

ANA CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL KYOTO

I always stay ANA CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL when I visit to Kyoto. Easy to access but quiet location, great hospitality, various amenities, large bed and most delightful breakfast!! Please try Japanese style breakfast at the hotel restaurant, Unkai. You can choose boiled rice from 3 different types – Hakumai (plain boiled rice), Gokokumai (boiled rice with 5 sereals) and Okayu (congee). Try Okayu which is served with starchy thick dashi soup. Also, western styled buffet includes mini pancakes, belgian waffle and french toast with various topping. Coffee is so nice, too!!   Stayed 2 nights on February 2015 Non-smoking single room JPY12,500/per night (breakfast inclusive) Amenities: Room slippers, shoes dryer, Minus ion hair dryer, […]

Kurashiki, Okayama Pref. A classy town.

Kurashiki

Pictures from left to right, top to bottom Kurashiki historical area / The entrance of the room in Ryokan Kurashiki / Ryokan Kurashiki’s one of the lobbies / Course dinner (Sashimi) in autumn presentation City: Kurashiki, Okayama-Ken Kurashiki Official website: English | 簡体中文|Korean|French Our recommendation to stay and eat: Ryokan Kurashiki (English) Ryokan Kurashiki is the must place to stay if you visit Kurashiki city. It is in the heart of Kurashiki historical quarter and very unique accommodation. They have an English speaking staff to explain all the customs to enjoy Ryokan. The Japanese Ryokan system is very unique and there are some “traditional rules” to follow, which we go […]