Tag: tokyo

Historics, Towns and Cities

Asakusa Area Guide: Ninjas, Samurais and River Cruises (2025 Update)

Asakusa is where Tokyo’s old soul still walks its streets. The sound of temple bells, the flash of red lanterns, and the aroma of sweet ningyo-yaki cakes blend into a neighborhood that has carried its traditions for over a thousand years. This is Tokyo before the neon lights, bullet trains and tall skyscrapers started dotting the district. The history of Asakusa’s dates back sometime to … Continue reading Asakusa Area Guide: Ninjas, Samurais and River Cruises (2025 Update)

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Historics, Towns and Cities

Yokohama Chinatown: What to See in One of the World’s Biggest Chinatown

In a country known for its samurais, temples, and old post towns, there exists a hidden world that goes under the radar by many travellers. The Yokohama Chinatown is a vibrant mix of colours and aesthetics that appear like 1950s shanghai with a culinary delight for all Asian food lovers. One of the biggest Chinatown in the world, the Yokohama Chukagai (local name for the … Continue reading Yokohama Chinatown: What to See in One of the World’s Biggest Chinatown

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Historics, Religious Places

The Mystique of Yakuo-in Temple: Encounter Tengu Legends, Ancient Myths and Sacred Goma Rituals

The Yakuo-In temple on Mount Takao, Tokyo, is steeped in 1200 years of history, intertwining with Tengu (demon-like deities) and Buddhist rituals like Goma. The temple complex, adorned with Tengu statues and a five-storied pagoda, offers a glimpse into Japan’s mythical folklore amidst natural beauty. Continue reading The Mystique of Yakuo-in Temple: Encounter Tengu Legends, Ancient Myths and Sacred Goma Rituals

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The 'Warehouse district' of Kawagoe, aka, Kurazukuri with its line of Edo period merchant houses and shops
Historics, Towns and Cities

Kawagoe Guide: Experience The Unique Japan Post Town From Edo Period Bell Towers to Taisho Era Streets

Just a little away from the bustling futuristic city of Tokyo, lies a historic town where the echoes of a bygone era can still be heard today. This town in Japan, where its streets are riddled with samurai-period buildings is known as Kawagoe. Embarking on a day trip to Kawagoe is a pilgrimage through multiple centuries where you can go back to more than a … Continue reading Kawagoe Guide: Experience The Unique Japan Post Town From Edo Period Bell Towers to Taisho Era Streets

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The view of Yokohama Harbor from Landmark Tower Sky Garden
Movie Locations

7 Must Visit Places in Yokohama: The Real-Life Location of Anime ‘Bungou Stray Dogs’

Tall, shimmering skyscrapers. An iconic color-changing ferris wheel. A port that sees humungous ocean liners and cruises cross into the seas. And crowds that wear the utmost stylish clothes. Dazzling Yokohama has every appeal to be on screen in scenes of an anime or a pop culture action movie or even an urban fantasy novel. That said, while the city is steeped in ultra-modern vibes, … Continue reading 7 Must Visit Places in Yokohama: The Real-Life Location of Anime ‘Bungou Stray Dogs’

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Ameena Navab, AWO journalist, stands before a shrine at Yakuo In temple in Mount Takao during autumn Photo credit: AWO staff
Mountains, Nature

Mount Takao – A Mystical Mountain of The Yokai, Tengu and Red Maple Leaves

Japan is known for its fair share of mythology involving supernatural beasts and deities known as Yokai and while most of these creatures are seen on the pages of books and paintings, a certain mountain exists where a shrine is dedicated to one of these very Yokai – Mount Takao. Amidst the flurry of red maple leaves in Autumn and pink cherry blossoms in Spring, … Continue reading Mount Takao – A Mystical Mountain of The Yokai, Tengu and Red Maple Leaves

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