The History of Hanami
We all love hanami and sakura, but where did it all start? Let’s take a look at the history of hanami. Continue reading The History of Hanami
Where is Goten’yama today?
Gotenyama was the premiere hanami spot in Edo. Not much remains today. Continue reading Where is Goten’yama today?
What does Asukayama mean?
#Hanami is right around the corner and Asukayama was one of #Edo’s most famous spots!
What does Ōkubo mean?
What does Ōkubo mean? Samurai and guns – woo hoo! Continue reading What does Ōkubo mean?
Yamanote Line: Hamamatsu-chō and Tamachi
Today we reach the last 2 stations, Hamamatsu-chō & Tamachi. Continue reading Yamanote Line: Hamamatsu-chō and Tamachi
Yamanote Line: Yūraku-chō and Shinbashi
有楽町Yūraku-chō 新橋Shinbashi Yūraku-chō The area called Yūraku-chō lies in an area that used be a fortified island between the inner and outer moats of Edo Castle. In fact, the elevated train tracks supported by red brick foundations are built on … Continue reading Yamanote Line: Yūraku-chō and Shinbashi
The Year in Review – 2016
Let’s take a look back at 2016 and what’s in store for 2017! Continue reading The Year in Review – 2016
Yamanote Line: Tōkyō
Almost at the end of our loop around Tōkyō so it’s about time we get to Tōkyō Station. Continue reading Yamanote Line: Tōkyō
Yamanote Line: Akihabara and Kanda
New Article!
I somehow made a light piece about Akihabara and Kanda.
#SettingTheStage #Japan #Edo #Tokyo Continue reading Yamanote Line: Akihabara and Kanda
Yamanote Line: Ueno and Okachimachi
Take a tour with me of this area, words don’t do it justice. Continue reading Yamanote Line: Ueno and Okachimachi
Yamanote Line: Nishi-Nippori, Nippori, Uguisudani
We fittin’ to get deeeeeeep in the history of this city. Continue reading Yamanote Line: Nishi-Nippori, Nippori, Uguisudani
Yamanote Line: Ōtsuka, Sugamo, Komagome, Tabata
Today we’re going to visit 4 stations on the Yamanote Line. I hope you’ll join me for this whirlwind tour of Edo-Tōkyō! Continue reading Yamanote Line: Ōtsuka, Sugamo, Komagome, Tabata
Yamanote Line: Takadanobaba, Meijiro, and Ikebukuro
We’re on an odd stretch of the Yamanote Line today. We’ll see some of the most elite areas and some of the stinkiest. Continue reading Yamanote Line: Takadanobaba, Meijiro, and Ikebukuro
Yamanote Line: Shin-Ōkubo
I’m gonna get some blow back for this one.
Next stop on the Yamanote Line:
Shin-Ōkubo Continue reading Yamanote Line: Shin-Ōkubo
Yamanote Line: Harajuku, Yoyogi, and Shinjuku
All aboard the #YamanoteLine!
Next stop?
#Harajuku, #Yoyogi, #Shinjuku! Continue reading Yamanote Line: Harajuku, Yoyogi, and Shinjuku
Yamanote Line: Shibuya
Shibuya is a neighborhood that makes a huge impact at first and soon becomes seriously irritating. Continue reading Yamanote Line: Shibuya
300th Article Anniversary!
I remember when I 0 readers. Thanks for all your support! We’ve made it to 300 articles on #etymology and #JapanHistory. Unbelievable. Continue reading 300th Article Anniversary!
Yamanote Line: Meguro and Ebisu
The term “yamanote” is synonymous with “upscale” and both Meguro and Ebisu fit that description. Continue reading Yamanote Line: Meguro and Ebisu
Yamanote Line: Ōsaki and Gotanda
Not the most glamorous stations of the Yamanote Line, but Ōsaki and Gotanda are not without their charms. Continue reading Yamanote Line: Ōsaki and Gotanda
Yamanote Line: Shinagawa
First stop on the #YamanoteLine is #Shinagawa Station which used to be on #Tokyo Bay! Continue reading Yamanote Line: Shinagawa
Yamanote Line Extravaganza (intro)
My long overdue exploration of Tōkyō via the Yamanote Line begins here. I hope you’ll stick around for the whole series! Continue reading Yamanote Line Extravaganza (intro)
What does Tachikawa mean?
Tachikawa is a Tokyo suburb. It’s famous for Rainbow Pool, a former US Air Force Base, and a North Korean school! Continue reading What does Tachikawa mean?
What does Harajuku mean?
#Harajuku means a lot of things to many people, but the area was insignificant until the 1920’s and finally prospered in the post-war years. Continue reading What does Harajuku mean?
I Have a Huge Announcement!
There’s a new service specializing in tourism for Japanese History. It may include beer! Help me spread the word, guys! Continue reading I Have a Huge Announcement!
What does Kioi-chō mean?
JapanThis! Where etymology, Japanese history, and James muthafuckin’ Bond collide. Yeah, you read that right. Continue reading What does Kioi-chō mean?
Book Review – Photography in Japan
The opening of Japan and the advent of photography happened at the same time. Japan was primed for the new art by its tradition of ukiyo-e (woodblock prints of daily life). Continue reading Book Review – Photography in Japan
What does Nagatachō mean?
Nagata-chō is to Japan what Washington DC or Downing Street are to the US and UK. Go #metonym power! Continue reading What does Nagatachō mean?
Book Review – Hiroshige: 100 Famous Views of Edo
This beautiful book let’s the art speak for itself but provides print-by-print commentary. It’s a coffee table book that I find irresistible. Of course, I’m biased. Hiroshige is my favorite Japanese artist. Continue reading Book Review – Hiroshige: 100 Famous Views of Edo
What does Ōme mean?
Ōme was far from Edo but today it is one of the most beautiful areas of the Greater Tōkyō Metropolitan Area. It also has a connection to a legendary Kantō samurai hero. Continue reading What does Ōme mean?
What does Shinjuku mean?
Shinjuku is one of the craziest places in Tokyo. Guess what. It’s ALWAYS been like that! Continue reading What does Shinjuku mean?
