
Yamanote Line: TÅkyÅ
Almost at the end of our loop around TÅkyÅ so it’s about time we get to TÅkyÅ Station. Continue reading Yamanote Line: TÅkyÅ
Almost at the end of our loop around TÅkyÅ so it’s about time we get to TÅkyÅ Station. Continue reading Yamanote Line: TÅkyÅ
Åme was far from Edo but today it is one of the most beautiful areas of the Greater TÅkyÅ Metropolitan Area. It also has a connection to a legendary KantÅ samurai hero. Continue reading What does Åme mean?
Formerly part of the outer enclosure of Edo Castle and now a shopping district next to Ginza, Yurakucho is strange name with an elusive past. Continue reading What does Yurakucho mean?
It’s the last day of GW!
If you’re curious about what happened to real estate in the early Meiji years, I’ve got some pretty amazing pictures for you in this one. Today’s topic is Marunouchi and the so-called Daimyo Alley, the high-walled, moated, garden filled area of upper residences of the most elite daimyo. Today the area is filled with the skyscrapers of some of Japan’s wealthiest and most powerful companies.
Oh and just a heads up, this is good week for JapanThis. We’re finally at 100 members on Facebook. This week’s topics are Marunouchi, Shiodome, Shakujii, Nerima and a quick book review. Continue reading What does Marunouchi mean?
Today’s place name is Kyobashi. It means “bridge to the capital.” Was that Edo or Kyoto? More importantly, this bridge is a testament to Japanese engineering. It’s final incarnation was completed one year before the Great Kanto Earthquake leveled Tokyo in 1923 but the bridge survived. It also survived WWII. But it didn’t survive modern progress in Tokyo…. Let’s learn more! Continue reading Why is KyÅbashi called KyÅbashi?