What does HirÅ mean?
The history of Hiroo, or HirÅ, which feels like a lame Azabu but is actually in Shibuya. Go figure. Continue reading What does HirÅ mean?
Tag: daimyo
What does Keyakizaka mean?
Easiest place name ever. Continue reading What does Keyakizaka mean?
What does Yoyogi mean?
Today’s Tokyo place name is a reader request. The area is decidedly yamanote and was the location of many palatial daimyo residences during the Edo Period, including the lords of Hikone, the Ii clan, including Ii Naosuke, the dude who could have saved the Bakufu. Continue reading What does Yoyogi mean?
Why is Sendai Horigawa called Sendai Horigawa?
Have you ever heard of Sendai Horigawa? Me neither. Wanna know where the name comes from? Well, alright then, all aboard the place name train! Choo-choooooooo! Continue reading Why is Sendai Horigawa called Sendai Horigawa?
Nijubashi – Tokyo’s Most Famous Bridge
Today we’ll look at a case of mistaken identity! The so-called “Double Bridge” that isn’t actually a “double bridge.” If you’ve ever been to the Imperial Palace in Tokyo or looked at a Tokyo guidebook, you’ve seen this bridge. Continue reading Nijubashi – Tokyo’s Most Famous Bridge
4 More Bad Ass Books on Japanese History
Just wanted to share 4 more great books about Japanese History that I love! Have an awesome day! Continue reading 4 More Bad Ass Books on Japanese History
Why is Shiodome called Shiodome?
What do you get when you mix a monorail with skyscapers, a stunning view of the bay, an old train station and edo period gardens? Shiodome! Let’s find out about the mysterious origins of the place name and dramatic history of the area. Continue reading Why is Shiodome called Shiodome?
What does Marunouchi 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?
Why is Akasaka called Akasaka?
In the Edo Period it was famous as the home of some of the most powerful daimyo. Today it’s famous for politics and commerce. For all of its history it’s been famous for being red. Let’s find out why Akasaka is called the Red Hill. Continue reading Why is Akasaka called Akasaka?
Why is KyÅbashi called KyÅbashi?
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?
Why is Shinbashi called Shinbashi?
Shinbashi means “new bridge” but is that all there is to the story? Shibashi Station is one of the oldest and most important train stations in Japanese History. Continue reading Why is Shinbashi called Shinbashi?
Check Out These Japanese Castles!
I’ve talked about Edo Castle quite a bit on Japan This! If you wanna see some great pictures and descriptions of Edo Castle and other Japanese Castles, please check out Jcastle.info. It’s a bad ass site and I know you’ll love the shit out of it! #japanesecastles #japanesehistory #japan #castle #twinglish Continue reading Check Out These Japanese Castles!
