What does Adachi mean?
Adachi is a very ancient place name that is now generally associated with the Japanese equivalent of “white trash.” Continue reading What does Adachi mean?
Tag: etymology
Why does Japan have Prefectures?
Many countries have states or provinces or regions. But only Japan and France have prefectures. So what’s up with dat? Continue reading Why does Japan have Prefectures?
What does Musashi mean?
Musashi was an old Japanese province, however the name is still with us today. Continue reading What does Musashi mean?
What does Setagaya mean?
Setagaya may not be the most exciting place in the 23 Special Wards of Tokyo, but it’s no slouch. Famous for its inaccessibility, it offers affordable housing and… the Ii Clan’s Funerary Temple in Edo. Continue reading What does Setagaya mean?
What does Daizawa mean?
Easiest place name ever. Continue reading What does Daizawa mean?
What does Daita mean?
One of the official place names near Shimo-Kitazawa is Daita. It seems to have a mythological origin and a possible tie in to the original creation myths of Japan. Continue reading What does Daita mean?
What does Shimo-Kitazawa mean?
Hey you! Wants some candy? Get in the car with me and I’ll tell you all about why Shimo-Kitazawa is called Shimo-Kitazawa. Continue reading What does Shimo-Kitazawa mean?
What does Kudanshita mean?
Yesterday we learned about Iidabashi (and its precursor, Iidamachi). Today we’ll look at Kudanshita, a location whose recent controversial history has somewhat obscured its samurai origins. Continue reading What does Kudanshita mean?
What does Iidabashi mean?
Today we’ll learn about a shitamachi place name that has disappeared. We’ll also learn how it’s important to pay attention to what reading of kanji is being used. Continue reading What does Iidabashi mean?
What does Kichijoji mean?
KichijÅji, one of the coolest towns in Tokyo looks like a temple name. But if you go to KichijÅji, you won’t find any temples by that name. Today, we’ll find out why there is not temple in KichijÅji called KichijÅ-ji. Are you ready to rock? Continue reading What does Kichijoji mean?
What does Inokashira mean?
Inokashira Park is Kichijoji’s famous park. But did you know that big lake was the source of drinking water for a million people in Edo? Continue reading What does Inokashira mean?
What does Mitaka mean?
I’ve been writing about Tokyo places names for half a year now and I don’t know why I haven’t written about this one. This was the first origin story I ever heard. Now I’ll share it with you. Continue reading What does Mitaka 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?
What does Ryogoku mean?
I love the shitamachi style of Tokyo. It really helps me connect with history.
If you want to travel to Japan, Ryogoku should be high on your list of places to go. Sumo, samurai, 37 ronin, Japanese food, and Japanese girls in glasses (OK, I made up the last one…) Continue reading What does Ryogoku mean?
What does Muromachi mean?
The history of today’s place name is going to take us on a long journey across the country to Kyoto and back in time to the Ashikaga Shogunate (and in reality back to the Kamakura and Heian Periods). Plot twists abound. Strap yourselves in and get ready to feel the G’s, baby. Continue reading What does Muromachi mean?
What does Anjin-cho mean?
Have you ever seen the old American TV series “Shogun?”
Or have you ever imagined what it would be like if you, a foreigner, were a samurai in feudal Japan? Continue reading What does Anjin-cho mean?
What does Akabane mean?
赀矜Akabane (Red Wings; but more at Red Clay) Todayâs place name etymology is a pretty interesting one because we will get a sneak peak at the extinct pre-Edo Period dialect of the area. Akabane sits in the northern part of Kita Ward. Itâs basically next to Kawakuchi, Saitama. So itâs on the literal outskirts of TÅkyÅ. Mind you, you wonât see any difference leaving TÅkyÅ and entering Saitama due to the thorough urban sprawl. Historically speaking, 赀矜æ Akabane Mura Akabane Village wasnât a particularly important place, but in the Kamakura Period a highway called 岩槻è¡é Iwatsuki KaidÅ was built. The … Continue reading What does Akabane mean?
Yusho-inã»the Grave of Tokugawa Ietsugu
We’ve come to the 7th shogun. His funerary temple was one of the architectural gems of Edo-Tokyo. Sadly, it was the last of these fine structures. From here on out we will only have group enshrinements. It’s the end of an era. Continue reading Yusho-inã»the Grave of Tokugawa Ietsugu
What does Shiba mean?
Taking a break from the Toshima Clan’s lands, we’ll move back into solidly Tokugawa territory. This will set up a 16 part series that will begin next week. So let’s find out what “Shiba” means in Japanese. Continue reading What does Shiba mean?
Why is Itabashi called Itabashi?
Itabashi is notorious to Shinsengumi lovers. I’ve been there many times for ãå¢åã, but the name of the town always made me wonder. Was there a bridge? Was there a plank? Today let’s find out what Itabashi means! Continue reading Why is Itabashi called Itabashi?
What does Kasuga mean?
Kasuga no Tsubone, or Lady Kasuga, was a certified card carrying bad ass of the Muromachi Period and Edo Period. She instituted and managed the shogun’s harem. She had an income equal to that of a feudal lord. She pulled the strings of shogunal succession that guaranteed the ascendancy of Tokugawa Iemitsu, the first peace-time Tokugawa shogun. Tokyo remembers her with a street and train station. lol
Why is Kasuga Street called Kasuga Street? Continue reading What does Kasuga 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?
Why is Kiba called Kiba?
Today I have more pictures of lumberyards than you can shake a stick at.
See what I did there? Continue reading Why is Kiba called Kiba?
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
What does Nerima mean?
Today we’ll look at the origin of the mysterious place name “Nerima” in Tokyo. We’ll talk about samurai, clay, and yes, wetlands. Strap yourself in and get ready to feel the G’s, baby! Continue reading What does Nerima mean?
What does Shakujii mean?
Shakujii Park is a famous park in Tokyo, but do you know it’s dirty little secret? Continue reading What does Shakujii mean?
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 Kasumigaseki mean?
Today’s Tokyo Place Name is a Freakin’ Mystery. Oh, and we’ll hear about a dude I like to call “Captain Japan.” What does Kasumigaseki mean? Continue reading What does Kasumigaseki mean?
What does Akasaka-Mitsuke mean?
Yesterday we talked about Akasaka. Today we’ll talk about Akasaka-mitsuke, a much more “samurai sounding” place name. Enjoy! Continue reading What does Akasaka-Mitsuke 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?
