Ōedo Line: Roppongi
Continuing with our 21st installment of exploring Edo-Tōkyō via the Ōedo Line. Continue reading Ōedo Line: Roppongi
Tag: roppongi
Ōedo Line: Azabu Jūban
Continuing with our 20th installment of exploring Edo-Tōkyō via the Ōedo Line. Continue reading Ōedo Line: Azabu Jūban
What does Gohongi mean?
Today’s place name isn’t the most exciting and the area isn’t much better, but we have magical bugs living inside people. That’s cool, right? Continue reading What does Gohongi mean?
Why is Roppongi called Roppongi
Today, Roppongi is a party town. For years it’s been popular with foreigners due to its proximity to so many foreign embassies. Because of this proximity, the area is relatively English-friendly which makes it a destination for foreigners visiting Japan and the seedy businesses that often cater to (or try to take advantage of) foreigners. But in the Edo Period, this was home to sprawling mansions of the elite ruling class. Many of the street blocks still correspond to the locations of these residences. Continue reading Why is Roppongi called Roppongi
What does Keyakizaka mean?
Easiest place name ever. Continue reading What does Keyakizaka mean?
What does Mamiana-cho mean?
Before the Scientific Method arrived, scholars and common folk grouped animals in according to a traditional Sino-Japanese methodology. Today’s place name bears evidence to that grouping methodology.
Continue reading What does Mamiana-cho mean?
Why is Toriizaka called Toriizaka?
Torīzaka is one of the steepest hills in Tokyo. The word Torī would make you think there was a big shrine in the area, but there isn’t. So where did this name come from?
Let’s find out what Torīzaka means! Continue reading Why is Toriizaka called Toriizaka?
What does Nogizaka mean?
Today we’ll hear the story of a general of the Imperial Army who wanted to kill himself but the emperor wouldn’t let him. But more importantly, we’ll learn about the hill that bares his name. Continue reading What does Nogizaka mean?
Why is Roppongi called Roppongi?
六本木 Roppongi (6 Trees) Legend has it that the area was the location of the lower residences of 6 daimyō. A daimyō is a feudal lord. They were required to serve the shōgun in Edo and represent their domains in the capital. Most of them about 3 residences in Edo, an upper residence next to Edo Castle (now the Imperial Palace), a middle residence a little farther out, and a lower residence in the suburbs of Edo. There’s another story that there were 6 pine trees here, but that just sounds stupid…or boring at best. Continue reading Why is Roppongi called Roppongi?
