What does Hatsudai mean?
The women of Edo Castle are often a mystery to us. Let’s see what we can learn about one special woman, Lady Hatsudai. Continue reading What does Hatsudai mean?
Tag: shibuya
What does Jinnan mean?
Shibuya – shopping paradise? tourist trap?
What does Jinnan mean? Continue reading What does Jinnan mean?
What does Udagawacho mean?
Have you ever been to Shibuya? It’s made of many neighborhoods. Let’s explore! Continue reading What does Udagawacho mean?
What does Hachiko mean?
Ever wonder how Japan’s most famous dog got his name? Continue reading What does Hachiko mean?
Yamanote Line: Shibuya
Shibuya is a neighborhood that makes a huge impact at first and soon becomes seriously irritating. Continue reading Yamanote Line: Shibuya
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?
What does Hirō mean?
The history of Hiroo, or Hirō, which feels like a lame Azabu but is actually in Shibuya. Go figure. Continue reading What does Hirō mean?
What does Sendagaya mean?
Today’s topic was a reader request. But to be honest, I’ve been wanting to write about this place for a while. Continue reading What does Sendagaya mean?
What does Shirokane mean?
A rich guy, a castle and a nature preserve walk into a bar… Continue reading What does Shirokane 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 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 Toshima mean?
Ota Dokan again?
Yes. Since I talked about Shakujii and Nerima last week, this week I’ve decided to hit the next most closely related topics; Toshima, Kita, and Itabashi. By Wednesday… and with the help of a simple map, you’ll probably see what’s going on here clearly. Continue reading What does Toshima mean?
What does Aoyama mean?
Today’s place name sounds like it comes from a beautiful green mountain, but actually it’s the name of a prominent samurai family from the Sengoku Period. Why is is Aoyama called Aoyama? Continue reading What does Aoyama mean?
Why is Takeshita Street called Takeshita Street?
Takeshita Street in Harajuku is one of the most famous fashion centers in the world. But what does Takeshita Street mean? I bet you’ll be shocked to learn that Takeshita Street means “Giant Octopus Boner” in Japanese. Continue reading Why is Takeshita Street called Takeshita Street?
What does Yebisu mean?
What’s up with the spelling of Ebisu? (this is part of two) Continue reading What does Yebisu mean?
What does Ebisu mean?
Did someone say BEER? Crack open a nice cold beer and let’s find out why Ebisu is called Ebisu! Continue reading What does Ebisu mean?
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What does Shibuya mean?
If read literally, Shibuya means “bitter valley.” However, there are multiple theories about this famous place name’s etymology. Continue reading What does Shibuya mean?
Why is Daikanyama called Daikanyama?
代官山 Daikanyama (Daikan Mountain) First a quick definition. A 代官 daikan was a kind of local magistrate or governor in the Edo Period. There are 2 theories as to why this area is called Daikan Mountain: 1) A daikan‘s residence was located here at some time. 2) The forest mountain here fell under the direct supervision of a daikan. There is insufficient documentation remaining to support one theory over the other. Continue reading Why is Daikanyama called Daikanyama?
