
What does Inaricho mean?
What do foxes and subways have in common? Continue reading What does Inaricho mean?
What do foxes and subways have in common? Continue reading What does Inaricho mean?
TaitÅ Ward and Minato Ward are the hubs of Edo-TÅkyÅ History, but how did TaitÅ get its name? Continue reading What does TaitÅ mean?
Umayabashi is not the most famous bridge in TÅkyÅ by a long shot, but it does have an interesting story and etymology. Continue reading What does Umayabashi mean?
Continuing with our 8th installment of exploring Edo-TÅkyÅ via the Åedo Line. Continue reading Åedo Line: Ueno-Okachimachi and Shin-Okachimachi
The autumn leaves are changing. It’s time to tackle the otaku mecca – Akihabara! Continue reading What does Akihabara mean?
Sendagi is one of the areas where the spirit of old Japan still lingers. It’s history lovers wet dream! Continue reading What does Sendagi mean?
Today’s etymology is super easy, but it touches on a fascinating aspect of Edo Period culture and economics. Check it out, y’all. Continue reading What does Kuramae mean?
Asakusa – one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Japan. Continue reading What does Asakusa mean?
Between Ueno and Akihabara there is Okachimachi. Awwwwwww yeah. Continue reading What does Okachimachi mean?
Tokugawa Yoshimune is considered one of the greatest shoguns of Edo Bakufu. He initiated financial reforms that most likely made writing the rest of this series on Tokugawa shogun graves infinitely easier. Just as they re-used existing sites, I can re-use existing blogs. Awwwww yeah. Continue reading Yutoku-inã»the Grave of Tokugawa Yoshimune
Last time, I wrote about the 4th shogun, Tokugawa Ietsuna. Today let’s look at the grave of his younger brother, the much more famous Tokugawa Tsunayoshi – the so-called Dog Shogun. If you’ve been to Ueno Park, you may have seen the gate to his tomb. It’s much better preserved that Ietsuna’s and a little more centrally located… kinda. Continue reading Joken-inã»the Grave of Tokugawa Tsunayoshi
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?
Why is Yoshiwara called Yoshiwara?
It’s considered one of the most beautiful times and places in Japanese history. But so-called “Western sensibilities” shut it down. But the legend still persists as the a place to go for fun. Western cultures slut shaming Asia again…
Continue reading What does Yoshiwara mean?
鶯谷 Uguisudani (Nightingale Valley) The area was famous for bird watching in the Edo Period â no TV, so, ya know. Itâs a small valley behind Ueno Park. I donât think there are any nightingales here anymore, but speakers on the train platform play recordings of nightingale calls all day long. It’s also famous for love hotels. And if you want a Taiwanese obasan hooker, just wink at the old ladies on any corner. lol Continue reading Why is Uguisuidani called Uguisudani?