On the northwest side of the Imperial Palace is the moat (a deep ditch surrounding a castle, fort or town filled with water and used as a defense against attacks) known as Chidorigafuchi. Chidorigafuchi was opened to the public in 1949. During the last few Read More …
![[UPDATED]: The One about events and theme parks in Tokyo that may be affected by the coronavirus](https://dennisamith.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/16818447088_de145fdf97_c-480x320.jpg "[UPDATED]: The One about events and theme parks in Tokyo that may be affected by the coronavirus")
The Tokyo Outdoor Weekend Show (which is held next to Tokyo Big Sight at the Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park) which showcases music, fashion and activities for families and individuals who enjoy the outdoor life is slated for March 14th and 15th. But many people Read More …
When it comes to well-known ramen chains in Japan, Ichiran Ramen, Ramen Jiro and Ippudo are the two most well-known. Ippudo is known for its Hakata-style of ramen and best known for their tonkotsu ramen. (note: “tonkotsu” refers to the pork bone broth while “tonkatsu” Read More …
I have had the opportunity to review numerous travel books from different companies over the years and for New Zealand, this is the first time I have reviewed a travel book of the country from DK Eyewitness. One of the things that I like for Read More …
Possibly the most touristy/CROWDED place to be for cherry blossoms is Ueno Park. If you are going to the park for the art museums, aquarium, zoo (in other words, paid areas), no problem… the cherry blossom crowds don’t go in there. But the highest level Read More …
Another site to visit if you are wanting to see cherry blossoms during the day and also at night is Meguro River. My advice to see it… I recommend the following. Take the metro to Nakameguro Station. The reason why I suggest this station is Read More …
For those looking for a more fancier experience for cherry blossoms, I recommend visiting Tokyo Midtown (Roppongi/Akasaka area). As the place is absolutely lively during the Christmas time, it’s just as lovely during the cherry blossom weeks. The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo tends to have a CHANDON Read More …
I have already written about Inokashira Park in the past and that was during the fall/winter time when the leaves are red, orange, green, yellow, etc. But around the end of March and April, Inokashira Park is the place to be for the Cherry Blossoms. Read More …
I’m sure everyone has an answer of what they love about Hanami. For me, it was the amazing people I’ve met. I’ve been to many Hanami parties and they are all fun during when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Afterward, with the cherry Read More …
If there is one thing that one should partake in after the Hanami party and that is the cleanup. Everyone cleans up! And I’m going to bring up something I have written in the past… One thing I often see in Japan is how Japanese Read More …
When going to a hanami, you will want to bring drinks, food and if you want, games. If anything, buy extra food and drinks because if you are in a circle with others, some may not know and do not bring anything. And the last Read More …
In yesterday’s post, I discussed the history of hanami. But for this post, I want to discuss how one is able to secure a spot for hanami. No matter where you go, the last two weeks of March and the first two weekends of April Read More …
Hanami means “flower viewing” in Japan and is typically reserved for the cherry blossoms which bloom from March to April (Southern Japan starts earlier, Kanto/Kansai region around the end of March and early April and Northern Japan in April). Of course, it always depends on Read More …
I really do like Fodor’s creating these “25 Best” travel books. For one, they are not huge, can be kept in a bag or backpack and it’s not heavy. But most importantly, it features a lot of specific information, maps and more! And for their Read More …
I really do like Fodor’s creating these “25 Best” travel books. For one, they are not huge, can be kept in a bag or backpack and it’s not heavy. But most importantly, it features a lot of specific information, maps and more! And for the Read More …