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What to read: Princess Masako: Prisoner of the Chrysanthemum Throne

What to read: Princess Masako: Prisoner of the Chrysanthemum Throne

Posted on Sep 3, 2013 in News, Stories about Japan, What to read |

The Japanese royal family has long since been steeped in mystery. This book  Princess Masako: Prisoner of the Chrysanthemum Throne now changes that and gives you a rare insight in the lives of Nurihito and his wife Masako and their little daughter Aiko who are in succcession for the royal throne. Princess Masako: Prisoner of the Chrysanthemum Throne (ISBN 1585425680) is a controversial 2006 book by Australian investigative journalist Ben Hills. Billed as “The Tragic...

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Things to do: This weekend: Koenji Awaodori 2013 dance festival

Things to do: This weekend: Koenji Awaodori 2013 dance festival

Posted on Aug 24, 2013 in Must see, News, Things to do |

Sat Aug 24 – Sun Aug 25, 2013 Around Koenji 12,000 dancers pile out on to the streets of Koenji over the two days of the annual Awaodori, undoubtedly one of Tokyo’s most energetic festivals – and one with crowds to match. The awaodori (‘awa dance’) tradition can be traced back to Tokushima in Shikoku, where the story goes that the localdaimyo plied his citizens with booze to celebrate the completion of the local castle in 1586, leading to a citywide outbreak of dancing in...

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Things to do: This weekend: Roppongi Hills Bon-Odori dance festival

Things to do: This weekend: Roppongi Hills Bon-Odori dance festival

Posted on Aug 24, 2013 in Must see, News, Things to do |

Until Sun Aug 25, 2013 Roppongi Hills Arena This lively Roppongi Hills event features traditional Obon dance performed in a purpose-built arena by yukata-clad dancers. Decorations add to the atmosphere, while the surrounding stalls cater to hungry crowds with all the usual festival fare. Details Open Aug 23-25 Time Fri (stalls only) 5-9pm, Sat-Sun stalls from 3-9pm, performance 5-8pm Venue Roppongi Hills Arena Address 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo Transport Roppongi...

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Things to do: This weekend: Super Yosakoi (2013) dance festival

Things to do: This weekend: Super Yosakoi (2013) dance festival

Posted on Aug 24, 2013 in Must see, News, Things to do |

Sat Aug 24 – Sun Aug 25, 2013 Yoyogi Park Omotesando, Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park The final weekend of August is always a good time for dancing in the streets, with many major festivals kicking off. The original yosakoi dance started life in Kochi in 1954, where it was intended to help revitalise the struggling post-war economy, and Tokyo’s own Super Yosakoi festival has been going for just over a decade now. The event sees 90-odd teams of brightly attired dancers trying to...

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Things to do: This weekend: U-1 Grand Prix; an undon noodle contest in Yoyogi park

Things to do: This weekend: U-1 Grand Prix; an undon noodle contest in Yoyogi park

Posted on Aug 24, 2013 in News, Things to do, Where to eat |

Sat Aug 24 – Sun Aug 25, 2013 Yoyogi Park There are plenty of delicious udon places in Japan, but which is the best? How do you know whether you’re eating the finest bowl out there, or being fobbed off with second or third-rate noodles? The U-1 Grand Prix, held in Yoyogi Park, is a championship to determine Japan’s best udon. Stores from across the country will gather for the two-day fest to prove their worth, including representatives from as far afield...

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Where to eat: Tempura Buono, finger licking good

Where to eat: Tempura Buono, finger licking good

Posted on Aug 15, 2013 in News, Where to eat | 1 comment

Buono, an Italian-named but authentically Japanese tempura restaurant in the back streets of central Tokyo’sNishi-Azabu neighborhood, about 10 minutes on foot from both Roppongi Hills to the east and Hiroo Station to the south. Buono’s concept is as appealing as its menu: serve top-quality tempura at accessible prices so that average people can experience what this well known Japanese specialty should taste like. The chef at Buono claims to have spent his past 39 years in...

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