Asakusa

Thinking “How one becomes a monk” at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa on 24 June

Many thanks to guests who joined the morning and afternoon tours on that day. On that day we welcomed total of 10 guests from USA, Canada, France, Spain, and Sweden. The two tours were in contrast of weather. In the morning time, it was rainy and cold but in the afternoon it turned sunny and hot. As we explain to our guests, Sensoji Temple is a Buddhist temple, established in 7th century. It was a time Buddhism arrived in Japan from China. Buddhism was originated in India. But as it was passed o...
Meiji Shrine and Harajuku

THE SHINTO DEITY GENEROUSLY HOSTED A LOT OF JAPANESE CULTURAL EVENTS. -17 JUNE 2018

Thank you for joining our Tokyo Free Walking Tour. One day during the rainy season in Tokyo, we had a cloudy sky and a ray of sunshine. On that same day, 17th of June, we welcomed 15 guests from, U.S.A., Australia, Argentina Singapore, Italy and Germany in front of Torii, or the Shinto Shrine gate, -the Meiji Shinto Shrine in Harajaku. The weather condition didn't hinder the people to explore and feel the freshness of the mysterious tunnel made by more than 100,000 trees in the Shinto shrine gro...
East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

Welcome to “Nippon” or “Nihon” 16 JUNE 2018 tour report

Many thanks to the guests who joined the regular afternoon tour to the East Garden of the Imperial Palace on that day. We welcomed over 30 people from many countries including U.K. Italy, Croatia, Australia, USA, Spain, Columbia and Israel. We divided into 3 groups. It was a very cloudy day. Since clouds shaded sunlight, the temperature was below 20 centigrade, which was like a early-spring time. That was unusual in this time of a year and good for tourists since Japan's summer, especially rainy...
Asakusa

RAINY SEASON NEVER CHASE AWAY ADMIRES OF ASAKUSA–10TH OF JUNE

Thank you for joining our Tokyo Free Walking Tour. On the day of our two-guided tours, 10th of June, we welcomed 13 guests from, U.S.A. Australia, Canada, and Denmark. A rainy and overcast weather condition prevailed and las­ted the entire day all over Tokyo. The sky was glo­omy and gray, partic­ularly during the da­y, in many parts of Tokyo, and one of the th­ese places was Asakus­a. Overlooking the enti­re Asakusa district from the rooftop of the Asakusa Informat­ion Center, we saw Tokyo Skytr...
East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

Emperor and Empress at Tokyo station

“Early bird catches the worm.” Now I can prove, this is definitely true. On this morning(June 9th), we welcomed guests from Israel, Indonesia, India and USA. We could just share the unforgettable time and encounter with Their Magesties. Thanks to our wonderful 5 guests!! “ Can you see the central entrance of the Tokyo station? This is the entrance for the Imperial family use.” “A street called ‘Gyoko-dori’ is located just in front of the Tokyo station Marunouchi -side. It is the straight and sho...
East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

No more Sakura, but another beautiful flowers here in Tokyo

Thank you for the guests who kindly joined our afternoon tour on 9th of June. We had 19 guests from six countries, divided into three groups. I do this guide volunteering from several years, and believed I’ve known well the area which has beautiful flower or the best season to see them. However, it was false. I was arrogant. Thanks to one of our guest’s suggestion, I saw a beautiful big Magnolia flower on the tour route for the first time on last Saturday. It boomed beautifully, solemnly, and it...
Meiji Shrine and Harajuku

Tour Report on June 3 at Meiji Shrine and Harajuku

I sincerely thank you for taking the time for joining the tour to Meiji Shrine and Harajuku on June 3. We had nine guests from the various countries of Canada,America,Mexico,Columbia,Chile,UK and Philippines. Four of the guests had participated in our tour to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace on the previous day which we appreciate very much. The weather was perfect on this day prior to the rainy season. I hope all of you enjoyed walking with us. As you might have been guided, Harajuku Sta...
East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

On Bushido, or the Samurai Way (June 2nd)

It was a pleasant day just before the start of the rain season. I had just finished sharing the story of the 47 samurais who willingly gave up their livesforthe honor of their master. Aguest from the UK asked aquestion - "When did such ideals of the samurai way come about? Is such mentality still common in the society?" There is a perfect bookon this subject. It isBushido: TheSoul of Japan, originallywritten in English in1899 (textavailableonline). The book was written by the Japanese educator I...
East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

Report on 29 May 2018, Weekday Morning tour to The East Garden of the Imperial Palace

Many thanks to 18 guests who joined the tour from USA, Canada, Australia, Columbia, Vietnam, Portugal, and Germany. We divided into 4 groups. It was hot and humid morning as May is known to be beginning of summer season. In the East Garden, irises blossomed beautifully. Our guests enjoyed viewing the irises. The pond contains collection of various species of irises. That is treasure of the garden. Now is early summer in Tokyo, but in southernmost prefecture of Japan, Okinawa is already in mid-su...
Asakusa

TOUR REPORT ON MAY 27 IN ASAKUSA AREA

Thank you for joining our Tokyo Free Walking Tour. On the day of our two-guided tours, 27th of May, with clear sunny skies, we welcomed 17 guests from Germany, U.S.A. Australia and Argentina. As usual, after greeting everyone and introducing ourselves, we made our tour in Asakusa for 90 minutes. Starting at the red painted gate, called Thunder Gate, we proceeded to the busy shopping street, Nakamise Street. Nakamise Street is the entrance to the main hall of Asakusa Buddhist Temple, which is the...