The East Garden of the Imperial Palace, 19 August 2023

Many thanks for joining us on our tours at Imperial Palace in the afternoon on August 19th. We welcomed 11 guests from Philippines, Argentina, UK, Mexico, and USA. It was a tremendous opportunity for us to meet wonderful guests from many countries and to share interesting conversations. We’ve posted group photos and snapshots so that you can look back on the fun times we had.

It is now Obon season in Japan. “Obon” is a significant summer event in Japan where families honor their ancestors’ spirits. It typically takes place over a few days in mid-August. During this time, families clean and decorate their ancestors’ graves, and often a special table is set up at home with offerings of food and incense. People also participate in traditional dances called “Bon Odori” to celebrate the occasion. The event is a time for family reunions and reflection on one’s heritage, fostering a strong sense of community and remembrance. That’s why many Japanese people take their summer holidays during this period.

Once again, thank you so much for joining us on our tour. We always make efforts to improve our tours and highly appreciate your feedback on our TripAdvisor/Facebook etc. Your comments motivate us to continue our volunteer activities. Please tell your family and friends about how you enjoyed our tour. Next time you’re in Tokyo, please join another one of our tours (Asakusa, Meiji Shrine/Harajuku and Ueno Park）. We’d love to see you again.

For more information about our tour, please visit our website at
https://tfwt.jp/top/east-gardens-of-the-imperial-palace/ ,
https://www.facebook.com/TokyoFWT
or Tokyo Free Walking Tour at https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g14129528-d3587204-Reviews-Tokyo_Free_Walking_Tour-Marunouchi_Chiyoda_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html .

(Posted by Akito)