Otemachi, Tokyo Taira no Masakado was a military commander active in the mid-Heian period. He worked hard to reform politics in the Kanto region and is said to have earned the deep trust of the people. However, in an attempt to further reform politics, he rebelled against the Imperial Court of the time. He started a large-scale rebellion known as the Tengyo Rebellion (Taira no Masakado Rebellion), and was killed in battle in 940. Having lost the battle, Taira no Masakado was

Komagome, Tokyo Myogi Shrine in Komagome, Tokyo, was founded in 651 (the second year of the Hakuchi era). Considered one of the oldest shrines in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, legend holds that Yamato Takeru no Mikoto established his camp here during his eastern campaign in 651 and built a shrine, marking its origins. Originally named Shirotori Shrine, it appears that Shigeyoshi, a descendant of Nitta Yoshisada, later constructed it after inviting the deity from his ancestral home shr

Sugamo, Tokyo Sugamo (巣鴨) is a shopping district along Tokyo 's Yamanote Line that famously caters to the elderly. The district's popular, 800 meter long Jizo Dori shopping street is also affectionately known as the "Old Ladies' Harajuku" in lighthearted comparison to the Harajuku district's status as one of Japan's foremost youthful shopping and fashion destinations. The original reason for Sugamo's popularity is found at Koganji Temple halfway down the shopping street. Th

Izu Oshima, Tokyo The shrine is located in the Izumizu district in the northwestern part of Izu Oshima, surrounded by a grove of cedar trees and moss-covered stone steps that create a serene and peaceful atmosphere whenever you visit. The present shrine was built in the Showa period (1926-1989), and there is a legend of Hiimi-sama in the Izumitsu district where the shrine is located. The legend tells of 25 young islanders who killed a bad government official, built a boat out

Izu Oshima, Tokyo Ura-Sabaku , Japan's only true desert located on Izu Oshima island, is a vast, otherworldly landscape of black volcanic sand and ash formed by eruptions of Mt. Mihara. Accessible by hiking trails, it offers dramatic, sparse scenery with panoramic views, volcanic rock, and, occasionally, patches of pampas grass.

Izu Oshima, Tokyo Fudeshima (Brush Island) is a 30-meter-high, cone-shaped rock islet off the coast of Izu Oshima, which resembles the tip of a traditional Japanese writing brush ( fude ). Formed by hardened, wave-eroded volcanic rock from a prehistoric volcano, it stands as a striking landmark and a sacred site known locally as a "dwelling place of the gods".

Izu Oshima, Tokyo Habu port (minato) is a small port town on the southeastern coast of Izu Oshima. It was built around 200 years ago, and its quaint streets and gorgeous ocean views offer you a chance to step back in time. Officially opened in 1800 after extensive excavation of rocks, the port flourished as a sheltered, natural harbor and fishing hub until the mid-1900s, later becoming a famous tourist spot. This small village was the inspiration for Yasunari Kawabata's novel

Izu Oshima, Tokyo This black beach was formed by the accumulation of volcanic ash, volcanic sand, and eroded volcanic rock that was washed down through the valley. Every year sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand. About 1km long.

Izu Oshima, Tokyo A boat ride from Atami port to Izu Oshima. Large-scale eruptions used to occur on Izu Oshima every 100 to 200 years on average, and volcanic ejecta such as scoria and volcanic ash accumulated and formed the stripe pattern. The stripes are about 30 m high and 630 m long, and are also known as "baumkuchen" because of their appearance. The strata look like folds because of their gentle curvature, but they were originally formed by parallel layers of earth over

Tokyo, Marunouchi There are reliefs of the zodiac signs embedded in the ceiling of the dome at the Marunouchi Kitaguchi entrance, but...

Tokyo, Itabashi Ward Nakajuku （仲宿）is a neighborhood of Itabashi Ward in North Tokyo. As the name suggests (shuku or juku means ‘lodging’)...

Shibuya, Tokyo Meiji Jingu, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. After...

Kudankita, Tokyo Yasukuni Shrine (靖国神社, Yasukuni Jinja) is a Shinto shrine in central Tokyo that commemorates Japan's war dead. The...

Iidabashi, Tokyo Located a minute from Iidabashi station. During the Edo period (1603-1868), it was everyone’s dream to go on a...

Ginza, Tokyo The Kabukiza Theater in Ginza is an icon of kabuki, with frequent performances that change in program on a monthly basis. ...

Taito Ku, Tokyo Kappabashi, Japan’s restaurant supply store mecca, is located in Taito Ward between Ueno and Asakusa. At nearly a...

Katsushika Ku, Tokyo Shibamata area is known for "Otoko wa Tsurai yo" - a Japanese film series starring Kiyoshi Atsumi as Tora-san, a...