【English／日本語】 These are cherry blossoms at Shinshoin, a temple in Nishi-Hachioji. This temple was founded by the daughter of the famous warlord Shingen Takeda. Unlike ordinary temples, it features feminine decorations and a very glamorous atmosphere. Our school visits once a year. Before the visit, students study in class the tragic love story for which this temple was built. There are many historical buildings near the school. Nishi-Hachioji can be said to offer an excellent environment for learning Japanese. These are the cherry blossoms at Shinshoin, a temple in Nishi-Hachioji. This temple was founded by the daughter of the famous warlord Shingen Takeda. Unlike ordinary temples, it has decorations that feel feminine and is very ornate. Our school visits once a year. Before the visit, students learn in class about the tragic love story that led to the temple's founding. There are many historical buildings near the school. Nishi-Hachioji can be said to be a very good environment for studying Japanese.

One piece at Mejiro Garden Reflection on the surface of the water at dusk

Peeking into the Sky Tree from the cherry blossom frame The water bus that stopped at the Sumida River was also cherry blossom colored. Location: Sumida Park

It's finally starting to feel like spring. Loving the cherry blossoms around Tokyo already, it just needs to get a bit warmer. Temperature feels a lot more up and down this year, but maybe it's just my imagination. Hoping I can get out this weekend and enjoy some more views outside of Tokyo. I'm not sure how much the cherry blossoms have bloomed in Saitama, but I enjoyed seeing all the photos and videos of the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival. It's a bit too far/expensive for a day trip 6 hours on a train doesn't sound fun, but it'd be nice to see them one day. From my knowledge, the cherry blossoms tend to stay in bloom longer there so it'd be nice to see them eventually. Either way, I'm just happy spring is finally here!

[English/Japanese] The day before yesterday, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced that cherry blossoms had bloomed in Tokyo. In Japan, this time of year’s weather forecast reports not only temperatures and conditions but also the status of the cherry blossoms. Hanami, a traditional Japanese event, began 1,300 years ago and is popular with foreign tourists. In this issue, we introduce hanami etiquette. 1 The star of the show is the cherry blossoms Cherry blossom viewing means eating and drinking under the cherry trees. Cherry trees are very delicate. When you eat, do not place a sheet at the base of the cherry tree. The base of the tree is where it breathes, so place your sheet away from it. Also, do not break cherry branches just because their blossoms are beautiful. Cherry blossoms decompose easily. If you break a branch, you may have to pay a fine for damage to property. Please be careful. 2 Park rules During holidays at this time of year, the number of people viewing cherry blossoms in parks increases greatly. Some parks are lit up at night and become popular date spots. Each park has different rules, so check the park rules before going to hanami. For example, some parks prohibit bringing alcoholic beverages, while others forbid the use of fire. Also, be sure to take your trash home and clean up properly before you finish your hanami. Even though it is spring, nights can get very cold, so bring warm clothing. 3 Cherry blossom motif goods Hanami is not limited to parks. During this season, you will see many cherry blossom–inspired decorations around the city and in stores. At cafes, you can enjoy cherry blossom latte art and pink cakes. At general stores, you can find products printed with cherry blossoms. Because they are available only during this season, they are popular as souvenirs. Look for them! Hachioji, where our school is located, has many famous cherry blossom viewing spots. Some parks are lit up at night, so be sure to visit them! Tokyo announced two days ago that cherry blossoms had opened, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. In Japan, at this time of year the weather forecast reports not only temperature and weather but also the condition of the cherry blossoms. The traditional Japanese event hanami began 1,300 years ago and is popular with foreign tourists. This time, we introduce hanami manners. 1 The cherry blossoms are the main attraction Hanami means eating and drinking under the cherry trees. Cherry trees are very delicate. When eating, do not place a sheet at the tree’s base. The tree’s base is where it breathes. Lay your sheet away from it. Also, do not break branches just because the blossoms are beautiful. Cherry trees rot easily, and breaking a branch can be punished as property damage with a fine. Take care. 2 Park rules On holidays at this time of year, the number of people enjoying hanami in parks increases greatly. Some places are lit up at night and become popular date spots. Park rules differ, so always check a park’s rules before having hanami there. For example, some parks ban bringing alcohol, and others prohibit using fire. Also, take your trash home and clean up properly when you finish. Although it is spring, nights can be very cold, so don’t forget warm clothing. 3 Cherry-themed goods Hanami is not only in parks. In this season you can see many cherry blossom–themed decorations around town and in shops. At cafes, try cherry blossom latte art and pink cakes. At gift shops, you will find items printed with cherry blossoms. Because they are seasonal, they are popular as souvenirs. Please look for them. Hachioji, where our school is located, has many famous cherry blossom spots. Some parks are lit up at night, so be sure to visit them!

Kawamosan / Tokyo

In the middle of summer, in the Ogasawara Islands, South Island. The contrast between the vivid green and blue is truly paradise. Feeling like you've come to the end of the earth.

Yakiniku Yakiniku Yakiniku Ushimiyagi@Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo YAKINIKU GYUGUJOU＠Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan Yakiniku Ushimiyagi Tokyo, Shibuya-ku, Udagawacho 12-9 Jules Shibuya 5F YAKINIKU GYUGUJOU Joule Shibuya 5F, 12-9 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

I happened to see it in Okutama, It is an icicle like a lying woman.

Beautifully decorated Yokohama China town during chinese new year using red lantern, chinese hoardings and lantern dragons.

This photo was taken in Tachikawa Green Springs, Tokyo. It was Christmas, so I took a picture of a stuffed animal costume costume as Santa in my hand.

Famous Dragon Dance during Chinese New Year Festival at Yokohama's famous China Town. The dragon dance is very cute, funny and interesting. It was a vibrant and colorful festival.

Vibrant and colorful attire, graceful performers ,jolly faces .... Every good things were present during the 38th Samba festival of Asakusa.

Although the samba dance is from Brazil but I saw it 1st time in Tokyo at Asakusa area. It was from 38th Asakusa Samba carnival in 2019. I was really very excited and happy to see it. Unfortunately from 2020 because of corona the event is not happening but I wish this 2022 I could see it again.

On the occasion of Chinese new year the Yokohama China town was well decorated during pre corona situation in 2019. It was my first chance to enjoy Chinese new year in China Town. It was really a great fun. Wish after corona it will be back in full form.

[English/Japanese] Snow is predicted to fall in Tokyo this week. In Japan, many tourist destinations like Hokkaido are popular for winter sports, but snowfall in Tokyo is relatively rare and the city is not prepared for it. As a result, even a 5 cm accumulation of snow can cause various problems. In this article, I will explain how to cope with snow in Tokyo. 1 Transportation When it snows, train schedules are often disrupted. Trains may be cancelled or services reduced, so you may be late for work. On snowy days, try to leave home earlier than usual. Roads can also become congested, and few people buy snow tires for such infrequent snowfall. Consequently, many people drive with regular tires on snowy days, which can lead to slipping accidents. Try to avoid walking close to cars on snowy days. 2 The day after it snows Unlike in Hokkaido, snow that falls in Tokyo has a high moisture content. For that reason, roads are often icy the day after snowfall. With so many buildings in Tokyo, sunlight may not reach some streets and the snow may not melt even after a week. Some people slip on the frozen roads and suffer serious injuries. On the day after snowfall, try to walk along sunlit routes. 3 What to wear What you wear the next day matters more than what you wear while it is snowing. Roads become very slippery, so wear long boots or other slip-resistant shoes. Also wear gloves because ice can cut your hands if you slip and catch yourself with them. A hat is necessary to protect your head. A backpack or other hands-free bag is also a good idea. If you don’t have boots, a life hack to reduce slipping is to stick adhesive bandages to the soles of your sneakers. Give it a try. Many students at our school come from warm countries. Some, seeing snow for the first time, have overdone it playing in the snow and caught colds. Enjoy snow play in moderation. This time, we plan to spread a snow-melting agent in front of the dormitory. If neighbors are struggling with shoveling, let’s help them out — it’s also a chance to make friends with Japanese people. Also, it’s best not to go outside too much on snowy days, so finish your shopping as early as possible! Snow is predicted to fall in Tokyo this week. In Japan, many tourist destinations such as Hokkaido are popular for winter sports, but snowfall in Tokyo is not that common, so the city is not set up to handle snow. Because of that, even just 5 cm of snow can cause various problems. This time, I will tell you how to deal with snow in Tokyo. 1 Transportation When it snows, train timetables often get disrupted. Trains may be suspended or their frequency reduced, so you might be late for work. On snow days, try to leave home early. Roads can also get congested. Very few people buy snow tires for snowfall that may or may not occur in a year. For that reason, many people drive on ordinary tires on snowy days, and some cause slip accidents. On snowy days, avoid walking close to cars whenever possible. 2 The day after it snows Snow that falls in Tokyo differs from that in Hokkaido in having a higher water content. Therefore, the day after snowfall, roads are often frozen. Tokyo’s many buildings block sunlight, and snow may not melt even after a week. People sometimes slip on frozen roads and sustain serious injuries. On the day after snow, choose streets with sunlight when you walk. 3 Clothing What you wear the next day is more important than what you wear while it is snowing. Roads are very slippery, so wear wellingtons or other slip-resistant footwear. Also wear gloves because ice can cut your hands if you fall and use them to brace yourself. A hat is necessary to protect your head. For bags, a backpack or similar hands-free option is best. If you don’t have wellingtons, there’s a life hack: sticking adhesive bandages to the soles of your sneakers makes them less slippery. Try it out. At our school, many students come from warm countries. For some, seeing snow for the first time led them to play too much and catch colds. Keep snow play moderate. We plan to spread de-icing agent in front of the dormitory this time. If neighbors are having a hard time shoveling snow, let’s help — it’s also an opportunity to become friends with Japanese people. Also, because it’s better not to go out much on snow days, complete your shopping early!

The "Special Traveling Radio Gymnastics and Gymnastics for Everyone" started in 1978 is held at about 10 venues nationwide. This photo was taken at the Edo-Tokyo Tatemonoen-mae Square in Koganei City in the summer.

Odaiba fireworks festival. The Rainbow Bridge, houseboats, and fireworks harmonized to color the midsummer night!

Was passing through Komagome the other day and stumbled across this quaint little shrine in front of the station. Apparently it was established in the Edo Period but didn't actually look like a shrine until the Meiji Period. It's also dedicated to Okuninushi who has a lot of different mythology surrounding him, but according to what I could find, he was the head of the gods on earth. There are also a lot of legends and folklore about him in the Kojiki as well it seems, the most interesting sounding one being 'The White Hare of Inaba" 因幡の白兎 where he apparently wins over a princess that his brothers wanted to married and then is subsequently killed by them with the use of a flaming boulder and he is then brought back to life by the gods after his mother goes up to heaven to ask another deity to bring him back, after which he is brought back to life as a handsome man. And that's why I like reading about Japanese mythology lol. So much interesting stuff to read about

I took a picture of Koinobori at Tokyo Skytree Station! It is at the time of the season. It's perfect for Japan occasions! It smells of a refreshing breeze and healing seasons.

The first visit is an important event held at the beginning of the year in Japan. Everyone comes to worship. In Coronavirus pandemic, dispersed worship for the first time is now becoming the mainstream. Somehow, everyone is trying to make their first visit to the shrine. That's how important this event is. The location is Tokyo Yasukuni Shrine It is early morning on New Year's Eve.

Was walking through Shimokitazawa the other day and found some really cool street art on the shutter of some shop or something not really sure what the building was. Just thought it was cool to see this. Don't see much street art in Japan, which isn't necessarily a bad thing as usually it involves vandalism, but this doesn't look to be vandalism, although I could be wrong. Either way I think it's a nice improvement to the empty shutters and definitely adds a little spice to the area. Aesthetically I'm a huge fan since I enjoy learning about Japanese history, especially samurai, swords, etc., even if this is a fantastical rendition of the likes you'd find in some anime or manga. Shimokitazawa is a pretty cool place though. It seems like a lot of younger people go shopping in the area and there's a lot of restaurants as well. If you're into coffee, cafes, and unique shops with trinkets, etc. it's an enjoyable place to visit. Really trendy

Decided to donate some clothes I wasn't wearing anymore over the weekend so I decided to go to the Second Street in Minami-Senju. Managed to find some cool stuff along the way. I was walking from Minowabashi and saw this nice looking temple, apparently called Koshunin 公春院. It was a really lovely spot and I would have liked to take more photos but I had some luggage with me and also wanted to avoid taking any photos of the tombstones as I thought it might be rude. It seems the temple focus on memorial services though and looked like a nice place. The next spot I came across was just a really small shrine that seemed so randomly placed that I wanted to take a picture of it. There wasn't much space inside the shrine are so it was quite difficult to get a decent photo, but I did the best that I could and tried to take a photo from the side street next to it which was also incredibly narrow lol. The last thing I ended up finding was a statue of Matsuo Basho! I'd not been to Minami-Senju as I've never really had a reason to go there, but I saw the statue from the corner of my eye and thought "Hmm I wonder if that's Basho" and sure enough it was. It even has "The Narrow Road to the Deep North" 奥の細道 written below it. Also, apparently there is debate about which "Senju" he started at Adachi or Arakawa, so this is one of the statues depicting the place where he started his journey! It ended up being a pretty interesting walk. I'd like to visit the area again as there was a ton of cool stuff.

First visit ⛄ Igusa Hachimangu Shrine in Ogikubo, it was ⛩😊 a large and cozy shrine

Meiji Jingu shrine during snowfall

Was walking past a park in Arakawa the other day and came across this interesting statue. I think the name is read as Honda Takatomo 本田 貴侶 but it was difficult to find any information. I kept finding stuff showing the same statue but instead of "聖なるもののリピドー" they all show "聖なるもののリビドー" I'm not sure what the differences are though. Perhaps there are multiple statues in different locations? All the ones I saw referred to this statue in Arakawa though so maybe there's a misprint or something? Also I'm not sure what "リピドー" or "リビドー" means, but if anyone has any idea about what the statue's meaning is I'd love to hear it! Either way it's a nice looking statue. I always enjoy finding things like this around different parts of Japan, they really add to the atmosphere of the city.

Japan Events Sensoji Temple

Happy new year🥳 I was interested in visiting a kotatsu cafe and finally found one in Shimokitazawa! It was called Cafe Stay Happy and made me happy 😊 The atmosphere and food was really good ❤️

Nakamise dori avenue in Sensoji temple. The avenue is well decorated for the new years eve.

The iconic symbol of Tokyo, Sensoji is now fully prepared for the new year's prayer. It looks very beautiful and it is waiting for several hundred people for visiting the Temple in the new years eve.