July 29, 2017

Let’s go to Ryogoku not only for Sumo but also for Ukiyo-e !!



Ukiyo-e is Japanese art, painted on wood blocks depicting everyday life and interests of
common people.
Sumida Hokusai Museum

There are many Ukiyo-e museums all over Japan, however the newest Ukiyo-e museum was built last year near Ryogoku in Tokyo. The Sumida Hokusai Museum, they have a collection of many works painted by world-famous Ukiyo-e artist Katushika Hokusai (1760~1849).

He left behind a large number of outstanding piece of work, while spending most of his 90-years within Sumida city near Ryogoku. Hokusai’s works have crossed the ocean, and are said to have influenced many artists, including Van Gogh and Monet.

On the way to the Sumida Hokusai Museum from Ryogoku station, you can drop in some unique places along the Hokusai –Dori St.


“Hokusai-Dori Sento Spa EDOYU”

You can enjoy “Edo-era Sento known as a public bath” such as Hinoki cypress bath with Hokusai’s Ukiyo-e “Aka Fuji” reproduced on the wall in men’s bath. There is also a Japanese restaurant “Hokusai”. You can taste the Edo specialty of Soba, freshly cooked Tempura, Ryogoku specialty of Chanko-nabe. Sweet menu, Anmitsu and Kakigori is also available.


“MERIKOTI” “Traveling footwear Shop”

Many colorful footwear called “Zori” are displayed. You can use this footwear as room shoes. Traveling footwear is knitted by jersey material. You must be amazed by such a large selection of colorful footwear. If you want experience it, you can participate in workshops of “traveling footwear”. You can make your own footwear for 5000yen.

Have fun in Hokusai-Dori St. in Sumida city near Ryogoku station.



(by Izumi)


“The Sumida Hokusai Museum” http://Hokusai-museum.jp
“Hokusai-Dori Sento Spa Ryogoku EDOYU”  http://edoyu.com
“MERICOTI” http://merikoti.tokyo

July 13, 2017

Summer Festival is coming soon!

   The picture below is from website of Tomioka Hachimangu shrine in Fukagawa area of Koto city. The website (http://www.tomiokahachimangu.or.jp/htmls/maturih1.html) is only in Japanese but you can tell what you will be able to see during summer festival next month. 

   The festival is on August 13th. 
   We will NOT have the tour on that day. 
   BUT we MAY have some special tour before the day like 3 years ago( https://koto-guide.blogspot.jp/2014/07/)
   So you have to check our website on the tour (no guarantee we will have the special tour this year) ! Or simply come to Fukagawa area on August 13th! 


By Yoshi