Insights from a Kagurazaka Store Owner

Tokyo in September marks the transition from late-summer heat to autumn. The first half remains humid, while the latter half becomes calmer and more comfortable. This guide covers essential information for first-time visitors: the weather, Silver Week crowds, the Grand Sumo Tournament, harvest festivals, Tsukimi, and an evening in Kagurazaka. Introduction If you ask people who have visited Tokyo in September, they often share a common sentiment: it’s a transition month. It’s

The rules of sumo take about thirty seconds to explain. Two wrestlers enter a clay ring. The first to touch the ground with anything other than the soles of his feet, or to step outside the circle, loses. That is the whole rulebook. And yet a single bout can contain more layers of meaning — historical, spiritual, tactical, cultural — than most sports pack into an entire season. The visitors who leave Ryogoku Kokugikan most deeply satisfied are not the ones who understood the

Every sumo bout begins the same way. The wrestler walks to the corner of the ring, reaches into a wooden box, and throws a handful of coarse salt into the air. Some wrestlers throw it in a single elegant arc. Others hurl it toward the ceiling in a dramatic cloud that draws gasps from the crowd. A few scatter it quietly, almost privately, as if offering it to someone only they can see. Then they do it again. And again. Sometimes five or six times before the bout begins. By the

The July 2026 Nagoya Tournament has just ended in extraordinary fashion. Sekiwake Aonishiki claimed his third career championship — and first-ever title won in the same tournament in which a wrestler reclaims Ozeki status — through a three-way playoff against Ozeki Kirishima and Sekiwake Atamifuji. It was one of the most dramatic senshuraku in recent memory, with playoff bouts across every division causing NHK to extend its broadcast by 20 minutes. Attention now turns to the

February in Tokyo is a unique season when winter gradually gives way to spring. It is a time when Setsubun, plum blossoms, early cherry blossoms, traditional performing arts, and geisha culture come together. With fewer crowds and a strong sense of seasonality, February is an ideal time for travelers who want to experience the deeper side of Japanese culture. This guide provides everything you need to know to enjoy Tokyo in February 2026. Tokyo Weather in February: Past the C

If you're planning a trip to Japan, you might find that Tokyo in September is the " hidden best season " to visit. As the peak summer heat subsides and the city regains its calm, it's the perfect chance to experience the true charm of Tokyo. This article will tell you everything you need to know to make your trip perfect: why September is recommended, the special experiences unique to this season, and the charm of Kagurazaka, an area where you can feel the essence of "real Ja

Introduction Are you planning a trip to Tokyo? Beyond the famous landmarks and bustling streets, perhaps you're searching for something...

Echizen Knife: A Blueprint for the Future of Japanese Traditional Crafts Many of Japan's traditional crafts, with their centuries of...

Paper making with a vat (suki-bune), bamboo screen (su), and mold (keta) A sheet of paper is something we take for granted. Yet, a recent...

On July 30th, I had the unique opportunity to visit Echizen City in Fukui Prefecture , thanks to an invitation from the city's Vice...

Freshly updated for summer 2026 As a longtime resident and professional tour planner in Tokyo, I have a secret to share about surviving August: sometimes, the best way to enjoy the city is to leave it. A quick but important note for first-time visitors: many travelers plan to follow the classic "Golden Route" from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka. While this is a fantastic itinerary for other seasons, I strongly advise against it in August. The reason is simple: you'll be escaping th

Understanding Tokyo, Japan’s Weather in July: What to Expect and How to Prepare Summer matsuri festivals. The opening of Mt. Fuji’s climbing season. July is one of the most popular months for international travelers visiting Japan, thanks to vibrant summer festivals and the opening of Mt. Fuji’s climbing season. But with soaring temperatures and high humidity, how can you make the most of your trip? This article uses up-to-date data from the Japan Meteorological Agency and Ja

Freshly Handcrafted Sushi, Made by a Chef — While You Glide Through Japan’s Best-Kept Gourmet Secret Imagine embarking on a journey that...

Japan’s Best-Kept Secret: Discovering Amaharashi Coast’s Timeless Beauty This is the second installment in my blog series on Takaoka...

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Kagurazaka Store Owner Interview Series In the second installment of our Kagurazaka store owner Interview series exploring the charm of...

Kagurazaka Store Owner Interview Series Begins This marks the start of the series " Exploring the Charm of Kagurazaka’s Shopping Street...

I have lived in Kagurazaka, Tokyo, for 25 years, and the shopping streets here are part of my daily life. Always bustling with visitors,...

Thank you for your continued support of our traditional cultural experience tours. Starting from Tuesday, October 1, 2024, we will be...

Join the Challenging 110 km Ride "Tour de Nanto 2024" Through World Heritage and Scenic Mountain Roads! On Sunday, October 13, 2024, "...