Kyoto City Guide
January in Kyoto
From April 29, 2023, the Japanese government completely lifted entry restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A year before that, at a time when no one knew what the future held, I decided to do what I could now, so I walked around the city of Tokyo a lot and took photos.
I took regular photos in 2022, hoping to provide some information about Tokyo to foreign visitors to Japan who might one day look at this website. First, please take a look at some photos of Kyoto in winter taken in January 2023.
Kinkaku-ji
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Tofuku-ji
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Karesansui（Zen Garden）
Karesansui is a style of Japanese garden that expresses landscape using rocks and sand without using water.
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February 2022
in Tokyo
Mimosa in Kuramae Shrine
Meguro River
The row of cherry blossom trees along the Meguro River is one of the famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo. The cherry blossoms bloom around the end of March every year and are crowded with people who see the cherry blossoms. In addition, there are many unique shops along the Meguro River, and many people enjoy shopping while watching the cherry blossoms.
Shibuya
Tokyo is experiencing a once-in-a-century development boom.
Construction work is still ongoing.
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Ramen vending machine
Harajuku
Meiji-jingu temple, Yoyogi Park, Takeshita Street, IKEA, and Uniqlo are popular tourist spots near Harajuku Station.
UNDERCOVER in Aoyama
It is a world-renowned Japanese fashion brand that is popular both in Japan and overseas, and its flagship store in Aoyama is also worth a visit.
Imperial Palace Gaien
"Pruning of the pine trees" in the outer gardens of the Imperial Palace. You can see craftsmen tending the trees in the large lawn area from January to March, when the pines are dormant. In the outer gardens of the Imperial Palace, no spring buds are picked, but instead, branches are removed, buds are pruned, and old leaves are rolled up.
Marunouchi
World's leading business district
Ginza
The two lion statues welcome customers at the main entrance of the main building and are a popular meeting spot. These statues were created in 1914. They were commissioned by Hibi Osuke, the manager at the time who is said to have laid the foundations for Mitsukoshi department store. He ordered them in England when he was visiting Europe and the United States in preparation for the opening of the department store.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the lion statues were wearing masks.
Akihabara
The best electric town in Japan
Roppongi Hills
Pikachu
Toranomon Azabudai , under construction
Japan National Stadium
Japan National Stadium was the main stadium for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, and its exterior was designed by world-renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.The design was inspired by the Five-storied Pagoda（Goju-no-To） of Horyu-ji.
The stadium has multiple overlapping eaves around its perimeter. The pagoda also has intricate details near the eaves, which are the first thing you see when you look up, and because it is under the eaves it is protected from rain and sun. This is why Horyu-ji, which was built in the 7th century, has lasted for over 1,400 years. Kengo Kuma apparently studied Horyu-ji Temple extensively when designing this stadium, gaining many inspirations from it.
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Ice Rink in Tokyo Midtown
Yanaka
It is a downtown area of Tokyo that is popular among tourists visiting Japan.
Tsukijihongwanji
Books KAIZO
Toyosu
Shiodome
Karakuri clock designed by Hayao Miyazaki（STUDIO GHIBLI）
Akihabara station
Taking advantage of the characteristics of Akihabara, there are many "gacha" machines in the station premises.
Ryogoku
Sumo wrestler
March 2022
in Tokyo
Meguro River
Before the cherry blossoms bloom
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Chidorigahuchi
Before the cherry blossoms bloom
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Chidorigafuchi Wharf is an urban oasis that is open from spring to autumn. During cherry blossom season, why not hop on this boat and enjoy cherry blossom viewing at Chidorigafuchi?
Shimokitazawa
Mikan Shimokita , under construction
Meguro River
Cherry blossoms begin to bloom
Tokyo Station
University graduation commemoration
Yasukuni Shrine
This is a sample tree for phenological observation conducted by the Tokyo Regional Headquarters of the Japan Meteorogical Agency.
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During this time, TV crews come to film every day.
Tokyo Tower
Which radio tower represents Tokyo, Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree？
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Tokyo Skytree
Meguro River
The cherry blossoms started to bloom beautifully from around the middle of March.
April 2022
in Tokyo
Chidorigafuchi
Cherry blossoms are a symbol of Japan.In spring, cherry blossoms are in full bloom all over Japan.One of the famous cherry blossom spots in Tokyo is Chidori-ga-fuchi.When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom,Chidorigafuchi is bustling with many blossom viewers.
Shinjuku Gyoen
Surrounded by flowers and greenery, it is popular among foreign visitors as an oasis in the city. Also, families with children, men and women of all ages, and many people on weekdays and holidays are crowded every day.
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May 2022
in Kyoto
Kamo River
roof tiles
ventilation fan
MARUFUKURO
Marufukuro in Kagiyacho, Kyoto, is a hotel that has opened up with the addition of a new building designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando to the three existing buildings that were formerly Nintendo's beautiful Art Deco headquarters.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
No matter how many pilgrims gather on the stage at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, we have never heard of it collapsing, and we have never seen it wobble. The interior joints between the pillars and the crossbeams are held together using a technique called "tsugite," and any small gaps are fastened in place with wedges. Not a single nail is used. Compared to modern architecture where concrete is the norm, this seems somewhat unsightly, but this structure, assembled entirely from flexible wood, has been firmly supporting this stage, which is bustling with pilgrims every day, for hundreds of years.
Nara park
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The National Museum Of Western Art
The National Museum of Western Art is a historic building completed in March 1959, designed by the French architect Le Corbusier (1887-1965), one of the leading architects of the 20th century.
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Sony Park Mini
Ginza Sony Park , under construction
Grand opening in January 2025