Nikken Sekkei Ltd, the architects of the Ritz Carlton Kyoto did a fantastic job in creating a hotel with “human measures”, (it’s only 4 stories high) giving it a small, yet spacious and friendly atmosphere fully embedded in Japanese style. This property, built in 2014, is one of the latest...
Archives: december 2015
Kyoto, City of Temples
There is no place with so many temples and shrines in Japan than Kyoto. The most well known is the Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine. Being there later in the afternoon it is way too touristy, so be there early if you don’t want to be overwhelmed by tourists. In the evening...
Tokyo National Museum Ueno Park
Situated in Uneo Park this museum provides an overview of Japanese art. The Tokyo National Museum (東京国立博物館, Tōkyō Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan) is the oldest and largest of Japan’s top-level national museums, which also include the Kyoto National Museum, the Nara National Museum and the Kyushu National Museum. It was originally established...
Tokyo Station, Imperial Palace, Diet (parliament)
One of Tokyo’s busiest train station and metro hubs, the completely refurbished Tokyo Station, looks fabulous. Imperial Palace we could only see from outside, this landmark in Tokyo, surrounded by government buildings and a short walk away from the Diet, Japan’s Upper and Lower House Parliament. ...
Shibuya Crossing Tokyo
When the lights turn red at this busy junction, they all turn red at the same time in every direction. Traffic stops completely and pedestrians surge into the intersection from all sides, like marbles spilling out of a box. You can observe this moment of organized chaos from the second-story...
Meiji-jingu, Tokyo’s most famous Shinto shrine
Right in the middle of Tokyo, Meiji Jingu (Meiji Shrine), near Harajuku Station, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified souls of Emperor Meiji (d.1912) and Empress Shoken (d.1914). Experienced a local marriage ceremony with beautiful kimono and men’s formal dress.
Harajuku, Takeshita Street,Tokyo
On Sunday evenings this buzzling street is popular among young people that dressed up, visiting small shops where they change make up hair and funny dresses to then squeeze into photo booths with other friends making cool pics. Around the corner is Ometosando street a favorite shopping area.
Tokyo Kabukiza Theater
Even for fervent lovers of theatre it’s probably not your cup-of-tea to experience a 5 hour play. But in this typical Tokyo place you can book for a “single act” which will get you outside in 30 minutes. It won’t pass the international cultural critics but an experience it is.
Ritz Carlton Roponggi, Tokyo
September 2015 this property was renovated and updated. The Club Lounge on the 53th floor has a stunning view on Tokyo Tower. Reception at 45th floor. Gorgeous hotel
Seoul Architecture
A selection of traditional vs. modernity, stone vs. glass, lilly white vs. colorful, skyscraper vs. hanok in Seoul. You will be surprised by the variety of styles in this metropolis.