Recently in Sightseeing Category

This is what it looks like from the outside. It's very close to Shin-Yokohama station.

And these are photos from inside the museum. The overall theme is Tokyo during the Showa era, so everything looks really old, just like 40 years ago. There are many Ramen restaurants right next to each other.

In every restaurant you can order a mini-bowl of Ramen, so you can try many different types and find your favorite.

First you choose a dish and pay on the ticket machines in front of the restaurants.

These are Tonkotsu-Miso Ramen from Kumamoto prefecture, and Shoyu Ramen + Shio Ramen from Hokkaido. I was already full after 2 bowls, but I tried the ones my friend ordered as well. So yummy!

There was still enough space left for some ice cream though. XD

We decided to come back soon, because it's impossible to eat all the different styles of Ramen during just one visit!

By the way, our guests at Sakura Hotel can get a free admission ticket to the Ramen museum. You can find more information on our Special Offer site (you need to scroll down till the end). Just ask our staff at the front desk. ^^

If you love Ramen, this museum is highly recommended!

"Tokyo Sky Tree" will Open in the Narihirabashi/Oshiage area of Sumida Ward, Tokyo in May,2012.

As you know it is the tallest tower of the world!!

Then one of the nearest station to Tokyo sky Tree will change the name.

The station "Narihira-bashi" will be " Tokyo Sky Tree Staion" in Mar.17.

 And this area will be big shoping and sightseeing area.

From Sakura Hotel Hatagaya, it takes 40-45 min by train.

Why don't you come to see this great structure!!

On coming  February 5th , a birthday party of Hanako will be hold at Inokashira Park Zoo.

Hanako is an elephant, and she becomes 65 years old!

One of the fans of Hanako said that Hanako is the first elephant he have met,

and for his child too.

At this moment, over 500 birthday messages are written for Hanako.

February 5th , Hanako's birthday party will begin.

If you love zoos, this party for the long-lived elephant may become your memorable event.

Inokashira Park Zoo is placed near Kichijoji Station of JR line and Keio Inokashira line (within 10 minutes walk).

Hi, everyone. It is new from an old thing today but subject is the Shinkansen. Various Shinkansen appeared from commencement of business in 1964, and it retired to private life.

It continued the other day also at first 0 series, and, as for 100 series and 300 series, retirement was decided. If a new thing is made, the old thing is lost someday. The time is progressing.

Although the appearance of the newest N700 series and E5 series are good looking, if it is called the Shinkansen, are they the Shinkansen of a round nose which is first generation!?

I went to Doraemon museum with Yoshi and Ryoma.

It takes only 30min 210yen from Hatagaya Sakura Hotel to there.

If you would like to go,you should make reservation before.

Lovely character "Korosuke" welcoming to us!

Photo spot 1!

Photo spot 2

Photo spot 3!!

Welcome to Sakura Hotel~~ 

You can enjoy Cafe.

There is Manga area

Doraemon comics are not only comedy but also touching..

This is one of the best scene ....Ohhhhhh

 Recently Mt.Takao has been very popular between Japanese people and foreigners since we can enjoy hiking easily in this big urban city Tokyo.

In fact I am from Hachiouji city where has Mt.Takao and living very near!

So I cannot count how many times I have climbed up it since I was small. lol

It is annual event for me to go to Mt.Takao on New Year's Day.

Mt. Takao is located at Takao-Sanguchi St. in 50 min from Hatagaya St. where Sakura Hotel Hatagaya is located.

So you can enjoy nature easily by 1 day trip!

And we can hike in Mt.Takao through all seasons.

Now I, as a Mt.Takao lover, will introduce you the ranking of "the thing to do at Mt. Takao" !

No.3!!!

Look for Tengu (Japanese Mythical Creatures).

(This image is from: http://blog.goo.ne.jp/super-buchou_2007/e/1898310eb13d6b988d46b95a2d1f3d0f) 

Since long time ago, there is a legend Tengu is living in Mt. Takao.

They have been protecting us and the mountain from above tall trees.

If you look up above in Mt. Takao, you will have a chance to meet Tengu!

(This image is from : http://blog.goo.ne.jp/komayoshi-k/e/1d3f6c1abf0c95c8ed5f03b93b46bf37)

No.2!!!

Taste Mt.Takao's delicious foods.

Hiking makes us hungry.

But, don't worry. There are lots of delicious foods in Mt. Takao!

The most recommendable dish is...

Sansai Udon (Sansai = Mountain herbs, Udon = noodle)!

Fresh mountain herbs from Mt.Takao make it so tasty!

And another recommendation is...

Baked dumpling!

Shoyu(Japanese soy souce) flavored, warm, huuuum sounds so delicious! 

And finally No.1!!!

Overlook Tokyo.

From the middle of Mt.Takao, you can overlook Tokyo city!

Skyscraperes in Shinjuku, Sky Tree, and actually we can see Yokohama Minato Mirai from there!

Don't miss  this amazing view!!!

From now you're also the biginner of Mt. Takao lovers! eheh

Tokyo Sky Tree which will be open from May 22nd, 2012 will be lit up on the nights of December 23rd, 24th and 31st, 2011.

On 23rd and 24th, it will be lit up between around 5:30 pm and 10:00pm.

The image above is from the official website for Tokyo Sky Tree.

 

This time, the color of lights will be white.

As Anne wrote a blog about me before, I love fluffy things,

so I went to Totoro exhibition in Nasu, Tochigi prefecture.

Nasu Teddy Bear Museum do a special exhibition "Totoro exhibition" right now.

Do you know "Totoro"?

Yes, it's one of the Ghibli's film "My neighbor Totoro"

You can see the big sized Neko-bus and Totoro.

And many cute cute stuffed things!!!

My best is...Makkurokurosuke!!! very cute right?? :)

And this Kaonashi from the film "Spilited Away"

 If you have a chance to go to Nasu, please check it out!

This exhibition is until the Summer 2012!!

* If you would like to go to Nasu, the Highway bus is going from Shinjuku station.

Sakura Hotel Hatagaya to Shinjyuku is a just 2 stations and 3 min.

As you may know some ferrys are already operated between Japan and China as public transports.A new ferry route will open in early 2012.The route is from Nagasaki to Shanghai.
The cheapest fare is 10000(USD130/EUR90)yen/oneway.It takes 22 hours to Shanghai.

Although It takes more time, the sea voyage would be a lot of fun.

It's a Culture Day (one of national holidays) in Japan today. 

Did you hang out at somewhere?

For those who did not go out, there are a lot of places you can enter for free in Tokyo. How about planning to go there on next holydays?

1. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings (@Shinjuku)

It's free to go up to the top floor. You can see sky scrapers in Tokyo from the height of 202m!

http://www.yokoso.metro.tokyo.jp/page/tenbou.htm

2. MEGA WEB (@Ome)

This is a theme park ran by TOYOTA. If you have a driver's license, you can enjoy many exhibits and events here!

http://www.megaweb.gr.jp/index

3. Suntory Musashino Beer Factory (@Musashino)

You can have fresh beer for free!

http://www.suntory.co.jp/factory/musashino/inspection/index.html

Please check their websites before you go! They are not open every day!

Ancient Orient Museum is located in Sunshine City in Ikebukuro.

It is a small private museum specializing in artifacts of the ancient Near East and Central Asia. It has a collection of Greco-Buddhist art of Gandhara, and several pieces pertaining to the art of Palmyra and Persia.

Some products in Persia were imported to Japan in seventh century.That's why Japan is the east end of Silk Road.

When I walked arround wext exit of Shinjuku station, I found this cute bus!

Have you ever seen this HATO BUS??

During walking arround Shinjuku station, I found other decolation type of Hato bus, I'll show you later, on the next blog!（＾＾）

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆

Here is HATO BUS tour information;

http://www.hatobus.com/en/index.html

Have a good day& nice trip!!

Condé Nast Traveler (a travel magazine in US) has announced the most popular travel destinations for 2011.

Kyoto ranked top and Tokyo ranked seventh among Asian cities. 

In autumn, you can enjoy viewing colorful autumn leaves.

The best time to see colorful autumn leaves is around late November in Kyoto and around middle November in Tokyo (It's up to latitude and altitude).

Which city in Asia would you like to visit the most?

Hello!

My name is Ryoma, a new staff at Sakura Hotel Hatagaya!

Since I have joined this hotel just about a week ago, everything seems new.

This is the first article I post, so I start it off with my self-introduction!

I was born in Atsugishi, Kanagawa and living in Tokyo right now.

I majored in English in my university and like novels, music, arts and good food and drinks!

I like hanging out with my friends as well. Last Saturday, I went to Tama zoo.

 (This picture is borrowed from this website: http://www.tokyo-zoo.net/english/index.html)

It is easy to go there from our hotel.

1. Take the Keio new line from Hatagaya station to Shinjuku sta.

2. Take Keio line (express) from Shinjuku sta to Takahata-Fudo sta.

3. Change trains at Takahata-Fudo sta., and get off at Tama Dobutsu Koen sta.

And there I found funny animal! Do you know its name?? It's not Kangaroo or Wallaby.

 

Its name is...Wallaroo!!

I heard that they are not so different from Kangaroos except their size: they are smaller.

If you are interested in the zoo or anything, please ask me! 

I'm looking forward to seeing you at Sakura Hotel Hatagaya!

I don't dnow how much famous this Japanese artist in your country,

but I'm sure they are really well known in Japan now.

Do you know them??

Group name is EXILE.

They are organized with 14 members, 2 vocals and performers(dancers).

I went to *IZAKAYA EXILE in Odaiba, Tokyo few days ago by the way.

They featured this group, and some menu are planed by them.

It's kind of a theme park.

*IZAKAYA... is the Japanese equivalent of a pub, where they serve snacks to accompany your drinks.

I orderd a Curry!!!

It looks nice, isn't it??

And we took many pictures at there.

We really enjoyed!

This IZAKAYA open from July to October 10, 2011.

So if you have a chance to visit to Odaiba,

Please go to this place for just enjoy the atomosphere.

There are no admission fee.

You can enjoy good view also!!!

October 1st is Tokyo Citizens Day.

On that day, adimmision fee for some establishment is free. 

That includes Hamarikyu (Japanese garden near Hamamatsucho or Shiodome station)

http://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/english/park/detail_04.html#hamarikyu,

Ueno zoo (http://www.tokyo-zoo.net/english/index.html),

Tokyo Sea Life Park (http://www.tokyo-zoo.net/english/index.html) and

Edo-Tokyo Open-air Architectural Museum (http://tatemonoen.jp/english/index.html).

If you happen to be in Tokyo on October 1st, why don't you take advantage of free admission?

For those who like to climb mountains,

I recommend Mt. Takao !

It takes 1hour from Shinjuku.

 I climbed up the Mt Takao.

I started from Course No.6(Left side) and go down from Course No.1 with  a Cable car.、

Beautiful nature and Flesh air... Relax & Refresh!

There is "Yakuo-in Shrine" in middle of mountain。

Every year from July to October, a beer garden is opened in the Mt. Takao

But It was already full occupancy・・・！

  I should go there again....

I took the cable car

From Hatagaya to Mt.Takao

Use discount ticket 1,280 yen

(Including round trip and Cable car)

It takes only  One hour!

 Let's  go to see the foliage!

Have fun :)

He is a mascot character Tetppie.

Japan Railways Group announced that Tetsudo-no Hi(Railways Day)Memorial Day Pass is on sale during 30 SEP-16OCT.

This ticket is similar to Seishun 18 Kippu that allows holders one-day unlimited rides on the local trains by JR Group all over Japan.The differences are the price and the number of valid days.This is valid for three (not necessarily continuous) days (midnight to midnight), within 01Oct.-16Oct(Railways Day).Three passengers can use entire one sheet of ticket for their one-day trip as a group.This ticket is JPY9180 per sheet of three ticket(JPY3060 per ticket).

From the outside it looks like an old Italian villa complete with a garden and pond.

The inside is full of beautiful glass sculptures.

There's also a big souvenir shop inside. There were so many things I wanted to buy!

If you have a chance to go to Hakone, this museum is definitely worth a visit! ^^

Last weekend I was invited to a trip to the hot springs in Hakone! It was my first time going to a Japanese Onsen in summer, so I was quite excited. I love hot springs!

I was a bit sceptical at first though, because taking a hot bath on a hot summer day doesn't really sound very appealing, does it? Well, but then it was raining all weekend and it was pretty cool as well all the time, so in the end I was actually quite happy to hop into the bath. ;)

This photo was shot at Lake Ashinoko which is a famous spot in Hakone.

We stayed at a Japanese style hotel (= Ryokan) which means the rooms were equipped with tatami mats and futons.

Dinner was served inside our room by a girl in Kimono! This is me with my friend's mother who had invited me to the trip.

This is the outdoor bath, or Rotenburo, as it is called in Japanese. When I took a bath in the evening and again in the morning there was nobody else there besides me, so I had the whole bath to myself. Nothing is more relaxing than soaking in a Rotenburo!

The food was also great! This is a small part of what we had for breakfast. Ahhh, I'm getting hungry again just looking at the pictures.

A trip to a Japanese Onsen is a great experience and highly recommended to everyone who wants to experience traditional Japanese life style and food! 

I visited to Akihabara '2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN'

We can find them under the elevating structure of JR Line.

 Everything Original and New!

Hat Shop imeka .You can order Original own Hat!

Woddy item shop  Hacoa.I bought iphone cover for birthday present

     UAMOU.Small davils and Big davil...Cute!

 TOIQUEYou can play many Toys in the cafe.I

Hanmmok Cafe ASAN Unfortunately They already closed now.

Yanaka Coffee shop.They roasting coffee bean in the shop.

Smell is so great!

There is some performance and Event!

It looks like our sakura group"Design Festa". 

How to get "Akihabara" from Hatagaya Sakura hotel.

Hatagaya→（Keio new line/Toei shinjuku line）Direct→Iwamotocho（Akihabara area）

18min 330yen

The many festivals are starts at beginning of August in Tohoku.

Three representative festivals are :

【Nebuta festival in Aomori】

【Tourou festival in Akita】

【Tanabata festival in Sendai,MIyagi】

All festivals are impressive and very interesting.

If you have chance to visit tohoku at beginning of August,you should check it out!!

Have you been to Fuji Rock Festival?
It's one of the biggest music festivals not only in Japan but also in the world!

It started on this Friday and ends on Sunday.

http://www.smash-uk.com/frf11/

This year's headliner is Coldplay who performed on Friday. Chemical Brothers will close the event on Sunday.

If you want to see the event live, inter FM does the live stream of the event on Ustream.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/interfm-fuji-rock-festival-11

Let's Rock!

On July 23rd(sat.), I went to YOYOGI PARK.

There was Oktober Fest, (normally said October Festa）.

 People enjoyed dancing together,with beer glasses, eating and drinking during watching the people, and the festival was being a climax when I joined .   

     By the way,we prepare Beers of the world for Sakura Cafe Hatagaya's menu.

Let's try to drink them!

My friend and I went to Cherry picking tour last week.

"Hato bus" is Tour company,they covered several kind of launguage!

Our tour including "Haruna_Shrine sight seeing" &"Hot spring"&"Lunch"&"Cherry picking"

Haruna Shrine

  Reflesh!!

Hot Spring(Yakushiji Hot spring)

There is Rice cake making Event!   

It was good experience for my foreign friends!

We ate 100 cherries each!!

I couldnt eat Dinner too much eat that day.

Next time we can go together! If you would like to go with us ,let me know!!

Have you ever went to Fujikyu Highland ??

I went to there last year!

I really love to ride on jet coasters!

 On 16of July, Takabisya, a new jet coaster, will start to work!! 

My favorite is, Tekkotsu Bancho .↓

                   You will feel the most scarely experience in your life, won't you?

 I'll try to ride this monster coaster 'Takabisya' in the near future!!

SAKURA HOTEL HATAGAYA 
Address: 1-32-3 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 151-0072 
Phone: +81-3-5330-5250 (03-5330-5250) 
Fax: +81-3-5330-5251 (03-5330-5251) 
URL: http://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/ 
E-mail: info@sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hatagaya_hotel 
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo

Nagoya hingegen hat mich fast ein bisschen an Berlin erinnert an manchen Stellen. Die Haeuser standen nicht so extrem dicht an dicht wie in Tokyo und waren nicht so hoch. Es wirkte irgendwie alles etwas geraeumiger.

Das bin ich vor dem Schloss in Nagoya. Der Fisch soll eigentlich ein Delphin sein, mein Kumpel hat ihn mir aber als seinen Goldfisch vorgestellt. ;)

Das hier ist ein Coffee Shop, der in Nagoya sehr bekannt und beliebt ist. Sie haben wirklich eine interessante Auswahl an Kaffee dort. Ich hatte welchen mit Zimt und Schlagsahne, der einfach nur toll geschmeckt hat.

Leider hatte ich nicht viel Zeit fuer Sightseeing. Gegessen habe ich dafuer umso mehr. Ich hab glatt 2 Kilo zugenommen uebers Wochenende. ^^; Auf dem ersten Bild seht ihr Misokatsu, frittiertes Schweinefleisch mit Miso. Ich kann euch sagen, es hat unglaublich geschmeckt! Auf dem zweiten Bild seht ihr Ramen. Die koennte ich sowieso jeden zweiten Tag essen.

Es war wirklich ein super Wochenende! Am liebsten waere ich direkt weiter durch Japan getourt, aber die Arbeit rief. Na ja, die naechste Reise kommt bestimmt. :)

 

SAKURA HOTEL HATAGAYA 
Address: 1-32-3 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 151-0072 
Phone: +81-3-5330-5250 (03-5330-5250) 
Fax: +81-3-5330-5251 (03-5330-5251) 
URL: http://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/ 
E-mail: info@sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hatagaya_hotel 
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo

Have you ever been to Cherry picking?

Several years ago, I tried it.

At the time,I ate...

255 cherries！（３０min）

After that, I couldnt eat cherry almost 1 year.lol

This Friday I will go to Cherry picking tour with Hot spring!

３Japanese

German・ Swedish・ American

Team international!

I will do my best!

SAKURA HOTEL HATAGAYA 
Address: 1-32-3 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 151-0072 
Phone: +81-3-5330-5250 (03-5330-5250) 
Fax: +81-3-5330-5251 (03-5330-5251) 
URL: http://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/ 
E-mail: info@sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hatagaya_hotel 
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo

Do you like Onsen? (Hot spa?) I do! (^^)

I went to Nikko last weekend. Nikko - Kinugawa area has one of the best onsens in Japan.

At Kinugawa-Onsen station, you can take a foot bath.

One of my favorite is Meotobuchi Onsen. Here, you can enjoy more than 10 different kinds of Roten-buro. (Outdoor bath). It is about an hour and a half away from Kinugawa Onsen station by bus.

And... If you go to Nikko area, be sure to eat Yuba (Tofu based) dinner! It's delicious!

To go to Nikko from our hotel, there is a direct train that leaves from Shinjuku station. For more info visit Tobu Railways website↓

http://www.tobu.co.jp/foreign/pass/index.html

And if you decide to stop by in Asakusa on the way from or back from Nikko, be sure to stay at our sister hostel in Asakusa!↓

http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/

SAKURA HOTEL HATAGAYA
Address: 1-32-3 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 151-0072
Phone: +81-3-5330-5250 (03-5330-5250)
Fax: +81-3-5330-5251 (03-5330-5251)
URL: http://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/
E-mail: info@sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hatagaya_hotel
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo

Do you know him(Seiji Fujishiro)??  

He is famous for a pionior of Shadow Picture in Japan.

I really like his world. 

Now, my phone's top screen is with this picture!

Then,  ↓this picture is hangged on the wall of my house.   

You can meet him, and watch these beautifull  shadow pictures at the gallery of Nihonbashi, several days from 22nd to 28th of June,.

(info) http://www.seiji-fujishiro.com/

Admission free！

How about to feel his great world?？

Last week I went to Kamakura. Kamakura is a city close to the sea about an hour away from Tokyo. It's famous for its many shrines and temples, and a big Buddha statue, the Kamakura Daibutsu. Kamakura is usually flooded with tourists, because it's just beautiful and perfect for day trips from Tokyo. It's definitely one of my favorite places in Japan.

When I went last week the weather was just perfect, sunny but not too hot.

Here are some photos I took while walking around the town!

 

This is Tsurugaoka Hachimangû, a famous Shintô Shrine right in the center of the city.

Komachidoori is a long street with many souvenir shops and restaurants. There's a Ghibli Store there as well.

Sweet Potato Icecream (the purple one). I forgot to take a picture of the real thing because it tasted so good that I didn't even think about my camera. Maybe next time. ;)

There's still so much more to see in Kamakura. I'll definitely go again!

SAKURA HOTEL HATAGAYA 
Address: 1-32-3 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 151-0072 
Phone: +81-3-5330-5250 (03-5330-5250) 
Fax: +81-3-5330-5251 (03-5330-5251) 
URL: http://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/ 
E-mail: info@sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hatagaya_hotel 
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo

Many people in Japan have ever watch this posters in the stations??

 In the year 2011, the new version of these kinds of mannor posters are issued.

 Have you already seen these cute mannor posters ??(^^)

Please have a nice trip in Japan!!

SAKURA HOTEL HATAGAYA 
Address: 1-32-3 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 151-0072 
Phone: +81-3-5330-5250 (03-5330-5250) 
Fax: +81-3-5330-5251 (03-5330-5251) 
URL: http://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/ 
E-mail: info@sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hatagaya_hotel 
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo

Firefly festival will be held at Kugayama on 4th and 5th of June.

2000 fireflies will be released over 2 days.

They were raised artificially by those who live or study in Kugayama.

Kanda river and Tamagawajyousui flow near Kugayama.

Viewing fireflies is one of good ideas to enjoy your stay in Japan in June.

From Hatagaya to Kugayama, it takes about 20 minutes by train and fare is 150 yen one way.

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SAKURA HOTEL HATAGAYA
Address: 1-32-3 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 151-0072
Phone: +81-3-5330-5250 (03-5330-5250)
Fax: +81-3-5330-5251 (03-5330-5251)
URL: http://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/
E-mail: info@sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hatagaya_hotel
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo

From 20th/May to 22nd/May, one of the most famous festivals in Tokyo will be hold at Asakusa Shrine.

The name of the festival is Sanja Matsuri.

It's parade of mikoshis, a kind of mobile shrine is famous for verious reasons.

First, 3 of the mikoshis are very heavy and expensive. Each of them weighs about 1 ton! And making one of them costs about 390k dollars!

And another reason is its parade on the last day is very wild.

Many carriers of mikoshi always try to ride on the mikoshi.

This act is prohibited by the shrine as it is too dangerous, but none the less, or because of it, many bold men try to ride on them, like this.

As you noticed, the courageous riders are fully decorated with Japanese traditional tatto. Yes, most of these men are Yakuza.

Perhaps, boldness is heavily important in Yakuza society, they always try this dangerous act.

But, at least Sanja Matsuri of this year will be safer than past years.

As the sign of mourning the loss of Japan Quake, Asakusa Shrine desided to stop parading mikoshis. Many shinto rituals are hold as usual but no mikoshis.

And this year, yakuza will obey the shrine's wish.

This is not so widely known fact but one of the quickest helpers who brought tons of relief supplies to victims of tsunami are not police nor NGO but yakuza.

Because yakuza know too much how terrible the damage done by quake and tsunami as eyewitnesses, they will exercise self-restraint about this matter too.

Ironically, taking part in Sanja Matsuri without seeing mikoshi parade is rarest experience, so many visitors are expected.

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SAKURA HOTEL HATAGAYA
Address: 1-32-3 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 151-0072
Phone: +81-3-5330-5250 (03-5330-5250)
Fax: +81-3-5330-5251 (03-5330-5251)
URL: http://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/
E-mail: info@sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hatagaya_hotel
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo

June is notorious for rainy season in Japan.

But you can enjoy sightseeing even if it rains.

In June, we can enjoy viewing hydrangea or ajisai in Japanese.

Have you heard about Japanese porcelains?

One of the most famous porcelains in Japan is Imari porcelain, named for its trans-shipment port, Imari port.

 Imari porcelain has two faces. One is for export to Europe. And another is for domestic usage.

Imari for export vely looks like Chinese porcelains, as Europeans were accustomed with Chinese style.

But Imari for domestic usage is very different from former ones.

Like these.

At Toguri Museum of Art, in Shibuya Ward of Tokyo, the exhibition "The warmth of celadon, the brilliance of white porcelain" is hold from 3rd/Apr to 26/Jun.

In this exhibition, about 100 porcelains are displayed from commodities to delicately decorated artworks.

If you are interested in traditional Japanese culture, you will enjoy this exhibition very much.

http://www.toguri-museum.or.jp/eng/tenji9.html

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SAKURA HOTEL HATAGAYA
Address: 1-32-3 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 151-0072
Phone: +81-3-5330-5250 (03-5330-5250)
Fax: +81-3-5330-5251 (03-5330-5251)
URL: http://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/
E-mail: info@sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hatagaya_hotel
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo

It's getting warmer and warmer.

Now is the best time to view wisteria in Kameido Tenjin in Tokyo.

Do you know the flower language of wisteria?

"Welcome" and "intoxication"

Why don't you be welcomed and fascinated with the beauty of wisteria?

Kameido is four stops from Akihabara (about 8 minutes).

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SAKURA HOTEL HATAGAYA
Address: 1-32-3 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 151-0072
Phone: +81-3-5330-5250 (03-5330-5250)
Fax: +81-3-5330-5251 (03-5330-5251)
URL: http://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/
E-mail: info@sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hatagaya_hotel
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo

Azaleas and all kinds of flowers are blooming everywhere!

 I love Japanese temple gardens.

By the way, it's Golden Week now, so most people in Japan are traveling somewhere. Traffic is crazy! I got stuck in a huge traffic jam on Saturday with a friend of mine. We were almost late for his gig. So it's better to avoid cars or trains this week and just go for a nice walk instead. ;)

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SAKURA HOTEL HATAGAYA 
Address: 1-32-3 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 151-0072 
Phone: +81-3-5330-5250 (03-5330-5250) 
Fax: +81-3-5330-5251 (03-5330-5251) 
URL: http://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/ 
E-mail: info@sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hatagaya_hotel 
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo 

Tokyo has many museums of arts.

Museums of traditional Japanese arts and museums of modern worldwide artworks are very popular.

But, here in Tokyo, you can visit science-oriented museums too.

One of the newest scientific museums in Tokyo is the Museum of Health and Medicine.

It opend in January of this year.

Now it exhibits a special exhibition about contagius diseases.

This kind of diseases is problematic in daily life of course,

but especially they rage in times of disaster,

earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes and so on.

To protect yourself from these diseases,

visiting this museum and learning how to prevent them may be especially helpful these days.

The museum is near Hongo-sanchome Subway Station, within 8 minutes walk.

The building is placed within Hongo Campus of Tokyo University, so by visiting the museum,

you can also see Japan's highest educational institution.

http://mhm.m.u-tokyo.ac.jp/

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SAKURA HOTEL HATAGAYA
Address: 1-32-3 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 151-0072
Phone: +81-3-5330-5250 (03-5330-5250)
Fax: +81-3-5330-5251 (03-5330-5251)
URL: http://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/
E-mail: info@sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hatagaya_hotel
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo

That is a good news for our hotel's guest and we are also happy to hear that.

1.The park will be open from 8:00AM to 6:00PM for now. (Normally open until 10:00PM)

2.The part of lighting will be cut or turn off and set up the air-conditioner high temperature as usual in order to conserve power.

3.Admission prices will remain the same, but the company will donate 300 yen per visitor toward reconstruction of areas in northern Japan that are still recovering from the disaster.

4.Charity wristbands will also go on sale beginning April 22nd.

5.Dairy parade and fireworks will remain withhold for now.

TDL will keep doing business as the above.

That's a good efforts, isn't it??☆

We hope an early recover Japan also from tourism...

Tokyo Disney resorts official HP

http://www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp/en/index.html

SAKURA HOTEL HATAGAYA 
Address: 1-32-3 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 151-0072 
Phone: +81-3-5330-5250 (03-5330-5250) 
Fax: +81-3-5330-5251 (03-5330-5251) 
URL: http://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/ 
E-mail: info@sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hatagaya_hotel 
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo 

Because of an earthquake of Japan, Ueno Zoo has been closed from March 17th but opend from today.

And  two giant panda "Lee-lee" and "Shin-shin" is going to be open to the public from today too, It originally planed March 22nd.

There were some hundreds of people lined up at the entrance, because this time is

 for the first time in three years coming panda in Ueno Zoo.

I've been living in Taito-ku for OO years, so Ueno is like a my garden:)

When I went to shopping in Ueno few days ago,

There were a LOTs of panda goods in Ueno!

Is panda boom coming!?

Panda Manju and panda cookies, panda sable‥etc. in confectionery.

There were several kinds of Panda's doll and so many panda goods sold many shops and places!!

I hope Ueno will full of life because of two cute panda♪

You can get Ueno Zoo from Sakura Hotel Hatagaya within 1 hour!

Let's go to the Ueno Zoo and see panda.

↑　There are panda too at the lobby in our hotel.

It presented by our guest from China we introduced before, are popular with our guests.

So it became fewer like this picture:) 

Even though hit by Japan earthquake with Japanese seismic intensity scale 5 (same sclae of erathquake hit Christchurch in NZ), Tokyo was almost undamaged. (The death toll of Japan earthquake was seven in Tokyo.)

But, due to the shortage of electric power and mourning for victims of Japan earthquake/tsunami, many events in Tokyo are canceled or suspended even now.

Dinosaur Exhibition in Tokyo Tower was one of such suspended events.

Opening of this exhibition was 19th of March, a week later than original opening day.

Many fossil specimens, not only rather famous Euro-American ones, but also dinosaurs of Japan and other Asian regions are exhibited there.

Fully restored 25 specimens are the highlights of this event.

And CG movies of dinosaurs and the latest research reports from Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, the owner of most collections of specimen are also displayed too.

So, from children to adults, those who love dinosars can meet something interest there in the exhibition.

http://www.dino2011.jp/

To fight against dire consequences of the Japan earthquake, visiting the exhibition and wondering those marvelous creatures in past can be refreshing our spirits.

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SAKURA HOTEL HATAGAYA
Address: 1-32-3 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 151-0072
Phone: +81-3-5330-5250 (03-5330-5250)
Fax: +81-3-5330-5251 (03-5330-5251)
URL: http://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/
E-mail: info@sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hatagaya_hotel
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo

Because of the heavy air-raids in WWII, many parts of Tokyo were completely destroyed.

So, old buildings in Tokyo are quite uncommon.

Some of them which dot in Arakawa ward are famous their usage of bricks.

At Arakawa Cultural Center, an exhibition about such buildings is hold now.

Scenery with Brick Buildings is the name of the exhibition.

The exhibition shows many pictures of old beautiful brick buildings.

Many of them are lost but a few of brick buildings are survived and became Japanese Important Cultural Properties.

On 26th of February, a guide tour of the exhibition is planned.

And on 12 th of March, another tour of actual old brick buildings is planned too.

If you are interested in pre-modern architecture of Japan, this is the exhibition you must see.

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.city.arakawa.tokyo.jp/event/bunkasports/furusatokikakutenn22.html&ei=ra5mTafHIoqivQP41OHeDA&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=1&sqi=2&ved=0CCIQ7gEwAA&prev=/search%3Fq%3D%25E7%2585%2589%25E7%2593%25A6%25E3%2581%25AE%25E3%2581%2582%25E3%2582%258B%25E9%25A2%25A8%25E6%2599%25AF%25EF%25BC%258D%25E3%2581%2582%25E3%2582%2589%25E3%2581%258B%25E3%2582%258F%25E3%2581%25AE%25E5%25BB%25BA%25E7%25AF%2589%25E3%2581%25A8%25E7%2585%2589%25E7%2593%25A6%25E7%2594%25A3%25E6%25A5%25AD%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1R2ADSA_jaJP411%26prmd%3Divns

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SAKURA HOTEL HATAGAYA
Address: 1-32-3 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 151-0072
Phone: +81-3-5330-5250 (03-5330-5250)
Fax: +81-3-5330-5251 (03-5330-5251)
URL: http://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/
E-mail: info@sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hatagaya_hotel
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sakura-Hotel-Hostel-in-Tokyo-Japan/220350084985

Tonight in Japan time Feb 21^st  Two Panda is coming to Tokyo Ueno Zoo from China

It's been a 3years since Rinrin passed away

It will be a big panda movement in Japan again

Be open to the public in late March

Let's go to the Ueno Zoo~

This is ↓Nori Panda hot sandwich yammy~ (at Sakura Café Hatagaya )

This is ↓my band Def Leppanda ( hahaha~)

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 SAKURA HOTEL HATAGAYA 
Address: 1-32-3 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 151-0072 
Phone: +81-3-5330-5250 (03-5330-5250) 
Fax: +81-3-5330-5251 (03-5330-5251) 
URL: http://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/ 
E-mail: info@sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hatagaya_hotel 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sakura-Hotel-Hostel-in-Tokyo-Japan/220350084985 

In Tokyo, even in the midst of winter, we can meet many flowers.

From 11th to 13th of February, Kanto-Tokai Region Flower Exhibition 2011 wil be hold at Ikebukuro Sunshine City in Ikebukuro.

This exhibition is hold since 1951, and one of the largest flower exhibition in Japan.

Here, you can see not only flowers themselves but also traditional/modern Japanese art of flower arrangement.

And on the last day, on 13th of February, you can buy those exhibited flowers.

Most part of this exhibition costs you no charge. Enjoy!

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SAKURA HOTEL HATAGAYA
Address: 1-32-3 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 151-0072
Phone: +81-3-5330-5250 (03-5330-5250)
Fax: +81-3-5330-5251 (03-5330-5251)
URL: http://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/
E-mail: info@sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hatagaya_hotel
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sakura-Hotel-Hostel-in-Tokyo-Japan/220350084985

Every year I visit Kamakura city.

There are a lot of nature, many temple and good restauraunt!

This is my Sashimi lunch meal.

You can go inside of Budda it cost only 30 yen!

My favorite Japanese sweets ' Cream Anmitsu '

I think this is the Best one ever.

Do you like ' Miso Soup'? You can buy it from Vending machine.

I have never seen before!

More information about Kamakura city....

 http://www.city.kamakura.kanagawa.jp/english/index.html

1 day pass for Kamakura.

  http://www.odakyu.jp/english/

SAKURA HOTEL HATAGAYA 
Address: 1-32-3 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 151-0072 
Phone: +81-3-5330-5250 (03-5330-5250) 
Fax: +81-3-5330-5251 (03-5330-5251) 
URL: http://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/ 
E-mail: info@sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hatagaya_hotel 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sakura-Hotel-Hostel-in-Tokyo-Japan/220350084985 

One of the questions we are often asked is "Can I catch Shinkansen at Shinjuku station?"

The nearest large station from our hotel is Shinjuku.

Aout 3.5 million passengers visit Shinjuku station a day and this is Guinness world record.

But no Shinkansen stops at Shinjuku station.

To catch Shinkansen, you need to go to Tokyo station or Shingawa station.

FYI, Nozomi (Shinkansen stops at Kyoto) runs once about every 20 minutes between 6:00 am and 9:20 pm.

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SAKURA HOTEL HATAGAYA
Address: 1-32-3 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 151-0072
Phone: +81-3-5330-5250 (03-5330-5250)
Fax: +81-3-5330-5251 (03-5330-5251)
URL: http://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/
E-mail: info@sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hatagaya_hotel
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sakura-Hotel-Hostel-in-Tokyo-Japan/220350084985

On coming 29th of Jan, a birthday party of Hanako will be hold at Inokashira Park Zoo.

Hanako is an elephant, and she becomes 64 years old!

One of the fans of Hanako said that Hanako is the first elephant he have met,

and for his child too.

At this moment, over 500 birthday messages are written for Hanako.

At 1:00pm, Hanako's birthday party will begin.

If you love zoos, this party for the long-lived elephant may become your memorable event.

Inokashira Park Zoo is placed near Kichijoji Station of JR line and Keio Inokashira line (within 10 minutes walk).

http://www.tokyo-zoo.net/english/ino/main.html

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SAKURA HOTEL HATAGAYA
Address: 1-32-3 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 151-0072
Phone: +81-3-5330-5250 (03-5330-5250)
Fax: +81-3-5330-5251 (03-5330-5251)
URL: http://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/
E-mail: info@sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hatagaya_hotel
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sakura-Hotel-Hostel-in-Tokyo-Japan/220350084985

I went to Spa world in Osaka.

In this time there are  many kind of Europe bath♪

Ancient Roma :A large Roman-style bath house inspired by the famous Trevi Fountain

Atlantis:A mysterious bathhouse evoking the sunken city of Greek mythology. Admire an otherworldly atmosphere where sharks and colorful tropical fish swim right under you!

Greece:At the Parthenon on the Acropolis, there is an herbal bath house where goddesses of the Erechtheion linger

Finland:A sauna house evoking the 2,000-year old traditional style from Finland, the birthplace of saunas.

Grotta Azzura:A bath house inspired by Italy's famous Grotta Azzurra, the Blue Grotto off the coast of Capri.

Spain:An open-air bath with a large cascading waterfall, and a footbath where you can enjoy a warm Germanium bath.

 Thats great place to take a rest if you go to Osaka by night bus.

It costs 1,000 yen!

I am sure to visit there again!

SAKURA HOTEL HATAGAYA 
Address: 1-32-3 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 151-0072 
Phone: +81-3-5330-5250 (03-5330-5250) 
Fax: +81-3-5330-5251 (03-5330-5251) 
URL: http://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/ 
E-mail: info@sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hatagaya_hotel 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sakura-Hotel-Hostel-in-Tokyo-Japan/220350084985 

今東京ではスカイツリーが話題だが、1961年の今日、横浜にマリンタワーがオープンしたそうだ。

横須賀から東京の学校に通っていたので、途中の横浜は大好きな街だった。

海と船が好きだったのでよく出かけたが、氷川丸もマリンタワーも中に入ったことがなかった。

一時は経営危機とやらで閉園しかけたが、今は再開されている。

そのうち出かけてみようかなと思っている。

This week No.1 sightseeing spot in Tokyo!!!

 Asakura Sensoji Temple 

  Sensoji temple is Oldest temple in tokyo.

There is 'Kaminari mon' gate and Nakamise Street.

If you looking for some Japanese souvenier , I recommend to come here!

Sensoji temple

Open:6:00-17:00

Admission:Free

SAKURA HOTEL HATAGAYA 
Address: 1-32-3 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 151-0072 
Phone: +81-3-5330-5250 (03-5330-5250) 
Fax: +81-3-5330-5251 (03-5330-5251) 
URL: http://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/ 
E-mail: info@sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hatagaya_hotel 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sakura-Hotel-Hostel-in-Tokyo-Japan/220350084985 

Have you ever heard of the news of Hayabusa spacecraft?

It was made by the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency, and its container returned to the Earth with the particles of asteroid Itokawa, In June of 2010.

Most of the particles are smaller than a grain of sand. But, they are the second samples from space, without being burnt by the entry into the Earth's atmosphere.

(For your information, the first samples are from Moon, mainly brought by US Apollo missions and Soviet Union Luna missions.)

From 5th of January to 6th of February, Exhibition of Hayabusa is hold at Tamarokuto Science Center.

On 5th, 6th and 7th of January, and on 5th and 6th of February, the film HAYABUSA BACK TO THE EARTH will be on its theater.

And on 10th of January, one of the scientists of Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency will come to give a lecture of Hayabusa for children.

If you are intereted in scientific advancement of space, visiting Tamarokuto Science Center maybe a good idea.

The nearest station is Hanakoganai Station of Seibu Shinjuku. The Center is within 20 minutes walk.

SAKURA HOTEL HATAGAYA
Address: 1-32-3 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 151-0072
Phone: +81-3-5330-5250 (03-5330-5250)
Fax: +81-3-5330-5251 (03-5330-5251)
URL: http://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/
E-mail: info@sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hatagaya_hotel
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sakura-Hotel-Hostel-in-Tokyo-Japan/220350084985

I went to Shizuoka to meet my friends!

This is Gundam which is famous animation charactor!!

It is same as real size.

I bought nice local food for souvenier.

Utsunomiya yakisoba

Noppo pan

Shizuoka Oden

It was cold day but people heart is warm!

I love shizuoka♪

SAKURA HOTEL HATAGAYA 
Address: 1-32-3 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 151-0072 
Phone: +81-3-5330-5250 (03-5330-5250) 
Fax: +81-3-5330-5251 (03-5330-5251) 
URL: http://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/ 
E-mail: info@sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hatagaya_hotel 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sakura-Hotel-Hostel-in-Tokyo-Japan/220350084985 

神宮外苑前のイチョウ並木は有名ですが、先日見に行った時は、内側の樹はまだ緑を残しているものもありました。

用事で都庁に出かけたら、第2庁舎の9階だったけれど、下に見える新宿中央公園もケヤキやイチョウが色づいていました。

もう12月になったけれども、まだ秋が残っているようです。

My living town,　竹の塚 'Takenozuka' is famous for X'mas illumination.

This is in front Takenozuka station (my nearest station).

From Nov.27 (today) to Dec. 25, 600,000 LED lights are decolated to the trees and charactors for X'mas, and the roods.