Archive for the ‘Off Beat Downtown Adventure’ Category

“Kawaii” World of Japanese Penny Candies 1

Wednesday, December 14th, 2011

To start with, this Japanese Yen being super strong is crazy and I hope you won’t give up visiting Japan because of it,  for you still can have fun in Tokyo without high expense. Today I’m going to introduce you a way to have fun with 500Yen- Buying “Kawaii” penny candies!

Here is what we bought for around 500Yen. “Dagashi”or petty candies are always loved by Japanese kids and are often sold at tiny“Dagashiya” (petty candy shop) on the small corners. Kinshicho area is deeply related with the production and distribution of the petty candies. The area used to be one of the major wholesale districts of Dagashi, where they distributed candies to the each small store on the street. Today small numbers of these wholesale stores remain, but we still see several wholesale stores and manufacturers in Kinshicho district.

$$$Kids Wants to be a Cool Adult Too$$$

Fake beer powder(it makes fuzzy “beer.”) a neat box of blueberry flavored cigarette,  bottles of soda and strawberry flavored “whisky”, 100million yen bills, chocolate “gold bars” and sexy “kiss” gummy!! The gold bar even has a stamp of the Swiss bank showing the genuineness. How much will you need to acquire all of those fabulous bling-blings!? with 300 Yen.

☆☆☆The Art of Miniature☆☆☆


Making fine miniatures is one of Japanese people’s great talent and even in the penny candies you can see the meticulous work.These are only examples of  japanese meticulous art of miniature, which you can buy with 10~30Yen. Miniature custard pudding,miniature yogurt cups( They do contain yogurt flavored cream)miniature  coffee drink, grape fruit juice and orange juice (These packages contain  confetti candies of each flavor!) Miniature delivery track and miniature trains (contain chocolate confetti)  miniature cans of coke and soda(containing tiny candies of each flavor!), miniature ramen and miniature bento-box making kit. (Bento box kit was 200Yen)

***Miscellaneous***

Left: Soybean flour candy. Right: Brown sugar cake. Looks less fancy but actually tastes more better than other stuff.

A fortune telling mini chocolate sheet. Behind the each chocolate balls tells about everything that matters for 10 years old, such as home works, allowance, friends, love, and parents, with ◎ 〇△×

 

Umai-bo(dellicious bars) is one of the most popular dagashi snack and also easy to find at many  convenience stores and supermarkets. Umai-bo  is not only for  kids, but  adults can  enjoy it with beer.  Umai-bo has 13~14 flavors, such as cheese, curry, takoyaki, corn soup, mayonnaise, chocolate and so on. This most famous snack was invented by Yaokin company, located in Sumida ward.

Fruit flavored tiny chewy candies. Love the sherbet colors! We are going to introduce the very cool miniature making kit in the next report so please keep checking our blog!

 

 

Explore “Tokyo Sky Tree”

Friday, August 26th, 2011

The Tokyo Sky Tree is a broadcasting, restaurants and observation tower under construction in Sumida-ku, Japan. It will be the second tallest tower after Burj Khalifa in Dubai upon finished. The tower has now reached its total height of 634 meter by March 2011 but construction still undergoing and it would not open until March 2012. The height of 634 is selected because the figures 6(mu), 3(sa), 4(shi), “Musashi” represented the old name of the place where Tokyo Sky Tree stands now.

Photo taken right down of Sky Tree

Tokyo Sky Tree

Bridge to the Tokyo Sky Tree

There are a lot of points around Tokyo Sky Tree for taking photos. Hence, it would be great if you could bring a map showing photo points. However, you don’t have to worry even if you don’t have one. You may see a lot of signboards around Tokyo Sky Tree showing the map, photo points, restaurant guide and other information.

Information nearby Tokyo Sky Tree can be found on this map

If you find it hard to take a two shot photo with this giant structure. Don’t worry. Try to find a stand with mirror like this around there. By using the reflection of the mirror, you can put yourself and the tower in a photo easily.

A great idea by the owner of the shop using the reflection of mirror.

Beside from taking photo of the tower from different angles. Food lovers may try to explore some special “Towered” foods like Tower Don, Tower bread, Tower Ice Cream and etc around the area.

Giant Shrimp Tempuras rice bowl..Does it looks like Toyko Sky Tree??

Giant Danish pastry tower with two different taste...

Charm of Jinrikisha (Kurumaya 1/3)

Monday, February 21st, 2011

Jinrikisha (rickshaw) was a traditional taxi of Japan and started its service in Nihonbashi, Tokyo since 1871 (Meiji era) until the beginning of the Showa era (1926-1989). 
The jinrikisha as general traffic and the transportation means is no longer available in Japan, while it is getting popular nowadays among the people visiting downtown Tokyo, particularly ASAKUSA, and attracting them in sightseeing historical spots and more.
People who rid in a jinrikisha (rickshaw) describe the impression such as the freshness that can be seen by a glance being higher than the usual one with eyes on foot. The scenery flows at the goodness of riding comfort and person’s speed. ASAKUSA prospered in Edo era(1603-1869) by the oldest sightseeing spot in Tokyo as only downtown of Tokyo. 500,000 tourist s or more a year visit from not only Japan but also every country in the world, and become an eminent tourist spot all over the world.

 

Charm of ASAKUSA (Kurumaya 2/3)

Monday, February 21st, 2011

It is Mr.Ishizuka, who is one of rickshaw men in the car shop KURUMAYA, saying that “Hopefully the Jinrikisha (rickshaw) is able to represent the culture of historical Japan just the same as Ninja (professional spy) and Samurai (warriors specializing in the martial arts)”. Their jinrikisha (rickshaw) operating by KURUMAYA offers extremely nice riding comfort like not becoming the thing compared with the automobile, and take you to various fan spots. Their rickshaw man in well trained as a tour guid as well for one month or more and you can exsperience offbeat downtown adventure in ASAKUSA!! Because of the high popularity, if you take a jinrikisha(rickshaw), it can be organized efficiently like 30-40 minutes tour to cover it. Don’t worry even about the person garbage at crowded time like the season of the New Year and summer holiday etc.  

The Senso-ji Temple famous for the Nitenmon gate that is one of important cultural properties in Japan, the Sanja festival of Asakusa Shrine, Asian raccoon street that fulfills various wishes when worships it, and Sumida park with 1100 cherry blossoms tree etc.  You can hear the inside story doesn’t get on from the guide book about special stores of the shop curtain (Noren) and Hollywood star’s favorite face oil blotting paper.  The course includes SKY TREE COURSE (12,680 yen for two people for 70 minutes) to goes to the Tokyo sky tree that will rise highest tower in the world and in a recommendation course ASAKUSA COURESE (9,000 yen per one person for 60 minutes and 15,000 yen for two people) which covers whole ASAKUSA area, and EASY COURESE (5,000 yen per one person for 30 minutes and 8,000 yen for two people).  Other courses for 80 minutes and 150 minutes are also available.  

Name / Price Recommend (Osusume) Course:60min,
one person 9,000yen, two person 15,000.yen
Course Bentendo/Toki no Kane -> Asakusa Jinja -> Senso-ji ->Sumida Park  ->Kaminarimon->Asakusa Engei hall->Hanayasiki -> Denboin dori -> AsakusaKoukaido/Star’s place
Name / Price Otegaru West (Half way West) Course:30min,
one person 5,000yen, two person 8,000yen
Course Orange dori -> Tanuki dori -> Rock dori -> Asakusa Engei hall -> Rock Kaiwai -> Hana Yashiki -> Denpoin dori ->AsakusaKoukaido/Star’s place)
Name / Price Manzoku (Pleasure) Course:80min,
one person 13,000yen, two person 21,000yen
Course Bentendo -> Asakusa-jinja-> Senso-ji -> Matsuchiyama Shoten -> Imado-jinja -> Sumida Park -> Rock Shitamachi -> AsakusaKoukaido/Star’s place 
Name / Price Odaijin (Millionaire) Course:150min, one person 23,000yen two person 38,000yen
Course Asakusa-jinja -> Senso-ji -> Matsuchiyama Shoten -> Imado-jinja -> Hashiba-fudoson -> Ishihama-jinja ->Yoshiwara-jinja -> Ootorii-jinja ->Yasaki-jinja

 For reservation or inquiry, please contact http://jinrikishahanbai.main.jp/ (Japanese only) or send an e-mail at service@goodies-japan.co.jp (in English).  We can offer special rates.

Manufacturing and sale of Jinrikisha(rickshaw)by KURUMAYA (Kurumaya 3/3)

Monday, February 21st, 2011

Jinrikisha (rickshaw) manufactured by KURUMAYA sticks to Japanese origin in all parts, assembly process, and all processes under their artistic techniques.  Completion of manufacturing jinrikisha (rickshaw) takes 2-3 months time after receiving the order.  It is because that some of parts are especially custom-designed and elaborately tailored and manufactured.

Mr. Matsuoka – JINRIKISHA MYSTAR, who is the initiator and the president of the car shop KURUMAYA, manufactures their jinrikisha (rickshaw) by the method self-learning throughout his experience and passion.  ‘’It was generally said that people were more diminutive in 10to 20 years ago and the seat of any jinrikisha was narrow now for getting on of two people.  The car shop KURUMAYA has improved in such respect a structure that guests can ride and sit comfortably in a relaxed manner.  Jinrikisha (rickshaw) manufactured by KURUMAWA has paid more attention to the easiness of the rickshaw man and the goodness of riding at the same time, which is nowadays used at the wedding, company event and the purpose of riding jinrikisha (rickshaw) is getting more diversified.  The jinrikisha (rickshaw) by KURUMAYA can meet such needs and present good performance with its handmade unique quality. For detailed information, http://jinrikishahanbai.main.jp/      (Japanese only) 
We, Goodies Corporation on behalf of KURUMAYA, take purchase order from foreign users.   In English, please contact through this WEB shop or send an e-mail at service@goodies-japan.co.jp.   Goodies Corporation will arrange export shipping through Trade-convenience.

Down Town Tokyo Information —- Museum

Tuesday, August 11th, 2009

1. Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum
http://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/

Come to learn more about Tokyo’s history and culture !
● Schedule of special exhibitions

  • ・Jul.4 (Sat)-Sep.6 (Sun) : Sharaku and other hidden Japanese masterworks from the land of NAUSIC AA
  • ・Sep.19 (Sat)-Nov.8 (Sun) : Beautiful Shin-hanga Revitalization of Ukiyo-e
  • ・Nov.23 (Mon)-Jan.17 (Sun) 2010 : Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) and Japanese beauty

2. Museum of contemporary art Tokyo
http://www.mot-art-museum.jp/

● Schedule of special exhibitions

  • ・Jul.18 (Sat)-Oct.4 (Sun) : The Colors of Mary Blair
  • ・Aug.1 (Sat)-Oct.4 (Sun) : Kosho Ito Works 1974-2009
  • ・Oct.31 (Sat)-Jan.17, 2010 (Sun) : Luxury in fashion Reconsidered
  • ・Oct.31 (Sat)-Jan.17), 2010 (Sun) : Rebecca Horn

3. Basho Museum
http://www.kcf.or.jp/basyo/english.html

4. Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
http://www.tobikan.jp/

5. The Ueno Royal Museum
http://www.ueno-mori.org/

6. Tokyo National Museum
http://www.tnm.jp/jp/

● Schedule of special exhibitions

  • ・Jul.14 (Sun)-Sep.6 (Sun) : Sometuke – The flourishing of underglaze porcelain ware in Asia
  • ・Jul.14 (Sun)-Sep.6 (Sun) :Ise Jingu and Treasures of Shinto
  • ・Oct.6 (Tues)-Nov.3 (Mon) : Treasures of the Imperial Collections – Splendor of Japanese Art Part 1
  • ・Nov.12 (Tues)-Nov.29 (Sun) : Treasures of the Imperial Collections – Splendor of Japanese Art Part 2

MOT

Tuesday, August 11th, 2009

I went to Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo.


Frontage


colorful wall


nice gate!

Enjoy the Colors of Mary Blair !
Mary Blair produced concept art and color styling for such Disney films as “Cinderella” and “Alice in Wonderland,” as well as character designs for the Disneyland.
The exhibition was great! She created wonderful pieces.


One of her famous character “ Lemonade Girl”
I love this !


Alice in Wonderland

Kosho Ito


Very interesting installations


There are some benches to rest.

Trayan

Giant robot “Torayan” you can see it at the entrance by free !


upps !! Look at the guy


Isn’t he funny?

Down town Tokyo information —Experience the traditional arts and crafts

Tuesday, August 11th, 2009

* Atelier / Session menu / Time required / Capacity / Fee / Session Schedule / other information

1. Isogai Tortoiseshell Speciality Store / Tortoiseshell Pendant / 2hourse / 3 to 12persons / \3.000 person / Mon.-Fri. 10:00-18:00
Founded in 1939, the store, specializing in tortoiseshell, was elected the 3M movement of Sumida Ward. The second generation master has also been certified as the intangible cultural heritage of Sumida Ward and earned numerous awards from the director of Sumida Ward as well as the governor of Tokyo.  http://isogai-bekko.jp/
2. Musashiya Hozan / Edo-Style Hagoita(Battledore) / 2hours / 5persons / \3.000person /
Mon.-Satur. 10:00-17:00
Over 50 items of battledores are displayed throughout the year, you can also observe the process of making there products. They also accept custom-made requests.
http://hagoita.co.jp/taiken.html
3. Kiriya Tanaka / Paulownia Stool / 2.5hours / 3 to 8persons / \8.000person / Sun.10:00-18:00
Founded in 1892, the museum has over 100 years of history in making paulownia chests.
http://www.kiriyatanaka.co.jp/
4. Sumida Edokirikokan / Edo-Style Cut Glass / 2hours / 1 to 10persons / \3.000-5.000 person / Mon.-Satur. 9:00-17:00
At this model shop, you can learn about the history and the production process of Edokiriko. Over 350 works are exhibited for sale.
http://www.edokiriko.net/school/
5. Byobu Washuya / Puzzle Screen / 2hours / 3 to 20persons /
\3.000 per person if less than 9people the fee will change / Mon.-Satur. 9:00-17:00
This store is certified a museum and mode shop meister of Sumida Ward. The production process as well as the tools used to make the artwork are among the display.
http://www.byoubu.co.jp/
6. EdoKibashi / Edo-Style Wooden Chopsticks / 2hours / 2 to 5persons / \3.000 person
Mon.-Satur. 9:00-17:00
This Edokibashi(chopsticks) specialty store has a tradition over 100 years. You can choose a pair of specific shape and design you like.
http://www.edokibashi.com/make.html
7. Some Daimatsu / Edo-Style Small Repeating Pattern Dyeing / 2hours / 5 to 20persons /
Per group + \1.500 per person
A traditional Edo Komon special store, where a number of Kimono, obi, olouses, as well as leather products made of the Edo Komon zome ( small repeating pattern dyeing) are displayed for sale.
http://edokomon-daimatsu.com/?page_id=7