World Cup 2010 - Japan Team Arrives in South Africa

Friday June 11th starts the supreme soccer event that takes place every 4 years - the World Cup.

This year the country of South Africa is hosting and if previous events such as the Rugby World Cup are any indication the hosts will pull off an incredible job on the world stage.

Japan’s soccer team arrived for the World Cup in South Africa ready to give it their level best.

They will play in Group E with the Netherlands, Cameroon and Denmark, will be based in George and play matches in Bloemfontein, Durban and Rustenburg.

So, whichever team you are routing for, the next few weeks are sure to be entertaining.

All the best...Mark

Kyoto 京都 - Kinkaku-ji 金閣寺,

So looking for an escape for the day from Tokyo. How about heading to Kyoto 京都.

What..too far you say...not at all. In less than 3 hours via Shinkansen 新幹線(bullet train) you'll be in Kyoto and able to explore and enjoy all that this great city and former capital has to offer.

Kinkaku-ji 金閣寺 or the Temple of the Golden Pavilion to you and me, was originally constructed in the late 1300's for the use of Shogun Ahikaga as a villa. This villa was converted to a temple later on by his son Yoshimochi.

The temple that we currently see today is not the original, as that was burned down, rebuilt and burned down again.

The most famous episode of burning down the temple was in 1950 and this event was immortalized in a fictional account of events in Yukio Misima's famous book The Temple of the Golden Pavilion. For those who have not yet had the chance to read this incredible book, it relays the tale of a monk, Hayashi Yoken, who burned down the temple while he attempts to commit suicide.

The Golden Pavilion is a three-story building on the grounds of the Rokuon-ji temple complex and is set amidst a superb Japanese strolling garden (kaiyū-shiki). The pond in front of it is called Kyōko-chi (Mirror Pond). As you can see in my photo, the image of the temple is reflected wonderfully in the waters of the pond. Certainly on a sunny blue sky day your pictures will be out of control and will wow your friends and family.

There are many islands and stones on the pond that represent the Buddhist creation story.

My next few posts will cover other spots in Kyoto well worth your time. So book that train ticket now and head west.

All the best...Mark

Narita Taiko Festival

Heading to Tokyo this week????

Since you'll be flying into Narita International Airport you might want to check out the city of Narita before heading into Tokyo city center.

In Narita-city is Naritasan Shinshoji Temple which attracts about 12 million visitors in a year. A large-scale Japanese taiko drum festival takes place on April 10 & 11, 2010 at the temple and the front approach to the temple.

Japanese taiko drums 和太鼓 are impressive and were used in feudal times to inspire/motivate the soldiers as they marched off to battle. Today the style is appreciated more for the music and the coordinated rhythms but is still worthwhile an interesting.

All the best...Mark

Amanogawa (天の川) Sake Bar - Shinjuku

While in Tokyo everyone seems to be looking for the 'real Japan'. One such gem is a great little sake bar in the heart of Shinjuku's business district inside a hotel.

While I normally like to recommend places that are not simply an elevator ride from your room, Amanogawa is worth it even if you are not staying at the hotel where it is located - Keio Plaza.

This tiny 10 seat sake bar is actually inside of one of the hotels restaurants Kagari on the 2nd floor of their main tower. In light of the size of the space and the fact that it is only open from 5PM - 10:30PM, I would encourage you to make a reservation in advance.

This distinctive sake bar featuring some 40 different brands of sake from producers nationwide and with a resident sake sommelier on site Masaki Tada, you will be able to pair sakes with some specially prepared Japanese items or simply enjoy the sake on its own. Under the care of Mr. Tada, everyone from a novice to a seasoned sake aficionado can find something to suit their palette.

So after a long day of sightseeing, shopping or business meetings head over to Amanogawa for a real treat.

All the best...Mark

Capitol Hotel Tokyu ( 東急ホテルズ) to open newly contructed hotel in Tokyo October 2010

Looking for the next great hotel property to stay at on your next trip to Tokyo this fall????

Tokyu Hotels, Co., Ltd., recently announced that The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, its new flagship hotel in Tokyo, will open its doors October 22, 2010.

The hotel is a new property located on the same grounds as the former Capitol Hotel Tokyu in Tokyo's Akasaka district.

The new twenty-nine story building with 251 rooms, 13 suites, 5 restaurants and bars, plus banquet space, pool and fitness center will be one of the most luxurious hotels in Tokyo, will be situated very close to four different subway lines and just a short distance from the Prime Minister's Official Residence and the Hie Shrine.

The Capitol Hotel Tokyu's latticework-inspired exterior design and new construction conjures up a more traditional Japanese aesthetic and was designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma.

Address: 2-10-3, Nagata-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo



Guest rooms: 251 rooms Deluxe King (45 m2), Premier Corner Twin (57 m2), Premier King (63 m2), Executive Suite (102 m2), Garden Suite (108 m2), Sanno Suite (180 m2),The Capitol Suite (218 m2)Library Lounge (for guests staying on the Club floor, floors 27-29, and in the suites)

For those who had stayed at the Capitol Tokyu in the past and came to expect a superior level of service and amenities this latest offering is sure to meet and exceed your expectations.

Check out their web site: www.capitolhoteltokyu.com

All the best....Mark

Japanese Health Ministry announces proposed ban on smoking in public spaces

So....I just heard about news in Japan of a change that I never ever thought would fly.

Japan, which without a doubt, has what can undeniably be categorized as one of the largest markets for consumers of cigarettes, announced today that there is currently a plan announced by the Health Ministry to call for a nationwide ban on lighting up in bars/restaurants and other public places.

Smoking in public spaces is still very commonplace in Japanese bars and restaurants, so bringing about a nationwide change like this would be massive and certainly welcome by non-smokers and tourists from other countries where smoking in public spaces is not permitted.

Certainly this move towards a 'healthier' lifestyle will be good for everyone, but change is often slow and difficult to effect in Japan....so stay tuned as they say.

All the best...Mark

Four Season's Hotel Chinzan-so offering Maiko meal/performance February 28th

So....as we head into Cherry Blossom season, the Four Season's Hotel Tokyo at Chinzan-so is offering a unique culinary item.

The esteemed hotel's restaurant Miyuki will have an interesting Kyoto focused meal and maiko to entertain diners this month on the 28th. You'll only need to hop on the subway to the Edogawabashi Station and after a 10 minute walk you'll reach the Four Season's Hotel instead of making a special trip all the way to Kyoto.

The maiko performance will highlight a traditional dancing at 15:30 and 15:45 after enjoying your meal which are scheduled to begin at 14:30.

As with all things Four Season's the even will be special indeed - after the show, there will be a photo session with maiko.

With a price of ¥5,800 this is certainly reasonable for all that is offered. Enjoy the experience if you are in Tokyo that day.

All the best...Mark

Roppongi 六本木 Art Night - March 28 & 29, 2010

So....of course we are partial to events in and around Tokyo...so we thought this upcoming event taking place next month might interest art enthusiasts and culture vultures alike.

The Roppongi Art night this March is a one-night only event - from dawn to dusk - celebrating a wide array of art around Roppongi in a variety of venues such as:

Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown, The National Art Center,Tokyo, Suntory Museum of Art, public spaces, and participating shops and restaurants in the Roppongi area.

Of course given the time of year, if the weather permits, this might be a wonderful time to check out the cherry blossoms as you walk from exhibit to exhibit.

All the best.......Mark