Shogi - Japanese Board Game - Tokyo - Japan

Shogi originated in China. Records show that the first versions of the games appeared in Japan from as early as the 7th Century. Shogi is known for being a distant cousin of chess, and abroad is sometimes known as Japanese chess. There have been many variants over the centuries, with the main changes being made to the pieces, board and rules. The game is unique for its use of pentagonal pieces showing kanji characters. Like chess, the objective is to protect your king until you have beaten your opponent. These players were showing their Shogi skills near Shimbashi station, in Tokyo.

Landing Away in Japan

Tea Ceremony – Hama Rikyu Gardens - Tokyo - Japan

Recently, I’ve returned to Tokyo Hama Rikyu Gardens. My goal was to visit the tea house. I’ve arrived and waited at the outside queue; on my turn I payed in advance, removed my shoes and then was taken to a tatami- floored room to seat.
I’ve received an English A4 paper with instructions (tea ritual etiquette for foreigners).This paper was helpful but additional clarifications from a Japanese lady seating next to me were crucial. Tea was served on a little tray with a cake. Once I received my tray I bowed to thank. I used my shop sticks to cut the cake in small pieces and had to eat the cake before drinking the tea. The tea bowl must be hold with the right hand and supported with the left end. Before drinking I rotated the bowl twice, to the right, to turn the figures to myself. Once I finished drinking, I passed my finger on the board and rotated it again twice in the opposite direction, before putting the ball back at the tray. Once my tray was about to be removed I bowed again to thank. The instructions make everything sound complicated but it wasn’t, it was a very nice experience and I will repeat it with people who come for a visit. But…a proper tea ceremony is full or rules, and etiquette and some people take years to master the art or making and serving tea in Japan.
Landing away in Tokyo

Sanja Festival Asakusa - Tokyo - Japan

Last Saturday I’ve returned to Asakusa, in Tokyo. By chance I came across the celebrations of the Sanja Matsuri Festival. This Festival is held to celebrate three men and their founding of the nearby Senso-ji (Buddhist) Temple. When the men passed away, festivities are said to have taken place commemorating their dedication to Buddism and as early as the 7th century AD it is believed the foundations were laid for what is today the Sanja Matsuri. Although the current version of the memorial dates to the mid 17th century with the founding of the Asakusa Shrine, the spirits of the three men responsible for founding Senso-ji are still remembered in the name of the festival ‘’San’’ means three in Japanese, and the fact that three portable shrines (each representing one of the men) collectively form the centerpiece of the festivities. Circa 50 individuals carry the ‘’mikoshi’’ revered objects (these appear before the public eye only once a year), and sort of singing.

Landing Away in Japan

Expensive Fruit - Tokyo - Japan

Fruit in general is very expensive in Japan. These two Mangoes cost 12,000.00 yen, circa 102 euro, quite expensive if compared to Europe.

Landing Away in Japan

Nikko National Park and Oze National Park - Japan

Landing Away in Japan

Nikko - Japan

Nikko is small city at the entrance of Nikko National Park. I visited it last weekend and was very impressed with the innumerous temples and shrines immersed in the park. Other attractions include the Shinkyo Bridge, lakes, waterfalls, wild monkeys and hiking trails. It’s less than 3 hours away from Tokyo and the contrast couldn't be greater.

Landing Away in Tokyo

Chuzenji Lake - Nikko - Japan

Last Saturday, I visited Lake Chuzenji, a scenic lake in the mountains above the town of Nikko. It is located at the foot of Mount Nantai (a volcano). I started my tour at the Lake, then went to Futarason Shrine and went to the Kegon waterfall. It was a magnificent change of scenery from Tokyo.

Landing Away in Japan