Phlion Chen's Reviews

Kitano Festival: Shikosai & Kankosai at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Five days in Kyoto between October 1st and 5th of every year bring the full pomp and circumstance of Kitano Tenmangu’s grand autumn festival. Legends date the origin back to year 987, when Emperor Ichijo sent an imperial envoy to conduct the Kitano Festival. At that time, it was one of Kyoto’s major festivals, but the grand procession was suspended during the Onin War (1467-1477). Later, in the Meiji period (1868-1912), it was revived at the request of parishioners and has since been passed down as the Zuiki Festival procession, held in gratitude for the autumn harvest.

• Kyoto
• Autumn festivals & Events

Tokyo Ramen Street

"Tokyo Ramen Street" is located on the first basement floor of "First Avenue Tokyo Station", a commercial facility directly connected to Tokyo Station, just outside the "Yaesu Underground Central Exit ticket gate". The following eight well-known restaurants in Tokyo are gathered here, and each restaurant offers a different genre of ramen.

• Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi, Marunouchi
• Ramen

Tofukuji Temple

This is the head temple of Rinzai School. Kujo Michiie wished to have a temple for his family burial under Reverend Shoichi Kokusi’s ministry, and built seven halls during 19 years beginning in 1236.

• Kyoto
• Shrines & Temples

Maruyama Park (Kyoto)

The oldest park in Kyoto, built on land once owned by temples and shrines. It is located across the Shijo Ohashi Bridge from Kawaramachi and straight down the Gion shopping street on Shijo Dori Street. From the Shijo Ohashi Bridge, pass the Keihan Gion-Shijo Station and continue along the shopping street, and you will see Yasaka Shrine in front of you.

• Kyoto
• Parks & Gardens

Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi Bridge

Beyond Oboke Gorge, called one of the leading unexplored regions of Japan, you will find Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi Bridge. On a plateau with an elevation of about 1000 meters, there is an ancient double suspension bridge by this name, made of creeping plants such as ivy-leafed ferns.

• Tokushima
• Tourist Attractions

TOKYO SKYTREE(R) TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN(R)

Boasting a height of 634 meters, TOKYO SKYTREE is the world’s tallest free-standing tower which stands in the center of TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN surrounded by tourist facilities. The tower has two observation decks, Tembo Deck at a height of 350 meters and Tembo Galleria at 450 meters.

• Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree
• Observatories

Tokyo Midtown

Tokyo Midtown is a complex “city” featuring 6 buildings and wide spaces of greenery. This complex encompasses a variety of shops, restaurants, offices, green spaces, a hotel and a museum.

• Akasaka, Roppongi, Azabu-Juban
• Commercial Buildings