It's been almost three years since I last went to Japan! I just bought some Kikyou Shingen Mochi the other day, and eating it really made me miss Yamanashi, Japan.
Kikyouya "Kikyou Shingen Mochi” | Review by 林木森
Other Reviews by 林木森
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Okunitama-jinja Shrine
Okunitama Shrine, with a history stretching back about 1900 years, is where Okunitama-no-Okami, the deity protecting the Musashino area, is enshrined. Musashino was a vast area including modern-day Tokyo, Saitama, and parts of Kanagawa. Inside the shrine grounds are several smaller shrines, each one granting its own blessing. Among those, the shrine blessing love and marriage is especially well-known.
It wasn’t as expansive as I imagined, but it had a really sacred atmosphere ⛩️
The fall leaves on the grounds were beautiful, and if you keep walking farther in, you can also try the “Hitogata Nagashi” ritual.
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Takashima Koyomi
Shinseikan Takashima Koyomi is more than just a yearly calendar-it is a publication that offers insights deeply connected to daily life in Japan, including fortunes, seasonal words, and other culturally significant information. Originally conceived by Takashima Shomyo, It has been published continuously for over 75 years since its first edition in 1950, following the guiding philosophy: “Bringing rhythm and richness to everyday life through calendars.”
I’ve heard this is basically Japan’s I Ching, and that it’s pretty accurate~
Too bad you can only get it in Tokyo.
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TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY
Japan's largest station-centered urban development project, led by JR East, opened in spring 2026 in front of Takanawa Gateway Station in Minato City, Tokyo.
Heading to Tokyo next month—this is my first stop for sure!
