Inside the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum, I was lucky enough to see Venetian glass that once fascinated European nobility. The elegant atmosphere made me feel like I was transported back to the aristocratic days of Rome.
Hakone Venetian Glass Museum | 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 spacious as I expected, but it definitely has a sacred vibe. ⛩️ The autumn leaves inside the grounds are beautiful, and if you keep walking further in, you can even try the 'Ningyo-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.”
They say this is like Japan's version of the I Ching, but unfortunately, you can only get it in Tokyo.
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TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY
Developed by JR East, Takanawa Gateway City is a bold urban redevelopment project transforming a former train yard into a 9.5-hectare next-generation smart city. Centered around the newly completed Takanawa Gateway Station, the complex is slated for four high-rise towers and a low-rise cultural facility, bringing together commercial spaces, hotels, offices, residences, a multipurpose cultural center, and an international conference hall.
Heading to Tokyo next month—this is my first stop for sure!
