June, 2024 - NINJA KOTAN

Why is Kagurazaka One of Tokyo’s Finest Gourmet Districts? Kagurazaka: A Finest Gourmet District in Tokyo Kagurazaka is not a bustling commercial district lined with large shopping buildings like Ginza. Instead, it is known as a gourmet district, with many small shops densely packed in a shopping street, despite being a residential area. As of the end of May 2024, Kagurazaka has 23 Michelin Guide-listed restaurants, accounting for 4.4% of Tokyo’s total and 53.5% of Shinjuku Ward’s total. We investigated the nighttime dining price range (price per person) for restaurants within an 800-meter radius of each major station using Tabelog. In the Kagurazaka Station area, 54% of the restaurants fall into the low-price range of ¥5,000 or less. This percentage is significantly lower than Tokyo Station (72%), Shibuya Station (81%), Shinjuku Station (85%), and Ikebukuro Station (89%). Ginza Station is at 51%, indicating that the Kagurazaka Station area has many high-priced restaurants comparable to Ginza Station. Nighttime Dining Price Range per Person at Major Stations in Tokyo Source: Tabelog Historical Roots of Kagurazaka’s Gourmet Excellence But why does Kagurazaka have so many high-priced restaurants comparable to Ginza? Why is Kagurazaka one of Tokyo’s finest gourmet districts? Oneread moreWhy is Kagurazaka One of Tokyo’s Finest Gourmet Districts?

25Jun, 20242024年6月23日

Experience

3 Reasons Why Travelers Should Come to the Kagurazaka Shopping District

By ninjakotan

3 Reasons Why Travelers Should Come to the Kagurazaka Shopping District The Kagurazaka shopping district offers not only a unique shopping experience but also opportunities for meaningful interactions with locals. Japanese shopping streets, known as “Shotengai,” are attractive spaces that offer foreign tourists not just shopping experiences but also opportunities for communication with locals. These shopping streets are lined with small, family-owned shops that have been passed down through generations, offering a wide range of products, including fresh produce, tea, sweets, modern fashion, and unique souvenirs that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. For foreign tourists, these shopping streets provide a glimpse into the daily lives of local residents and an opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of the local community. Japanese shopping streets are a collection of “specialty stores,” unlike large supermarkets that tend to be uniform and impersonal. Each Shotengai reflects the local character and the individuality of each shop owner. The small size of these shops fosters interaction and conversation with shop owners and staff, making visits a special experience for tourists. Particularly for foreign travelers who value communication with local residents, these shopping streets are ideal destinations. However, many shopping streets are decliningread more3 Reasons Why Travelers Should Come to the Kagurazaka Shopping District

24Jun, 20242024年6月23日

Experience

Attending the Shinjuku Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Annual General Meeting and 10th Anniversary Celebration

By ninjakotan

Attending the Shinjuku Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Annual General Meeting and 10th Anniversary Celebration Shinjuku Convention & Visitors Bureau Hosts 10th Anniversary Celebration On Tuesday, June 4th, the 11th Annual General Meeting and the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Shinjuku Convention & Visitors Bureau were held at Keio Plaza Hotel. I attended as a member of the Shinjuku Convention & Visitors Bureau. The 10th Anniversary Celebration was a great success, with over 200 participants. Many distinguished guests were invited, including the current Shinjuku Mayor, Kenichi Yoshizumi, and former Shinjuku Mayor, Hiroko Nakayama, who gave speeches. The large number of participants and the lively atmosphere made me realize the strength of Shinjuku. As a resident of Shinjuku and with our company based in Shinjuku, I felt very proud. Our company’s traditional cultural experience tour, “Kagurazaka Refined Wander: Cultural Awakening Around Every Bend,” in Shinjuku, was introduced not only by the Shinjuku Convention & Visitors Bureau but also by Mayor Yoshizumi as one of the highlights of Shinjuku tourism. As a travel agency promoting these traditional cultural experience tours supported by the entire Shinjuku area, I felt a renewed sense of responsibility. Recruit’s New Website ‘Ah! MAZE! SHINJUKU’ Features Our Traditionalread moreAttending the Shinjuku Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Annual General Meeting and 10th Anniversary Celebration

23Jun, 20242024年6月23日

Experience

What Is the Large Ring at Shinto Shrines in June?

By ninjakotan

What Is the Large Ring at Shinto Shrines in June? The Large Ring at Shinto Shrines in June: “Chinowa Kuguri” As June begins, large grass rings appear at Shinto shrines. Do you know what these large rings are? These rings are made of bundled chigaya grass and are used for the “Chinowa Kuguri” ritual. The ring’s diameter can be several meters. Chigaya is a grass that belongs to the Poaceae family, commonly found in sunny fields and mountains. “Chinowa Kuguri” is one of the rituals in Shintoism. It is performed during the “Nagoshi no Oharae” (Great Purification of Summer) to cleanse the sins and impurities accumulated from January to June. Some shrines also perform “Chinowa Kuguri” during the “Toshikoshi no Harae” (Year-End Purification) in December. Akagi Shrine in Kagurazaka, Tokyo, also conducts “Chinowa Kuguri” in December. How to Perform “Chinowa Kuguri” Stand in front of the “Chinowa” ring and bow lightly, then pass through the ring and walk around to the left, returning to the starting point. Bow lightly again, pass through the ring, and walk around to the right, returning to the starting point. Bow lightly again, pass through the ring, and walk around to the left,read moreWhat Is the Large Ring at Shinto Shrines in June?

22Jun, 20242024年6月20日

Experience

How to Learn Basic Etiquette for Visiting Shinto Shrines: “Chouzu and Praying”

By ninjakotan

How to Learn Basic Etiquette for Visiting Shinto Shrines: “Chouzu and Praying” Japan has many Shinto shrines, attracting numerous visitors. According to the 2022 Religious Yearbook, there are 84,316 registered Shinto shrines in Japan, along with countless unregistered ones. The deities enshrined in these shrines are as varied as the “Yaoyorozu no Kami” (Eight Million Gods). Shintoism widely reveres mysterious and awe-inspiring entities, reflecting a strong animistic aspect. For example, the Akagi Shrine in Kagurazaka originates from the mountain worship of Mount Akagi. Many foreign visitors also come to these shrines across Japan. It’s fascinating that people who believe in monotheistic religions often visit Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Japan. Today, I will explain the basic etiquette (manner) for visiting a Shinto shrine, focusing on “Chouzu” (purification with water) and praying. This information is based on the website of the Tokyo Shrine Association, and I will also include a YouTube link from the site for your reference. Basic Etiquette for Visiting Shinto Shrines Shrine Visiting Etiquette Bow before passing through the Torii gate. The Torii gate marks the boundary between the secular world and the sacred realm of the shrine. Purify your hands and mouth at the chouzuya (waterread moreHow to Learn Basic Etiquette for Visiting Shinto Shrines: “Chouzu and Praying”

21Jun, 20242024年6月16日

Experience

Experience Authentic Japanese Daily Life in Kagurazaka, Tokyo

By ninjakotan

Experience Authentic Japanese Daily Life in Kagurazaka, Tokyo Dear foreign tourists, when visiting Tokyo, would you like to walk around lively streets filled with local Japanese people, away from the hustle and bustle of tourist spots? When traveling abroad, what captivates me the most is visiting places where locals gather and getting a glimpse of their daily lives. Experiencing the real everyday life of a country, which can’t be felt in tourist-only areas, truly gives meaning to my visit. Do you prefer crowded tourist spots, or do you like places where you can feel the essence of Japan with few tourists? What do you think? Today, I would like to introduce Kagurazaka, a place where you can feel the essence of Japan with few tourists. Kagurazaka is a valuable area where you can stroll and feel the daily lives of local people without many foreign tourists. In this area, you can thoroughly savor the local atmosphere. Below, I will detail its attractions. 1. Experience Japanese Daily Life in Kagurazaka, Tokyo When you visit Kagurazaka, you can get a glimpse of daily life in Japan. You can spend time in a quiet and calm environment, away from the hustleread moreExperience Authentic Japanese Daily Life in Kagurazaka, Tokyo

20Jun, 20242024年6月16日

Experience

How to Enjoy an Evening with Geisha for Just ¥30,000

By ninjakotan

Perfect for Families in Kagurazaka, Tokyo Many people find the idea of an evening with Geisha to be intimidating. Indeed, even among Japanese, very few have experienced a Geisha banquet (Ozashiki Asobi). Most do not know how to arrange such an event, and many traditional teahouses refuse first-time visitors. Moreover, the cost of a Geisha banquet often exceeds ¥100,000 per person, making it inaccessible for most people. However, what if you could enjoy a Geisha entertainment, including a meal, for just ¥30,000 per person? At this price, many might consider indulging in a Geisha banquet occasionally. With the current extreme yen depreciation, foreign travelers might find this price quite cheap. At the current exchange rate, it is less than USD 200, which is comparable to a regular restaurant meal in the United States without the Geisha entertainment. You Can Enjoy an Evening with Kagurazaka Geisha for Just ¥30,000 in Tokyo We offer Kagurazaka Geisha banquets at Torijaya, a restaurant rated as Tokyo’s number one for “Udon-Suki (Udon Hot Pot),” for groups of six or more at ¥30,000 per person. While cheaper banquets usually involve two Geisha, our plan includes three Geisha, providing a luxurious experience. Three Geisha are essentialread moreHow to Enjoy an Evening with Geisha for Just ¥30,000

19Jun, 20242024年6月16日

Experience

Walk from Kagurazaka to the Natsume Soseki Memorial Museum in Shinjuku

By ninjakotan

Tracing the Footsteps of Natsume Soseki, Author of “I Am a Cat” and “Kokoro” Today, we will introduce the life of Natsume Soseki and the Natsume Soseki Memorial Museum, which is about a 10 to 15-minute walk from Kagurazaka Station on the Tokyo Metro. The Natsume Soseki Memorial Museum is built on the site where the great literary figure Natsume Soseki, known worldwide for works such as “I Am a Cat” and “Kokoro,” lived and wrote. The museum opened on September 24, 2017, marking the 150th anniversary of Soseki’s birth. Soseki and Shinjuku Ward (Waseda/Kagurazaka) The Shinjuku ward, where Soseki was born, raised, and spent his final days, is rich with places connected to his life. The name of the area where Soseki was born, Kikuicho, Shinjuku, was named by Soseki’s father, Naokatsu Natsume, who was the headman of the area at the time. The name derives from the Natsume family’s crest, “a chrysanthemum in a well frame.” Similarly, a slope near Soseki’s birthplace was named “Natsume-zaka” after the family. Soseki’s novels and essays frequently mention names of places in Shinjuku, and temples and shrines still found in the ward appear in his works. Soseki’s diaries and letters record hisread moreWalk from Kagurazaka to the Natsume Soseki Memorial Museum in Shinjuku

18Jun, 20242024年6月14日

Experience

The Mysterious Connection Between Kagurazaka and Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site

By ninjakotan

The Mysterious Connection Between Kagurazaka and Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site I have written several times in my blog that Kagurazaka was built by the 3rd Shogun of the Edo Shogunate, Tokugawa Iemitsu, as a path (Onari-dori) from Ushigome Gate of Edo Castle to the residence of Senior Minister (Tairō) Tadakatsu Sakai. Today, I would like to write about the connection between Kagurazaka and Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site. Kagurazaka and Himeji Connected by the Sakai Family The Senior Minister (Tairō) was a top position temporarily placed above the Senior Councillor (Rōjū) to assist the Shogun. In other words, it was the No. 2 position in the Edo Shogunate. Only four families were eligible for the position of Senior Minister, who were close retainers of the first Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu: the Ii, Sakai (main branch of the Uemon-no-kami family), Doi, and Hotta families. However, the Sakai family was further divided into the main branch of the Himeji Domain (now Hyogo Prefecture) and the separate branch of the Obama Domain (now Fukui Prefecture), both of which had Senior Ministers, making it effectively five families. The first lord of the Obama Domain was Tadakatsu Sakai, the fourth lord to hold theread moreThe Mysterious Connection Between Kagurazaka and Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site

17Jun, 20242024年6月14日

Experience

Do You Know the Difference Between Ukiyo-e from Kansai (Kamigata) and Tokyo (Edo)?

By ninjakotan

Understanding This Might Reveal the True Identity of Sharaku The Differences Between Ukiyo-e from Kansai (Kamigata) and Tokyo (Edo) In a previous post, I wrote that “Ukiyo-e is a genre of painting that was established in the early Edo period.” This statement is generally accepted. However, according to the website of the Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum (1-6-4 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka), “Hand-painted ukiyo-e originated in Kamigata during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1603). Famous examples include Shijo-Kawara no Zu and Rakuchu Rakugai Zu.” I’ll leave the exact timing of the birth of ukiyo-e to the scholars, but today, I will explore the differences between ukiyo-e from Kansai (Kamigata) and Tokyo (Edo). Nishiki-e (full-color woodblock prints) were invented in Edo in 1765. Later, in 1791, ukiyo-e prints, known as Kamigata ukiyo-e, began to be produced in Kansai (Kamigata) as well. Kamigata ukiyo-e, primarily created in Osaka, predominantly depicted kabuki actors. Unlike Edo’s actor prints, which idealized the actors, Kamigata ukiyo-e portrayed them with human qualities. These prints were characterized by their lack of flamboyance, natural depiction, and intense gazes. Overseas, they are popular as “Osaka Prints.” Kamigata ukiyo-e rarely featured Bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women) or Meisho-e (landscape prints). In Kamigata, there was aread moreDo You Know the Difference Between Ukiyo-e from Kansai (Kamigata) and Tokyo (Edo)?

16Jun, 20242024年6月14日

Experience

Do You Know Ukiyo-e Shifted Japanese Culture from Kansai to Tokyo?

By ninjakotan

Do You Know Ukiyo-e Shifted Japanese Culture from Kansai to Tokyo? “Ukiyo-e” Is a Genre of Painting Established in the Early Edo Period “Ukiyo-e” is a genre of painting established in the early Edo period. Generally, Edo-period woodblock prints are known as representative works of ukiyo-e. However, originally hand-painted pictures (those drawn directly with a brush) preceded and later transitioned to woodblock prints. Woodblock prints enabled mass production and lower costs, making them accessible to the general public. “Ukiyo-e” Means “Pictures Depicting Contemporary Fashion and Trends” The term “浮世(“Uki-yo”)” originates from “憂き世” (“Uki-yo”), where “Uki” means “suffering” or “painful” and “yo” is a noun meaning “world.” It refers to the transient and sorrowful nature of life. Later, it came to be used to describe contemporary trends and fashions. Therefore, “Ukiyo-e” means pictures depicting the fashionable trends of the time. Nishiki-e (Full-Color Prints) Began in 1765 Woodblock print ukiyo-e began with “Sumizuri-e” (black and white prints) in the Manji era (1657-1661). In 1690, “Tan-e” (hand-colored prints) were created by adding colors with a brush to Sumizuri-e, followed by “Beni-e” and “Urushi-e” in 1716. In 1744, “Benizuri-e” (prints using red, yellow, and green) emerged, and in 1765, “Nishiki-e” (full-color prints using multipleread moreDo You Know Ukiyo-e Shifted Japanese Culture from Kansai to Tokyo?

15Jun, 20242024年6月14日

Experience

Introducing the “15th Kagurazaka Rakugo Festival”: Tickets are Running Out

By ninjakotan

Introducing the “15th Kagurazaka Rakugo Festival”: Tickets are Running Out Don’t Miss Out on the “Kagurazaka Rakugo Festival” We are pleased to introduce the 15th “Kagurazaka Rakugo Festival,” which will be held on Saturday, June 22nd, and Saturday, June 29th, at the Akagi Shrine Sanshuden (Akagi Hall). Before that, let us briefly explain what rakugo is. Rakugo is a form of storytelling that became popular among commoners during the Edo period. It is a traditional Japanese performing art where the storyteller sits and performs humorous or sentimental stories alone, using only a fan (Sensu) and a hand towel (Tenugui) as props. The performer plays multiple roles through gestures and voice variations without moving from their seated position. Each rakugo story ends with a clever punchline called “Ochi” (落ち). The term “Rakugo (Ochi Hanashi)” itself comes from “Otoshi-Hanashi” (落とし噺), which means “punchline story.” Rakugo is also referred to as “Hanashi,” and rakugo performers are often called “Hanashika.” A basic technique of rakugo performers is “Kamishimo wo Kiru” (literally, “cutting upper and lower”), which refers to turning their head and body to the right or left to indicate different characters during a performance. On stage, the right side from the audience’sread moreIntroducing the “15th Kagurazaka Rakugo Festival”: Tickets are Running Out

14Jun, 20242024年6月13日

Experience

Kagurazaka Geisha to Hold ‘Kagurazaka Odori 2024’ on Saturday, October 19

By ninjakotan

Kagurazaka Geisha to Hold ‘Kagurazaka Odori 2024’ on Saturday, October 19 “Kagurazaka Odori” Is One of the Most Cherished Occasions for the Kagurazaka Geisha It’s a bit ahead, but we are pleased to announce that “Kagurazaka Odori 2024” will be held on Saturday, October 19. This event is one of the most cherished occasions for the Kagurazaka geisha community to showcase their artistry to the general public. Shinjuku Ward designated it a local cultural asset in 2011. The program includes performances of Nagauta, Kiyomoto, and Tokiwazu and songs and dances inspired by Kyoka Izumi (1873–1939), a writer closely associated with Kagurazaka, accompanied by shamisen music. The event concludes with all the geisha performing a dance together and the traditional distribution of “Tenugui” towels to the audience. We will provide further details, such as ticket sales dates, as soon as they are determined. Event Details Date and Time: Saturday, October 19, 2024 First Session: 12:00 PM Second Session: 2:00 PM Third Session: 4:00 PM Venue: Kagurazaka Theater (Ushigome Tansu Kumin Hall) 15 Tansu-cho, Shinjuku, Tokyo Access: Subway: Right next to exit A1 of Ushigome-Kagurazaka Station on the Toei Oedo Line A 10-minute walk from exit 2 of Kagurazakaread moreKagurazaka Geisha to Hold ‘Kagurazaka Odori 2024’ on Saturday, October 19

10Jun, 20242024年6月9日

Experience

Experience Hokan and Geisha Performances in Kagurazaka

By ninjakotan

Do You Know the Traditional Comedian “Hokan”? There Are Only Six in Japan Now. Do you know what a Hokan (幇間) is? Hokan often appear in traditional Japanese arts like Rakugo storyteller, so it’s a word worth knowing. The term “Hokan” combines the meanings of “help” (幇) and “relationships between people” (間), signifying someone who aids in social interactions. A Hokan is a professional who entertains the host and guests at drinking parties by performing arts, assisting geisha, and enlivening the atmosphere. Historically, it has been a male profession. In the early Edo period, around the 1650s, Kabuki actors also served as Hokan. Hokan is also known as “Taiko-Mochi” or “Male Geisha.” The term “Taiko-Mochi” is still used today, albeit with a negative connotation, meaning someone who flatters others to gain favor. However, Hokan is respectfully called “Tayushuu.” In modern terms, a Hokan could be likened to a clown or comedian. The origin of Hokan is said to date back to Sorori Shinzaemon, a retainer of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. When Hideyoshi was in a bad mood, Sorori would cheer him up, leading to the term “TaiKo-Mochi,” which evolved from “TaiKo-Mochi,” meaning one who flatters the Taiko (太閤 a title forread moreExperience Hokan and Geisha Performances in Kagurazaka

09Jun, 20242024年6月7日

Experience

Did you know that Zenkoku-ji (Bishamonten) in Kagurazaka was founded by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu?

By ninjakotan

Did you know that Zenkoku-ji (Bishamonten) in Kagurazaka was founded by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu? Zenkoku-ji (Bishamonten) in Kagurazaka: Founded by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu An important temple for the development of Kagurazaka is Zenkoku-ji (Bishamonten), which remains a symbolic presence in the area even today. In 1595, Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo shogunate, established the Zenkoku-ji (Bishamonten) temple in Nihonbashi Bakurocho, which is historically linked to Kagurazaka. He dedicated the temple and mountain name plaques of “Chingosan Zenkoku-ji” to protect the nation. After its destruction by fire in 1670, Zenkoku-ji was rebuilt in Kojimachi by the famous Tokugawa Mitsukuni (grandson of Tokugawa Ieyasu), also known for creating the vast Koishikawa Korakuen Garden within the Mito clan residence. This extensive garden served as a refuge from Kagurazaka. In 1792, following another fire, Zenkoku-ji relocated to Kagurazaka. Initially surrounded by samurai residences, the area gradually developed as various shops moved from Kojimachi to Kagurazaka, along with increasing residential houses, marking the beginning of its development. Why Does Zenkoku-ji Have Stone Tigers? Flanking the main hall of Zenkoku-ji are pairs of guardian tiger statues akin to the Komainu (guardian dogs) found in shrines. This is because the templeread moreDid you know that Zenkoku-ji (Bishamonten) in Kagurazaka was founded by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu?

08Jun, 20242024年6月7日

Experience

Why You Can Now Enjoy Private Ukiyo-e Talks in Tokyo from an Expert Who Lectured at the British Museum

By ninjakotan

Why You Can Now Enjoy Private Ukiyo-e Talks in Tokyo from an Expert Who Lectured at the British Museum During your ukiyo-e printmaking experience at Takahashi Studio, you can learn about the ukiyo-e production process and art appreciation techniques from Ms. Yukiko Takahashi, the studio’s president. I was deeply moved by her explanation during a previous visit. Her insights are incredibly valuable for ukiyo-e enthusiasts. She is a recognized expert who has lectured and demonstrated ukiyo-e at prestigious institutions worldwide, including the British Museum and the Detroit Institute of the Arts. Such specialized commentary, typically aimed at art professionals, is a rare opportunity for travelers. Ms. Takahashi is also featured on the official website of the British Museum as the ukiyo-e publisher/printer, a place where not many individuals get highlighted. Don’t miss the opportunity to have a private ukiyo-e explanation session with her. Additionally, a video of Ms. Takahashi giving an ukiyo-e lecture to people in the Baltic states, organized by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is available on YouTube. Please take a look. Takahashi Studio is an Edo-period woodblock print studio established about 160 years ago. Initially, it was a printer, but later, it also became a publisher.read moreWhy You Can Now Enjoy Private Ukiyo-e Talks in Tokyo from an Expert Who Lectured at the British Museum

06Jun, 20242024年6月4日

Experience

3 Keywords to Understand the Differences Between Shinto Shrines and Temples

By ninjakotan

3 Keywords to Understand the Differences Between Shinto Shrines and Temples In a previous blog post, I mentioned that Kagurazaka can be considered both a shrine-front and a temple-front town. I will discuss the differences between shrines and temples using three keywords this time. This is a vast topic, so I aim to simplify it and make it easily understandable for foreigners significantly. Japanese Are Multi-Religious, Not Non-Religious According to the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ “Religious Statistics Survey,” as of the end of 2022, Shinto followers number approximately 83.96 million (51.5%), and Buddhists about 70.76 million (43.4%), totaling 162.99 million for both religions. Given that the population of Japan is approximately 124.94 million (according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications “Population Estimates” in October 2022), it is clear that many Japanese are registered with multiple religions. Although often described as non-religious, Japanese society is more accurately multi-religious, a unique aspect of Japanese religious views we will explore further. 3 Keywords to Understand the Differences Between Shinto Shrines and Temples Keyword 1: Yaoyorozu-no-Kami (八百万神, The Eight Million Gods) Firstly, a shrine in Japan, also known as a Shinto shrine, is a building dedicated to the Shinto religion. Shintoread more3 Keywords to Understand the Differences Between Shinto Shrines and Temples

05Jun, 20242024年6月3日

Experience

Kagurazaka: A Town of Temples or Shrines?

By ninjakotan

Kagurazaka: A Town of Temples or Shrines? Kagurazaka: Named after the Sounds of ‘Kagura’ Music from Nearby Shrines Kagurazaka Street was constructed by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun. The name “Kagurazaka” is said to originate from the sound of “Kagura” music heard from the various nearby shrines. “Kagura” is a type of ceremonial music and dance performed during Shinto rituals to worship deities. During the Edo period, Kagurazaka was characterized by samurai residences, temple fronts, and geisha districts. Is Kagurazaka a Town of Shrine Fronts? From its name, one might assume Kagurazaka is a town of shrine fronts. Indeed, there are many shrines in the area, including Tsukudo Hachiman Shrine (built between 809-823), Akagi Shrine (built in 1300), Kagurazaka Wakamiya Hachiman Shrine (built in 1189), and Tokyo Daijingu (built in 1880). During the Edo period (1603-1868), Akagi Shrine was designated as one of the great shrines of Edo by the Tokugawa shogunate and garnered significant local devotion as the protective deity of the Ushigome area. Is Kagurazaka a Town of Temple Fronts? However, Kagurazaka also has many temples. Koshoji Temple moved to the site of Ushigome Castle in 1645, Zenkoku-ji (also known as Bishamonten, moved from Kojimachiread moreKagurazaka: A Town of Temples or Shrines?

04Jun, 20242024年6月3日

Experience

Kagurazaka: The Town Where Cultural Figures Reside

By ninjakotan

Kagurazaka: The Town Where Cultural Figures Reside The Presence of Many ‘Yose’ Made it Home for Famous Rakugo Storytellers From the Edo period (1603-1868), Kagurazaka was home to ‘Yose,’ traditional performance venues like ‘Waradana-tei’ and ‘Warashin,’ where genres such as Dodoitsu and Gidayu were performed. During the Meiji (1868-1912) and Taisho eras (1912-1926), ‘Yose’ like “Ushigome-tei” and “Ryusuitei” began to appear, attracting many people from all over Tokyo. These cultural hubs made Kagurazaka a gathering place for literary giants and celebrities. The presence of many ‘Yose’ made it home for famous Rakugo storytellers like the sixth-generation Sanyutei Ensho, the first-generation Yanagiya Kingoro, and the third-generation Kokontei Shincho. Kagurazaka: The Birthplace of Modern Japanese Literature In the literary world, authors like Ozaki Koyo and Natsume Soseki lived around Kagurazaka, making it the birthplace of modern Japanese literature. In particular, the arrival of Ozaki Koyo in Kagurazaka led to many writers gathering in the area. Additionally, Natsume Soseki’s villa was a meeting place for figures such as Terada Torahiko, Watsuji Tetsuro, and Uchida Hyakken. Akira Kurosawa Frequently Visited the Cinemas in Kagurazaka In the theater world, Tsubouchi Shoyo and Shimamura Hogetsu established the Literary Arts Association at “Seifu-so” withinread moreKagurazaka: The Town Where Cultural Figures Reside