How to Access Kagurazaka

08Oct, 20242024年10月5日

Good News for Noh Beginners: Kagurazaka Machitobi Festa 2024 Recommended Event #2 Yarai Noh Theater in Tokyo

Good News for Noh Beginners: Kagurazaka Machitobi Festa 2024 Recommended Event #2 Yarai Noh Theater in Tokyo Beginner-Friendly Noh Events Yarai Noh Theater in Tokyo The Kagurazaka Machitobi Festa 2024, held in Shinjuku’s Kagurazaka from Saturday, October 12th to Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, features a variety of events. Among them, we would like to introduce events related to our traditional cultural experience tours and other recommended activities. The second event we’d like to highlight is Yarai Noh Theater. At Yarai Noh Theater, three events are scheduled: “Kanze Kyukokai October Regular Performance” (Sunday, October 13th), “First-Time Yarai Noh Theater Special” (Friday, November 1st), and “First-Time Yarai Noh Theater: Open House” (Sunday, November 3rd, National Holiday). We especially recommend the two events, “First-Time Yarai Noh Theater Special” and “First-Time Yarai Noh Theater: Open House,” for beginners in Tokyo. An Ideal Introduction to Noh: English Subtitles and Exclusive Photo Opportunity The “First-Time Yarai Noh Theater Special” is an introductory performance with explanations, perfect for those seeing Noh for the first time or beginners. On the day of the event, special tablets with explanations for Japanese and English subtitles will be available for rent. There will be approximately 70 tablets,read moreGood News for Noh Beginners: Kagurazaka Machitobi Festa 2024 Recommended Event #2 Yarai Noh Theater in Tokyo

05Oct, 20242024年10月5日

Experience

Travel Experts Recommend: Join Our Kagurazaka Walking Tour in Japanese!

By ninjakotan

Travel Experts Recommend: Join Our Kagurazaka Walking Tour in Japanese! Just Arrived! Kagurazaka walking tours in Japanese We are excited to announce that we have officially started offering Kagurazaka walking tours in Japanese. Why not join us on a stroll through Kagurazaka, Shinjuku, a charming town rich in history and culture, with a local guide who knows the area inside and out? Kagurazaka is a district with over 400 years of history, dating back to the Edo period. It was once home to samurai residences and temple towns, and it later became a flourishing geisha district. Even today, the narrow alleys are lined with traditional restaurants and teahouses, preserving the elegant atmosphere of the past. Often referred to as “Tokyo’s Little Kyoto,” Kagurazaka is known for its unique blend of tradition and modernity, making it a must-see destination in Tokyo. Kagurazaka Walking Tour in Japanese: A Special Experience with a Local Guide Our guide, who has lived in Kagurazaka for nearly 25 years (or one who has been guiding tours in Kagurazaka many times), will take you through hidden alleys and introduce you to places only locals know. You’ll explore hidden gems and historical landmarks and enjoy some delicious foodread moreTravel Experts Recommend: Join Our Kagurazaka Walking Tour in Japanese!

02Sep, 20242024年9月16日

Experience

Why Do We Feel Both ‘Iki’ and ‘Wabi-Sabi’ in Tokyo’s Kagurazaka?

By ninjakotan

Why Do We Feel Both ‘Iki’ and ‘Wabi-Sabi’ in Tokyo’s Kagurazaka? Embracing Iki: The Thoughtful Development of Kagurazaka Kagurazaka is a neighborhood known for its ‘Iki (Sophisticated).’ The residents of Kagurazaka have established a town development plan called the “Kagurazaka Machizukuri Kensho,” which aims to create “The town of Iki where tradition and modernity meet – Kagurazaka.” The basic policies for town development include creating “a town where commerce and residential areas coexist,” “a town adorned with traditional charm,” and “a town that is enjoyable to stroll through.” Even the organization responsible for the town’s development is named the “NPO Iki-na Machizukuri Club” (NPO Sophisticated Town Development Club). Iki: The Timeless Elegance of Kagurazaka’s Edo and French Influences The concept of ‘Iki’ is an aesthetic that developed during the Edo period. Under restrictions such as luxury bans, a sophisticated urban culture emerged, characterized by understated elegance, like the Edo Komon (a type of traditional patterned fabric). ‘Iki’ refers to beauty that is simple yet exudes taste and individuality. Kagurazaka, a street built by the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, still retains its Edo-period layout and is a neighborhood steeped in Edo culture. The long-standing geisha district culture also remains. With theread moreWhy Do We Feel Both ‘Iki’ and ‘Wabi-Sabi’ in Tokyo’s Kagurazaka?

17Aug, 20242024年8月16日

Experience

Are You a Traveler or a Tourist? If You Are a Traveler, Come to Shinjuku Kagurazaka

By ninjakotan

Are You a Traveler or a Tourist? If You Are a Traveler, Come to Shinjuku Kagurazaka The Difference between Travelers and Tourists American writer Gilbert K. Chesterton once said, “The traveler sees what he sees; the tourist sees what he has come to see.” This quote captures the difference in mindset and perspective between travelers and tourists. Travelers enjoy unexpected discoveries and encounters, approaching new experiences with flexibility and an open mind. In contrast, tourists tend to focus on visiting pre-planned sightseeing spots and activities. In other words, travelers are open to new experiences and local culture, while tourists follow their predetermined plans and expectations. If You Are a Traveler, Not a Tourist, You Will Love Kagurazaka Considering this difference, I believe Kagurazaka, a town I consider a “Serendipity Town,” is better suited for travelers rather than tourists. The charm of Kagurazaka lies not only in its traditional cultures, such as Samurai culture, temple town culture, and Geisha culture but also in the influence of French culture, all interwoven with the lives of the local people. Its true allure is found in the cobblestone back alleys, hidden spots and shops, and interactions with the locals. The scarcity ofread moreAre You a Traveler or a Tourist? If You Are a Traveler, Come to Shinjuku Kagurazaka

15Jul, 20242024年7月14日

Experience

Kagurazaka in Shinjuku: A Town of Serendipity

By ninjakotan

Kagurazaka in Shinjuku: A Town of Serendipity The Diverse Cultural Elements of Kagurazaka Kagurazaka in Shinjuku Ward is a town with a history of approximately 400 years, flourishing during the Edo period with samurai residences extending from Ushigome Gate of Edo Castle and as a temple town of Bishamonten Zenkokuji. This rich history and tradition are spread throughout the town, with old buildings and temples that allow visitors to feel the history and traditions of Japan up close. Kagurazaka also has a history as a geisha district, and geisha culture is still alive today. Moreover, Kagurazaka has a French community with numerous French-style cafes and restaurants. This fusion of French and Japanese cultures creates a unique charm. Additionally, Kagurazaka is known as one of Japan’s leading shopping and dining districts, making it a rare town where diverse cultural elements are harmoniously integrated. Cultural Awakening Around Every Bend The narrow alleys and stairs of Kagurazaka stimulate the curiosity of visitors, offering opportunities for new discoveries. Each alley presents different cultural elements. These alleys are dotted with hidden shops and old buildings, providing new surprises and joys as you explore. Kagurazaka as a Cultural Crossroads Kagurazaka is a placeread moreKagurazaka in Shinjuku: A Town of Serendipity

03Jul, 20242024年7月2日

Experience

Senshuraku: The Connection Between Noh and Sumo

By ninjakotan

Senshuraku: The Connection Between Noh and Sumo Did you know that there is a deep connection between Noh and Sumo? This connection is rooted in the Noh play “Takasago,” which has been sung at Japanese weddings for centuries. The Connection Between Takasago and Weddings The seats where the bride and groom sit at the wedding reception are called “Takasago seats,” which derives from the Noh play “Takasago.” “Takasago” is based on the legend of the pine trees at Takasago Shrine (Hyogo Prefecture) and Sumiyoshi Taisha (Osaka Prefecture, a national treasure), known as “Aioi no Matsu” or “Twin Pines.” These pines are male and female trees growing from the same root, symbolizing unity. In the first half of the play, the spirits of the pines from Takasago Shrine and Sumiyoshi Taisha appear as an old couple and narrate the story of the twin pines. In the second half, the god Sumiyoshi Myojin appears and dances gracefully. Over time, it became customary to sing a passage from “Takasago” at weddings, with the wish that the bride and groom will always be as close as the twin pines. “Takasago ya Kono ura fune ni ho wo agete Kono ura fune ni horead moreSenshuraku: The Connection Between Noh and Sumo

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