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Do you know 24 sekki (Solar Terms) and 72 kō (Micro-seasons)?

Do you know 24 sekki (Solar Terms) and 72 kō (Micro-seasons)?   Understanding Japan’s Seasonal Rhythm: The 24 Solar Terms and 72 Micro-seasons In Japan, there is a unique way of dividing the seasons called the “24 Solar Terms and 72 Micro-seasons.” This traditional Japanese calendar divides the year into 24 segments, known as Solar Terms, and further into 72 smaller periods, called Micro-seasons. Each of the 24 Solar Terms reflects the season and is divided into three Micro-seasons, each lasting about five days, resulting in a total of 72 divisions throughout the year.  Terms like “Risshun” (the beginning of spring), “Shunbun” (the vernal equinox), “Geshi” (the summer solstice), and “Risshu” (the beginning of autumn) are well-known among the Japanese people. Risshu and the 72 Micro-seasons Although we are still experiencing scorching heat every day, “Risshu” (the beginning of autumn) actually started on August 7th. According to the 72 Micro-seasons, Risshu is divided into the following three periods:  “Suzukaze Itaru” (涼風至): The cool breeze begins to blow. “Kansen Naku” (寒蝉鳴): The cicadas start to sing. “Fukaki Kiri Matou” (蒙霧升降): Thick fog begins to rise. The Upcoming “Shosho” Period Next, we have the “Shosho” period, which marks the time when theread moreDo you know 24 sekki (Solar Terms) and 72 kō (Micro-seasons)?

Night Walks Are the Best in Summer: Kagurazaka in Shinjuku Ward

Night Walks Are the Best in Summer: Kagurazaka in Shinjuku Ward   Kagurazaka, Known as the Geisha District, Is More Picturesque at Night The days continue to be hot. If you take a walking tour of Kagurazaka during the day, you will end up drenched in sweat. Taking a break to enjoy cold matcha at the long-established tea shop “Rakuzan” is wonderful. However, walking in the scorching heat of the day carries the risk of heat stroke and is an activity best avoided. Instead, we recommend engaging in traditional indoor crafts, such as Ukiyo-e making, Kumihimo braiding, or Dyeing experiences, where you can enjoy the comfort of air conditioning.  But walking around at night is a different story. The evenings are relatively cooler compared to the daytime, making it a more pleasant temperature for walking. Kagurazaka, known as a geisha district, is more picturesque at night. With nearly 500 restaurants, Kagurazaka has enough lighting to make nighttime walks completely feasible. At night, you can hear the sound of geisha playing the shamisen from the Ryotei, where they entertain guests. You might also unexpectedly encounter geisha moving between Ryotei or see them seeing off guests at street corners. Such encounters withread moreNight Walks Are the Best in Summer: Kagurazaka in Shinjuku Ward

The Best 19 Things to Do in Shinjuku

The Best 19 Things to Do in Shinjuku   Today, we introduce “The Best 19 Things to Do in Shinjuku (19 New Things to Experience in Shinjuku).” This booklet is only available in Japanese, but it contains many activities that foreign tourists can also enjoy, so we are sharing it here. Shinjuku is known worldwide for places like Kabukicho and the view of Mount Fuji from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Nishi-Shinjuku. However, the true charm of Shinjuku also lies in lesser-known areas like Kagurazaka and Ochiai, which are calm and hardly known to foreigners. The booklet describes Shinjuku’s finest offerings as “a toy box of Shinjuku’s best items.” When you come to Shinjuku, don’t limit yourself to Kabukicho and Nishi-Shinjuku. Explore the new Shinjuku and discover its hidden treasures!     Highlights of “The Best 19 Things to Do in Shinjuku” Use the WE Bus to Visit Shinjuku’s Landmarks and Local Specialties: The Shinjuku WE Bus runs on three routes centered around Shinjuku Station, covering tourist spots and commercial facilities like Kabukicho and Shinjuku Gyoen. Enjoy Gourmet Delights in Kabukicho, the World’s Most Famous Entertainment District: Known as the “Number One Entertainment District in the East,” Kabukicho isread moreThe Best 19 Things to Do in Shinjuku

Kagurazaka Geisha

Discover the Authentic Artisan Experience in Kagurazaka, Shinjuku

Discover the Authentic Artisan Experience in Kagurazaka, Shinjuku   In the heart of Tokyo, nestled near the historic Edo Castle, Kagurazaka offers a unique journey back in time. This vibrant district, established by the Tokugawa shogunate, is not just a testament to Japan’s rich history but also a living museum where you can engage directly with the artisans, monks, and geisha who have preserved their traditions for nearly 400 years. Engage with True Masters Imagine conversing with a real-life samurai or learning the art of Ukiyo-e from masters whose lineage dates back to the 17th century. Kagurazaka, a rare gem in Shinjuku, Tokyo, offers this and more. From the zen practices at Denchu-ji Temple, ongoing since 1628, to the intricate Kumihimo braiding at Domyo since 1652 and the exhilarating Samurai Sword training at Mugairyu since 1693, the area is a treasure trove of living history. A Portal to Japan’s Edo Era Kagurazaka’s streets, a blend of samurai residences, ancient temples, and vibrant entertainment districts, tell the story of a Japan that once was. This area, once a bustling temple town and pleasure quarter, has evolved while retaining its historical charm. At its zenith, Kagurazaka was home to over 700 geisha,read moreDiscover the Authentic Artisan Experience in Kagurazaka, Shinjuku