Love and Cherry Blossoms at Sakura Jingu
Pray for love at Sakura Jingu where you can write down your wish on a pink ribbon and tie it onto a cherry blossom tree.
Saori Weaving Experience in Tokyo
Looking for a unique, calming activity in Tokyo? Try saori weaving in Kichijoji and make your own scarf or luncheon mat in a cozy studio.
Gallery Poppo: A Quaint Cafe Overlooking Hatonosu Valley
Surrounded by lush foliage of Hatonosu Valley, Gallery Poppo is a cozy cafe where one can enjoy a warm cuppa while basking in nature.
Shibarare Jizo: The Rope-Tied Statue that Grants Wishes
Kinky? Spooky? Nah, this rope-tied “Shibarare Jizo” has an amusing story behind it, and I bet you’d want to tie a rope around it, too, when you learn what it’s all about.
The Baby-Eating Enma Statue of Taisoji
“Shh,” the mother said to her baby. “Enma will eat you if you don’t behave.”
Ogouchi Shrine: Remnant of the Former Ogouchi Village
When a water reservoir displaces a village, its gods and goddesses need rehoming, too.
Mugiyama Floating Bridge: An Arresting Spectacle across Lake Okutama
One of the two pontoon bridges on Lake Okutama, Mugiyama Floating Bridge bobs on green waters and leads hikers to the foot of Mt. Mito.
Asagaya Shinmeigu: Bracelet Charms & Crescent Moon Prayer Plaques
Fancy protective charms that can be worn as accessories and adorable prayer plaques shaped like the crescent moon—Asagaya Shinmeigu has some of the cutest shrine goods out there.
Tokyo’s New Normal: A First Look
What does Tokyo’s new normal look like two weeks after the state of emergency was lifted? Here’s a video showing how the capital’s been adapting post-quarantine.
An Autumn Afternoon in Gotokuji
In the quiet neighborhood of Setagaya, the lucky cats of Gōtokuji beckon curious passers-by, perhaps saving weary soul or two.