Japan Photo Journal: Cherry blossoms flower in deep-snow village in Yamagata Pref.
(Japanese original by Kan Takeuchi, Yamagata Bureau)
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First-time visitors to Japan are often advised to 'stay on the Yamanote Line' — and for good reason. The circular train line loops around central Tokyo, covering many of the city's major shopping districts, cultural sites and more. Some key stations include Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ikebukuro and, of course, Tokyo. The famous green loop, however, also includes several overlooked neighborhoods that hold distinct charm and history of their own. If you need a change of pace from Tokyo's most touristy areas, or if you're looking for a quieter neighborhood to stay in, read on! Below, we introduce some of the Yamanote Line's hidden gems. List of Contents: Nippori: Textiles and Nostalgic Paths Komagome: Peaceful Gardens Sugamo: 'Grandma's Harajuku' Mejiro: A Stylish, Historic Neighborhood Gotanda: Hidden Eateries and Izakaya Related Posts Nippori: Textiles and Nostalgic Paths Known as Tokyo's textile district, Nippori preserves a nostalgic shitamachi (old downtown) atmosphere. Nippori Fabric Town, a 1-kilometer-long street, is a treasure trove for designers, hobbyists and craft lovers, boasting a vast selection of fabrics, buttons and sewing accessories. The neighborhood provides a glimpse into the quieter side of Tokyo. Yanaka Ginza, located in close proximity on the opposite side of Nippori Station, is a shopping street lined with traditional snack stalls, charming cafes and cat-themed art. Try delicacies like menchi katsu (fried minced meat cutlet), and check out Tennoji Temple, famous for its beautiful bronze Buddha statue. rikugien kyu furukawa gardens Komagome: Peaceful Gardens The serene neighborhood of Komagome is home to Rikugien, one of Tokyo's most beautiful and meticulously crafted gardens. Designated an Important Cultural Asset in 1953, the garden exemplifies the tranquility of Edo-period landscaping and is known for its breathtaking weeping cherry tree. Not far away is the equally impressive Kyu-Furukawa Garden, which presents a fascinating blend of cultures. A Western-style brick mansion and a charming rose garden sit atop a hill, while a traditional Japanese garden, with a pond and teahouse, lies below. When visiting the neighborhood, be sure to remain quiet and respectful, as it's largely a residential area. kogan-ji temple Sugamo: 'Grandma's Harajuku' Right next to Komagome is Sugamo, a distinctive shopping area affectionately called 'Grandma's Harajuku.' Jizo-dori shopping street is brimming with shops and restaurants catering to an older demographic, with everything from traditional sweets like shio-daifuku (salted rice cakes) to the area's famous red underwear, believed to bring good health and luck to the wearer. The neighborhood's spiritual heart is Kogan-ji Temple, where visitors can participate in a ritual to pray for health. During the ritual, participants pour water on a body part of the Arai Kannon ('washing deity') statue. It's said that ailments or pain in that same area will ease. mejiro garden Mejiro: A Stylish, Historic Neighborhood Surrounding Mejiro Station, Mejiro is a sophisticated residential neighborhood known for its refined atmosphere and historic ties to Japanese nobility. The area is most distinguished by its academic heritage; it is home to the prestigious Gakushuin University, which was established to educate the children of the imperial family and aristocracy. Head to Mejiro Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden with a pond and teahouse, for a peaceful stroll. It's especially gorgeous during the autumn foliage season, enveloped in red and gold. Mejiro's streets are lined with upscale homes, charming cafes and boutiques. Gotanda: Hidden Eateries and Izakaya Situated between Osaki and Meguro stations, Gotanda, surrounded by high-rise office buildings, manages to retain its lively and diverse food scene. The area is particularly well known for having an abundance of izakaya (Japanese pubs) and other dining options, from casual eateries to high-end establishments. Some of its notable izakaya include Shokudo Todaka , which offers a cozy atmosphere and creative, visually appealing tapas-style dishes; Taishu Sakaba Beetle Gotanda , a classic izakaya with yakitori and grilled dishes; and Nichinan , a rustic space known for its grilled beef skewers. Related Posts 5 Hidden Tokyo Neighborhoods Tourists Often Miss The Ultimate Guide to Nakameguro: Tokyo's Stylish Canal-Side Gem What to See in Ueno Park: Museums, the Zoo and Beautiful Scenery
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It's never too early to start fantasizing about autumn in Japan, a time when the air is crisp, streets are blanketed in golden-brown leaves and cozy hojicha drinks start popping up at cafes. While Kyoto may be the Kansai region's most famous destination for autumn leaves, Osaka offers its own unique and stunning spots. From the picturesque Minoh Waterfall to the iconic ginkgo-lined Midosuji Street, here are some of the most beautiful fall foliage spots in Osaka. List of Contents: Osaka Castle Park Midosuji Street Expo '70 Commemorative Park Minoh Park Katsuoji Temple Hoshida Park Daisen Park's Japanese Garden Daiitokuji Temple A Note on Timing Related Posts Osaka Castle Park While Osaka Castle Park is a beautiful site to visit year-round, it's especially breathtaking in the fall, when its ginkgo trees turn a brilliant golden yellow. You'll also find fiery-red maples of several varieties all around the historic castle grounds, as well as seasonal blooms like the orange and white blossoms of fragrant olive trees. Midosuji Street Midosuji Street, a boulevard running through the heart of Osaka, offers a distinctly urban take on autumn foliage. The 4-kilometer avenue is transformed by the changing leaves of the approximately 970 ginkgo trees that line both sides of the street, creating a corridor of yellow that extends from the Kita (Umeda) district in the north to the Minami (Namba) district in the south. japanese garden Expo '70 Commemorative Park Often simply referred to as 'Expo Park,' this park — the site of the 1970 World Exposition — is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. In autumn, the abundant vegetation creates spectacular autumnal scenes. Stroll around the park and admire Japanese maples, ginkgoes and sycamores, or enjoy a picnic with a book. Prime viewing spots include Momiji-dani (Maple Valley), the Japanese garden and the natural and cultural gardens, where you'll also find hundreds of thousands of multicolored cosmos flowers from mid-October to early November. Minoh Park Part of the expansive Meiji-no-Mori Minoh Quasi-National Park, Minoh Park is the perfect day trip destination from central Osaka — it's only a 30-minute subway ride away via the Midosuji Line. The park is home to Minoh Waterfall, which is most beautiful during the autumn, when it's framed by vibrant red, orange and yellow leaves. Make sure to try momiji tempura (fried Japanese maple leaves), a local specialty. Katsuoji Temple Further up the mountain from Minoh Waterfall is Katsuoji, a treasured local spot for both foliage viewing and its hundreds of daruma dolls, its main distinguishing feature. This Buddhist temple sits on over 260,000 square meters of land and is famous for granting kachi-un — winner's luck — to patrons about to face an important test, job interview or other challenge. Read more about Katsuoji and Minoh Park in our guide to Minoh city . hoshida park Hoshida Park For a more adventurous autumn experience, head to Hoshida Park in Katano city to hike lush trails. The mountainous foliage spot is famous for the Hoshi no Buranko, a magnificent 280-meter-long suspension bridge that sits 50 meters above a forested valley. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the vibrant autumn colors, with the crimson leaves of the maple trees blanketing the surrounding hillsides. Daisen Park's Japanese Garden Located in Sakai city, the Japanese garden in Daisen Park is the perfect serene setting to enjoy fall foliage. The traditional circular garden built around a central pond is shrouded in enchanting shades of red and gold in the fall, a scene that's beautifully reflected in the water. In November, you can also admire delicate chrysanthemums, cultivated by members of a local chrysanthemum association. The garden regularly hosts tea ceremonies and workshops, so check out its website before heading over. courtesy of jnto Daiitokuji Temple Perched atop Mount Ushitaki, Daiitokuji is famous for its incredible autumn foliage. It's accessible via train and bus from Osaka Station, but it takes about 2 hours to reach. The temple is part of the sacred Katsuragi Shugendo pilgrimage trail, and although much of the original complex was destroyed by warfare, the vermilion tahoto (two-tiered treasure pagoda) — a National Important Cultural Property — remains a centerpiece. Against a backdrop of crimson leaves, the pagoda is truly stunning. Visitors can also explore a hiking course behind the temple, which winds through waterfalls and suspension bridges. A Note on Timing While the leaves turn at a slightly different time each year, you can typically expect to see peak colors in Osaka around mid-November to early December. Japanese speakers can check sites like Koyo Walkerplus for location-specific estimates. Related Posts Minoh City: An Enchanting Day Trip From Osaka With Beautiful Fall Foliage Kyoto Fall Leaves at Night: 7 Must-See Japanese Maple Illuminations The Ultimate Guide to Autumn Foliage In and Near Tokyo
Nikkei Asia
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Hello from Tokyo. This week marks the peak of Japan's summer holiday season, and the city's office districts are noticeably quieter than usual. Even our newsroom is running with a leaner team -- our news editor, who usually oversees the Nikkei Asia homepage, is off on a European getaway, so I'm stepping in to manage daily operations in his place. I'm sure many of our readers are also enjoying some well-earned time off, so this week I'd like to share some Nikkei Asia content that's perfect for your break. First up is our Footloose series. Found under the Destinations category in the Life & Arts dropdown menu, this is a collection of unique travel guides designed to help you make the most of your visit to cities across Asia, from Taipei and Bangkok to Bengaluru and beyond. They're also handy for squeezing in a little exploration during business trips. Another highlight is our Eat & Drink section, which showcases Asia's rich culinary culture -- spanning Tokyo sushi bars, Singapore cocktail lounges, fine dining and local street food experiences you won't find anywhere else. On weekends, Nikkei Asia's homepage takes on a more laid-back look, with a bigger selection of Life & Arts stories like these. We're also expanding beyond text with podcasts and videos to better serve your wide variety of interests. Whether you're on the road, relaxing at home or daydreaming about your next trip, we invite you to explore everything Nikkei Asia has to offer this summer. My suggested reads 1. Rocket Lab got its start in New Zealand back in 2006. Now based and listed in the U.S., it is one of the most active launch service providers in the world, with a particular presence in Japan, and founder Peter Beck has even bigger ambitions for Asia. 2. Bandai Namco gets a slice of the action of franchises ranging from One Piece to Anpanman, but none mean as much to the Japanese games and toys company as Gundam. Bandai's control over the giant robots has given it the freedom to try out things like a live-action Hollywood movie and a themed trading card game. 3. Singapore may be a heavyweight in forex, commodities and startups, but its stock market has long been seen as "safe and vanilla" by investors and analysts. Now the city-state is rolling out a plan to give the stock market the clout to match its status as a global financial hub, our reporters write. Wishing you a wonderful weekend! Akito Tanaka Sign up for the weekly Editor-in-chief's picks newsletter here Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram
