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Tokyo Now NewsLetter from Tokyo to you

Vol.136 July 2022

From Editor

Welcome to the Tokyo Now Newsletter.

Our goal is to help you enjoy the high-tech urban atmosphere of Tokyo
combined with ancient shrines, festivals and old-fashioned manners.

Prepare to discover Tokyo you have never seen before!

Don't try to hide from Tokyo's notoriously hot and humid July - we will help you to make the most of it! To enjoy Tokyo during the annual heatwave we have prepared for you the most exciting spots to explore Tokyo like a pro!

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We have brilliant news for you! Japan will begin accepting foreign tourists in stages starting June 10.

This is the first attempt to lift the travel restrictions imposed in March 2020 due to a surge in COVID-19 infections. Japan is slowly reopening to tourists, so we sincerely hope we can welcome you all very soon!

  • PEOPLE: The craftswoman of the Edo hand-drawn lanterns

    PEOPLE

    The craftswoman of the Edo hand-drawn lanterns

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    The lanterns or ‘chochin’ have been in great demand since the Edo period (1603-1867), as electricity was still not in use, and lanterns were the only source of light at that time.
    Edo Tegaki Chochin inherits the traditional methods of drawing Japanese characters and Ms. Yuko Sakurai might be the only craftswoman of the Edo hand-drawn lanterns in Tokyo.
    She belongs to the fourth generation of 'Hanato' - the family-owned chochin shop near Hisago-dori in Asakusa. Her specialty is drawing lanterns for different events such as wedding ceremonies, birthday celebrations, festivals, etc
    smart_display https://craft.city.taito.lg.jp/en/craftsmaker/2362/

  • EXPERIENCE: The original Taiyaki experience

    EXPERIENCE

    The original Taiyaki experience

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    Out of all the Japanese sweets, 'taiyaki' or fish-shaped cake with different fillings inside is one of the most popular.
    Taiyaki is commonly sold as street food almost everywhere in Japan, especially here in Tokyo. But this time, let's try making taiyaki by yourself at Guraku - a small Taiyaki specialty shop in Asakusa. The whole experience takes around one hour and includes a small lecture about the history of these traditional Japanese sweets.
    The common filling for taiyaki is red bean paste, in Guraku you can choose from more than ten different flavors including matcha, strawberry, cheese kimchi, or chocolate.
    To create truly extraordinary sweets you can even bring the ingredients with you.
    smart_display https://guraku.jp/english/

  • PAST: The paper store with over 360 years of tradition

    PAST

    The paper store with over 360 years of tradition

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    'Ozu Washi' - a wholesale paper store established in 1653 (the Edo Period) in Nihombashi.
    For more than 300-years shop has kept alive handmade Japanese paper (or Washi) at the very center of the great city of Tokyo. 'Wa' in 'washi' means Japanese, and 'shi' means paper.
    You can feel how Japanese this art is from the name of it. Go to 'Ozu Washi' to learn the history of this Japanese craft or join the workshop to create a piece of paper with pressed flowers, gold/silver leaves with authentic Japanese tools. Just make sure you make a reservation in advance here.
    By the way, they also offer different classes including Shodo (Calligraphy) and Suiboku-ga (Sumi art).
    smart_display https://www.ozuwashi.net/en/

  • TREND: High-tech sport of the future

    TREND

    High-tech sport of the future

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    AR sports ‘HADO’ was created in Japan by merging computer games and physical sports through augmented reality.
    It may sound complicated, though HADO is suitable for any age or gender. All you need to enter the world of magic is to attach a head-mounted display to your head, a sensor to your arm - and you are ready to shoot magical energy balls and shields.
    If you are a first-time player, you can book a tutor to get started and understand the fun of AR sports!
    In 2022 HADO ARENA Odaiba - a new global flagship store with four full-size courts and a premium room for a group reservation has been opened in Odaiba Aqua City to spread this techno sport all around the globe.
    smart_display https://hado-official.com/en/about/

  • TOKYO DIVERSITY: A bridge to the Islamic world in Tokyo

    TOKYO DIVERSITY

    A bridge to the Islamic world in Tokyo

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    The Tokyo Camii & Turkish Cultural Center was established in 1938 by Bashkir and Tatar immigrants from Russia and then rebuilt in 2000 by Turkish architect Muharrem Hilmi Senalp.
    This beautiful Ottoman-style building is the biggest mosque in the country and is easily accessible on foot from Yoyogiuehara Station or the Harajuku area. In case it is praying time, the prayer hall will be closed for visitors, but any other time the doors of Tokyo Camii welcome everyone: they even serve dates and tea for free and do an introduction to the Islamic world on weekends.
    The staff speaks Japanese and English making this mosque a unique gathering place for Muslims in Tokyo from different nationalities. Do not forget to check out a small souvenir shop and Yunus Emre Café cafe with halal food on your way back!
    smart_display https://tokyocamii.org/

EXPERIENCE TOKYO FROM THE DISTANCE

If you've had to postpone your next trip to Tokyo due to the coronavirus pandemic,
we have prepared for you several tools how you can enjoy this magical country from the distance.
【Tokyo ASMR】Early morning around Ueno
【July sound】Sound of Kagurazaka Festival
（This year it will be canceled.）

Information (update: 2022 June 22)

In order to offer travelers a safe and fun experience in Tokyo, do not forget to check the information on COVID-19 provided by the Japanese government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government here.
smart_display https://www.gotokyo.org/en/plan/coronavirus-information/index.html

TOKYO EVENT CALENDER

Check out these annual festivals and events held in Tokyo. You can see the list of all major festivals, fireworks, parades, religious events, and other events in Greater Tokyo
Check Calender

COMMING SOON

Coming up on "TOKYO NOW" newsletter next month: looking for places to escape the rainy season in Tokyo we have prepared so many interesting things for you. Stay tuned! If you missed last month`s letter, catch up here. If you have not subscribed to the newsletter yet, you can do so here.
Good bye for now and see you in July!
Issue by: Tokyo Convention & Visitor Bureau
Support by: Tourism Division, Bureau of
Industry and Labor Affairs, Tokyo
Metropolitan Government
E-mail: tokyonownewsletter2023@gmail.com
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