Tokyo Now NewsLetter from Tokyo to you
Vol.137 August 2022From 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!
With the average high temperature increasing to 30°C, and the high humidity, August in Tokyo may be a little bit uncomfortable for those who aren't used to it. So be sure to drink lots of liquids and follow our guide to find new refreshing spots in Tokyo to explore this month!
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PEOPLE: Indigo Dyeing Kosoen Studio by Murata Family
PEOPLE
Indigo Dyeing Kosoen Studio by Murata Family
While most modern fabrics are synthetically dyed nowadays, Murata Family has been in the textile business for over a century and still practices `aizome` - traditional indigo dyeing.
To keep the traditions of their home, two of the Murata brothers opened Kosoen Studio in 1989 in Ome city - a dazzling part of Tokyo surrounded by rivers and mountains. The studio Kosoen is specialized in “lye fermentation” - a technique used for over 400 years since the Edo period(1603–1868).
If you visit this beautiful studio you might as well run into the owners and learn about this old craft firsthand. -
EXPERIENCE: Traditional Japanese art of storytelling in English
EXPERIENCE
Traditional Japanese art of storytelling in English
Rakugo is the traditional Japanese art of storytelling that started as a form of entertainment during the Edo Period (1603–1868).
The Rakugo storyteller creates the humorous side of traditional Japan while sitting on a small cushion and using a Japanese fan and a hand towel to express his emotions. For non-japanese people, even those who have already overcome a language barrier, seeing Rakugo might be a bit challenging.
That is why the English Rakugo Association`s mission is to inform, inspire, and entertain people around the globe through the power of Rakugo performed in English. Feel free to join their events in Tokyo or even try to perform English Rakugo yourself! -
PAST: Nostalgic Tokyo town from classic film “Otoko wa Tsurai yo”
PAST
Nostalgic Tokyo town from classic film “Otoko wa Tsurai yo”
"Otoko wa tsurai yo"or "It's Tough Being a Man" is an immensely popular Japanese film series that ran from 1969 to 1995.
These film series revolve around the wandering salesman Tora-san and the story of his unsuccessful love life. Even if you have not watched the film, the Tora-san Museum in Shibamata is an absolute must-visit for those who want to feel the nostalgic atmosphere of the 1960s-1970s Tokyo.
Walking through the museum gives a sense of what the Shibamata area was like during the later Showa years: nostalgic city diorama, a life-sized local train set, etc.
You can also enjoy some light snacks and drinks in the tatami-floored room that looks out into the classical Japanese garden. -
TREND: Shake all your stress away at the Trampoland
TREND
Shake all your stress away at the Trampoland
In the ever-bustling city of Tokyo, one may think there’s no place to spend a day with your children.
But actually, it is quite the opposite - you will find a wide variety of family-friendly experiences for you to enjoy with your kids in Tokyo. Here’s a place you might want to visit this summer. Trampoland - a unique trampoline center for kids and adults of any age, size, or physical ability! Let go of gravity and reach new heights while flipping and jumping on trampoline courts!
Trampoland workers are super friendly and will be more than happy to show you some jumping techniques.
Do not forget to place your reservation online ahead of time to avoid disappointment, this is highly recommended, especially on Fridays and weekends. -
TOKYO DIVERSITY: Tokyo's most unconventional green space
TOKYO DIVERSITY
Tokyo's most unconventional green space
To escape the unbearable Tokyo summer heat, visit Todoroki Valley - a 1.2-kilometer green space of Tokyo’s original forests by the peaceful Yazawa River.
Located in the Setagaya ward of Tokyo, just a 20-minute ride from Shibuya, this green paradise in the center of Tokyo will charm you with a serene and relaxing view.
Even on a hot summer day, this place will cool you down as the surrounding trees create a natural breeze.
Walk along the wooden path across red bridges, find some hidden shrines and waterfalls on the way, and do not forget to take a break at Setsugetsuka tea room - an old sweet shop in the park famous for kuzu mochi (a rice cake made with starch from the kudzu plant).
EXPERIENCE TOKYO FROM THE DISTANCE
we have prepared for you several tools how you can enjoy this magical country from the distance.
Information (update: 2022 July 21)
TOKYO EVENT CALENDER
COMMING SOON
Support by: Tourism Division, Bureau of
Industry and Labor Affairs, Tokyo
Metropolitan Government
E-mail: tokyonownewsletter2023@gmail.com
