When it comes to Tokyo’s most famous landmarks, two names immediately come to mind—Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. In this post, I’d like to share my personal perspective on both. Best for Photography If you’re looking for the perfect photo spot, Tokyo Tower is the better choice! Completed in 1958, Tokyo Tower has preserved its classic appearance for over 60 years, giving it a nostalgic charm. Since it sits atop a hill, you can capture beautiful shots from a distance, whether from nearby parks or along the sloping streets. On the other hand, Skytree is twice as tall as Tokyo Tower, making it difficult to photograph up close. Its sheer…

“Saitamaya is a long-established wagashi (Japanese sweets) shop located in Higashi-Mukojima, Sumida-ku, Tokyo. Just a few minutes’ walk from Higashi-Mukojima Station, the shop is known for its nostalgic, traditional storefront that has been cherished by the local community for many years. Inside, you’ll find a variety of Japanese sweets, including mame daifuku (rice cakes filled with sweet red bean paste and black soybeans), kusa dango (mugwort-flavored rice dumplings), and dorayaki (sweet red bean pancakes).On this visit, I picked up mitarashi dango (grilled rice dumplings with a sweet soy glaze) and hanabira mochi, a traditional confection enjoyed during the winter season. The mitarashi dango has a wonderfully chewy texture, and you…

“Located in Ningyocho, Tokyo, “”Kanmidokoro Hatsune”” is a historic Japanese sweet shop that was established in 1837. With its long history, it is often referred to as the oldest sweet shop in Tokyo. The interior exudes the charm of the Edo period, with a traditional Japanese house design that offers visitors a serene and nostalgic atmosphere. One of Hatsune’s signature menu items is “”Shiratama Anmitsu,”” a beloved dessert among sweet lovers. The chewy shiratama (glutinous rice dumplings) and elegantly sweet red bean paste create a perfect harmony in every bite. Additionally, the dish is adorned with colorful fruits, making it visually appealing as well. Hatsune’s charm lies not only in…

Nestled in a charming, old-town district of Sumida, Tokyo, Ichiya is a traditional Japanese confectionery shop just a four-minute walk from Hikifune Station on the Tobu Skytree Line. Tucked away along a narrow path beside the train tracks, it might be a little tricky to find on your first visit—but that only adds to the experience of discovery. Inside, you’ll find a minimalist yet sophisticated space, with a clean white interior. Behind the counter, skilled artisans carefully craft each piece of wagashi. Ichiya specializes in daifuku (soft rice cakes filled with sweet bean paste) and dorayaki (pancake-like confections with a red bean filling). The daifuku selection ranges from the classic…

February 3rd marks Setsubun in Japan, a traditional event where people eat Ehomaki (a special sushi roll) and perform Mamemaki (bean-throwing ritual). During Mamemaki, people throw roasted soybeans while chanting “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi”, which means “Out with demons, in with good fortune!” This custom is meant to drive away evil spirits—symbolizing illness and misfortune—and invite happiness into our homes. After the bean-throwing, it is customary to eat the same number of soybeans as your age.We ate our beans too! In the Kanto region, people often enjoy Kenchin-jiru (a hearty vegetable soup) on Setsubun. Meanwhile, in the Kansai region, it is common to hang a decoration made of…

This blog is written by a Japanese couple, documenting our daily life in Japan.We are a middle-aged couple living in Tokyo. Here’s a little bit about us: Paa (Husband):A system engineer with a deep love for traditional Japanese sweets, wagashi. Ya (Wife):A travel enthusiast and sales professional who enjoys solving jigsaw puzzles. Because of our hobbies, you’ll find that many of our posts are about wagashi and travel. For those unfamiliar with the term, here’s a quick explanation:Wagashi (和菓子) refers to traditional Japanese confections. In recent years, the number of international visitors to Japan has been steadily increasing, and many are becoming more interested in Japanese culture and cuisine.Paa sees…

As someone who absolutely loves silk, I’d like to introduce a few shops that offer natural fiber innerwear that I personally adore. In the past, I experienced skin irritation from synthetic materials, and that’s when I discovered these wonderful shops specializing in silk and cotton fabrics: For those who are seeking a lifestyle of mindfulness and care, I also recommend this shop: If you’re interested, please give them a try! /

In Japan, we call the start of the new year “Shogatsu.” My family celebrated by enjoying mikan (mandarins) and mochi (traditional rice cakes), and we visited a shrine to offer our prayers. At the shrine, we prayed like this:“May 2025 be a wonderful year.”