ta - (た)(タ)
chi - (ち)(チ)
tsu - (つ)(ツ)
te - (て)(テ)
to - (と)(ト)
na - (な)(ナ)
ni - (に)(ニ)
nu - (ぬ)(ヌ)
ne - (ね)(ネ)
no - (の)(ノ)
10 Jan 2010
japanese artist
Toma Ikuta (生田 斗真 Ikuta Tōma, lahir 7 Oktober 1984 di Hokkaido) adalah seorang artis dan bintang film dari Jepang yang tergabung dalam Johnny's Jr. dari Johnny's Entertainment.
Keluarganya terdiri dari ayah, ibu yang bernama Hiromi, adik laki-laki yang bernama Ryuusei, dan seekor anjing bernama Jam-chan. Awalnya sang ayah akan memberikan nama Ikuta Tamegorou, namun sang ibu menggantinya menjadi Toma karena lebih mudah untuk diucapkan. Dia bisa dipanggil Toma, Touma, atau Toma-chan. Junior-nya sering memanggilnya Toma
Ikuta Toma
Sakura flower
Along with the chrysanthemum, sakura (桜 or cherry blossoms) is one of Japan’s most famous flowers―and one of the most-loved. Also the flower embossed on the back of the one hundred yen coin, sakura trees bloom for all of around one week out of the whole year–even less if it rains. Every year, traditionally between mid-March to mid-April, explosions of pale pink cascade through the country, south to north, leaving a trail of delicate petal confetti. This fleeting beauty is not only appreciated but also celebrated in Japan, where people lay out picnic sheets underneath the blossoms to enjoy leisurely lunches. Called ohanami (お花見), the activity literally translates to flower-viewing and can occur during the daytime and at night if trees are specially lit. Yozakura (夜桜) or night-time cherry blossoms are stunningly picturesque―even slightly eerie―and are not to be missed.
With the 2008 ohanami season right around the corner, it’s time to dust off those picnic mats and start packing you favorite snacks and beverages! Keep in mind that not all places allow alcohol or even eating (many places are strictly for walking through and enjoying the blossoms), and that you’ll want to bundle up as it’s still quite chilly. Here are Spinshell’s recommendation within Tokyo, so gather around with family and friends and take part in this once-a-year celebration!
Kokuei Showa Kinen Koen （国営昭和記念公園）
Address: 3173 Midori-cho, Tachikawa-shi
Nearest station: Nishi-Tachikawa station (JR)
Tel: 042-528-1751
Open: 9:30 － 17:00
Notes: Bathrooms available, pets allowed.
Why we recommend it: This park is about as big as London’s Hyde Park (about 40 times bigger than the Tokyo Dome). There are play areas for children, routes for bicycles and a Japanese garden with bonsai exhibitions.
Address: Ueno Kouen, Taito-ku
Nearest station: Ueno station (JR)
Tel: 03-3833-0030 (Ueno Tourist Federation)
Open: 5:00 － 23:00
Notes: Bathrooms available.
Why we recommend it: If you want to see yozakura, this is the place. There are bonbori paper lanterns lit at night to add to the atmosphere. Some recommended spots for ohanami are along Sakura-dori (桜 通り, near the fountain) or the inner-garden of the Tokyo National Museum (国立博物館 or Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan)(separate admission fee). Another great spot is alongside the Shinobazu-no-ike (忍ばずの池 or Shinobazu Pond) or, during the day, on it: Rent a rowboat and enjoy the view!
Photo courtesy of Mr. Hajime Suga
Inokashira Onshi Koen (井の頭恩賜公園)
Address: 1-18-31 Goten-yama, Musashino-shi
Nearest station: Kichijyoji station (JR), Inokashira Kouen station (Keio)
Tel: 0422-47-6900
Open: All the time
Notes: No eating/drinking anywhere after 22:00. Bathrooms available, pets allowed.
Why we recommend it: Unfazed by the fast-paced changes of the city, stepping into this 90 year-old park will transport you back in time. You can row boats in the large pond; the park is also a great place to check out local artists and performers exhibiting their work. Kitchijoji is also a fun neighborhood to explore.
Address: From Higashisuna 1-chome to Toyo 6-chome
Nearest station: Minami Sunamachi station (metro)
Tel: 03-3647-3312 (Koto City Department of Business, Commerce and Sightseeing)
Open: All the time
Notes: Pets allowed, allowed to reserve places in advance.
Why we recommend it: The largest hydro-park in Tokyo, hundreds of sakura trees are planted along a boulevard about 900 meters long. This park is a popular destination for both daytime and nighttime ohanami.
Photo courtesy of Koto City Public Relations and Public Hearing Division
Address: 1-13-1 Sekino-cho, Kotganei-shi
Nearest station: Koganei station (JR). From Koganei station, take the Seibu bus headed for Kiyose Station South Exit (清瀬駅南口”Kiyose Eki Minami-guchi”) and get off at Koganei Koen East Exit (小金井公園西口 “Koganei Koen Nishi-guchi”).
Tel: 042-385-5611
Open: All the time
Notes: There is a barbeque area. Bathrooms available.
Why we recommend it: The 50-plus year old someiyoshino cherry blossom tree (ソメイヨシノ) at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum (江戸東京たてもの園前広場 or Tokyo Edo Tatemono-en-mae Hiroba) is magnificent when in full bloom.
Address: Shiba Koen 1-4 cho-me, Minato-ku
Nearest station: Shiba Koen station (metro)
Tel: 03-3431-4359
Open: All the time
Notes: Bathrooms available, pets allowed
Why we recommend it: Shiba Koen has one of the best views of Tokyo Tower in the city. Go at night to fully enjoy the awesome view of pale pink petals against the neon orange tower.
Great Places To Explore Places During Your Tokyo Stay
- Harajuku - Omotesando Hills, access to Yoyogi Park and some distinctive fashions abound.
- Shibuya - home of the young trendsetters and the famous Hachiko crossing.
- Ebisu - named after the beer that made this areas fortune, now an upmarket and elegant area of Tokyo.
- Odaiba - a seaside city with some shopping with a difference, playgrounds for adults as well as children, and a great view of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay.
- Asakusa - old style Japan comes alive with traditional shops, ceremonies and temples.
- Shinjuku - the business end of this huge station where about 3 million people pass through every day. Make sure you take your time and check for the English signs - there's lots of them!
- Shinjuku East - this is your shopping area with department stores like Isetan as well as stores like Muji and Afternoon Tea.
- Kabukicho - the red light district of Shinjuku! Take in the sights and sounds of this infamous area with this audio walking tour.
- Ueno - a range of museums, Ueno zoo, Ueno park and a shopping street with a history.
- Ginza - top end fashion boutiques and some excellent restaurants that are oozing with class.
- Akihabara - meet the Tokyo maids and Otaku that bring a voltage of their own to this famous Electric Town.
- Kichijoji - out of the city centre you'll find Kichijoji at the end of the Inokashira Line. Book in advance to see Studio Ghibli and enjoy Inokashira Park.
Tokyo Sightseeing Agenda
Sometimes it's best not to have a Tokyo sightseeing agenda. Just pick your starting point and then go wherever your nose takes you.
Getting off the main roads and taking a stroll through the back streets will open your eyes to the variety of life which are hidden behind the modern face of the city.
Walk past the local tofu or tatami shop and see the process behind these age old products. Listen to the sounds of good old fashioned commerce as shopkeepers call out their welcome to passing customers. Or find a local park or Japanese garden to relax in.
Check the Japanese calendar and Japanese festivals pages to see if there are any special events going on during your stay.
Festivals and celebrations are one of the best opportunities to see the more traditional and cultural aspects of Tokyo and Japan.
The Local Shotengai Or High Street
For some more local Tokyo sightseeing, all community centers have a shotengai (high street) where you can feel the sense of community that most definitely still exists between the shopkeepers and their customers. The shouts of 'Irasshaimase!' combined with the hubbub of everyday life gives the local high streets an energy of their own.
Despite its corporate and up market image, Tokyo retains much that is traditional within its boundaries. For an example of old style commerce at its best, visit Tsukiji fish market. Experience the hustle, bustle and noise as the selling, buying and bartering goes on around you.
A note of caution. Sadly or not, depending on your take, in April 2008 Tsukiji restricted the entry of non-business participants (i.e. you and me) to the hours of 5am - 6:15am. In addition, you can now only watch the auction from a designated viewing area. Why? Unfortunately too many tourists were entering and getting in the way of the real business of the morning. Fair enough I say.
Finally, if you are thinking of traveling on from Tokyo to some more far flung tourist spots, check out these adventure travel destination ideas and see if they give you inspiration. Happy travels!
tokya izakaya
What's An Izakaya?
A Tokyo izakaya can be anything from a stand up bar with room for around 15 people, to a huge brightly lit 3 storey complex seating 500 people or more. Some specialize in a particular type of food such as yakitori or tofu while others have a varied menu for you to choose from.
In the evening after work you'll find many Japanese people heading to their preferred izakaya for an after work drink and meal with colleagues or clients. In fact, many business deals are agreed and negotiated during these after work gatherings with just the formalities to complete back in the office.
Akira Yakitori Grill in Nakameguro
The Akira yakitori grill is located close to the Nakameguro river famous for its cherry tree blossoms during the hanami season in early April. This is a cosy place with balcony tables giving you views over the river and a good selection of sake to go with your meal!
En Izakaya In Kichijoji
The En Izakaya in Kichijoji is part of a popular chain of Japanese bars you can find in Tokyo. Our favorite is the Kichijoji location. It's decorated in a traditional Japanese style and serves a great variety of Japanese food and drink. We love the little Japanese garden upstairs.
Mifune Toshiro Izakaya In Roppongi
The Mifune Toshiro in Roppongi is a new Tokyo izakaya that was built to celebrate the actor of the same name. The interior is designed in the style of old Japan with a hint of samurai and tradition everywhere you go. If you want somewhere just a little bit different it's certainly a good venue to try.
Tokyo History Museums
Edo Tokyo Museum - Nestling right behind the Tokyo sumo stadium where the Grand Sumo Tournament takes place is the Edo Tokyo Museum. Enter over the historic wooden Nihonbashi bridge and move from the early 1600s, the Edo period in Japan, to modern industrialized Tokyo.
There are life-size reproductions, artifacts on display, dioramas of classic scenes, as well as special shows and events.
Tokyo National Museum - This is an excellent choice of museum if you want to find out more about Asian history. There are permanent displays of Asian art, cultural exhibits, and archealogical artefacts as well as special exhibitions at regular intervals throughout the year.
Fukagawa Edo Museum - Of the many Tokyo museums, this is a small scale venture but charming in its own right. It consists of a reproduction Edo village that you can wander round while smelling and hearing the sounds from days gone by.
Just around the corner outside is a lovely Japanese garden where you can grab some lunch so it's a good day out full of Japanese culture.
Tokyo Art Museums
National Museum of Modern Art - Like the Science Museum Tokyo, this building can be found at Kitanomaru-koen in Chiyoda-ku and it is home to the many forms of art belonging to the 20th Century in Japan.
National Museum of Western Art - Inside the galleries at this particular Tokyo museum, you will find the works of Renoir, Monet, Picasso, Miro and Pollock to name a few.
Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography - With themed exhibitions of various aspects related to life and living, there are often some very poignant photos on display here. If you're a photo fan their displays receive high acclaim.
Studio Ghibli - Tokyo museums have earned their reputation for being leaders in their field. Studio Ghibli, however, stands out even from such an elite crowd.
This is a place that has to be experienced. It has been designed to let you escape the realms of everyday life and transport you to... well that would be telling! This one needs to booked in advance, usually about a month's notice is required, so if you're coming to Tokyo plan ahead if you want to try it for yourself.
Tokyo Science and Technology Museums
The Future Science Museum in Tokyo or Miraikan as its known in Japanese. As the name suggests, you'll find all things future here, including the infamous robot Asimo.
There are theaters to bring the future to life, demonstrations of scientific principles and some very cool displays that you can clamber around. This includes the inside of a space shuttle capsule where the astronauts live during a mission and a deep sea diving sub, all on the relative safety of land : )
National Science Museum - Explore all aspects of the natural science world at this muesum located in Ueno. Find out about habitats, the story of the dinasours and the evolution of life for starters.
Science Museum Tokyo - Located at Kitanomaru-koen in Chiyoda-ku this is a hands on science museum with plenty of interactive exhibits to try. Check out the sky cycle, find out about cryogenics or climb on board the flight simulator.
Tokyo Sporting Museums
Japanese Sumo Wrestling Museum - Is located inside the Kokugikan, the sumo stadium in Tokyo. This is where the Grand Sumo Tournament that occur 3 times a year in Tokyo is held. If you get the chance, combine a visit to the museum with an afternoon watching the real thing inside the stadium.
Prince Chichibu Memorial Sports Museum - Housing many memorabilia from the 1964 Olympics, if you're a fan of sport history, this is one to put on your agenda when you want a quieter afternoon and a break from the action of the city.
Toyota History Garage - Located at Odaiba, this is a fun way to break up an afternoon of shopping and other amusements. Wander round the classic cars dotted around this museum or if you're into more modern vehicles, see the Tokyo Mega Web next door.
Tokyo Slightly Bizarre Museums
The Ramen Museum - Tokyo museums come in all shapes and sizes. This one is actually located in Yokohama, but if you are noodle buff and want to learn more about the types of ramen available in the different regions of Japan, this is the museum for you. In the basement you will find a food hall where you can choose the type of ramen you would like to try, all in a setting of times gone by.
Meguro Parasite Museum - Mmmm... what can I say? If you're into parasites...
The Japanese Festival Year
A month by month guide to the Japanese festival year. A rare opportunity to see the Japanese really let their hair down and join in the revelry.
January - March
- January - The domain of the shinenkai or Japanese New Year party. These go on throughout the month to welcome in the new year with friends, family, and colleagues. There are no other major events as January is dominated by Oshogatsu, perhaps the most important cultural event on the Japanese calendar.
- February - Drive out evil spirits by joining in the bean throwing Setsubun festival. Sensoji temple is one of the best places to do this in Tokyo. Don't forget the international favorite of Valentine's Day, although there is a slight twist to this celebration in Japan.
- March - The Hina Matsuri on March 3rd is girls day in Japan. Unlike Kodomo no Hi, this is not a national holiday, but it is a day packed with traditional meaning. Also in March is White Day, the sister day to Valentine's Day in Japan.
April - June
- April - The beginning of April sees the Japanese cherry blossom bloom and hanami, or cherry blossom festival, in full swing. Where are the parties? In parks, gardens, just about anywhere really where you can find a cherry tree in Tokyo. April 29th sees the beginning of Golden Week, a time when the whole of Japan seems to be on the move. Be prepared for packed trains, huge traffic jams, and expensive prices during this traditional holiday.
- May - Two of the three largest Tokyo festivals take place during May. The Kanda festival occurs annually around May 15, while the three day Sanja Matsuri takes place in Asakusa on the third weekend of the month. It is also the month of Mother's Day in Japan.
- June - Rainy season descends and the humidity rises. Welcome to the Tokyo climate! The Sanno Festival, the last of Tokyo's big 3, takes place around June 15th in Chiyoda-ku at the Hie shrine.
July - September
- July - Tanabata, or the star festival, is first in July. Then it's on to hotter things as the temperature rises and summer matsuris begin with yukatas and fireworks in abundance. The largest Tokyo fireworks festival takes place at the end of this month.
- August - Hanabi festivals continue from July into August and are an amazing spectacle to see. An average show has around 10,000 fireworks - the larger events can have anything up to 22,000 or more. The Asakusa Samba Festival and Azabu Juban matsuri in Tokyo are carnival affairs. Expect crowded streets, food stalls selling a variety of local delicacies, and good humor all around. Also in August is the more historical Obon holiday in honor of family members who have passed away.
- September - A time to relax as the Tokyo temperatures start to fall. Although this is not technically one of the Japanese festivals, September 1 is the annual Disaster Preparation Day in remembrance of the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake. Tokyo knows it has to be prepared. A major earthquake here could have enormous worldwide, as well as local consequences.
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