It looks like you're using an ad blocker.

To enjoy our content, please include The Japan Times on your ad-blocker's list of approved sites.

Thank you for supporting our journalism.

  • PRINT SUBSCRIBERS |
  • SUBSCRIBE |
  • Login
  • My Account
weather icon

17

CLOUDY

TOKYO (3 a.m.)

TODAY'S PRINT EDITION

The Japan Times The Japan Times

BACKSTREET STORIES

  • Login
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • My Account
  • PRINT SUBSCRIBERS ≫
  • (FREE ARTICLE)
  • MENU
  • Search
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Life
  • Community
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • City Guide
  • Support
  • Search
  • News
    • National
    • World
    • Business
    • Asia Pacific
    • Reference
    • Columns
    • Multimedia
  • Opinion
    • Editorials
    • Commentary
    • Cartoons
  • Life
    • Travel
    • Digital
    • Food & Drink
    • Environment
    • Style & Design
    • Language
    • Lifestyle
    • People
    • Columns
    • Multimedia
  • Community
    • Voices
    • Issues
    • Our Lives
    • Event listings
    • How-tos
    • Columns
  • Culture
    • Film
    • Music
    • Art
    • Stage
    • Events
    • Festivals
    • Books
    • TV
    • Columns
    • Multimedia
  • Sports
    • Rugby
    • Baseball
    • Soccer
    • Basketball
    • Sumo
    • Figure Skating
    • Tennis
    • More Sports
    • Columns
    • Multimedia
  • City Guide
    • Restaurants
    • Places
  • Support
    • About us
    • Faqs
Kokubunji: Signs of the times on Tokyo's western front

Travel | BACKSTREET STORIES Jan 11, 2020

Kokubunji: Signs of the times on Tokyo's western front

by Kit Nagamura

Named for its temple, history and legend flow through Kokubunji.

A last triumph of autumn in rain-soaked Kokubunji

Travel | BACKSTREET STORIES Dec 7, 2019

A last triumph of autumn in rain-soaked Kokubunji

by Kit Nagamura

A dreary drizzle of rain falls on the November day I've set aside for walking out along the Kokubunji gaisen (cliff line) in western Tokyo. Despite the weather, my hope is to catch some late autumn colors, so I yank on my trusty rubber ...

Good, clean dining in the alleyways of Shiba

Travel | BACKSTREET STORIES Oct 4, 2019

Good, clean dining in the alleyways of Shiba

by Kit Nagamura

Minutes from Tamachi Station, the area of Shiba, is a maze of weathered watering holes, chain restaurants, karaoke joints and gritty izakaya (Japanese pubs), like an east Tokyo version of Shinjuku's Golden Gai.

  • WHAT’S TRENDING
  • EDITORS’ PICKS
  • Japanese political parties agree on outline of bill to protect porn victims
    Major Japanese ruling and opposition parties have agreed on an outline of a planned bill to protect people who appear in pornographic videos against their will.
  • Japan scraps airport COVID-19 tests for arrivals from low-risk nations
    Antigen test kits at Kansai Airport's arrival lobby for international flights in December
  • Japan's latest COVID guidelines: Masks OK to come off outside when not chatting
    Officials say it is acceptable to take off masks outside, even when standing close to another individual, as long as there’s no chatting involved, with the government clarifying its stance on the issue for the first time.
  • Foreign tourists to be allowed to enter Japan on trial basis this month
    Businesses in Asakusa area of Tokyo, a popular tourist spot, are hoping for a revival in inbound tourism.
  • Japan aims to block sex offenders from jobs in schools and child care
    A junior high school in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, in March 2020. Licensing for teachers and babysitters is overseen by different ministries, making it difficult for authorities to prevent a person with a history of sex crimes from switching between professions involving children.
  • Tokyo Skytree marks 10 years as symbol of capital's skyline

    Thumbnail image
  • How Anthony Albanese went from public housing kid to Australia’s new PM

    Thumbnail image
  • A fabricated future: Awards highlight pioneers of material design

    Thumbnail image
  • 'Quad' members to launch tracking system to monitor illegal fishing by China

    Thumbnail image
  • Award-winning, alchemical delights at Japan’s best bar

    Thumbnail image

PODCAST

  • DEEP DIVE

    When will Japan open to tourists?

The little curiosities of Monzen-Nakacho

Travel | BACKSTREET STORIES Aug 2, 2019

The little curiosities of Monzen-Nakacho

by Kit Nagamura

From craft goods and antiques to unusual galettes and premium sake, Tokyo's Mon-Naka neighborhood has it all.

Rock gardens, ryokan and rafting in Tokyo's Mitake

Travel | BACKSTREET STORIES May 31, 2019

Rock gardens, ryokan and rafting in Tokyo's Mitake

by Kit Nagamura

From the historic Kajikaen to kimono dyeing studios and the Gyokudo Art Museum, numerous institutions of traditional art and culture line the banks of the Tama River as it runs through Mitake.

Up high on a rickshaw, new views of old Asakusa

Travel | BACKSTREET STORIES Apr 5, 2019

Up high on a rickshaw, new views of old Asakusa

by Kit Nagamura

Although the streets of Asakusa are familiar stomping grounds for tourists and locals alike, a ride on a jinrikisha (rickshaw) can bring a refreshing new perspective to the historic area, and even reveal a secret spot or two.

Coffee connections in tranquil Togoshi

Travel | BACKSTREET STORIES Feb 1, 2019

Coffee connections in tranquil Togoshi

by Kit Nagamura

Togoshi's local businesses are quirky, wholesome and close-knit. But what truly brings this district together is the coffee shop that supplies them all with bespoke blends.

Exploring Jiyugaoka's venerable shopping arcade

Travel | BACKSTREET STORIES Jan 4, 2019

Exploring Jiyugaoka's venerable shopping arcade

by Kit Nagamura

Winter winds whistle as I exit Jiyugaoka Station in Tokyo's Meguro Ward, surrounded by a flock of boisterous high school students in black uniforms. Their joyous chatter as we walk into brilliant sunshine at the station's main exit reminds me that the station and ...

Taking a perch with the hip birds of Uguisudanicho

Travel | BACKSTREET STORIES Nov 30, 2018

Taking a perch with the hip birds of Uguisudanicho

by Kit Nagamura

One of two places in Tokyo named after valleys favored by the melodious uguisu (Japanese bush warbler), Uguisudanicho is a small neighborhood wedged between Daikanyama, Ebisu and Shibuya straddling the line between old-school businesses and gentrification.

Playing cat and mouse in the alleyways of Harajuku

Travel | BACKSTREET STORIES Nov 2, 2018

Playing cat and mouse in the alleyways of Harajuku

by Kit Nagamura

Although most people familiar with Tokyo's Harajuku area have explored — or at least heard of — the uber-trendy and fashion-focused Cat Street, the smaller and quieter road that runs above it is full of its own unique mishmash of history, food and fashion.

Banking on the riverside alleyways of Komagata

Travel | BACKSTREET STORIES Oct 5, 2018

Banking on the riverside alleyways of Komagata

by Kit Nagamura

Venerated establishments and new shops putting their own spin on traditional food and craft exist side by side in Tokyo's aquatic Komagata neighborhood.

Rocking the hot stuff in weathered Narihira

Travel | BACKSTREET STORIES Aug 3, 2018

Rocking the hot stuff in weathered Narihira

by Kit Nagamura

Although the Tokyo neighborhood of Narihira is slowly shifting toward a younger demographic, a postwar vibe still lingers in its back alleys and keeps its community close-knit.

View older articles

COVID-19 banner

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

OIST President & CEO, Peter Gruss creates new technologies and pure science made in paradise

Sustainable Japan logo

Support our journalism

Staying informed during times of uncertainty is crucial, which is why The Japan Times is providing free access to select stories about the coronavirus pandemic. Please consider subscribing today and support our efforts to deliver the news that matters.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
The Japan Times circular logo

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTS

Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division.

広告出稿に関するおといあわせはこちらまで

Read more

SUPPLEMENTS BINDER

international-reports
  • Bridges by SMS
  • Global Insight
  • GMI Post
  • World Eye Reports
Return to The Japan Times top page
JT Digital Archives The Japan Times Alpha Study in Japan JT for Women JT Bookclub Japanese School Directory The Japan Times Jobs
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • NEWSLETTERS
  • ePaper Edition
  • News
    • National
    • World
    • Business
    • Asia Pacific
    • Reference
    • Columns
    • Multimedia
  • Opinion
    • Editorials
    • Commentary
    • Cartoons
  • Life
    • Travel
    • Digital
    • Food & Drink
    • Environment
    • Style & Design
    • Language
    • Lifestyle
    • People
    • Columns
    • Multimedia
  • Community
    • Voices
    • Issues
    • Our Lives
    • Event listings
    • How-tos
    • Columns
  • Culture
    • Film
    • Music
    • Art
    • Stage
    • Events
    • Festivals
    • Books
    • TV
    • Columns
    • Multimedia
  • Sports
    • Rugby
    • Baseball
    • Soccer
    • Basketball
    • Sumo
    • Figure Skating
    • Tennis
    • More Sports
    • Columns
    • Multimedia
  • City Guide
    • Restaurants
    • Places
  • Support
    • About us
    • Faqs
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Link Policy
  • Reprints
  • FAQs
  • Support
  • Announcements
  • Press
  • Sitemap
  • Advertise

The Japan Times LTD. All rights reserved.

The Japan Times