Hanami: watching the cherry blossom in Japan

The annual profusion of blossom in Japan - ume [plum], momo [peach] or sakura [cherry] - is a magical sight. With the blossom comes the promise of warmer weather and people begin to enjoy coming back out, gathering in parks and having fun together. Here are some photos and some suggestions of where to go for the best hanami, or blossom viewings. Read more

Belgo, European Beer Cafe, Shibuya

If you are in Tokyo, like your beer and enjoy drinking it in a relaxed European style setting then Belgo’s in Shibuya could be just the place for you. They also do excellent food. Our editor can highly recommend the place. Read more

Minami-Oi, Tokyo: history and charm

This area of Tokyo is part of the Shinagawa ward and has a great deal of charm as well as an interesting history.

Within easy reach of the Omori and Oimachi JR stations, and Omorikaigan and Tachiaigawa on the Keikyu Line, Minami-oi is centrally placed yet still has some quiet neighbourhood charm. Read more

The Windsor Hotel, Hokkaido: G8 Summit Venue

James Bond film location or posh hotel? In July of 2008 the heads of the G8 nations and their entourage will descend upon Toya in South Western Hokkaido for their annual get-together. Approaching the Windsor Hotel there, the venue for the Summit, it is easy to understand why it was chosen.

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The Tokaido Road, Shinagawa

In the Edo period, Shinagawa was the first post town a traveler would reach after setting out from Nihombashi on the Tokaido highway [Kyu-tokaido] from Edo to Kyoto. Japanorama’s editor, Alfie Goodrich, has begun a photo-documentary of the area. Read more