Hello from Tokyo!
Welcome to the Tokyo Shitamachi Guide, a local blog run by a single administrator. My goal is to introduce Tokyo’s Shitamachi area in simpler language than other online sources.
I love visiting Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples because they offer a glimpse into traditional Japanese culture. To enhance my experience, I try to learn about their historical backgrounds.
However, I often struggle to quickly understand the information on the description boards at these sites. There are two main reasons for this:
- Limited knowledge of Japanese history: I wasn’t interested in history when I was a student, as I was a science major. As a result, I find it hard to grasp the historical context and the people associated with these sites.
- Complex religious terms and old-fashioned words: There are many terms and words that I don’t know, and sometimes I don’t even know how to pronounce them, even though I’m a native Japanese speaker. For example, I didn’t know how to pronounce “留錫” or what it meant.
I started this blog to address these challenges. All articles are written in a way that even I can understand. You might find some explanations lengthy, but if I can understand them, so can you.
I hope you find the Tokyo Shitamachi Guide helpful. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me through the contact form.
Best regards,
The Tokyo Shitamachi Guide Team