Volunteer Free Walking Tour Blog

Autum Bloomers

2010-11-20T21:28:00.015+09:00

Flowers of winter cherry and tea tree
It was a nice ordinary autumn day in Tokyo. Many people enjoyed walking and feeling autumn in the park. Lots of plants in the east garden are showing us not only autumn leaves their blooms and fruits, which make us feel the season close to the coming end of this year. The winter cherry is an exceptional species of cherry having a bloom in autumn and winter while most of the cherries have a flower in spring. I could also find a bloom of tea tree which I never seen.

Joe and Josh from US Tennessee joined today's tour, they selected the Japan trip for their honey moon. Please enjoy Japan (and Tokyo Disney Land...). I would like to say thank you since I could remember my old memory of Tennessee. I finally found the amusement facility in Nashville was "Opryland" , not "Apple land".

From Mats

Tokyo Sky tree

2010-10-17T00:11:00.011+09:00

TV news & newspapers are frequently showing us the constructing Tokyo Sky Tree. It has been growing day by day, the height is now over 480 meters. The figure can be suddenly recognized in walking around the east Tokyo. Tokyo Sky tree can tells us a right direction without losing a way even if we enjoyed riding bicycles even the night of Tokyo.

http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/english/

I forgot talking the couples from Germany joined our free walking tour about the Tokyo Sky Tree though they might noticed the landmark. Please stop by the construcing area close to Asakusa because this may be the only opportunity to look at the growing tree of Tokyo.

From Mats

Hot September

2010-09-25T22:45:00.002+09:00

This summer was too hot. It is still hot even in September. But typhoon bring cool air into Tokyo area this afternoon.
We are worrying if it rains on today's tour, but it became clear and blue sky. Today is the best day for our tour in Imperial Palace.
Today's guest has come from Korea, and we can walk in comfort atmosphere.
Look at the picture, the sky is quite pure blue.
(Reported by Yasunori)

Tour Report on September 18, 2010

2010-09-19T11:13:00.009+09:00

Many of foreign travelers can't distinguish Emperor from Shogun.

Emperor is "Tenno," who was believed as a living god and made Japanese Island in ancient days. But time has passed, he became only a symbol of Japan. Shogun was living in Edo- Castle from 1603 to 1868. Shogun was originally only "a barbarian-quelling generalissimo." Then he became a powerful governor and had clossed the door from foreign countries until Meiji Restoration.

Lower-level samurai and some feudal lords thought to open the gate to foreign countries and develop this country, then they defeated Shogun under the name of Emperor at Meiji Restoration, in 1868. Shogun was driven out of Edo Castle, then Emperor has been living in here, and rename Edo Castle to Imperial Palace.

The left is a picture took in January 2, when Imperial Palace is open to the public to congratulating the Imperial Family for New Year.

By the way, I guided a couple from England around East Garden of Imperial Palace on September 18.

The right is them in front of "Hyakunin-Bansho," or check point in which one hundred samurai guardians were working day & night.

Autumn is the best season to visit Japan.

Would you come to Japan? We will guide you around this place, East Garden of Imperial Palace.

(Reported by Yasunori)

Clues to Autumn

2010-09-11T17:58:00.008+09:00

Thanks to a typhoon hitting Japan this week, I could spend a couple of nights without air condition. Typhoon actually brings Japan disasters every time, and triggers a change of season at the same time. Time of nightfall is being earlier day by day, there is no longer buzzing of cicadas in the nights, I feel a clue that summer is turning around the corner of season, autumn is being close behind us.
However, it was really a sunny day, we could not feel a clue of autumn in today's tour unfortunately.

Hello Bernd! You could be exhausted due to spending a long time under the shinny sun. I hope you enjoy "Kaiten Sushi (回転寿司)" at Ueno tonight. Edo Tokyo museum will give you answers to your various questions.
From Mats

P.S.

Pray for the peace in mind. No more September 11.....

Tropical days & nighs continue.....

2010-09-04T23:20:00.023+09:00

Although I wanted to say tropical days & nights of Tokyo were over in August, Japan is still suffering from the heat. Heat of late summer is usually called Zansho(残暑）, but what do you think we are really in Zansyo? No, we are still in the middle of summer........ Hopefully I would like to have a good night's sleep without air condition soon. Three doctors from Philippines joined today's tour. They feel there is no difference of the weather heat between Tokyo and Manila. I am looking forward to seeing you again in the other seasons. If you have any better picture, please send it to me. I will update a better one.
Thanks
From Mats

Tour Report on August 28

2010-08-29T12:12:00.003+09:00

This summer is too hot in Japan. Over 30,000 peoples were taken to hospitals by ambulance and 132people died of heatstroke.

Today, 9guests(8 from German, 1 from UK) joined to our tour, we went to shady way through museum and rest house.

We can see Japanese garden and "KIKKOCHIKU" or tortoisshell-patterned bamboo.

Have you ever seen it?

Yasunori

Back to work

2010-08-17T00:20:00.004+09:00

The family from US joined our Saturday tour, hopefully they could enjoy a nightscape of Tokyo from Shinjyuku in the night.

Many Japanese took a summer vacation last week, we have come back to office. Hot & himid summer days still continues, I am wondering office would be more confortable than my apartment. Be careful of outside hotness & humidity of a daytime Tokyo!

Mats

Rainy Season "梅雨 (Tsuyu)" was over

2010-07-18T09:51:00.046+09:00

"ゴーヤ(Goya)"Bitter gourds are growing in my balcony.
It was announced the Japanese rainy season "梅雨(Tsuyu)" in Tokyo region was over on this Saturday. Looking back to this 梅雨(Tsuyu) season, I feel the rains seemed to become harder like squall in a short time year by year while it rained constantly in cloudy sky previously. Rain brings us enough water for living and some tragedies at the same time. Heavy rains hit west part of Japan this week, landslides killed and wounded people. It reminded me that Japan was a steep mountain country facing the pacific ocean in unpredictable weather.

For real summer has come to Tokyo, it was really too much shine over 30 degrees C (90 F) for today's tour. When you join our tour, bring a cap, water and sunscreen!

Reported by Mats

Traditional Japanese Wedding

2010-07-10T18:15:00.006+09:00

Have you ever seen Traditional Japanese Wedding Ceremony?

An indigenous religion in Japan is Shinto, not Buddhism. The left is a wedding ceremony at Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo. A bride is wearing a kimono, especially called "Shiro-Muku" or a white kimono, father and mother of bride are on both sides, the next outsides are "Miko" or virgin consecrated to be a deity. The head gear of bride is called "Tsuno-Kakushi" or a bride's white head covering, we believe that conceal her "Tsuno" or horns. It means that when bride got angry, the tsuno-kakushi cover her anger, and the couple will keep their married life happily.

By the way, I introduce today's guests from Singapore, France and Norway to East Garden of Imperial Palace. On the way to there, they saw modern Japanese Wedding ceremony at Wadakura Fountain Park. It's a completely western-style wedding ceremony and is quite popular in present Japan.

Traditional Japanese ceremonies are about to extinct.

If you want to see the traditional Japanese wedding ceremony and wedding dress, visit Meiji Jingu Shrine.

(Yasunori)

World Cup Soccer

2010-07-04T21:38:00.009+09:00

World cup games still have been making me sleepy because I want to watch live games on TV in the middile of the nights.
This Saturday tour's participants came from the U.S, Switzerland and Germany.
Their national football teams did good jobs more than expected in this world cup.
It was also amazing for Japanese that our team of Japan could make it pass the first round.

They came from Germany

Last night Germany knocked out Argentina in the quarter final. Congratulation!
I will cheer for Germany

Reported by Mats

How to pray ?

2010-06-26T19:00:00.004+09:00

Do you know how to pray in shrine?

Before entering into main temple, purify your mouth and hands at washbasin. You take the scoop in your right hand, pour some water into your left hand, and rinse out your mouth. Then take it in your left hand, our some water into your right hand. Then raise the scoop upright and pour water onto the handle of the scoop.

Go to the main tempe, ring the bell, throw coin into an offertory box.

Then, bow two times, clap your hands two times and bow one time.

This manner is only in shrine, not do in temple. In temple, only putting the palms of your hands together, close your eyes and pray.

However many peple clap their hands at temple.

An enshrined deity in shrine is a great person, such as Meiji Emperor (in Meiji Jingu) or Tokgawa Ieyasu (in Toshogu shrine.)

Today's guest in usual tour is from Singapore, who said wearing smile, he will be a deity in the future. We went to Asakusa and saw Sensoji temple after the tour. I said him Sensoji is temple, so don't clap your hands. Then we went to see Ninja Show on the street in front of Hanayashiki amusement park. This is interesting. Would you go there if you have time?

YASUNORI

Japanese rainy season ”梅雨(Tsuyu)”

2010-06-20T21:50:00.009+09:00

Japanese rainy season has just come to Tokyo. It rained yesterday night, but fortunately today was a sunny day in between rains. So, I could make a today’s tour with one Australian family under the shiny sun.
It would be in the Japanese rainy season “梅雨(Tsuyu)” until late July. Most of people doesn’t like rainy days because of the hazy sky and its humidity. One the other hand, the rainy season brings “梅”(Ume) Japanese plum which could be seen on the trees, 紫陽花（Ajisai）Hydrangea that is just in the bloom. We are able to enjoy different kinds of Ajisai anywhere in Tokyo. So, I still prefer to a rainy day rather than a coming hot summer day.

The Australian family joined this tour is planning to travel Japan from south to north for one month. Hopefully we Japanese can make a choice to take such a long time vacation, but a month vacation is unrealistic for an ordinal Japanese. In my case, it would be possible only if I quite my current job. But a short time vacation is enough for me because I will forget working if I can take such a long time vacation. Is it possible to take a long holiday without losing a job in your country?
Reported by Mats

Plum Juice & Umeboshi (pickled Japanese plum)

2010-06-13T12:02:00.013+09:00

Yesterday was a really sunny day, the tourists from US, Ireland and Spain joined the June.12 tour. we might need to prepare for sun burn because of too much shine.... But, Tokyo is likely to be in a rainy season next week, you had better to make ready for wet weather.
In Tokyo, Japanese plums are in the season, we were able to find the fresh green plums on the trees of Bairin Saka (梅林坂/Plum tree slope）in the tour. Please look carefully at trees and plants around you, you may be aware of plums or any other clue of this season.
Today, I would like to show you a picture of some stuff in my home (Sorry, I could not take pictures in the tour..). Plum reminds me that it is a good time to make plum juice or plum wine, Umeboshi(梅干し/Pickled Japanese plum). The plum juice was made by my wife two weeks ago, which is far too early for drink. The umeboshi in the picture was made by my friend's mother last year. In my childhood, mother made umeboshi at home, but we rarely see such a home made umeboshi these day. I am wondering people nowadays are too busy to make it.
Reported by Mats

Tour Report on May 29th

2010-05-30T12:09:00.004+09:00

Guest: Austria male, USA couple and female
(Total 4 persons)
Guides: Kiyoshi, Hide, Mina

It was a drizzly, chilly afternoon, but we enjoyed walking in a friendly atmosphere. I would like to recommend that tourist buy a folding umbrella at the 1 coin shop and bring it during their Japanese stay. It is very nice and reasonable. Fortunately, everybody had their umbrellas or caps yesterday. We went to an iris garden. It was a little bit early to see the bloom yestarday but probably we will enjoy the bloom next month.

Reported by Mina

Climb up Mt.Fuji or ......

2010-05-16T23:24:00.004+09:00

One family from Florida US and one couple from Switzerland joined this week tour. The recent weather became stable and comfortable in Tokyo, but this May was too early for tourists to climb the highest mountain in Japan. Mt.Fuji would be opened for tourists and climber from July.1

In my experience, I prefer to see Mt.Fuji rather than climb up because I am a lazy person, and can be satisfied only with its excellent view. I am also wondering if we had better soak in a hot spring after enjoy seeing Mt.Fuji. What do you think?

Reported by Mats

Tour Report on May 1st

2010-05-04T18:37:00.003+09:00

Canadian couple, two French and we(Yasunori, Reina and Kohei) went around east garden of Imperial Palace under a clear and comfortable weather.

They knew much of Japanese history and culture. So they asked us difficult questions such as "Why do Japanese people wear europian-style dress,not Japanese traditional kimono in wedding ceremony."

Exactly, Japan had lost much of Japanese tradition and culture. Recent youngster know much of europian history, however, they don't know Japanese one. I think it's an unfortunate thing for Japan.
We tried to study Japanese history and culture, and make an international cultural exchange through this Free Walking Tour.

Would you join us?

(Reported by Yasunori)

April showers, May flowers ?

2010-04-26T23:31:00.015+09:00

This April in Tokyo is not usual, I have never experienced such a cold and rainy April, people could not wear off their coat until recently. But thanks to this cold weather, we have been enjoying cherry bloom since the end of March because cold and rainy days delayed the growth. I also remembered someone mentioned "March wind, April shower, May flowers......" when I was in NY. Although the phrase is not for the usual spring weather of Tokyo, the "April shower" was true in Tokyo this year.

Please let me introduce the most interesting gentleman who joined today's tour. His knowlede of Japanese manga and animation is beyond an ordinary Japanese, he also likes to play "Go" and Japanese chess. Since I don't play the games, he is a Japanese rather than me, isn't he?

Reported by Mats

Cherry Blossom Viewing Tour

2010-04-03T18:09:00.005+09:00

Today is the best day for cherry blossom viewing, which is the most famous spring event in Japan. Many people bring many alcohol beverage and foods and go to a park or somewhere cherry blossom are in bloom then, they are drinking, eating, dancing and singing.
Left is the situation in the loan at he center of Edo Castle.
Additionally, today is walm and calm, comfortable temperature, so we can do good tour.
Left is the scene in the Honmaru lawn or center in the remnant of Edo Castle or East Garden of Imperial Garden
French couple and guy join our tour, they are chatting in French each other, however I can't speak French except Bon jour, Merci and Je t'aim. The guy says "Those words are enough to live in Paris."
Anyway, I can spend a happy time with them.
Right is the today's guest.

Merci beaucoup et Bon voyage!!

(Reported by Yasunori)

Water Birds staying around Imperial Palace

2010-03-21T20:48:00.008+09:00

About 85% of birds in Japan are migratory birds, which are come from Siberia in winter, from Philippine or Australia in summer. Watching those birds in Japan is very imteresting event, and many birdwatchers come from foreign countries to Japan in winter.

I introduce those birds which can be seen around Imperial Palace.
Right is "Hashibiro- Gamo," which are rare species to be seen in city.
Left is "Ooban."

Right is "Karugamo," which aren't migratory bird and are commonly seen in city.

Most famous "Karugamo" were born in an artificial pond in front of Mitsui corporation.

Would you come and watch those birds in Japan?

Reported by Yasunori

Around the Imperial Palace

2010-03-14T19:20:00.009+09:00

We want to introduce some building around the Imperial Palace.

Left is Niju-Bashi, as you know. Many foreing tourist visit and take a photo of it.

Right is the Imperial Household Agency. About a thousand public officer are working for.

Left is the Diet Building.

Right is the Supreme Court.

Left used to be the Imperial Guard Division until the end of the World War Two, now it became a museum.

Would you visit Japan?

We, "Volunteer Freewalking Tour," welcome you and introduce Japanese histric places.

Reported by Yasunori

Rainy Day Tokyo on March.6

2010-03-07T09:54:00.002+09:00

Because of raining, the winter seems to come back though yesterday was really warm and comfortable like a spring day.
Tokyo station was thoroughly covered by mesh nets under the renovation, I cannot remember the exterior appearance any more. The restored Tokyo station could be well-looking for everyone, but it will be no longer the familiar Tokyo station I have seen in life. It may be a fate of no stop growing city Tokyo.
4 ladies and gentlemen from Australia, Ethiopia and Japan joined today's tour. I am afraid that the guys might be sick because we got wet due to the cold rain. Additionally I had lost only one picture of you in my cellular phone. So, there is no picture in my tour report.... Please sent me a picture for a memory if anyone can. Thanks!
Reported by Mats

Blum trees in Bloom on February.27

2010-02-28T09:25:00.007+09:00

Tokyo was mostly cloudy and rained in the past few days. The weather is changing day by day, winter is being close to the end. I feel "三寒四温" that means three cold days, four warm ones is an exact phrase to express this turn of the season.
Plum trees of Bairi-saka bloomed with white and pink flowers, which were lightly scented in the air. Blossom buds of cherry are still tiny, We will be able to enjoy how the buds grow until the bloom.

The ladies and the gentlemen from Singapore, Germany, Australia joined today's tour. But I have to say sorry I gave you one wrong answer.... The pink bloomed tree we saw in the park would be a plum, not a cherry. Please believe some specific cherry trees bloom even in winter time. Hopefully see you next time in the bloom of cherry. Enjoy Japan.!
Reported by Mats

Report on January, 30,2009

2010-01-30T18:27:00.005+09:00

Date:January 30, 2009, Saturday. From PM1:00-3:00
Weather:clear
Guest: German; 2 males, 1 female. USA; 1 couple. Finland; 2 females. France; 1 female. Total 8 persons
Today's Guide: Yasunori

We started a tour with 8 persons where the air is full of tension.
I wonder, almost all of them brought camara and were taking photoes so often.

I brought them to an Observatory to enlive the atmosphere, however, they took photoes of crows which went down there without viewing the scenic beaty from there.
I did take a souvenir photograph. They accepted to be taken a photo and show them on our website.

When I brought them to Ninomaru Grove, they gradually became relux and talked each other.

They said, 7 of them found our tour via bulletin board of Nippon University.

I 'm afraid they are studying about biology in Nippon University?

Reported by Yasunori

Tokyo Station & Samurai amor

2010-01-16T20:31:00.028+09:00

Tokyo Station is being covered due to the renovation work, only some part of the exterior can be seen. The dooms began to appear on the both sides of this station, which is restored like the original Tokyo station before WW2. Although the current Tokyo station did not look like the original one before WW2, I miss the existing figure very much because this is the Tokyo station I know in my life, new Tokyo station will be commercialized further without something oldness. The restoration will continue by the end of 2011.

Incidentally I found the event of samurai armors in 1st floor of Marunouchi building close to Tokyo station. The armors were made as a costume to take the scenes of NHK TV drama "Tenchi Jin" last year. I still don't believe samurai wore such a unique armor in the actual wars of the late 16 century through the beginning 17 century. The samurai hero "Kanetsugu Naoe" in the TV drama wore the above armor, his helmet had the Chinese letter of "AI " which expressed his faith and belief. The other armors of samurai leaders were also very unique and original, I believe it would be true they really lived their days with what they believed.

Reported by Mats

Tour Report on January 2, 2010

2010-01-02T20:55:00.014+09:00

Date: January 2, 2009, Saturday,
from PM 1:00 to PM 3:00
Weather: Sunny and Cear
Guest: 2 mails from Thailand and India
Guide: Masa and yasunori(reporter)

In spite of New Year's Holidays, two persons appeared into meeting spot in time. Masa-san was wearing Kimono intending make Oshogatsu (New Year' Holidays) atmosphere and had inspected Imperial palace before this tour carefully.

Emperor's speech was coming so soon(PM1:20 and PM 2:20), that we started for Imperial Palace directly, and explained usual historical places as we walked. On the way to there, we got Japanese National Flag, which would be a good souvenir.

Luckily, Emperor appeared to stage as soon as we reached to a venue. We were given Majesty's words and then went to Fujimi-Yagura(fort), Inui-Mon(gate) along a moat named Hasu-Ike(lotus pond) and Inui-Bori(moat).

Male from Thailand had quitted a local subsidiary of Japanese company because he will succeed to the seat of his father, president of a company in Thailand, and he planned to go travel all over Japan for two months before he take the seat.
I cross my finger he'll be a great president in future!

Reported by YASUNORI

Tour Report on December 26, 2009

2009-12-27T22:37:00.009+09:00

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Date: December 26, 2009
Weather: Sunny
Guests: A Chinese and a Japanese (both females) who are studying in Australia
Guides: Masa, Yoshiyuki, Yasunori and Harumi

It was a clear, sunny day, not so cold. There were unexpectedly more guides than originally planned. Since it was toward the busy yearend, we were afraid that there might be no guests; fortunately we had a Chinese woman from Taiwan and her Japanese friend joining us for their graduation trip.

As we took the usual tour course, we saw the beautiful decoration of paper-made garden lanterns for the nighttime illumination all over Wadakura Fountain Park. There were some security guards on their duties and some areas were off limits, so we had to take a detour. But it was a pleasant scene that we usually don't have; we could see a wedding ceremony in the restaurant very closely and our young guests looked happy.

We tried to explain some flowers as we walked along, but it was a little bit difficult to explain the difference between Kan-tsubaki (winter camellia) and Tsubaki (cammelia), and Boke(Japanese quince, or chaenoseles seciosa). We explained the migratory birds and asked our Taiwanese guest about her country, but she did not seem to be very familiar with birds.

We also took them to Ninomaru Garden. Although we could not see many autumnal colored leaves any longer, they liked Canary date palm, the symbolic tree of Miyazaki Prefecture. Do they have them in Australia, too?

Our tour guests in general seem to be interested in discovering similar or different things between Japan and their countries. We feel the strong necessity to learn foreign culture and geographies in order to explain our own nation.

Special Tour!

2009-12-23T20:44:00.006+09:00

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On 2nd of January, Saturday, FWT will hold a free tour to the Imperial Palace as usual. But on that day we will offer a special kind of tour. Since the East Garden is closed on that day, we will escort our guests to the Imperial Palace for the Emperor's New Year's Greeting. You might visit West side of the Palace which is usually closed and see the imperial family standing on the observatory. This is the special event for our tour. Please join us. Please meet us at 1PM on 2nd of January, 2010. Thank you.

http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/e-event/sanga01.html

Tour Report on December 12, 2009

2009-12-13T18:13:00.003+09:00

Date: Decemver 12, 2009, Saturdy. From PM1:00 to 3:00
Weather:Sunny
Guest: 5 People (a couple and male from Australia, female from USA, female from Hong Kong. )
Today's Guide: Yoshiyuki, Kayo and Yasunori

Today's tour was held in a big party, 8 people(including 5 guests and 3 guides.) We explained every group by every guide, not did for all by one guide. Since everyone bacame tired, we changed the route at Hyakunin-Bansho and went to Ninomaru-Grove, not going to Fujimi-Yagura. Tinged Autumnal leaves, Momiji, was so beautiful that everyone delighted and took photoes. Some Australian guest said that she doesn't know Gingko trees. I wonder Gingko trees don't grow in foreign contries? After taken break, we went to Tensyu-dai, or main tower of Edo castle. We broke up at "Kitahane bashi bridge" because they seemed hurry to go.

Today's Difficult question
Q: Why Emperor didin' t be accused of the respect of leader of the War?

Tour Report on November 27

2009-11-30T23:22:00.009+09:00

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Date: November 28, 2009
Weather: Sunny & Cloudy
Guest: Two female from Australia, three male from Korea and Australia
Guide: Kiyoshi, Mats, Mina, Kayo

The young ladies from Australia who arrived yesterday in Tokyo joined today's tour. Kiyoshi, Kayo and me started the tour a little bit behind time. On the way to Wadakura mon, three gentlemen from Korea and Australia joined this tour, they were friends of our member Mina. Kiyoshi, Mina and I mainly introduced the Edo castle, we enjoyed chatting and walking around this park. In the middle of this tour Kiyoshi explained the essence of Japanese history, especially Tokugawa and imperial families, but it might be tough to understand all of stories.

We could see more Japanese tourist than usual in the Higashi gyoen park due to 20th anniversary years of the Emperor enthronement. A lot of imperial items like imperial cars and ceremonial carriage for imperial families, traditional clothes and imperial banners were displayed from place to place in this November. Most of those imperial items were not displayed. However the two ceremonial carriages were driven by horses and riders in front of many people. The anniversary events in this park seem to be almost all over. I expect the park would be calm and comfortable back to usual from December.

At the beginning of this tour, Australian ladies asked us whether we could introduce any reasonable accommodation in Tokyo, but we could not find a good information unfortunately. They stayed at Ryokan a Japanese style hotel in Asakusa Tokyo. The key of their room seemed to be poor, they were afraid of the room security though Tatami floor and Futon bet were no problem for them. We may need to prepare for more useful information for tour participants.

Report by Mats

Tour Report on November 21, 2009

2009-11-27T20:27:00.008+09:00

11/21/2009
Sunny
Guests: 1 male from Vancouver
Guides: Masa, Yoshiyuki and Kayo

It was nice day to walk. There were many people visiting in the
imperial place today, because it has been 20 yeast since current
Prince and Princess ascended, so we could see some special
things such as a carriage, a luxury car and big flags of their memories.

There was only one guest, but it was very good for me (kayo) and
the other guide yoshi, because we are new so we could relaxed to
guide for 1 person rahter than several guests. We could talk not just
about the Imperial Place or history, but also talked about learning
language, food, movie and etc. He has been learning Japanese
by himself watching Japanese movie.

We sat down on the grass, because it was nice day, and Yoshi
explained about Edo goverment shortly. A question came up
from the guest was how the Edo government keep the balance
from the power of Imperial Court in the time of Edo era.
Good question!
.

This is The Imperial Palace Tour !

2009-11-22T12:05:00.006+09:00

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Tour Report on November 14, 2009

2009-11-15T19:07:00.001+09:00

Date: November 14, 2009, Saturday
Weather: Sunny
Guests: Brothers and sinters from Spain
Today's tour guide: Yasunori and Yoshiyuki

I was worried about rainy day, but it became clear at noon, and brothers and sisters from Spain came and joined us just at the time, who had received the fly at Narita airport.
Yoshiyuki explained almost all spot, and Yasunori gave supplementary explanations.
"Jugatsu-sakura" or Autumnalis cherry were still bloomed, and they took a picture the scenery , autumnal color changing leaves and pink cherry blossoms were looked clearly.
For the 20th anniversary of the enthronement of his majesty the emperor, special exhibition was held in the East garden of Imperial Palace, such as showing various DVD and exhibition, so we could see traditional robe for Imperial Families, Imperial car and ceremonial horse driven carriage.
They asked us various questions about Emperor. As I answered them that the successor to the Imperial Throne shall be the eldest son, however current prince doesn't have a son, but second prince have a son, so the issue of succession of Emperor became harder. Then they replied us that Spanish royal family has similar problem.
It is an interest for volunteer tour guide to know such interest matter.
Followings are another questions I was embarrassed to answer.
Q: Don't Japanese nations feel indignation with reclaim the gulf and they can't see the sea in the result?
Q : Does Hunting , such as duck, are doing still now?
Q: Spain defeated the election of host city for next Olympic games in same situation to Japan. Did the inviting Olympic Games to be held in Tokyo is really wish of Japanese? What do Japan get from that Olympic Games be held in Tokyo?

Reported by Yasunori

Tour Report on October 31, 2009

2009-11-01T15:52:00.004+09:00

Date: October 31, 2009, Saturday
Weather: Sunny
Guest: 8persons (3 males, Switzerland. 2 Females and 2 males, Australia. 1 male, Belgium.)
Guide: Yasunori

We started on time with 5 members, 3 another members from Australia joined at Tenshudai, remains of main tower, so with 8 members in result.
They were so many people that they could talk each other freely, and spent happy time.

These days, I guide guests to Ninomaru grove, when they hope. I recommend to guide this place, they could feel happy without my guide. Picture shows us how they were. (See the File as attached )
When they saw the carps in a pond, they became warm with the topic, which, an Australian said, crocodile had died by the toxin of carps which had been eaten by the crocodole. I didn't know the news so I couldn't join the chat. Is the news true?

Material problems
Q: Why Japanese architecture includes both European and modernized one?
Q: Why did Japanese government reconstruct a main tower of Edo Castle?
Q: Does "Gakubu" learned original Japanese music ?
Q: Can we see the Mt. Fuji from Fujimi-Yagura, turret?

Reported by YASUNORI

Tour Report on October 10, 2009

2009-10-12T12:54:00.002+09:00

Date:October 10, 2009
Weather: Sunny
Tour Guide:3people(Kayo, Michil, Yasunori(report))
Guest: 6 people( 2 couples from UK and Australia. a male and a female from philippin)

We started the tour at PM1:00. On Start, I was worried how could I deal so many guests, however our staff supported me, and then all guests bacame friendly.I explained from Tokyo station, inner citadel of Edo castle, Ninomaru Grove, and finished to Hirakawa-Mon, Gate.
They gave us many questions as usual:
Q:Is the water in this moat, sea water or pure water? Because Koi carps are there. I heard Koi carps are living in pure water.
Q:Where are the Emperor' and Shogun' graves?
Q:Why doesn't Emperor have political power?
Q:Why didn't Tokugawa Government re-construct Edo castle?
Q:Why does Japan has so many holidays such as Boy's day, Girl's Day and Adult's Day? We don't have such holidays.
Q:Did all girls dress up on Girl's Day?and so on.

Many foreign travelors didn't seemed to be able to distinguish Emperor from Shogun. It is very hard to understand why Meiji Restoration had occured, and why the Emperor came to and started to live in Tokyo.
I was deeply impressed to my heart that I have to explain the difference between "Edo Castle" and "Imperial Palace" prior to entering the East Garden of Imperial Palace.

(Reported by YASUNORI)

Tour Report on October 3, 2009

2009-10-03T21:20:00.001+09:00

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Guide: hk, Yoichi-san and Toru-san joining as observers
Guests: 3 couples from Australia, the U.K. and the U.S.A., and an Egyptian woman (total 7)

It was raining in the morning, but by 12:30 it had almost stopped. First came an Australian couple, then joined two more couples from the U.K. and the U.S., and we had an Egyptian woman joining us, too. She lives in Japan and studies here in Tokyo.

It was a relatively big group, so I am afraid I was not able to talk to each one of them. But it was nice to see them talking each other and enjoying themselves.

We really talked a lot; topics ranging from the new government in Japan, the Olympic bid (which was unfortunate for Tokyo), the Imperial family, religion, aging population, and so on.

As we were walking in the Wadakura Fountain Park, it started raining again. As we were about to enter the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the U.K. couple unfortunately had to leave partly because they did not have an umbrella.

The signboards explaining main structures in the garden like several guardhouseses, or Bansho, and the keep, or Yagura in Japanese, helped me a lot. After taking a short break at the resthouse, we started the tour again; by the time we went to see the remains of the castle, it had stopped raining and we enjoyed a nice view from there. Some tourists seemed to be interested in Toka-gakudo, a concert hall built commemorating the 60th birthday of the late Empress Kojun, the wife of Emperor Showa. In Japan we celebrate those who become sixty years of age, not sweet sixteen, but sweet sixty!

After the tour our guests walked back to Tokyo Station. Some of them were going to Ginza, others to Shinjuku. I hope everyone enjoyed our tour.

Reported by hk

Weekly Report / September 26, 2009

2009-09-30T19:13:00.002+09:00

Guide: Yasu and Mina
Participants: Swiss and Singaporean couples and Malaysian guy

It was a nice weather in this week as well.

We started our tour with Swiss couple and Malaysian guy and then Singaporean couple joined us after an explanation of the Tokyo station. They could not fine our meeting point but caught up with our group by an accident at soon. The Tokyo station is a little bit complicated because there are three gate each Marunouchi and Yaesu areas, outside and underground. I mean that there are twelve gates in the Tokyo station. In addition, there is the subway station near our meeting point. We recommend taking JR line and looking for the outside of the Marunouchi central entrance in the Tokyo station before exit gate.

We had many questions today. Singaporean asked "Were those trees here from ancient times?" We were not sure and had to check about it. Actually, there are several trees and flowers here and spread as the natural style of Japanese garden. It must be interesting. We learnt that some trees in The Meiji jingu came from Taiwan instead by Singaporean. Some traveler would like to visit to Nijyu-bashi Bridge so we tuned back from Hirakawa-mon gate to Otemon-gate, pass through Hakucho moat.

Reported by Mina
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Weekly Report / September 19, 2009

2009-09-22T14:26:00.000+09:00

Guide: Masa and Mina
Participants: Slovene couple and Canadian man

It was a beautiful day for walking today.

We went through the industry club of Japan as usual and visited Sannomaru-syozokan. Canadian likes a museum and have already visited to several museums in Tokyo. Then, we went to Honmaru lawn and Masa san described The Emperor’s responsibility in WW2, the relationship between The Emperor and the army and The Imperial succession problem.

When we climbed the foundation of the Edo castle, we pointed to the martial arts hall and Masa san explained that Madonna did her concert there, Michael Jackson did at a bigger music hall than the martial arts hall and he was stay for 40days or more in Japan as his first visit. Slovene lady seemed to be impressed by the story.

We did not go out from Kitahanebashi gate and walked to the Hirakawa-mon gate. Masa san recommends taking this tour route because it must be clear to understand the structure of the castle, shorter and more beautiful. We could not explain some Japanese words on the monument of the shape of a leek flower on Hirakawa-bashi bridge.

We leant a good explanation for a stone of the stone wall. It is better to translate a stone of the stone wall into block, not brick because it means a smaller stone. They were interested in the stone wall very much.

Reported by Mina
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Tour Report on September 12, 2009

2009-09-12T20:01:00.000+09:00

Date : September 12 , 2009, Saturday
Weather : Rain became Cloudy
Participant s ：3 people (1 Canadian male, 1 Austrian female and 1 Australian male)
Today's Tour Guide: Yasunori

I was afraid that no one came here, however, 3 people came and weather became clear up, it was comfortable tour in the result.
We started on time, walked through Gyoko Street guiding Maru Biulding and Shin Maru Building and viewed and explain its history of Tokyo Station from center of the street. (I recommend this spot)
Turned the right of the street and guided the industry club of Japan, Bank association, Wadakura Bridge, Wadakura Fountain park and the rest in order.
Since Canadian male wanted to drop out on 2:00 PM , we parted him at Hirakawa mon gate after guiding KitahaneBashi mon Gate and Hirakawa mon Gate. I guided the rest people for Japanese garden and San-no-maru museum, which showcased wedding clothes of Emperor and Empress, sometimes change its exhibits, has good reputation for female.
Additionally , it would be a good souvenir the complimentary brochure in there.

[ Primary Problem( I was confused) ]
1. What company is the biggest and how many employee they have.
2.Is it really that they marry among Royal family member?
3.How much do buildings, music and other culture be influenced from Korean?

[ E xplanations ( n ot be understood ) ]
As they asked me, "Does the shape of a roof of Toka-gakudo music hall figures a lotus flower?", I replied "it is clematis petal, which is a symbol of previous empress, Kojun."
But she asked me again, "You said Chrysanthemum?
I forgot to research the clematis petal. Is it so popular flower that almost all of foreign people know?

[ Problem ( Interesting ) ]
They asked me why did European culture influenced on Japanese building s and others.
They said that American one was similar to European, China is too huge, so they came to Japan aiming to see unique culture completely different from European one.
I explained the history of the procedure of Westernized and throw Japanese culture, and they were satisfied enough to my explanation.
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Weekly report / September 5, 2009

2009-09-05T10:28:00.000+09:00

I ran our free walking tour on 5th September. A person who lives in California came in the meeting point. We headed to the east garden. We talked something to go there. He takes the major of the Brain in his university. Sometimes he said some words in Japanese. So his professor is Japanese. When we arrive to there, I read and translated him the both books on the lawn. After then, I noticed he has a pollen allergy. He was hard on there while he listened to my story. Almost all Japanese have a same allergy. But normally it’s in spring. Someone sickens in fall.

From Yoichi
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Weekly report / August 22, 2009

2009-08-22T20:34:00.001+09:00

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Guide: Yoichi , Kayo , Satomi
Participants: a lady from England and a young couple from Canada

It was hot and strong sun outside so we took a rest twice during the tour.

The lady from England has learned Japanese a little so she asked me the name of the gates or buildings in the imperial palace again and again. On the way to the Ote-mon gate, she asked me the name of birds in the moat but I couldn’t answer it. It looked like duck.. if somebody knows, please let me know.

After the tour, I went to a fireworks display at the Futako-tamagawa. There are many fireworks display in summer. In Tokyo, the Sumida River Fireworks Festival is famous and one of the biggest fireworks displays in Japan but pretty crowded. The Futako-tamagawa Fireworks Festival is not much crowded and we can enjoy fireworks that are sent up from two places.

Reported by Satomi
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Weekly Report /August 8, 2009

2009-08-16T00:57:00.001+09:00

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This is the tour report on Aug. 8, 2009.
Three guides attended the tour:
Yoichi-san, Masa-san and myself.

Joining the tour were a couple from California,
another couple from Thailand and a family of five from Seattle.
It was a humid day, but unlike the previous day,
we didn't have much rain, which was good.
The temperature was not high either, for this time of the year.
We could hear the cicadas shrilling.
I didn't know that
they are not common in the West Coast of the U.S.

The view from Tenshu-dai was magnificent.
Tenshu-dai is the base of Tenshukaku,
the main tower of the castle.
Unfortunately the tower no longer exists and
all you can see today is the foudation of the castle,
but still you can have a feel of the great castle
back in the old days.

Looking forward to joining another tour.

Reported by hk
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Weekly Report /August 1, 2009

2009-08-16T00:09:00.005+09:00

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Sunny
dayparticipant：Female traveler from Ca, USA
Today's Tour Guide: Yasunori

I started to explain various objects from Tokyo Station in order,
dropped into "Sannno-maru Shozo-Kan" or
museum of Imperial Families collections,
to refresh in cool room.

When I explained family crest
(Mitsu-Domoe, Aoi Flower and Chrysansemum)
of tiles on the roofs of "Doshin Bansho" or guard house,
many foreign travelers come around me.
I wonder if I explained something interesting.

She took a picture of big stone in front of "Naka-no-mon Gate"
and said that her husband will be happy
to look this picture of stone because he is a geologist.
I intended to make her happier and explained that
"this stone is andesite," however she didn't understand
(I will appreciate it didn't due to my English skill.)

As we went through "Matsuno Ohroka corridor"
and reached to tea garden,
she asked me what was this round ones.
Those were seeds of tea, I answered
"these are berry of tea, seeds are in them."
She asked me again, "How do you drink this one?"
I explained that roast the young sprout,
then pour water and drink.
I wonder is it true?

Sorry, I failed in taking a photo, and I couldn't attach.

Weekly Report, July 25, 2009

2009-07-25T21:59:00.002+09:00

Weather: Sunny
Today's tour guide: Yasunori and Masa
Participant: one female reporter from Chicago, USA, who covers science

Today's participant was an intelligent and elegant mature person. Unfortunately, we couldn't go forward because of high temperature. So we went into Sannnomaru museum for enjoying cool air and observing wedding dress of empress. Enjoying cool air again in another rest house.
We used to read main story of Edo castle, however it was so hot that I read on the shady way to Tensyu-dai, base of main tower, Tensyu-kaku.
She said that she couldn't climb up such a steep slope under this scorching sun, but Tensyu-dai is high-light of this tour, so I persuaded her to go up, and she could be satisfied blowing comfort wind in the top of the Tensyu-dai.
Once, we went out through North Drawbridge, and entered again seeking to shady, walked to Hirakawa-mon Gate through "Archives and mausoleum" and Plum slope.
It is engraved on my mind that we have to know various routes in this garden, available to change the route depend on the weather.

Reported by Yasunori
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Weekly Report /18 July 2009

2009-07-20T15:28:00.002+09:00

I have to say that I am not a good writer.
If you do not understand my English, please feel free to ask me.

Today, we met up at the Tokyo station around 12:30pm.

I found Masa san wearing a Yukata at first.

He was really cool and outstanding!

I thought that was absolutely nice idea during Summer.

and

The weather was a little bit rain but it stopped raining soon.
Then Canadian guy appeared in a few minutes

US girls, Singaporean couple and Hong Kong girl was coming too.

They came to Japan as a short trip

except Hong Kong girl who was a business man.

They asked about this tour;

our volunteer group, the Imperial Palace, route, time and so on.

They also asked "Is there a nice shop or restaurant near here?"

I thought it must be better to search the information as well.

It was great experience for me to join the tour in this time.
Thanks a lot, Masa san, Yoichi san.

Reported by Mina

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【A roof of tile in 同心番所】

One of the travelers asked us "What design is that?"
When we looked at the point,

There were the crest of Tokugawa family; 「葵御紋」

and another one which nobody could explain.

I checked it after going back home and found 「三巴紋」

which is supposed to protect from fire and bring a good fortune.

Welcome to our Free Walking Tour

2009-06-01T19:32:00.051+09:00

We started this Free Walking Tour as volunteers from 28th June 2008.
Visitors enjoy the tour of the East Garden of The Imperial Palace.

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The Imperial Palace

There used to be The Edo castle in The Imperial Palace.
When the period changed from Edo to Meiji, Emperor's family moved from Kyoto to the Edo castle
and the name of the place was changed to The Imperial Palace.
Tokyo was damaged by the earthquake and an air attack in Would War 2
so most historical buildings were burnt down.

Some of them have been restored and
it remains the atmosphere of Edo period.

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How do we join the tour?...

Please come to the meeting point until 13:00 on Saturday.
Our volunteer staff is standing at the meeting point holding a sign "Free Walking Tour"

Meeting point : Outside the Gate of the Marunouchi Central Entrance in the Tokyo Station
Fee : Free
Day : Every Saturday
Time : 13:00-15:00

※　The Garden is closed on the following days, Every Monday and Friday
(open on Public Holiday except 23rd December), From 28th December to 3rd January

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The Tour Route
(It takes around 2 hours)

Start at The Tokyo station
　　↓
The Fountain Park
　　↓
The East Garden of The Imperial Palace
　　↓
Finish at Hirakawa-mon gate

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We got a permission from Japan National Tourist Organization

Japan National Tourist Organization

TOKYO SGG CLUB

Contact Us
info.freewalkingtour@gmail.com

We are looking forward to seeing you soon!

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