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Tokyo Neighbourhoods: The center

During a first visit to the city, we sometimes seek the "center" of Tokyo (东京) around the major stations of Shinjuku (新宿) and Shibuya (渋 谷), or sometimes in the "foreign ghetto" of Roppongi (六 本 木). They are however of recent urbanization. The district of Akasaka , would be a better candidate. But rather in the vicinity of the Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace that we will find the city's oldest and most interesting. The atmosphere and architecture are very different from the green spaces of the imperial palace to the tiny gargottes under the tracks of Yurakucho. The place is worth a visit on weekdays, when business people are present, and another on Sunday, when the streets are made for pedestrians and cyclists.

We begin by late afternoon in mid Sakuradamon Station (桜 田 门). Upon exit, we notice the huge moat of the palace of the emperor (皇居). Pine Forest takes a small mediterranean air at sunset. On the other side is the administrative district of Kasumigaseki (霞ヶ関), seat of the Japanese government. The former building of the Ministry of Justice (债务 所), built in 1895 by German architects (Boeckmann and Ende), then restored after the war, is just across the intersection. He now serves as a training center for the department. There are other buildings of this style in red brick, called "London Style": the inevitable Tokyo Station, and Classic Hotel ", and the building" Tokyo Bankers Club (东京 银行 协会) further north. The original facade was retained for the first floors, a modern tower was built above. The area of "Bankers Club is Otemachi (大 手 町). It is the seat of most Japanese media companies since 1957, when the government freed the land surrounding the occasion of his move to Kasumigaseki.

Sakuradamon Since you can reach Otemachi across the plaza outside the palace gardens (皇居 外 苑). The main plaza luxury of this space is indecent in a crowded city like Tokyo. The golden light of late afternoon is also good here. A complete tour of greenery can go through the Hibiya Park (日 比 谷 公园), a smaller version of Central Park New York, also surrounded by high buildings.

North of Hibiya Park, and south is the Otemachi business district of Marunouchi (丸の内). The word in Japanese means "inside the walls of the castle" so there are places that name in most cities that had a castle. Many daimyo, Japanese noblemen, had their headquarters during the Edo Era. After the Meiji Restoration, the land was bought by the company Mitsubishi, Marunouchi, and is now the seat of course many banks and traditional Japanese companies, some directly from the great noble houses. It is also best served the district: 11 of 14 subway lines in Tokyo have a break in the large square kilometer areas described here, in addition to very practical connections to both airports and the suburbs north and south the city. The architecture is stripped, resolutely square. The neon advertising PANELS, so common in other districts, are totally absent. The atmosphere is decidedly snobby: There's even a term "Marunouchi OL 'for female office workers of the district, the classic style but very elegant. "OL", or Office Ladies, means female employees in administrative and secretarial, sometimes with considerable responsibilities in the functioning of the company.

If the address is the most chic of Japan for an office, the district had a picture a little outdated and he blamed his lack of life until the mid 90s. Since a renovation plan was launched in 1996, major new buildings such as the Marunouchi Building or "Marubiru (丸ビル) were constructed. They gather, like all the new Tokyo Tower, offices and space "to live" with luxury shops and restaurants. The streets are no longer exclusively populated by "Salaryman," the Japanese employees of large groups, wearing a traditional black suit, white shirt and tie showing off a festival of gray and navy blue, their tone a bit somber face is called sakeyake (酒焼け), or "Tanned to alcohol," a consequence of decades of watered out with colleagues.

The most vibrant neighborhoods in Tokyo saw an international luxury hotel to be built, the "Park Hyatt" made famous by "Lost in Translation" in Shinjuku the "Ritz Carlton Tokyo" in the new round of "Tokyo Mid Town "at Akasaka . Marunouchi is no exception, with the installation of the "Peninsula Hotel", the famous chain of hotels in Hong Kong, near Yurakucho. The area also contains the prestigious Imperial Hotel " (帝国ホテル), one of three major traditional hotels in Tokyo (along the Okura and New Otani). I personally prefer traditional relaxing atmosphere often these institutions to their most typical Japanese design successors, especially as the New Otani Okura and others are often more affordable.

Let us now in the south around Marunouchi Yurakucho Station (有 楽 町). The Tokyo International Forum (東京 国際 フォ - ラム), a large modern building whose shape recalls a boat hull, certainly deserves a visit. For those who want to buy electronics, the "Big Camera" (ビックカメラ) near the station is as practical as Akihabara (秋叶原). Yurakucho has another face, with small restaurants Yakitori (焼 鸟), chicken skewers are best enjoyed in buveant alcohol, under the arches of the railway. The atmosphere is much more intimate than the large office buildings. Also popular walking a small hut at the foot of tall buildings offering of oden, a sort of stew, and where businessmen and bureaucrats bring a touch of warmth to their day.

On the other side of the railway line is Ginza (银座), or "coin silver", a reference to the workshop coinage that were there . This is traditionally the area of luxury clothing stores and accessories. Department stores are numerous. Mitsukoshi (三越) and Wako (和 光) are located near the intersection of Chuo Dori and 中央 通り Arumi Dori (晴海 通り). This intersection is the unofficial center of Ginza, the place where the postcards are made. It is also the business district showrooms. The most famous one, from Sony, is located on the crossroads of Sukiyabashi (数 奇 屋 桥).

night, the southern district, near Shinbashi, brings together the most fashionable hostesses in the city, easily recognizable in their evening dress. Westerners often misunderstand these facilities, which enable businessmen to discuss with gorgeous girls who sympathize with their plight without offering more intimate services. Damselflies best places to take their work seriously, and regularly potassent economy and business life to be sure to have the conversation. I bet that the subtle pleasure of discussing subprime hybrid engines or a girl caring and perfect forms is well worth the expensive prices of these institutions.

note, on a more classic, it's also a great place to find camera equipment used to eat sushi and (寿司), the fish market in Tsukiji (筑 地) is any close. It deserve another visit in the morning. Due to abuse, tourists can not go anywhere, but the atmosphere is worth the trip. The market will move on an artificial island Toyosu in 2012, and many fear that the unique atmosphere disappears in nouveaus premises, in addition to small merchants who can perhaps not afford the new rates.

Further south, the business district of Shinbashi (新桥), the oldest station in Tokyo, was an old image until a freight terminal RAIL be redeveloped into office area ultra- modern name Shiodome (汐 留). Some views of this relatively small area would not be displaced in a science fiction movie. The contrast is huge with the Tsukiji district, center of the huge fish market, located a few hundred meters, where the warehouses succeed in a friendly chaos. We will end this short journey in Shiodome, and discussed in future articles the many other interesting areas of downtown.

Some addresses

Tsubakiya Coffee (椿 屋 珈 琲) Tokyo, Chuo-ku, Ginza 7-7-11 Sugawara Denki Building 2-3F, 东京 都 中央 区 银座 7-7-11菅原電気 ビル 2.3 F tel: 03-3572-4949, open from 10:00 to 4:30 in the morning on weekdays and from 10:00 to 23:00 Saturday and Sunday: a tea quite expensive, but one of the best places to observe the locals. Coffee from 880 Yen (5.50 Euro), lunch options from 1100 yen (6.8 Euros). Since Shinbashi, take the "Chuo Dori" north and turn left at the first small street after crossing the highway suspended. The tea house is about fifty yards on the right ( http://www.tsubakiya-coffee.com/ )

Ginza Rengatei (炼 瓦 亭) 东京 都 中央 区 银座 3-5-16 Ginza, Chuo-Ku Tokyo Tel: 03-3561-7258, open weekdays from 11: 15 to 14: 15 (last order), and 16: 40 to 20: 30 (last order) and Saturday 11: 15-14: 15 (last order), and 16: 40 to 20: 00 (last order): A Japanese restaurant offering traditional western-classic deep-fried cutlets (カツレツ from 1200 yen - 7.50 Euros) at the Japanese steak and Home Rice (オムライス, from 1250 yen - 7.80 Euros). They say they are the best in town. The restaurant is located in the block opposite the store Matsuya (Matsuya), dans une petite rue parallèle à la Chuo-Dori.

Lounge Faro Shiseido (Shiseidou Faro), Ginza 8-chome, Chuo-ku Tokyo Ginza Shiseido Building 8-3 11F, Tel: 03-3572-3922, ouvert de 11: 30 à 23: 00 du lundi au samedi, et de 11: 30 à 18: 00 les jours fériés. Un café tendance dans un décor blanc futuriste, avec une superbe vue sur le quartier, tout en haut du showroom de la marque Shiseido. On peut y faire un déjeuner ou un goûter agréable (formule boisson patisserie autour de 1500 Yens - 9.30 Euros). Le restaurants Shiseido Parlour (Shiseido Parlour) au 4ème étage du même complexe est un des endroits emblématiques de ginza, et sans doute le seul endroit de la ville qui propose des currys à plus de 10.000 Yens. ( http://www.shiseido.co.jp/faro/ ). Situé sur l'avenue Chuo-Dori dans le sud de Ginza près de Shinbashi

Umai Sushi-Kan (good sushi intuition), Etage B2 (sous-sol), Karetta Shiodome 1-8-2, Higashi Shinbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 〒 105-7090 1-8-2, Minato-ku Higashishinbashi Caretta Shiodome B2. The branch of the chain Umai Sushi-Kan in the district offers sushi from 1500 Yen (9.30 Euro) 3000 yen (18.60 Euros) per person for a meal. open from 11am to 23h on weekdays, and from 11h to 22h holidays ( http://www.sushikan.co.jp/ )

It is recommended to use the Yahoo sites Gourmet http://gourmet . yahoo.co.jp / or Gunavi http://www.gnavi.co.jp/ to find a restaurant or bar (site in Japanese). The restaurants in Tokyo and often change an address is quickly outdated.

Menstrual Cycle Blood Clots

Receive Japanese Tea

Following

short article last month offering a few tips courtesy of the West to Japan, I collected suggestions for the opposite situation: the coming of your personal or professional relationships Japanese in the West. The situation is probably more difficult than a trip to Japan: it is no longer here just to learn to listen and adapt to the environment, but you must take steps to have the trip of your guests a success.

You probably will organize a meal for your guests. You may hesitate between receiving home and restaurant. A meal in your home can be an opportunity to show that you really appreciate someone you already know. If you live in the country, your host will be very impressed by the size of your garden, because land is expensive everywhere in Japan. You explain that the land is not always expensive in France, where you can often buy an acre non-buildable for a few thousand euros.

With someone you know little, I think the restaurant is preferable. The Japanese call little home, and sometimes cramped quarters that make any reception impossible. They might be embarrassed at not being able to go the same. I think it is best to avoid choosing a Japanese restaurant. Proposing to a stranger dishes of his own country is in bad taste. In contrast, a typical French restaurant and quality probably delight your guests. I recommend choosing a foreign table, the major Japanese cities are often better equipped in this area than France. Moroccan kitchens and especially the Lebanese, however, can be a good choice because they are not widely known in Japan and there are excellent facilities in France. By cons, if your host is here for several days, and has already chained local meals, it is possible that he wants to "rest" his stomach with a Japanese meal, and then it will probably hints in this direction. You take care when choosing a Japanese real table, not the sushi restaurant chicken skewers the neighborhood. the internet forums on Japan generally have updated information on good Japanese tables. Unfortunately, they are rare in the provinces, but if you're in Paris, the famous rue St. Anne near the Opera brings together institutions of all authentic standings.

Japanese are often gourmets, so you should select a quality home. You should not be afraid to choose a house known and predictable. It is preferable to a "good plan" uncertain or fashionable place where the glitter sparkle sometimes at the expense of the range. The Japanese enjoy a nice typical setting, for example, a beautiful room historic brewery, because it is rare among them. In Paris, places like La Coupole and Le Train Bleu impress. George Brewery in Lyons or the Brasserie des Beaux-Arts in Toulouse will be an unforgettable setting for your guests.

If your guests are probably interested in gastronomy, they may wish to try not too typical dishes of French cuisine, such as tripe, calf's head or sausage, and prefer a meat or fish more classic. It is quite surprising, but most Japanese do not eat raw oysters. The strong meats, such as game, lamb or goat are not appreciated by all, will therefore be to ensure that the restaurant also offers beef, pork or poultry. Some Japanese can not do without rice, you may prefer a facility that serves at least one dish with rice. Many men do not like wine, it is desirable to choose a place where a meal the beer will not shock. The cheeses are variously appreciated, you can suggest, but do not insist if your guest abstains. In particular, goat cheese and sheep are sometimes too exotic for the Japanese palate.

You book the restaurant in advance, it would be churlish not to find a table on arrival. If your guest arrives just in Japan, it is best to dine early because it will be tired by the time difference. It will not be shocked if you start table 19h or even earlier, which is common in Japan. It will polished on the same day to ensure that your guests can visit the site. Would be best to pick him up at his hotel, or take it right out of the office. This does not necessarily speak English very well, probably not French, and may be frightened to take the subway or the taxi itself. If this is not possible, you can make booking a taxi on a map and the final address, or even buy a subway ticket to your host and explain the route. Once at the restaurant, take care to explain the dishes to your guests, our chefs often formulations obscure to their dishes: a simple steak mashed sometimes turns into a surrealist poem on the menu. You can also, if your guest wants him to choose a menu yourself, making sure it suits him. You also explain to your calls on the French custom of eating meals in succession, as they are often served together in Japan. The portions are smaller in Japan, you do not offend you if your guest can not finish the dishes. Some Japanese men like little desserts, while women in general rafolent. In all cases, you will ask your guests if they wish to complete on a smooth or go directly to the cafe. You will ensure that the glass of wine of your host is always fulfilled, or ordering new BOCS beer. The Japanese do not know the French rule that you wanted does not have water, you can also fill the glass of water in your guest.

You will ensure throughout the meal a pleasant conversation with you adopting the personality of your partner: if you know him a center of interest, you can start the conversation on the subject. It is also possible to ask him questions about Japan, to show him that you care about his country. You can also quickly explain the history of the city where you are, and visits interesting if a little free time. It is perfectly acceptable to discuss the work, but this should not be the first talk of the meal. Your host will probably have much more freedom of conversation that service to address his work. In all cases, you will see to let your guest, and not too try to impress him with your intelligence and your culture, what would be considered vulgar. You also make judgments or opinions with a certain reserve, and of course accept that the view from your host may be as valuable as yours. In case you invite someone of the opposite sex for a business meal, I highly recommend the ambiguous attitudes that may resemble the dredge, which may put your host very uncomfortable. If you have any views you impress anyway being slightly more distant. You might be aware that this is often the woman who, through subtle hints, signals its desire to go further.

A small gift will be very personal pleasure, it is common in Japan. You can offer a nice pen, or a grocery product thin, like a box of foie gras or tapenade. A good bottle will always be happy, and again, do not be afraid of the classics. The packaging will be at least as important as content. I think it is better to avoid offering a tie, but if you really want, choose soft colors and classic. A woman will always appreciate a good jam or chocolate. At the end of the meal, there is obviously no question of sharing the bill, nor to praise its importance. You will get up to go to the bathroom at the end of the meal and you pay at the counter quietly. After dinner, if your guest has more energy, you can take it a drink in a comfortable place, such as a hotel bar. This corresponds to the principle of "nijikai" Japanese, and will be a special moment for confidences. The evening ended, you will ensure that your Japanese host does go back to his hotel in the door with them or at least indicating the taxi's destination address.

You may have to arrange some sightseeing for your Japanese knowledge: they may wish to see the classic sights, and are often very knowledgeable. Do not be surprised if they ask you to go to Eze, Rocamadour or Perugia. You can also make them spend time taking them very pleasant aperitif on the terrace of a cafe in point. A visit to the market is also a good idea because they are rare in Japan. You can also delight your guests by taking them in a beautiful place in the country: they will be impressed by the great outdoors and animals in the fields. In all cases, your guests will want to find souvenirs for their friends and relations: so plan a visit to a shop properly, crafts and local specialties, with enough time for them to make their purchases.

This article ends a small series of etiquette tips, but also in working with Japanese . These are obviously generalizations, but I think they may be useful in most situations. Others will have different experiences from mine, and will offer you slightly different recommendations. You will win obviously take several opinions on a subject. In all cases, you should adapt to the situation by making optimum use your sensitivity and your common sense.

Chichi-kaméhasutra

France, pines and a beautiful volcano in Japan

Located between Tokyo and Nagoya on the fertile Pacific coast of Japan, Shizuoka (静冈) is the nineteenth stage of the historic route of the Tokaido (东海 道) connecting Edo (江 戸, now Tokyo - 东京) in Kyoto (京都). The excavations at the archaeological site of Toro (登吕) have reached a complete village with paddy fields, a sign of human occupation dating back to antiquity. More recently, the castle Sunpu (骏 府城) hosted the 16th century as hostage the young Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳 川 家 康), unifying the country's future, which also chooses the place as a retreat after his abdication. Today is a dynamic city worth visiting for its exceptional and gastronomic products.

The modern city has 700,000 inhabitants, ranking it among the top 20 Japanese cities. It is well served by modern transportation, the service Hikari Shinkansen quick stop there every hour. The center is located near the train station in Shizuoka, and brings together businesses, offices and hotels, as well as the site of castle Sunpu, now a garden. Tokaido train line also stops in the suburb of Kusanagi and the port of Shimizu. A small local train (Shizutetsu 静 鉄) also connects the city center (guard Shin-Shizuoka 新 静冈) at the port of Shimizu (Shin-Shimizu Station 新 清水). The people you specify with a hint of pride that this is not the smallest train in Japan since it has two lanes on the entire 11 km of the line, and that it is served by a Trains run every 5 minutes during rush hour. The city has a long tradition of manufacturing of toys, it is the seat of Tamiya, a manufacturer of plastic models experienced modelers worldwide.

Shizuoka is an interesting stop on the journey from Tokyo to Kyoto. The site is remarkable, and it is also the mildest climate in Japan. Shizuoka City is bounded on the west by the river Abe-kawa (安 倍 川), and north by the foothills of the Southern Alps (南 アルプス). The center was built in Shizuoka autout Castle Sunpu unfortunately destroyed at the end of the Meiji Era, and located just north of the station. The site is worth visiting for the stunning view from the top floor of the prefecture (OA) and the beautiful garden which also offers a traditional tea ceremony pavilion. A wing of the castle and the main gate were reconstructed according to traditional methods, and the moat are well preserved. The center extends to the foothills of Shizuoka Nihon-daira (日本 平).

Nihon Daira, one of the 100 most beautiful sites in Japan (観 光 地 百 选) is an undulating plateau covered by forests sombtueuses views of Mount Fuji (富士山), with the Port of Shimizu in the first- plan. The famous volcano is located just twenty kilometers. So from outstanding sites in Shizuoka we have the best view of this symbol of Japan.

A cable connects the top of the Nihon Daira to sancturaire of Konuzan-Toshogu (久 能 山东 照 宫) located overlooking the edge-sea It was built just after the death of Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1617, in a colorful style close to that Nikko which agrees well with the lush vegetation of the place. The coastal road (Route 150) is a very pleasant way to reach Shimizu. The port takes advantage of the natural bay sheltered by the peninsula of Miho (三 保 半岛). It is famous for the beautiful pine plantations on the beach of Miho Matsubara-(三 保 松原) with course superb views of Mount Fuji. The Port of Shimizu has been sympathetically renovated around the "Dream Plaza, a modern shopping center. Port by the Ferry to You, a small port on the Izu Peninsula (伊豆 半岛).

The climate of the Shizuoka region's reputation of being the sweetest of Japan. Excellent land in the region are famous for tea, one of the most famous of the country. Many fields on the mountainside located on the banks of the Abekawa, and the slopes of Nihon-Zaka (日本 坂), west of the city. Wearing Shimizu was the first country's tuna fleet, and the port of Yaizu (焼 津), just west of Abekawa is also an important fishing center. Sushi restaurants in the city always offer a quality fish. There is even a museum of sushi in the "Dream Plaza in Shimizu. The city also produces tuna preserved in miso. The sea is generous because of Suruga Bay (骏 河湾) produces an abundance of Sakura-ebi (桜 海 老), delicious fried prawns, which are also made semba (puffed rice crackers). The season is in April and November. The Shirasu, young Shrimp are also excellent taste. If we went into town in early spring, from February to early April, you can also enjoy "Ichigo-gari (苺 狩り) in strawberry fields along the road between the sea and the Nihon-Daira . This is a meeting of "cutters will" to pick directly into the plantation.

Ideally located, the city of Shizuoka is an excellent step Epicurean between the region of Hakone / Izu and Nagoya. Arrival by ferry from You will be unforgettable in good time.

You can continue Read the Izu Peninsula nearby, one of the most beautiful places in the Japanese coastline.

Practical details

Access Shizuoka: the Tokaido Shinkansen Hikari from Tokyo (1:03, 6380 Yen, 40 Euros), or Shin-Osaka (1:50, 10,780 Yen, 67 Euros), 1 train every hour; By road: Motorway Tomei, Exit Shizuoka Shimizu IC or IC.

Access Shimizu: the Tokaido line from Shizuoka Station: 10 minutes, 230 Yen (1.40 Euro) per line Shizutetsu from the station of Shin-Shimizu: 20 minutes, 290 Yen (1.80 Euro).

Access Miho: lines 57/58 (Miho Yamanote Line Company Shizutetsu) from Shimizu station or the "Dream-Plaza" station "Miho Matsubara-Iriguchi (三保 松原 入り口), a bus every ten minutes.

Access Nihon Daira: line 42 (Nihondaira Line Company Shizutetsu) from Shizuoka Station (platform 13), one bus per hour on weekends, 4 buses a day during the week off at the terminal.

Access Toro: line 10 (Ishida Kaigan) from Shizuoka Station (platform 4), station ToroIsekiIriguchi (登吕 遗迹 入口).

Cableway Nihondaira (access to the temple of Kunosan-Toshogu: a cabin every 15 minutes and 10 minutes during peak hours, round trip 900 Yen (5.60 Euro), Yen 500 Yen (3.10 Euro) for one-way.

It is much more convenient and often cheaper to have a car to visit the region.

Links

Toshogu Temple ( http://www.toshogu.or.jp/ )
Cable Nihon-Daira ( http://www.shizutetsu.co.jp / park / guide.html # ropeway )
hours bus company Shizutetsu ( http://db.shizutetsu.co.jp/bus/ )

A sushi restaurant extraordinary Shimizu: Suehiro Sushi (末 广 鮨): lunch from Yen 2,000 (13 Euros), dinner from Yen 8,400 (53 Euros), phone: 054-366-6083 (〒 424-0815 静冈 市 清水 区 江 尻东 2-5-28), 5 minutes walk from the station Shimizu, open from 11: 30 to 22: 00, CLOSES Wednesday.