Special Edition No. 9, 10, 11 ■ Location: KSA Internatinal Tokyo Branch, issued on March 25 2010 7-4-25 Akasaka *Closed to public Gencho-an 1 Waraku-an 2 ■ Hours/fees: Tsukigama (monthly tea Shuso-an 3 Akasaka Kinryu 4 Akasaka Civic Center 5 Suntory Museum KSA International ceremony) Every 4th Thursday, 13:00 Oracle Corporation Japan –Tea Room– –Japanese Room No. 2– p.m.–17:00 p.m. (reservation required, My Town “Gencho-an,” named by the Grand Master of Urasenke at the time of the One street down from Route 246, look for the hanging lantern that says open to beginners and others); KSA culture Step into the headquarters building of Oracle Corporation Japan, directly This place has such a style, it makes you wonder if you are by the The “Akasaka Community Plaza” on Aoyama-dori (Route 246), fi rst and foundation of Suntory, which used to be a 4 1/2-tatami-mat size tea room “Waraku-an” behind the Canadian Embassy. This tea house was established class/experience courses weekdays, connected to “Gaien-mae Station” of Ginza Line, and take the elevator up Kamogawa River in Kyoto or in Okuhakone that was loved by many famous second fl oors are the Minato City Akasaka Regional City Offi ce and third to in Akasaka-mitsuke, was moved and extended now has more functional by KSA International, an international distribution company in Kyoto, with 10:00 a.m.–21:00 p.m. to 24th fl oor, and suddenly, you are in a total tranquility. The black wooden writers and artists of old times. Akasaka Kinryu was built by redeveloping fi fth fl oors are the Akasaka Civic Center, is the center of life and culture in and sophisticated Japanese feeling. It is a modern tea room with the urban the intention to promote the Japanese culture to the world. It meets a wide (Please inquire for details about tea room walls and green tea house garden make you feel like as if you are in the 80-year old prestigious well-established Japanese restaurant that Akasaka/Aoyama. buildings in the neighboring area in the background as component of the variety of user demands including services for local children and residents, tea rental, etc.) gloaming Gion, but with high-rise buildings in the background. had the tradition of “ichigensan okotowari” (meaning to “refuse fi rst-time “Japanese Room No. 2,” one of the Japanese rooms on the fi fth fl oor, is view designed by the world-class architect, Mr. Kengo Kuma. ceremony experience in English targeting the embassy workers, tea ceremony The tea room was built to offer hospitality for guests from inside and customers”). Akasaka Kinryu sets its prices lower in the hope of serving the tea room with the tea preparation area. The 16 1/2-tatami-mat size tea ■ Inquiries: Tel. 03-3505-8622, It is used for various purposes such as a lobby for the exhibition visitors, clubs of companies, lectures for group users, Japanese confectionery making Fax. 03-3505-8630 outside Japan and also as a relaxation space for employees to get to more customers and spreading the Japanese cultures. room rented with full range of equipment is popular among the users. Why green tea service, or for rental use. This room enriches the urban pleasures experience and incense burning experience. http://www.ksa.co.jp interact with each other. The practical modern architecture perfectly matches the private rooms don’t you visit this community-based tea room this fall. of art appreciation and Japanese tea Open the lattice door and prepare yourself in “Tsugi no ma” (the “next Email [email protected] Although it is not opened to the public, this place teaches us how a tea and shunga art on the ceiling. The two Chinese characters written with blue ■ Location: Akasaka ceremony. room”). Behind the fusuma sliding door awaits the soothing hospitality of tea house in the center of a city should be. black ink says “Shi Mi,” which means the ultimate level of taste achieved Community Plaza, 4-18- ceremony that blocks out the hustle and bustle of the city. Namboku Line, Tokyo Metro ■ Location: Oracle Aoyama Center, 2-5-8 Kita-Aoyama through hard work and effort. In the simple 3-tatami-mat size tea room, you 13 Akasaka ■ Location: 6F Suntory Museum, Tokyo ■ Inquiries: Tel. 03-6834-6666 (operator) will experience the ultimate spirituality.” ■ Hours: 9:00 a.m.– Midtown, 9-7-4 Akasaka Shinjuku Line, ■ Location: 3-17-2 Akasaka 21:00p.m. ■ Hours/fees: Green tea service (green Metropolitan Expressway ■ Hours/fees: For tea room rental, (please inquire with the tea and seasonal sweets) Akasaka State Memorial Guesthouse please inquire. Civic Center for further Picture Gallery Alternate Thursdays during exhibition Toei Oedo Line ■ Restaurant: 18:00 p.m.—23:00p.m. details) period, 11:00 a.m.–17:30 p.m. Bar: 18:00 p.m.—3:00 a.m. (closed ■ Event: Akasaka (reception until 17:00 p.m., no Central Loop Line, Metropolitan Expressway on Sundays and Holidays) Community Festival (held reservation required, closed when the Togu Palace Nagatacho Sta. ■ Inquiries: Tel. 03-3583-2033, on October 23 (Fri) and capacity is fi lled) THE “JAPAN” Moto- Fax. 03-3583-2045 24 (Sat.) 2009 Fee: ¥1,000 Capacity: 50 Akasaka (1) http://www.akasaka-kinryu.com ■Tel. 03-5413-2711, *Inquire regarding rental use. Akasaka-mitsuke Jingu Stadium Sta. Fax. 03-5413-2714 ■ Inquiries: Tel. 03-3479-8600, Moto-Akasaka (2) Fax. 03-3479-8643 Kita- 4 http://suntory.jp/SMA/ Aoyama ❸ Aoyama-itchome ❹ Akasaka (3) (1) Sta. 5 Akasaka (4) Kita- Akasaka Town Journal Regional Aoyama (2) Kokkai-gijidomae Sta. ©Keizo Kioku City Office Issued by: Akasaka Aoyama Town Journal Editorial Committee, Minato City Akasaka Aoyama Town Journal No. 9, 10, 11 Aoyama-dori (Route 246) Akasaka (7) Offi ce: Collaboration Project Section, Akasaka Regional City Offi ce, Minato City Circulation: 3,000 copies 3 ❺ Akasaka (5) Gaienmae Sta. Akasaka Sta. Minami-Aoyama 2 Tameike-sanno Sta. 3-chome intersection Minami-Aoyama (2) Akasaka (8) Kita- Minami- ❺ The Japan Aoyama (3) Gaien-nishi-dori Aoyama (1) Entsuji-dori (Tea Room) Akasaka (2) Akasaka (6) ❸Jingu Gaien Icho Namiki Tea Room Ryotei-style private rooms A samurai street turned into a modern street Minami- Entsuji Temple, which was at first built at the top of Sampunzaka Akasaka (9) Central Loop Line, The Perspective Aoyama (3) Aoyama Cemetery slope, was burnt down in a spreading fi re and moved to this area. You Gaien-higashi-dori Metropolitan Expressway Omote-sando ❷ A total of 146 ginkgo trees planted along both sides of Aoyama- Sta. Akasaka (1) will see the bell tower and stone stairway of the temple as you walk Nogizaka dori Street change their beautiful appearances from season to season Minami- Sta. down the corner of Gadelius Co., Ltd. All the way down to the bottom Aoyama (4) (verdure, yellow, green, and leafl ess). These lines of trees are planted 1 of the hill on the right side and in the very back, there is Suzufuri Inari to bring perspective to the landscape. In the autumn season when the ❶Takagicho-dori Minami- Shrine. This shrine, used to be in Igacho, Yotsuya, was moved to the Chiyoda Line, leaves turn yellow and red, the street is beautifully covered with the Aoyama (5) Tokyo Metro current location due to the order of feudal government. According (Kotto-dori/Antique street) Hanzomon Line, Tokyo Metro Roppongi Sta. carpet of fallen leaves. Keep walking with Shibuya in your back, Aoyama-dori with “Children’s to the historical materials, Tokugawa Ieyasu, at the time of Honnoji Ginza Line, Tokyo Metro The annual “Icho Matsuri (Ginkgo Festival)” at the end of November Castle” and “United Nations University” on your left, and “Aoyama Central Loop Line, Incident, was stuck on the road of Iga going back from Osaka to his ❶ Metropolitan Expressway that has many shops and booths is always ensure a great turnout. Minami- territory Mikawa but then the sound of bell coming out of nowhere Gakuin University” on your right, the street branches off to “Aoyama- [Gaien at Night] Aoyama (6) brought him to Kannondo where he met a monk to guide him back to dori” going straight at Aoyama 5-chome and “Takagicho-dori (commonly The area lights up at dusk showing a different kind of beauty from the Shibuya Line, Metropolitan Expressway Mikawa. Ieyasu built a Inari Shrine in order to honor this service. Such known as Kotto-dori)” going forward-right. Contrary to “Aoyama-dori,” day time. The lighting emphasizes the supple forms of trees and, in a ❹Hitotsugi-dori Minami- an old tale makes you feel like you might run into a samurai on this it is a two-lane street with much narrower sidewalks and lots of power Aoyama (7) rainny autumn day, the contrast between black asphalt road and yellow A festive town that used to be a geisha town poles. However, it is also an artistic cultural area with antique shops, street, but don’t worry. Today, the Akasaka Sacas stands on the south leaves takes your breath away. The stylish restaurant-cafe on the boule- Back in Heian Era, this area used to have a heavy traffi c of people boutiques, museums, authentic jazz cafe, restaurants and beauty salons. side of this street and the park facing the street is connected to the vard offers a pleasant space for a break with cake and tea after a walk. and horses and “hitotsugi” (=to transport the luggage of travelers from An old map tells you that this street used to go through the premise of cherry blossom boulevard of Akasaka Sacas by an elevator. There is * This famous date spot also attracts an endless stream of couples and town to town in a relaying manner by changing delivery persons and Edo shimo-yashiki of Takagi Mondo-no-kami of Tannan Clan, the former ❷ also a modern restaurant that specializes in tomato dishes on the corner Chojyamaru-dori people walking their dogs. horses) often took place here, which is the origin of the name. Kawachi-no-kuni. (Origin of the former name of the town.) of Entsuji-dori and Hitotsugi-dori. What an interesting name! In 1887, the farm pond was reclaimed and many restaurants and This block was expanded after the Meiji Restoration, utilizing the It is an off-street alley that takes you from the side of the avex geisha rooms were established. lands of feudal lord’s residence, attracting the statesman of Meiji Era to headquarters building through “Bochi-shita (Nishi-Azabu).” The area, after being burnt build their residences. There have always been some antique shops but Every town has streets. Akasaka/Aoyama It is such a small street that you can easily miss it if you are not care- down by the aerial attacks in Akasaka/Aoyama is the urban it became a very busy antique area with shops moved from Nihonbashi, fully looking. Our town “Akasaka/Aoyama” has 1945, was redeveloped quickly Kyobashi, and Shibatomoecho areas after the war. area with stylish modern buildings. However, this street has a very historic story. as there were important govern- It seems like there are less antique shops today but the boutiques, streets of varying size. In the Era of Kamakura/Muromachi, Nishi-Azabu was a big harbor ment facilities close by such However, one step into the back the Ohara Hall of fl ower arrangements, the stately bar in the basement area (Shimbashi and Shinagawa areas were still part of the ocean back Some of them have commonly used names as the National Diet Building Walking in Green of Nikka Whisky Building, and entertaining restaurants are creating then) and “Shirokane Chojya” and “Kogane Chojya (Shibuya Chojya)” and other public buildings alleys where Edo era’s samurai and a calm yet modern atomosphere. Walk further towards Nishi-Azabu but the origins and histories of the names had great power according to various historical sources including in Kasumigaseki. By 1955, to find Eiheiji Temple Betsuin townspeople lived and you can come “Kokyoki Edobanashi 1” published in 1687. From the residence of are not so well known. about 40 geisha rooms were “Chokokuji Temple,” where many “Kogane Chojya (Shibuya Chojya)” (present Aoyama 3- and 4-chome) established. Geisha girls in The Japan in touch with the traditional Japanese famous people are enshrined. to the harbor area (present Nishi-Azabu area) was the main street back We would like to introduce the “tales, geisha kimono style traveling Relish the atomoshphere while then called “Chojyagamaru-dori.” The name is passed on to us today the street on rickshaws grabbed cultures everywhere. walking on this street. along with the “Funamitsu Inari Shrine.” fates, origins and histories” of each street people’s attention who also (Tea House) Isn’t it interesting to fi nd a link between Aoyama and the ocean, and Let’s visit the tea houses seeking the and hopefully enhance your love for our called the street “Akogare- moreover, it still remains there after 7–800 years later?” “Japan” that still exists in Akasaka/ town. dori” (heart-throbbing road). Today, Hitotsugi shopping Street-by-street Aoyama. (Please understand that this article does not street is busy with many include all of the streets in the town due to restaurants for office workers limitation of space.) instead of Japanese-style ryotei Exploration restaurants.
MYTOWN2010Eng.indd 2 10/03/10 18:22 9 Gondawara-zaka Slope 10 Yagen-zaka 13th Jingu Gaien Icho Take a right at the corner of Meiji Kinenkan from Slope Aoyama 1-chome and you will be on the Gondawara- Due to the Yagen-zaka Over the seasons of Christmas, year-end Matsuri (Ginkgo Festival) Namboku Line, Tokyo Metro zaka slope lined with horse chestnut and tulip poplar Shinjuku Line, To Yotsuya trees. Walking up and down of the gradual slope will redevelopment, the area parties, and New-Year, we all eat and drink too Young leaves, green leaves, yellow leaves Station A and leafless trees–the appearances of ginkgo Metropolitan Expressway be a perfect relaxation exercise. around Akasaka Regional much. The cold weather makes us just want to Delicious foods City Office, from 4-chome Akasaka/Aoyama trees change seasonally, however, they are most from different At six thirty in the evening around Kyosai Kaikan, stay inside. One day, you step on the scale and beautiful in the period from middle of November places! Akasaka State you will hear a temple bell, and at seven, the bell of to 5-chome, was beauti- through beginning of December when leaves turn Memorial Toei Oedo Line Guesthouse St. Ignatius Church. Also enjoy the seasonal fl owers in fully renovated. It is now a k see the shocking numbers. yellow attracting many people to visit the area for Picture Gallery the hedge of Imperial Palace. soothing green environment Why don’t you try to stay healthy by walking in a stroll. Turning this season, the Ginkgo Festival Gondawara-zaka where you can eat your is held offering various booths and shops selling lunch and relax your eyes a the autumn/winter season? We know you would Exciting live Slope specialty goods and local products. Visit the performance Original tired from working in front Walking in character by street like to do that in a nice environment with lots of festival and enjoy a gorgeous autumn day. An-chan Central Loop Line, of computers. entertainers! Metropolitan Expressway Period: November 14 (Sat.) through Togu Palace s green. ■ Moto- December 13 (Sun.) 2009 Ginkgo Akasaka (1) Nagatacho Sta. So, the editors of this brochure went out and Tulip poplar Hikawa Park ■ Time: 10:00 a.m.–16:30 p.m. Plane 11 a Green searched for green spots in Akasaka/Aoyama ■ Location: Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Street and around Moto-Akasaka (2) This usually-quiet park gets Akasaka-mitsuke fountain pond Original areas. Connect these spots and ... here is the Jingu Sta. very busy around lunch time. Hinoki-cho Park Program: Booths and shops with local products character 13 ■ It-chan Stadium People from the offi ce buildings It is a spacious park in downtown adja- perfect Walking Course! Live performance by street entertainers on Aoyama-dori (Route 246) in the area come to have their k Saturday, Sunday and Holidays Kita- cent to Tokyo Midtown. This route may take you to unfamiliar areas Kita- Aoyama (1) Akasaka (3) lunch, read or take a nap to Inquiries: Meiji Jingu Gaien general affairs department, Walk through the area where children where you can make a wonderful discovery! ■ Aoyama (2) make their lunch break special. Tel. 03-3401-0312 Akasaka Regional are playing and dogs are being walked to a TK Minami-Aoyama City Office Kokkai- a sumptuous Japanese style garden. The Aoyama-itchome gijidomae pure atmosphere will clear your mind of the Building Sta. Akasaka (4) Sta. Yagen-zaka hustle and bustle of urban life. Walking in Akasaka Sacas Premise of Municipal Aoyama Slope peaceful green 5 Akasaka (5) 3 TK Minami-Aoyama Kitamachi Apartment Municipal Aoyama Gaienmae Sta. Akasaka (8) Akasaka (7) Akasaka Sta.
MYTOWN2010Eng.indd 1 10/03/10 18:21