twinchipmunks | Connect Japan and the world through Japanese spirituality｜ Japan Cross Bridge｜Tokyo

2021-04-162021-04-16

Japanese traditional Emakimono 絵巻物 scrolls and landscape scenery scroll

Making Emakimono style Japanese scenery painting art scroll

Emakimono style landscape Japanese scenery painting art scroll

Japanese EMAKIMONO style hanging scroll

First of all, what is EMAKIMONO??

Emakimono – “E” means “pictures”, “makimono” means “scroll” in Japanese.

Emakimono is a Japanese traditional horizontal scroll which tells stories with pictures.

From right side, we unroll the scroll to the left, and illustrations tell you Japanese narrative.

So Emakimono usually is a few meters long, sometimes even 20 meters long!

The oldest Emakimono that still exists is believed to made in Nara period, AD 710 to 794.

I made Emakimono style scroll with Japanese scenery painting.

To make this unique scroll, I used Precious Kimono silk obi belt for both ends.

It is woven with silk and making gorgeous patterns.

In the center painting area, I used white silk kimono fabric.

This white silk fabric is thin and soft, so I attached Special Japanese paper called “urauchi youshi”, on the back to make it stronger and harder.

This special paper has glue on one side and by ironing, I can attach this paper to the silk fabric.

I made this scroll with 2 meters long, so this can be hung on the wall in the rooms easily.

This Emakimono style horizontal scroll allows me to draw Japanese landscape scenery.

I really love to draw Japanese symbols, especially Mt. Fuji, Sakura cherry blossoms, Bamboo, and Koi fish.

Those symbols express Japanese beauty, and every time I draw them, I find myself being in love with them more and more.

In the past, I painted these symbols a lot on Usual Kakejiku hanging scrolls (Vertical scroll), but especially this horizontal scroll has enough space for me to draw all in here.

That’s what I wanted to make.

2021-04-102021-04-10

-ICHIGO ICHIE- ZEN spirit and Japanese tea ceremony

“ICHIGO ICHIE”(一期一会)

Have you ever heard phrase “ICHIGO ICHIE”(一期一会) in Japanese?

This is ZEN spirit.

It means, “once in a life time meeting”.

This spirit comes from the Japanese tea ceremony.

The Tea ceremony has a deep connection with ZEN spirits.

When I tried the Japanese tea ceremony for the first time, I was surprised that the tea ceremony has so many rules.

Before, I used to think the tea ceremony was just a simple act of making green tea.

But every single movement has to be done followed by rules, such as, which leg you use to step into the room with first, how you hold the tools, where you put your tools, in which angle you move your arms, and how you open the tea container, how you hold the whisk and how you stir, and so on…

It’s just about a process that takes only a few minutes, however there are hundreds of etiquettes.

I was overwhelmed when I took part in the ceremony.

Then I started to wonder, why there are so many rules…

The tea ceremony teacher told me this was because of “ICHIGO ICHIE”(一期一会) – “ZEN spirit.”

Tea ceremony is an occasion when you enjoy every single moment.

The people gathering, the weather, the place, the sound, every element gets together and makes it an unforgettable event.

There is the spirit of “OMOTENASHI”(おもてなし), meaning Japanese Hospitality in this ceremony.

To make the most of the moment with the greatest hospitality, the tea master tries to do her or his best of making green tea.

For example, purifying the tools followed by the rules, the tea master shows respect to the guests.

That is the reason why there are so many rules.

By following the rules, the best moment is made, and the guests and the master can experience a great “once in a life time moment”.

“ICHIGO ICHIE”(一期一会) teaches us that the exact each moment we meet with others in our life never comes back and only one time, so we should make the most of it and give our best hospitality with appreciation.

2021-03-282021-03-28

Cherry blossoms viewing cycling spots in Tokyo – Part 3

Tokyo Institute of Technology Ookayama campus cherry blossoms

Cherry blossoms viewing cycling spots in Tokyo – Part 3

In this Part 3, we would like to show you more of central Tokyo cherry blossoms cycling spots.

We have more Sakura cycling spots in Part 1 and Part 2 blogs, please check them too if you just found our blog for the first time!

First, Senzokuike park.

Senzokuike park is beside Senzokuike station, Tokyu Ikegami line.

This park has a big pond, with lots of Koi fish as well.

In one part of this park, there are many cherry trees.

It’s not in the wide area, but those cherry trees are close together and really gorgeous.

Second is Tokyo Institute of Technology Ookayama campus, in Ookayama.

This is not far from Senzokuike, probably about 10mins cycling from there.

Tokyo Institute of Technology Ookayama campus

And if you keep cycling from Tokyo Institute Technology Ookayama campus toward Toritsu Daigaku station, you will hit to Nomikawa Greenway street.

Nomikawa Greenway street has so many cherry trees all the way to Toritsu Daigaku station.

Finally, We would like to share the good cycling and cherry blossoms viewing spot.

It is called Kitazawagawa Greenway.

This is beside the small stream called “Kitazawagawa”.

Meguro river ends at Nakameguro, and after Nakameguro, it becomes to a few small streams, and this is one of them.

This Kitazawagawa Greenway goes from Toho university medical center Ohashi hospital in Ikejiri Ohashhi to all the way toward Shimokitazawa.

This greenway has two sidewalks, one for pedestrians and one for cyclists, so you can enjoy cycling easily.

2021-03-282021-03-28

Cherry blossoms viewing cycling spots in Tokyo – Part 2

Cherry blossoms viewing cycling spots in Tokyo, Part 2.

We would like to give you some more ideas for Cherry blossoms viewing cycling spots.

First Tamagawa river.

Tamagawa river is a wide river, runs between Tokyo and Kanagawa.

Alongside this river, there are nice jogging & cycling roads both sides all the way.

You can enjoy cycling as well as walking.

Second, Aoyama cemetery in Minato-ku.

Aoyama cemetery is located between Aoyama and Roppongi.

Very sacred area with lots of cherry trees.

Thrid, Sakura-Zaka street, near Tamagawa river.

This is not long, but gorgeous cherry blossoms, like the name shows.

Fourth, Rinshi-no-mori park, in Shinagawa ku.

This park is quite big, has lots of nature, not just cherry trees.

You can enjoy cycling or walking inside this park.

We will show you more Sakura viewing cycling spots in Part 3, next time!

2021-03-272021-03-27

The reason why cherry trees were planted

Japanese painting art Sakura cherry blossoms

The reason why cherry trees were planted.

Have you ever thought about the reason why cherry trees were planted?

In Japan, we can see so many cherry trees in everywhere.

Many of them are really old, few hundred years old.

An interesting point is, many cherry trees are planted by rivers.

This has a reasonable reason.

Ancient Japanese people planted cherry trees by rivers, so that many people would come and see the beautiful cherry blossoms.

They knew that many people visiting and walking there, would help make the soil harden, and help make the solid river bank.

So cherry trees were planted as a flood control measures.

Another interesting point is, that many cherry trees are in shrines and temples as well.

Shrines are Shintoism, and originally have deep relations with pine trees, but not with cherry trees.

However, people thought cherry blossoms’ gracefulness symbolizes the samurai spirit, and many shrines preferred to plant cherry trees as well.

Temples are Buddhism which has the deep relations with flowers.

They admired cherry blossoms as well as plum blossoms.

We cannot talk about Japanese history without the relations with temples.

Muromachi era, Sengoku era, around 13C to 16C, many temples already had cherry trees.

Famous Samurai and shogun enjoyed Sakura viewing “Ohanami” since then.

In Japan, people enjoy Sakura viewing “Ohanami” since ancient time, and this is a Japanese culture.

Many famous Sakura spots in Kyoto and Nara are in temples and shrines.

In Tokyo too, many famous Sakura spots are in temples and shrines, as well as by rivers, or near the water.

Ueno park, where many people visit for Sakura viewing, was once a temple.

Imperial palace is surrounded with moat.

Meguro river, Kanda river, Sumida river, Tamagawa river, Arakawa river, are all famous Sakura spots.

Our Japanese painting art Sakura cherry blossoms series

Our Sakura cherry blossoms jewelry series

2021-03-252021-03-28

Cherry blossoms viewing cycling spots in Tokyo Part 1

Tokyo cherry blossoms spots for cycling Part 1

It’s a cherry blossoms season!

The popular Sakura, “Somei-Yoshino” cherry blossoms are almost in full bloom in Tokyo.

There are many well known spots such as, Ueno park or Imperial palace, but we would like to give you some good spots for cycling as well.

The cherry blossom cycling spots we recommend are all close to the central Tokyo area, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Shinagawa. If you are in the central Tokyo area, please check out!

First, Meguro river.

Meguro river is getting really famous for cherry blossoms recently.

Meguro river runs all the way from Tokyo bay area Tennozu-Isle to Nakameguro and even further.

Many cherry trees are on both sides of this Meguro river.

You can enjoy cycling all the way alongside the river.

Second is Yoyogi park.

Yoyogi park is located just behind JR Harajuku station and is well known, yet very big with lots of nature.

There are cycling roads in this park, and you can enjoy cycling as well.

Third is Kamuro zaka Dori street.

This is near Fudo-mae station, Tokyo Meguro line.

From the bottom of this street, you can enjoy the tunnel of cherry blossoms as you go up the street.

After passing Somei Yoshino Sakura trees, dark pink Sakura “Kawazu Zakura” cherry blossoms appear.

Fourth is “Tachiaigawa Green Way” in Nishi- Koyama area.

Tachiaigawa Greenway street cherry blossoms

This street is not far from Kamuro Zaka Dori street.

It’s located near Nishi Koyama station, Tokyu Meguro line.

We will share more cherry blossoms cycling spots in the next blog, Part 2!

2021-03-052021-03-28

Bamboo forests in Tokyo – hidden bamboo forest spots

Tokyo bamboo forest Travel guide hidden spots

Finding small Kyoto in Tokyo – hidden Bamboo forest in Tokyo

Bamboo trees symbolize Japanese ZEN culture.

When you are in Bamboo forest, you feel very calm and helps you meditate.

Many bamboo forests are in Kyoto, or secluded area.

But you can find bamboo forests in central Tokyo too.

We would like to share some hidden bamboo forests in Tokyo.

If you are living in Tokyo, or if you visit Tokyo, you can experience small Kyoto in these small bamboo forest.

It is a good cycling day trip as well.

First bamboo forest is “Suzume-no-Yado Ryokuchi park” in Himonya, Meguro ward.

Tokyo bamboo forest travel guide Suzume-no-yado Ryokuchi park

Tokyo Bamboo forest travel guide Suzume-no-yado Rhokuchi park

This park has many tall bamboo trees and traditional Japanese style house.

The traditional Japanese style house is open from 9:30 to 15:30.

But bamboo trees area is open for 24 hours.

Second bamboo forest is “Roka Koshun-en Gardens” in Setagaya ward.

Tokyo Bamboo forest guide Roka Koshu-en gardens

Tokyo Bamboo forest travel guide Roka Koshu-en Gardens

It is located near “Roka-Koen station” of Keio line.

It is about 40-50 minutes cycling from central Tokyo.

This park is free, but open hour is 9:00-16:30.

There are lots of tall bamboo trees, cherry trees and a memorial house of a famous Japanese writer, “Roka Tokutomi”.

You can go inside this memorial house, which has Japanese old style, and very interesting.

Third bamboo forest is “Senzoku Ike” in Ota ward.

Tokyo Bamboo forest travel guide Senzokuike Myofuku ji temple — Tokyo Bamboo forest travel guide Senzokuike Myofukuji temple

It is located beside “Senzokuike station” of Tokyu Ikegami line.

There is a big pond with Koi fish, cherry trees and a shrine.

Beside this park, there is a temple called “Myofuku ji”.

This temple has small but beautiful bamboo trees.

Lastly, we want to talk about “Todoroki Keikoku” in Setagaya ward.

Tokyo Bamboo forest travel guide Todoroki Keikoku

This “Todoroki Keikoku” park is about 30-40 minutes bicycle ride from central Tokyo.

Or you can go there by train using “Oimachi line” to “Todoroki station”.

In there, you can enjoy nature here, with walking beside the river.

“Keikoku” means valley, and this is a unique small valley that you can experience in Tokyo.

This place has a temple and a Japanese garden area.

In the Japanese garden, there are some bamboo trees, plum blossoms and cherry blossoms.

Those places are bamboo forest spots that we discovered in Tokyo.

We hope you will add these spots to your “Tokyo explore list”!

Photos below are our Bamboo items.

Extra large landscape bamboo forest Japanese painting art wall decoration

Extra large crystal glass 3D miniature bamboo forest necklace

Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor bamboo

Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor Koi fish and bamboo — Japanese painting calligraphy art hanging scroll Kakejiku wall decor Koi fish and Sakura

Kakejiku style Japanese bamboo painting small wall decoration

Japanese calligraphy art bamboo hanging scroll

Please visit our Etsy shop for those items and more.

Etsy.com- JapanCrossBridge

2021-03-042021-03-28

Tokyo Sakura – hidden cherry blossom spots

Tokyo Sakura cherry blossom travel guide

Cherry blossom season has come!

It’s a little early for popular kind Sakura “Somei Yoshino”(It’s March 4^thtoday), but different kind of Sakura called “Kawazu Zakura” is already blooming in Tokyo.

There are lots of famous spots for Sakura viewing in Tokyo, but we would like to share some not-so-noticed Sakura spots in Tokyo.

These spots are in central Tokyo, so if you are living in Tokyo, or if you are staying in Tokyo, they must be easy places to visit.

Cycling to these places are fun day trips as well!

Today, we would like to share some places where you can enjoy early kind Sakura “Kawazu Zakura”.

Best time to visit for this Sakura is in February, from mid-February to late February.

First place is famous park in Shibuya, Tokyo, called “Yoyogi Park”.

This park is well known as popular “Somei Yoshino” Sakura, but there are some “Kawazu Sakura” too. If you visit there in February, you can enjoy these early Sakura.

Second Sakura spot is “Ebara shrine”, which is located beside Meguro river, near “Shimbamba station” (Keikyu line).

Tokyo Sakura cherry blossom spot travel guide Ebara shrine

Sakura here is another different kind called “Kanzakura”, and is the earliest Sakura in Tokyo.

You can see this Sakura starts blooming in early February!

Third spot is “Rinshi-no-mori park” in Shinagawa ward.

Tokyo Sakura cherry blossom spot travel guide Rinshi-no-mori park

This is a huge park, and just walking/cycling inside this park is also fun.

“Kawazu Zakura” trees in this park are big and very gorgeous!

You can enjoy having picnic under the cherry blossoms.

Next Sakura spot is “Happo-en” in Minato ward.

“Happo-en” is a luxury event hall for weddings and parties.

Tokyo Sakura cherry blossom spot travel guide Happo-en

This has a big and gorgeous Japanese garden.

You can go inside to see this garden for free.

This Japanese garden is worth visiting, having a big Koi pond and many precious Bonzai(Bonsai) trees.

There are so many “Nishiki goi” Koi fish swimming in the koi pond!

You can enjoy this garden in any season.

Lastly, we would like to tell you about “Todoroki Keikoku” in Setagaya ward.

Tokyo Sakura cherry blossom place travel guide Todoroki keikoku

This “Todoroki Keikoku” park is about 30 minutes bicycle ride from central Tokyo (Meguro).

Or you can go there by train using “Oimachi line” to “Todoroki station”.

In there, you can enjoy nature here, with walking beside the river.

“Keikoku” means valley, and this is a unique small valley that you can experience in Tokyo.

This place has a temple and a Japanese garden area.

In the Japanese garden, there are some bamboo trees, plum blossoms and cherry blossoms.

We hope you will add these spots to your “Tokyo explore list”, if you are planning to come visit Tokyo sometime in the future.

We will share not-so-noticed spots for “Somei Yoshino” Sakura in Tokyo soon!

Photos below are our Sakura jewelry.

You can enjoy your own cherry blossom in accessories.

Please visit our shop on Etsy, JapanCrossBridge!

Sakura cherry blossom jewelry on Etsy shop

Sakura cherry blossom ornament Etsy shop

2021-03-022021-03-28

Kakejiku style wall decoration – Fukuro obi belt

Fukuro obi Kakejiku style Japanese painting art Crane bird, Sakura, Koi fish

Fukuro obi Kakejiku style wall decor Mt.FUji Sakura Koi

Fukuro obi Kakejiku style wall decor blue koi and nishiki goi with Sakura

Fukuro Obi belts are precious obi belts for Japanese Kimono.

They are usually made with silk, having Japanese patterns.

Shiny silk threads create beautiful and gorgeous looks.

These obi belts can become gorgeous decorations by themselves.

Kakejiku style wall decorations using these Fukuro obi are made to enjoy their own beauty.

Small Japanese paintings are not the main stars here.

Gorgeous Fukuro obi belts are the main stars.

This Kakejiku style wall decorations have their uniqueness- with the combination of Fukuro obi and Japanese painting.

Fukuro obi belt Kakejiku style wall decor Koi fish and pine tree

Fukuro obi belt Kakejiku style wall decor Sakura and Koi

Fukuro obi belt Kakejiku style wall decor Koi Sakura bamboo

Fukuro obi belt Kakejiku style wall decor YOZAKURA sakura in full moon night

Fukuro obi belt Kakejiku style wall decor Mt.Fuji, crane bird, pine tree

2021-02-042021-03-28

Japanese Kakejiku – good luck item

Unique tiger & bamboo Japanese painting Kakejiku hanging scroll

“Japanese Kakejiku (Kakemono)“ -good luck item

“Japanese Kakejiku (Kakemono)” is a hanging scroll used to display and exhibit paintings and calligraphy art.

Traditional Japanese rooms usually have a “Tokonoma”- a special space (alcove) to display “Kakejiku”.

Most traditional houses used to have at least one Kakejiku to hang in Tokonoma.

Kakejiku has been a well-known cultural item in Japan for long time.

There are a lot of themes for Kakejiku.

Especially paintings have good luck meanings are popular.

“Sunsui ga” – Nature/ Japanese scenery of mountains, river, water fall, trees, rocks

These nature items have important meanings based on ZEN, giving us a relaxing ideal ZEN world.

“Seasonal flowers/plants” – To enjoy four seasons even inside the house, we choose seasonal flowers/plants.

“Tiger” – Tiger is believed to protect against misfortune and brings a good luck. Tiger’s eyes with glares are toward evil.

“Dragon Ryujin” – Dragon is called “Ryujin” and is a god in Japan. It is a symbol of promotion, and Dragon Ryujin going up to the sky has the positive and good luck power.

Mt. Fuji – the highest symbolic mountain in Japan, and being registered as a world heritage.

Mt. Fuji is well known as a sacred mountain. Especially red color Mt. Fuji in the red sunrise is believed to have the strong good luck power.

There are more themes for Kakejiku, and all have special meanings.

By hanging these good luck Kakejiku, the house and the people living there are protected against evil.