Retrograde: Another Look at Dazai’s Existential Angst
Toshiko Sakurai reviews a new book of stories, Retrograde, from one of Japan’s literary giants, Osamu Dazai.
Toshiko Sakurai
55 articles
Articles by Toshiko Sakurai
A Day Exploring Matsushima
A view worth traveling for. A view worth remembering. The honor of standing on the podium of the country’s greatest sights. How high should I place my expectations? Praised for centuries, Matsushima 松島 has been lauded as one of the great Nihon Sankei 日本三景, or the Three Views of Japan, alongside Amanohashidate in Kyoto and Miyajima’s Itsukushima Shrine Torii. The phrase first appeared in the 17th century, following a longstanding Japanese tradition of naming landscapes, and giving them a greater permanence in doing so.
Exploring Sendai: Tohoku’s Gateway City
Most travelers don’t come to Sendai by accident. It’s not wedged between headline destinations, nor does it sell itself with grand gestures. But give it a full day, and the capital city of Miyagi Prefecture makes a solid case for attention.
Retracing Kawabata’s Steps: A Literary Journey Through Izu
Human nature is indomitable. As pilgrimages were in the past something that reinforced our relationship with the most mundane aspects of the divine, now, in more secularized times, other kinds of pilgrims roam in wanderlust, inspired, perhaps, by the same...
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Sleeping on a Futon: Why do Japanese Sleep on the Floor?
For many travelers, one of the most unique and appealing experiences in Japan is sleeping on a futon 布団. This traditional Japanese bedding is often enjoyed when staying in a ryokan 旅館 (traditional Japanese inn) or a guesthouse, where washitsu...
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One Day in Kyoto: Essential Sights in Japan’s Former Imperial Capital
Despite the title of this article, the truth is that it's not exactly my intention to recommend seeing Kyoto in just one day. But sometimes the need arises when schedules are tight, even if no one wants to leave with...
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Fushimi Inari Taisha: The Most Fascinating Shrine in Kyoto
What first comes to mind when talking about Fushimi Inari Taisha, also known as Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine 伏見稲荷大社, is the iconic image of the endless row of red torii gates. But there is much more behind this iconic image....
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Ryuichi Sakamoto Albums I Want To Share With You
The queue snaked several times within the premises and extended outside, nearly around the corner, far longer than I anticipated. "I was kind of naive wasn't I?" I muttered to myself, resigned to the wait at the Museum of Contemporary...
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Sapporo’s Snow Festival: Sculptures, Ice Art, and Winter Magic
The hum of the elevator grew faint as it rose higher and higher, carrying me to the top of the Sapporo TV Tower. Through the glass, the snowy expanse of Odori Park began to stretch out before me, framed by...
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My Japan: My Life as a Travel Journalist
Hi everyone. Let me share a peek into my daily life for Voyapon readers as part of the My Japan series. For starters, I’m Toshiko, Voyapon contributor in Spanish and English. If you’ve been reading past installments, you might’ve spotted...
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Traveling Through Japan’s Medieval Heartland in Kamakura
Approximately an hour south of Tokyo, Kamakura feels like a world apart. This coastal city, cradled between forested hills and the sea, boasts a laid-back style that’s pretty much evident the moment you set foot outside the train station. Once...
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Von Jour Caux: The Architect of Otherworldly Dreams
"Ah, Barcelona! Olympic Games, Sagrada Familia." An almost unanimous chant uttered by many older Japanese people (old enough to remember the impact of Barcelona 1992) while making small talk, whenever I say I come from Barcelona. Usually heightened if I...
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Tokyo Daibutsu: The Hidden Giant Born from War and Earthquakes
If you ask the average Tokyoite about Tokyo Daibutsu 東京大仏 or Tokyo’s Giant Buddha, do not be surprised by the puzzled looks. You would think that being in the capital city and all, a sacred figure of these proportions would...
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Atami Shopping: Another Way to Experience this Famed Onsen Town
Uncover a treasure trove of local specialties and one-of-a-kind souvenirs in this charming onsen town’s shopping district.
A Love Letter to Atami, Shizuoka’s Legendary Onsen Town
At the zenith of Atami's heyday, it was the golden prize of your average corporate employee. A spa town so highly regarded since ancient times that the Tokugawa shogunate had servants tasked with bringing Atami hot spring waters all the...
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Kanban Kenchiku: A Time Capsule of Early 20th Century Japanese Architecture
In 1923, Tokyo burned to its very core. Live wires and kitchens flamed out of control as the trepidation of the Great Kanto Earthquake shocked the core of the nation. It wasn’t the first, and it wouldn’t be the last....
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Who are the New Faces on Japanese Banknotes?
Did you know that Japan is about to roll out a new set of banknotes very soon? This will be the first major redesign in 20 years, aiming to enhance security with the best of cutting-edge security features. At the...
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Understanding Butoh: Dance Born Out of Darkness
Butoh is an avant-garde dance that emerged in Post-war Japan that has captivated audiences worldwide. Here is all you need to know about it.
How Does the Japanese Education System Work?
Although the legal framework of the current Japanese education system dates back to the postwar constitution, most educational structures, which were inspired by Western models, had already been adopted since Meiji era, during a period when emphasis on public education...
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Enjoying the Beauty of the Fall in Isehara
Isehara City located in Kanagawa Prefecture's heartland, is a gateway to both history and nature, just a short journey away from Tokyo and Yokohama. It's a place filled with nostalgic charm and where we can find an interesting balance between...
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Sustainable Tourism Destinations Near Tokyo for 2024 – Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo and Kanagawa
As Tokyo's tourism industry has experienced a remarkable revival since last year, the principles of sustainable tourism, societal impact, and cultural heritage preservation have become more critical than ever. In light of the influx of visitors, it is essential to...
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A Journey of Discovery to Unveil the Charms of Shizuoka
In the heart of Japan, between the iconic Mount Fuji and the serene Pacific, lies the vibrant region of Shizuoka. An area often overlooked in the rush to more famous destinations, the area is a treasure trove of understated cultural...
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Yamanashi’s Water of Life: The Source of its Unparalleled Wild Game, Wines, Whiskies, and Sake
Water is the beginning of life, and there’s one place in Yamanashi prefecture where it flows from the holiest of mountains and the purest underground springs. Here, water flows into vast forests thriving with wild game and rivers teeming with...
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Into the Heart of Traditional Japanese Arts and Crafts of Yamanashi Prefecture
When traveling, many people may settle for the most trodden path while may find that the more fulfilling experiences may consist of immersing themselves in what makes a place different from home. Here, we offer some insights on what to...
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Koshu Inden, the Traditional Japanese Lacquer-Painted Leather Craft by Yamanashi Artisans
If there is one craft that is intrinsically related to Japan, it is Japanese lacquer. Before humans ever rode horses, the indigenous peoples of the islands of Japan were already using this exotic varnish in their artifacts dating as far...
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The Best Examples of Sustainable Tourism in Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, & Kanagawa
Sustainable tourism, societal impact, and culture and legacy preservation are crucial aspects of modern travel. As we explore new destinations and experience different cultures, it's important to consider our impact on the places we visit. As Japan’s borders recently reopened...
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Discovering the Beauty of Nagasaki’s Fukue Island
Fukue Island is the largest on Nagasaki’s Goto Archipelago. Discover with us its beautiful landscapes and fascinating history!
Todoroki Valley, A Nature and Mystical Haven in Tokyo
Legend has it that a deity appeared in a dream to a pious Buddhist monk to show him a sacred valley, blessed by an abundant stream of water — a mythical place where the protective deity was destined to be consecrated. When...
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