This Week in Tokyo – 16 April 2019

The latest edition of This Week in Tokyo – a review of the Maction Planet week that was and a look ahead to what’s coming up in and beyond the city. Check out photos from our tours and read insights into our explorations as we get under the skin of the World’s Greatest Metropolis, and beyond. This week’s edition is hosted by Mac, our Founder and Lead Guide. This week: Orange Tanuki; 163 days to RWC19; Fuji clarity; Reiwa lantern and Yaezakura too!

Featured image – Orange Tanuki: This is what happens when you feed a Japanese raccoon dog too much delicious Naruto Orange Soft Cream from the ‘Sumoto no Obento: Awajishima Sumoto City Antenna Shop’. ‘Nuff said.

163 days to RWC19: A few days less now, but on 10 April it was 163 days to go on until the Rugby World Cup 2019 kicks off on 20 September. I spotted this in Shiodome as I went to pick up Linda and Gary for an evening and two full days of exploration in the World’s Greatest Metropolis. Maction Planet has you covered for the tournament – touring, games, experiences, transfers… you name it, we do it. Get in touch with us to begin planning your perfect, personalised trip of a lifetime.

Fuji clarity: When I went to meet Linda and Gary on 11 April in the 25th floor lobby of the Park Hotel Tokyo I was greeted with this incredible view of Mount Fuji watching over Tokyo, positioned just to the right of the iconic Tokyo Tower. No filter required on this gorgeous spring day in the World’s Greatest Metropolis.

Reiwa lantern: Reiwa fever has gripped Japan as the country awaits the start of the new Imperial Era on 1 May. I liked this shodo Reiwa lantern at the Tokyo Marriott Hotel written by calligrpaher MAMI which I spotted while waiting for my guests Carol, Bruce, Christine and Alan. The four of them had just spent 4 days exploring Tokyo with the hand-picked members of my guide team before I spent their final evening in Tokyo guiding them around Shibuya and Shinjuku. Thank you to all our guests for allowing us to show them what we love about the World’s Greatest Metropolis.

Yaezakura too: The Somei Yoshino season is almost over in Tokyo but that doesn’t mean that the Cherry Blossoms are gone. Yaezakura is the catch-all term for cherry blossoms with more than 5 petals. They bloom around mid-April. Many of my friends prefer the yaezakura to its less showy cousin and the blooms are considered a symbol of strength. Personally, I love them all!

Maction Planet runs bespoke Private Tours and Experiences in Tokyo, and beyond. To book yours, contact us at info@mactionplanet.com

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