"Setsubun" and Plum Blossoms

On Februery 3rd, the "Setsubun Festival" will be held in many shrines in Japan.
"Setsubun" is the day before beginning of spring according to the lunar calender, literally means "the day between two seasons".

Here in Misaki-jinja Shrine, the shrine priest throw beans hoping for a good fortune and drive away an evil spirit.

Under the shrine building, many people reach their hands to catch those beans which are their lucky fortune and happiness for this year.

In the middle of February, the plum trees start blooming and we Japanese realize that spring is coming very close.This is Yushima-Tenjin Shrine which will hold its annual plum-blossom festival from February to March.

You can enjoy many colors of plum-blossoms.

Also, Koishikawa Korakuen, one of the surviving edo period garden in Tokyo, is very famous for plum-blossoms.

Yushima-Tenjin Shrine

Around 30min. walk from the Hotel

Koshikawa Korakuen

Around 15min. walk from the Hotel

.

Great Night Views of Tokyo

This is a night view of Tokyo from the 40th floor observatory of World Trading Center Building at Hamamatsucho. The weather condition was best for photographing this day that we were able to see a sunset beyond Mt. Fuji.

Close-up of Tokyo Tower and the direction of Roppongi. ( This photo is taken by telescopic lens.)

This is a night view of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower from Odaiba.The Rainbow Bridge is specially illuminated in rainbow color until January 6, 2013.

At last, this is a Tokyo Gate Bridge accross the Tokyo Bay which was just opened on February, 2012.

Tokyo is now in the best season to see night views with many glittering colors of lights and illuminations.



From Hotel Niwa Tokyo to World Trading Center Building, Hamamatsucho
JR Suidobashi (Sobu Line) -> JR Akihabara (Change to Yamanote Line or Keihin Tohoku Line) -> JR Hamamatsucho


.

Tokyo Station

The rebuilding of the Tokyo Station has been completed this October. Now it looks just the same as it was in 1914.

The night viewing of lighted up building is also very popular these days.

This is a North Dome.
There were many people taking pictures when they stop at the traffic.

It has a strong presence even if it is surrounded by modern tall buildings. You can imagine how it was magnificent 100 years ago.

Inside dome's ceiling is bright yellow colored with gorgeous and elegant design.

There are sculptures of eagle and oriental zodiac signs which you can see the tiger on the left side and the dragon on the right side of the picture. In the middle is a sculpture in the motif of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's helmet, who is a military commander of 16th century in Japan.

.

Premium Room

There are five types of guest room in Hotel Niwa Tokyo. Today we'd like to introduce our "Premium" room. "Premium" is a 36 square meter size room with two beds.

There is a living room space with sofa and reclining chair with ottoman, besides bed room space.

 You can also enjoy watching TV in a Jacuzzi bath.

Bathroom amenites are stored in a boxes for the guest.

Keurig coffee brewer has been set in the Premium room from yesterday.

The brewer is only for Premiun room. Six capsules are complimentary and additional will be charged. You may enjoy coffee or tea witch ever you like.

.

Christmas Tree

Christmas tree has already appeared in Hotel Niwa Tokyo 's lobby.

The tree is decorated by flower artist Mr. Hiroki Maeno. We look forward to see Maeno-san's Christmas tree every year.
Maeno-san says this year's decoration theme is "Happy Bloom Tree", which expresses happiness bloomig like a flower in every one's heart.

The tree will be displayed at the lobby until December 25th, Christmas Day.

.