Chuo-ku Tourism Association correspondent blog

Hello. This is a new correspondent, Hanes.
In mid-February, I heard that there was a special exhibition that I could not miss for British lovers.
I went to a very quaint gallery in Ginza.
The gallery is a senior correspondent Gimini. ☆Mr. Cricket (2016, 2017, 2018) and Mr. Usako of Tsukuda have also been introduced.
MUSEE GINZA was created by preserving and regenerating modern architecture (retro building) built in 1932!


The entrance is on the left side.

The details of the building itself can be found in the article by Usako Tsukuda, so this time I omitted it.
I would like to introduce you from the places you care about inside the building.

■Entrance to stairs
First of all, press the intercom to open the door.
On the left side of the door is the Palnas Vienna interior, filled with the charm of the Vienna Separation, displayed in the showcase.
And on the wall next to the elongated stairs that stretches in front,
It is decorated with postcards (Sansanmabori, Cafe-Heyday, Occupation Ginza, etc.) that show the state of Ginza for the 90 years that this building has walked.
Each time you climb the stairs, rare historical materials make time slip.



Also, because it is a building in the early Showa era, I found an old Kyobashi Tax Corporation Member Securities in the middle of the stairs!
There are several buildings built in Ginza at the same time.
Even though the exterior is retro, there may not be much left from the time.
Therefore, these casual things are actually rare.



■Observation and Experimental Space
When I visited the gallery, there was a customer who had an aesthetic eye.
We had you show the rooftop before the exhibition.



Normally, the rooftop of buildings is not open to the public.
It seems that installations and performances are also experimentally performed here.
It is a valuable spot where you can see Showa-dori from an open space.



■Special exhibition "The World of British Theater Architecture THE WORLD OF BRITISH THEATER"
After enjoying the rooftop for a while, go to the long-awaited exhibition.
In this exhibition, we will focus on the goodness and historical axis of British theater architecture that flourished at the West End.
On display are 16 copperplate prints excerpted from ancient books that convey its history (published in the early 19th century).


(Photo courtesy of MUSEE GINZA_KawasakiBrand Design)

The British theater, which is the theme this time, has been updated with the times.
Young people in Japan also visit theaters.
It can be said that traditional Japanese performing arts still have little support from the younger generation.

In addition, it is difficult to use old buildings that have once finished their role in Japan as they are.
It is often demolished and reborn as a new building.
However, Rikihiro Kawasaki, who bought this building, updated the architectural space like the British theater.
We have succeeded in preserving and regenerating the building by giving a new role by taking advantage of the land of Ginza.

In this way, this exhibition is linked to Mr. Kawasaki's idea of preserving the building.
It is said that it is actually used at the subway station in London for this exhibition.
We obtained Stair Nosings (Stair Nosings) from AATi in the United Kingdom, which will be adopted for the first time in Japan, as a custom order after six months of negotiations.
I was surprised because it was installed on the stairs by myself.
This may be because it was originally a construction company in Kyushu.
This hardware is often used in British theater architecture, and one of the highlights is the attention that shines in such details.



And I'm interested in the exhibition, as shown in the figure below (The New Theatre Royal in Hay Market in 1821).
Some of them have a gorgeous and glittering British theater, but that's not the only one!


(Photo courtesy of MUSEE GINZA_KawasakiBrand Design)

You can see the uniqueness of the era, British culture, and architectural elements everywhere in the illustrations, so your imagination just expands.
For example, this illustration depicting the choir of St Saviour's (January 1, 1814 Robert Wilkinson published).
I get the impression that the clear hymn is echoing throughout the church, but if you look closely at the details, you will find it even more interesting.


(Photo courtesy of MUSEE GINZA_KawasakiBrand Design)

(The upper part of the photo) Near the ceiling of the pointed arch, which is unique to the Gothic style, is decorated like roses. ：You can see ribs (reinforcement members provided at key points such as board materials to increase the strength of steel structures, and decorations attached to intersections of "ribs").



(Lost left in the photo) Sculpture decoration like an angel
(lower right of the photo) like the Royal Standard

I will omit the details, but in English church architecture, in addition to the distinctive style and stained glass, which are often seen in the eyes.
In this detail, "What is this?" There are charms such as "I'm worried!"

And Mr. Kawasaki says, the most pessimistic work in this exhibition is.
It depicts Drury Lane Theatre, which was fired on the night of February 24, 1809.
At times when evacuation methods and time required for fire extinguishing were different from modern times....
How did the people around you evacuate and what kind of sight did you see?...
I think you can know that from this illustration.


(Photo courtesy of MUSEE GINZA_KawasakiBrand Design)

The old books handled this time were published by the publisher of Robert Wilkinson (1768-1825), who created the map.
Check not only the illustrations depicting the theater, but also the map.
You can see the records of the fire and where and what occupations lived, so it's interesting to see it.


(A PLAN OF THE FIRE IN BISHOPGATE STREET, part of CORNHILL AND LEADENHALL STREET.)

And this exhibition can also be purchased!
Unlike ordinary antique illustrations, it can be purchased at a very affordable price.
It's also surprising that three illustrations were sold only on the day of the visit.


(Photo courtesy of MUSEE GINZA_KawasakiBrand Design)

I can't introduce all the works on this blog.
You can see old British illustrations that you don't usually see easily.
It's also nice to be able to shoot in the gallery like a British museum.

<Aside> Adolf Loos
Designed by Loth, famous for "art is guilt" (i.e., "progress in culture is to eliminate decoration from daily necessities"), Cafe Muséum is characterized by simple interiors.
The gallery also displays a rare chair with a design similar to the Muzeum chair that was there (available).
This Loth's thought sounds somewhat radical,
It was so simple that some buildings were pointed out by the authorities because they were too simple....
But he later became a pioneer in Modernism architecture, and now he has become Vienna as a representative of the architectural world.

I'm not very familiar with art, but I saw a chair about this cafe Museum.
I feel like I was able to understand a little bit about MUSEE GINZA's vision and stance.
As I mentioned earlier, it is difficult to enter a gallery that does not face the road surface.
I think there are times when I don't notice what is happening in the first place.

However, as you can see in the gallery name, you feel like going to MUSEE (Museum).
I felt like it was an open space where everyone could enjoy art.
And the uniqueness of “MUSEE (Museum)” that appeals to the sensitivity of visitors is the essence of “MUSEE” that appeals to visitors.
It is an art-sensitive land called Ginza, which is embodyed while being updated!

This exhibition, which the owner Kawasaki was particular about, will be held until March 17th.
Please drop in if you are near you.

■MUSEE GINZA Special Exhibition "The World of British Theater Architecture THE WORLD OF BRITISH THEATER"
Venue: MUSEE GINZA (Kawasaki Brand Design Building, 1-20-17 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
Date: February 6 (Wednesday)-March 17 (Sunday), 2019 11:30-17:30
Closed: Mon/Tues
Admission fee: Free of charge
Official Website: https://kawasaki-brand-design.com/

※We have received permission for photography and introduction from MUSEE GINZA Kawasaki Brand Design Co., Ltd.

Hello. This is a new correspondent, Hanes.
The other day, I went to the special exhibition Edo lottery "Wealth"-rich, dream of common people-a special exhibition held at the Money Museum until February 24 (Sun).
Photos cannot be posted inside because photography is prohibited, but photos cannot be posted.
If you are interested in the exhibition, please check the link above.



By the way, it is a familiar lottery for those who have taken the Chuo-ku sightseeing test, but it is a familiar lottery.
Let's check what it was based on "Chuo-ku Monoshiri Encyclopedia that can be seen on foot"

■What is Edo's lottery performance?
・Major outbreaks during the Hoei era (1704-1711)
・The purpose is to pay for the renovation of shrines and temples.
・In 1842, it was banned by the reform by Tadakuni Mizuno.

I am vaguely thinking that it would be a lottery-like betting because it was just a "rich lottery".
I didn't dig any further, though
When I saw this exhibition, I looked a little bit about what I was interested in.

■There was no "he" group!
One of the exhibits this time was the "Wealth Number Book".
This event was held at the lottery performance held in Yagamura, Ashigara-kami-gun, Sagami in 1862.
This is a book with a copy of the name and number of the issued wealth bill.

The commentary states, "In the order of Iroha, 10 sets, from" I "to" ru "( lacking" he "), and 100 pieces of each group, a total of 1,000 pieces of wealth bills were issued."
"Why do you lack 'he'?"
At that time, the first thing I came up with was the Edomachi fire extinguisher group introduced earlier.
Here, there are no He / La / Hi / Ngumi, and in order they lead to "fart", hidden words, "fire", and poor language.
It is said that there were no such groups.



Regarding this matter, we did not find any description in the literature.
In the reference book (published at the end of the article), there was a commentary such as "The good characters such as Sho-chiku-bai, Tsurugame, and Seven Lucky Gods are used to mark the set" (p. 340).
Therefore, I can't hear congratulations due to the same association as the town fire extinguisher group.
"He" may have been omitted (* It's my guess.)

■Actually, world wide!
"Fukuji" was already practiced in Western Europe from the Middle Ages to the early modern era as a form of urban gambling. In 1521, the town-run "Fukuji" was released in Osnabruck, Germany, and the "Fukuji" sold in Laurence, Italy in 1530 has a prize money." (p. 59).
(Original quote: "Dream is on the world ... Ayumi of the 30th Year of Lottery" (Daiichi Kangyo Bank Lottery Department, 1975), p. 10)

In world history, Pope Leo XIV, from the Medici family, was just before Luther's religious reform.
I learned that he sold a reminder to raise funds for the renovation of San-Pietro Cathedral.
It is similar to the lottery in terms of raising funds for renovation.
The appeasement says, "If you buy, the sins of this world will be redeemed and you will go to heaven."
It is different from lottery in that it has a stronger religious color.

However, the fact that there was something equivalent to Japan's "rich lottery" existed in Western Europe.
This is the first time I learned about how it was done.
Like Edo, I was also worried about whether it was banned at some time!
I don't write in detail here, but if you are interested, please go to the library.

■Visit the monument of Tomizuka
Sugimori Shrine in Nihonbashi Horidome-cho has a "Tomizuka Monument" commemorating the once-largest lottery performance.
The monument seen today was rebuilt after the Great Kanto Earthquake and is registered as a ward-owned folk cultural property.



When purchasing a lottery, some people pray for winning here.
It seems that dreaming of getting rich is the same in the Edo period.

<Aside> The coming of spring
When I visited Sugimori Shrine, there was a customer in Chozuya!
That's two cute Japanese white-eye



I was bathing with beautiful colored wings and drinking water.
It seems that spring has come so far.

[References]
Masaya Takiguchi, "Edo Society and Gomen Tomi-Tokuji, Temple and Common People-" (Iwata Shoin, 2009)

Good evening. This is a new correspondent, Hanes.
The other day, on the way back to the seasonal waterfront course by bicycle.
Coincidentally a cute shop was caught in my eyes and I've been detouring!



This shop, which is wonderful even at night, is a flower shop FANCY FLOWER STORE.
It has a different atmosphere from other flower shops, and it is elaborate on the display.
It looks like a reference for gardening.



We handle houseplants, flowers, and preserved flowers.
If you look closely, you will find even cooking herbs, and it will be fun just by looking at them.



However, as you can see in the picture, it's not just cute!
At this counter, which is attached to the flower shop, you can purchase special drinks.



The menu includes green smoothies with cold prevention and beautiful skin effects, daily smoothies.
And non-sugar winter-only HOT lemonade using domestic lemons.



The sweetness of nature that cannot be reproduced with commercially available lemonade is gentle.
It also served as a supplement to vitamins, and it was delicious.



If Mr. Itoya's lemonade is a stationery store's lemonade.
This is a flower shop's lemonade
Perhaps because it was a job that values the scent of flowers, I felt that the scent of lemonade was excellent.



Why don't you stop by when you come nearby?

■FANCY FLOWER STORE
Address: 6-18-3 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Swan Lake Tsukiji 1 and 2F
TEL: 03-3547-3360
Business hours 10：00～19：00
Regular holidays: Day/holiday
Website: https: //0870fancy.com/

※We have received permission for shooting and introduction from the shop.

Hello. It's Hanes, a new correspondent!
Recently, I got a sports bike for some reason, so I took a trial ride in the city.
Considering the traffic volume of pedestrians and cars in the city center, the maintenance of bicycle paths, etc.
Rather than enjoying running, I feel that pottering to enjoy visiting historical sites and shops is more suitable.

However, when it comes to sports bikes, pottering in the town is not enough....
One thing to say selfishness is that I want a variety of undulations and scenery.
This time, I would like to introduce a course (Hanes style) that fulfills such hope.
(* Photos in the article are taken at different times of multiple days.)

◼️ Seasonal Waterfront Course
Itinerary: Tsukiji - Toyomi - Harumi - Toyosu - Harumi - Kachidoki - Tsukiji
Time required (approximate): 45 minutes to 1 hour
Course Overview: A course for everyone who enjoys a variety of undulations and scenery in addition to seasonal spots such as Harumi's Athlete Village and Toyosu Market.
Recommended time zone: At any time



The starting point is in front of the Kachidokibashi Museum, located near Kachidokibashi.
Even if you go cycling in a group, there is a space where people can gather without disturbing pedestrians.
It is safe because there is also a public toilet.
For those who come for sightseeing or do not have a bicycle, a community cycle with electric assist is convenient.
I will introduce you later, but please check this map for the nearby cycle ports.

①Museum in Kachidokibashi
In front of the museum, there are monuments of the Navy Accounting School and traces of Kachidoki.
You can learn about the history of Kachidoki before departure.
And if you are lucky, you may see bulbuls that stop in the surrounding trees.



Well, the preface has become longer, but now we'll start for a ride in the waterfront area!

②Tsukiji Outer Market
The first thing you can see on your left after you start running is Tsukiji Outer Market, which is lined with about 460 shops.
The average number of tenants at major department store food department stores in Tokyo is said to be around 80.
It's calculated that there are 5.7 times more shops here.
Please note that there is a large amount of pedestrians and cars around the out-of-market market.

Also, if you want to start around this area, which has good access from subway stations and out-of-market markets, you can use it as a starting point.
There is a cycle port near the traffic light of Ichiba Bridge, so it is convenient to use it here.



If you go south along the site of the market for a while, you will see a sticker indicating the entrance of Route 2 for pedestrians and bicycles.
It may be a bit difficult to understand for the first time, but the entrance is right in front of Ote-mon gate Bridge!



It turns a little bit when entering and exiting, but most of it is straight and wide, making it easier to run.
While paying attention to pedestrians, it opens and crosses the bridge for about three months.



③Hamarikyu Onshi Garden
In the middle of a comfortable ride, you can enter your view....
Historic scenery and seasonal flowers of the Hamarikyu Onshi Garden, a nationally designated special scenic spot and special historic site.
In mid-February, I could see some of the canola flower, which is now in full bloom.



When I looked down on the surface of the water, I felt like I was called by someone.
A cute waterfowl was swimming with dexterous water.



If you go a little further, you will see the Hamarikyu dock, the lighthouse ruins, the Tsukiji River sluice gate, etc.
From this area, you can see the famous buildings of the ancient and modern times, Hamarikyu Garden and Rainbow Bridge at the same time!



④Tsukiji Ohashi
The flat road ends once in front of the bridge and becomes a gentle uphill.
Senior correspondent Mr. Satsuki's Koi Blower introduced it before.
Check the calligraphy of former Tokyo Governor Yoichi Masuzoe and proceed to the destination!



After crossing the bridge, head to the pier with a ship from Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology.



⑤Toyomi Fisheries Wharf
This area has many warehouses and many trucks.
There is a view that looks like a port town reminiscent of a market in Tsukiji.



From here, you can see Harumi Wharf, the athlete's village under construction, the Rainbow Bridge, etc.
It's not as famous as Harumi Wharf, but it's a great photo spot.



As you can see in the picture above, the view at dusk is also good.
You can take a memory of cycling against the backdrop of the blue sky during the day and the shining water surface.



⑥Tuna Wholesale tuna bowl shop
After that, if you run a little while looking at the Asashio Canal to the right, you will see something like a shop.
That's the tuna wholesaler's tuna bowl shop!
Senior correspondent HK introduced in detail in 2017.



The menu is written on the surfboard.
"Tuna wholesale tuna bowl", which is also the name of the store, is 600 yen!
Personally, I'm worried about "super rich bisque soup shrimp buckwheat".



For cycling in the morning, take a break that also served as lunch here.
Why don't you enjoy the seafood and scenery unique to the waterfront?
After that, go back along Route 2 and continue the ride.

⑦Reimei Ohashi, Toyosu Ohashi
Like Tsukiji Ohashi, this is also a relatively recently opened road.
Fortunately, the bicycle path is well-maintained.
However, there are pedestrians, so drive with care for speed.



After experiencing a moderate uphill, you can see the scenery unique to the waterfront.
"The slope was hard, but I'm glad I came."



⑧Toyosu Market
When you go down Toyosu Ohashi, you will see the Toyosu Market.
This is not Chuo-ku, but it is one of the seasonal spots related to the former Tsukiji Market!



⑨Harumi Ohashi
Pass the Toyosu Market, cross the Harumi Ohashi and return to Chuo-ku.
As you can see in the article by Senior Correspondent Sumida Fireworks, Harumi Ohashi has some undulations.
Even a woman like me can cross it without difficulty.
If you use a community cycle with electric assist, you can use it.
You can cross with a smile without having to look rugged.



From this area, you can see warehouses, tower apartments, and sky trees.
I don't get tired of the scenery
After that, we only run to the goal point, Kachidokibashi Museum, but also to the goal point.
Why don't you take a short stop before that?

⑩Derido Kachidoki Ekimae Store (with bicycle parking)
This is a supermarket used by people living in the surrounding area.
With self-service, you can enjoy your specialty coffee at an affordable price.
At the time of the visit, in addition to the commonly seen coffee, you can see the coffee.
There were also flavor coffee such as caramel vanilla and organic coffee.
There are two sizes, 12oz (about 355ml) and 16oz (about 470ml).
Surprisingly plenty, but you can adjust the amount yourself for self-service!

Get off the bicycle and move to the east side of Kachidokibashi with a cup of coffee.
It is also a luxurious time to see Tokyo Tower and Kachidokibashi (the night view is recommended).



If you take a break and cross the bridge, the museum is right there.
This time, I used photos from different time zones, so it may have been difficult to understand.
As I wrote at the beginning, you can make a lap in 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Finally, looking back on the course, the historical scenery such as the Hamarikyu Onshi Garden is the garden.
Modern landscapes such as Tower Mansion, Rainbow Bridge, Sky Tree, and Tokyo Tower.
And the scenery of warehouses, ships, sluice gates, etc. unique to the waterfront.
I was able to see a lot of landscapes that were rich in change and did not get tired of my eyes.

In addition, many of the roads that ran this time (other than around Tsukiji and Toyomi Fisheries Wharf) have bicycle paths.
The road width is wide and easy for children.
Whether you live in the city or have come to Chuo-ku for sightseeing from Japan and overseas, you can also visit the city.
This is my favorite course that I would like to recommend.

※When riding a bicycle, follow the manners and rules.
　Don't forget to wear a helmet or turn on the lights after darkening....