Chuo-ku Tourism Association correspondent blog

Sugimori Shrine, which has been around for nearly 1000 years since its foundation, is also known as Edo Mimori (Sugimori, Yanagimori, Kasumori) and Edo Mitomi (Sugimori, Yushima, Taninaka Tennoji). I'm familiar with Betara City. As the Seven Lucky Gods of Nihonbashi, it is worshiped as a spiritual experience in the lottery. This year, the annual festival will be held once every three years at Sugimori Shrine. It was the last Reitaisai festival in Heisei, and there is also a large carrying of miniature shrines.

　
What is the schedule?

　
Thursday, May 17 Evening Palace

　 18th (Fri) Headquarters carrying of miniature shrines

　 19th (Sat) Children carrying of miniature shrines Children fair

　
It's a coincidence.

　
We are currently looking for help with festivals and portable shrine bearers. Regardless of gender and age, those who are not neighborhood associations and those who live far away can apply! You can also use the neighborhood association's half-wearing and shower after the festival. For more information, look here. It is on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you are interested, please contact us as soon as possible.

　
Sugimori Shrine is located in Horidome-cho, between Ningyocho and Kodemmacho. This used to be the cornerstone of Horiwari, the cornerstone of Edo logistics. There are still many narrow and hollow roads that remain today. It is often not noticed because it does not face the main street, but it is a quiet place where the Edo atmosphere and Showa atmosphere remain. There are plenty of good points of shrines in areas that are not tourist destinations.

　
Shrines with many narrow roads...So it's a shooting spot! You can take a picture of a mysterious shrine in the background of a big city. There are many cheap and delicious shops in fair today. I think you can enjoy it all day while brushing around Ningyocho.

　
Please come and visit Chuo-ku, where the early summer is finally coming and the festival season begins.

　

 

 

On May 5 (Saturday / holiday), Children's Day, the "Ginza willow Festival" will be held in Ginza.

The "Ginza Yanagi Festival" is the only event in one year, where "Nishi Ginza Street (Sotobori-dori St.)" becomes a pedestrian paradise, and this year, the 12th anniversary, is "Kizuna". The theme is.

One of the events, "Traffic Safety and Golden Parade", is a magnificent parade of the Metropolitan Police Department and the Tokyo Metropolitan Brass Band Federation, where a team of brass bands and baton twirlers march and perform on the theme of traffic safety and bonds, That's a masterpiece!

In addition, there is a "Retro Playground" where the whole family, from children to adults, can enjoy together.

There are "Ginza willow Seedling Present" and "Sightseeing Quiz Plaza" where you can answer the quiz of the participating antenna shop and get wonderful prizes, and "Shimbashi Geisha Higashi" by geisha of Shimbashi Hanayagikai Various events are prepared in various places, such as

On Children's Day, please feel the "bonds" between people in Ginza!

　　　

Date and time May 5, 2018 (Sat./holiday) 11:00-17:00　 ※Part of rainy weather cancellation

[Place] Nishi Ginza-dori (1-chome to 8-chome), Chuo-ku Sukiyabashi Park

[Official Website] http://www.ginza.jp/event/9829

[Inquiry] Ginza Yanagi Festival Secretariat TEL: 03-3562-0838

※For details, please check the latest information on the official website, etc., or contact the organizer.

※"Ginza willow seedling gift" is limited to 2,000 pots.

※The photo is from last year.

 

 

Hello! This is a new correspondent, Hanes.

The other day, I mentioned the morning activities that can be done in Chuo-ku.
Many people working in Chuo-ku say, "I'm fluttering in the morning, but I can get time at night!"
And for those who come to Tokyo for sightseeing, even after the cultural facilities are closed.
"I want to have a special experience unique to Chuo-ku!" Isn't there a lot of people who say, "I want to enjoy it at night!"

This time, we call it the first series of [Chuo-ku Night Activity Series].
We will introduce limited-time night activity information that can be done at Tsukiji for about one month from now on.

What is that night activity?...This is a tour of the standing practice of Nihonbashi Opera "Iris".
When it comes to opera, there is an image of a high threshold, but please be assured!
This practice is open to the public for free.



Open the door of the training room on the second floor of the Tsukiji Social Education Center, Chuo-ku, which is a rehearsal hall while pounding....



The members of Nihonbashi Opera were checking the swing.



According to the commentary I received during the tour, the opera was performed.
①Music practice
②Standing training (directors give detailed explanations and guidance on how to move to each cast)
③Through training
It seems that there are three stages.
Even those who usually go to operas, plays, and concerts don't have much opportunity to see such a practice scene?

In the standing practice released this time, you can see the process of creating the work.
The thoughts and intentions contained in the movement, as well as the attention to the colors and materials of clothes and accessories.
You can learn through instruction from the director to the actor.



It seems that there are some improvements that can be seen only by standing training.
You can realize that opera is not a script-like one, but a "creature" whose expression differs depending on the person and place of the performer.
Also, by looking at such a place, you should be able to enjoy more happily in the actual performance, saying, "That gesture at the time of standing training was finished like this."

And not only in the actual performance, but also in practice, the sound of the piano is wonderful.



You can listen to the singing voice.



There was also a conductor, singing the relevant part instead of the actor who was absent from the practice.



This year's performance of Nihonbashi Opera, which is being created through such practice, is a performance of this year.
The opera "Iris" composed by Pietro Mascarni (Iris) = Ayame)

It is not as well known as Puccini's "Mrs. Chocho" set in Nagasaki.
Similarly, it was influenced by japonism, which became popular in Western Europe at the end of the 19th century.
The big difference from "Mrs. Chocho" is that it uses Japanese melody, while it uses Japanese melody.
"Iris" is all Italian melodies.
However, Japanese characters such as Osaka, Kyoto, Fujiyama, Seki Shimono, Musume, and Gaisha appear in the characters and lyrics.
Isn't that also the point you want to keep in mind during the theater?

The stage of this work is Edo, where Iris, a girl living with a blind father, is deceived and sold to Yoshiwara.
It's just 120 years since it premiered in Rome.
Former Yoshihara may be located in Nihonbashi Ningyocho today, and the performance will be decided at Nihonbashi, a land related to it.
This is an opera that I would like to appreciate in Chuo-ku in this memorable year.

Advance reservations are not required for standing lessons!
You can feel free to drop in.
Please refer to the Nihonbashi Opera website below for the date and time of public release.
http://www.music-tel.com/wargner/

Most recently, it is scheduled to be released at Tsukiji Social Education Center from 18:00 to 20:00 on April 23 (Mon), 25 (Wed), and May 1 (Tuesday).
It's a practice, but I forget the tiredness of work and look at it unintentionally.
It will be a night activity with a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
Whether you are a fan of opera or a beginner of opera, why not take this opportunity to experience the charm of opera set in Japan?

[Details of actual production]
Nihonbashi Opera 2018 Opera "Iris" (composed by Pietro Mascarni)
Location: Nihonbashi Theater (4th floor of Nihonbashi Public Hall, Chuo-ku, 1-31-1 Nihonbashi Kakigaracho)
Date and time: May 27, 2018 (Sun) 14:00 (Open 13:30)
Ticket information: e+ (eplus) http://eplus.jp/
　　　　　　　All seats are free for general 4,800 yen
　　　　　　　Central inhabitant discount 2,400 yen, children (6 years old and over)-student 1,000 yen
　　　　　　　There is a ticket on the day. Central residents and students must present their ID card.

 

 

　

It's been a long time since coffee called Third Wave (third wave) appeared, but in recent years
I often see new cafes while walking around the town.
I feel that the tide of the new era of coffee boom has become firmly established in Japan.

　

　

　

Recent cafes are characterized by the style of carefully brewing one cup at a time with hand drip.

I heard a voice saying, "The master of coffee shop has been doing it for a long time."
That should be the case.

　

The founder of the American coffee shop, which sparked the current boom, was once the founder of the American coffee shop.
It is known that he was influenced a lot by the coffee shop culture he met when he traveled to Japan.
Yes, it is.

　

In search of a delicious cup of coffee, traditional tools such as drippers and siphons are also available.

It has come to attract attention again.
Among them, the V60 dripper is gaining high support.

　

　

There are a number of competitions in the coffee industry, but professional barista is the one.

At the stage of international competitions, which compete for the best title in the world, contestants from various countries are also participating.

I'm using this V60.

　

A circular shape, a large hole, a spiral rib that extends to the top (spiral convex line),

It is certainly this shape that you often see in recent cafes.

　

This street is also a specialty store in Tokyo that offers specialty coffee. ※Shops in Chuo-ku

That's not true.

　

ONIBUS COFFEE (Onibas Coffee)
A popular shop that is also visited by tourists from overseas.
V60 is a custom order item with the store logo. Piano black is super cool.

　

V60 is now active in cafes and coffee stands around the world.

　

HARIO Co., Ltd. is making this V60 dripper.

It is a heat-resistant glass manufacturer headquartered in Nihonbashitomizawacho.
Registered Tangible Cultural Property Hario Glass Building (HARIO Building) for Chuo-ku fans.

You're familiar.

　

　　

The glass mug in the first photo is also HARIO's product.

It's heat-resistant, so you can pour hot coffee.

　

The V60 series has a wide lineup, and resin products are light and easy to handle.

You can drip directly to the cup for one person.

　

　

The current coffee boom that follows the flow of good old coffee shop culture in Japan.

A part of this was supported by tools born in Chuo-ku.
Surely there are some people in the world who enjoy coffee brewed with V60 at this moment.

It must be.

With that in mind, your usual coffee may be a bit different.

　

HARIO Corporation
9-3, Nihonbashitomizawacho, Chuo-ku

　

HARIO products can be purchased at the official online shop.

https://www.hario.co.jp/

　

※The posting of product images has been approved by HARIO Co., Ltd. mail order department.

　

 

 

Hello. It's Hanes, a new correspondent!
[Morning Activity Series in Chuo-ku] In the second part of the first installment, we will tell you more about the morning activities at Tsukiji.

When you arrive at the tuna auction venue, you will first see the items being decided before the auction.

Based on what the people involved in the auction explained during the waiting time, the rough procedure is as follows.

①Lift the tail with a hook to check the glue of the fat.
The point at this time is whether it is a moderate fat.



②Check the color by illuminating it with a light.





③Make a note.



④The bell rings, and the auction starts at 10,000 yen per kilogram.





Only veteran men participated in the auction.
I was overwhelmed by the speed and vitality that I expected, and the auction ended in no time.

At the same time, you can enjoy the atmosphere of the auction, and at the same time, look around to burn the history of the market.
Very old ceilings, pipes, stickers, etc. here and there!

　

As soon as I went out of the building, people who were cutting or carrying the lost tuna jumped into their eyes and jumped into their eyes.
I learned that Tsukiji, when everyone is sleeping, has a more vibrant world than during the day.
At the same time, I felt like I understood why people from overseas wanted to come to Tsukiji until I got up early.

After the tour, a veteran guide will speak to you.
I went to eat fresh tuna with my sisters from Austria and my couple from San Francisco.
I ordered the tuna from different parts of the body.



As recommended by guides and shops, first of all, enjoy the difference in texture and fat of tuna without adding anything.
Next, I enjoyed the change in taste by adding salt.
Even as a Japanese person, I was shocked to see if the taste changed so much by adding a little salt.
Eating sashimi without soy sauce was almost never before.
With Tsukiji, which offers fresh fish, you can eat this way without worrying about the smell of fish!
I think this will be an experience that changes the concept of sashimi even for Japanese people.

After that, we shared our impressions of auctions and fresh tuna with customers who were at the shop (all from overseas except me).
For the tightening, we had egg-yaki using seafood soup.



After a luxurious breakfast, I happened to commute to work with my sister from Austria, where my workplace was close to me.
We talked about the greatness of crowded trains in Tokyo on the train.

I can't deny that the morning of Tsukiji is early, but just get up early, just one day, and get up early.
You can spend a refreshing and fulfilling morning where you can see valuable auctions, eat fresh tuna, and have international exchange!
Indeed, "fishing sea bream with shrimp."

If you want to do an unusual morning activity, how about such a morning activity in Tsukiji?

 

 

An art manhole is at your feet!

　As you walk around the city, you will see many manholes on the road. We will also discover highly designed items with symbols and famous places of the city. A collector with a manhole cover as a card There is also a card called a manhole card that ticks the soul. Unfortunately, there is no manhole card with the Chuo-ku emblem, but if you visit the facilities of the Tokyo Metropolitan Sewerage Bureau, you can get the following manhole card for Tokyo's 23 wards free of charge.

　

By the way, this card is "Kuramae Water House" (2-1-8 Kuramae, Taito-ku, Northern Sewerage Office TEL:：　03-3241-0944) It will be distributed free of charge to facility visitors. You need to make a reservation at least one week in advance.

There are various manholes such as water and sewage, telephone, electricity, fire department, etc., so why not walk down thinking of a "manhole cover" and walking down?

1.　Manhole cover

There are currently two types of manhole materials: "FC" (cast iron) and FCD (FCD contains ductile or spherical black lead cast iron). FC200 is used for manholes under 14 tons, and FCD500 is often used for 20 tons of on-site manholes. In the groundman hall for roads, the lid is FCD700 and the frame is FCD600.

Before cast iron or spherical graphite cast iron manhole cover, the lid was concrete and the formwork was FC. The number is small, but it is still seen.

2.　Manhole with Tokyo Chapter

I walked around Nihonbashi, Ginza, and Tsukiji, but more than 90% had a Tokyo chapter, and the design was a manhole for sewerage based on cherry blossoms. The Tokyo flower "Yoshino cherry tree", the tree "Ginkgo", and the bird "Yurikamome" are designed. Yoshino cherry tree is large in the center, with ginkgo leaves between the petals, 13 white gulls surrounding them.

You can also see a fire hydrant manhole (with a capital emblem) designed with a fire engine, and a manhole of the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation near the intersection where the signal control mechanism is located.

　　

3.　Manhole cover that decorates trees and flowers in Chuo-ku:

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the central ward system, "Yanagi" and "Azalea" were enacted in 1987 as trees and flowers of the ward. To commemorate this, the colorful manhole cover installed in Chuo-ku is particularly noticeable. This manhole is on a downward trend, and it was said that it was about 2-3 years ago in Ginza 4-chome Wakoura and 5-chome Hatoido, but as far as I saw the other day, this manhole has been removed . I found this manhole cover near the Bank of Japan (2-1-1 Nihonbashi Honishicho). A willow is entangled in the azalea. It's precious. Since there is the word "light", it is a manhole where streetlight wires are placed.

　　　

The photo of the sidewalk looks toward Kanda and the left is the Bank of Japan.

Although it is not colorful, I found a manhole (human hole) with the Chuo-ku emblem near Fukutoku Shrine (Nihonbashimuromachi).

　

The cherry blossoms have fallen, but the manholes do not disappear. Have fun.