FEBRUARY 2023

Feb. 23-24: Karuizawa

We went to Karuizawa after a long absence. Many shops were closed in February but still enjoyed shopping on Main Street. I love Karuizawa specialties such as apple pie, soba noodles, and cheese. 

Shrimp tempura soba noodles at Kawakami-an, and "TOBE NO KAMAMEHSI" (potted rice at the pass) are unforgettable! 

Tempura at "Kawakami-AN"



"TOGE NO KAMAMESHI"

Feb. 20:  Ryushi Memorial Museum

Located in southern Tokyo, the Ryushi Memorial Museum is a small municipal museum dedicated to prominent Japanese-style painter, Kawabata Ryushi (1885-1966). 

This museum was established and designed by Ryushi himself in 1963 to celebrate his Order of Cultural Merit, life, and work. In 1990, it was donated to Ota-city and has been run by the Ota-ku.  

Across the road from the museum is the Ryushi Garden, which contains the artist's studio which was built about eighty years ago.  The garden is a pleasant place to stroll around, following a path designed to follow the shape of a dragon. The "Pond of Bomb Exploding", a pond uncovered when Ryushi's original house was destroyed by a wartime bomb in 1945.

60th Anniversary Special Exhibition - Taikan Yokoyama and Ryushi Kawabata is being held at the Ryushi Memorial Museum. This exhibition introduces the dramatic relationship between Taikan, a leading figure of Nihonga painting. This is a great opportunity to see excellent works by two prominent Japanese-style painters.

I really enjoyed visiting this delightful small museum and the garden!

~~~
Ryushi Memorial Hall

4-2-1 Chuo, Ota-ku, Tokyo
Access: 15-min. walk from Toei Asakusa Line, Nishimagome Station or
3 min. walk from Bus Stop (Usuda Sakashita) from JR Omori Station. 

Feb 19:  Tea Ceremony at Mitsukoshi, Nihonbashi


Feb.1

We have been having cold weather these days, but we can feel spring is coming little by little. But winter strikes back sometimes.

It is sad that Tokyu Department Store Honten in Shibuya closed at the end of January. A lot of memories there. 1/12 months of my great luck year has gone by.

In February, we have Setsubun, which is the day before the first day of spring according to the lunar calendar, usually February 2 or 3. 

Bean-throwing ceremonies are held in homes, shrines, and temples in the hope that this will bring good fortune and drive away evil spirits.