Feeling the Mix of Modern and Traditional at Tokyo Station From Tokyo, Japan

Many travelers gather around and take pictures of this beautiful building, which was built with brick.
The station features a hotel, as well as cafes and restaurants that offer high-quality meals in a sophisticated atmosphere.
I believe it is the most beautiful station in Japan.
One of the traditional Japanese sweet cafes here is "Toraya."
Toraya was founded after the Muromachi period in Kyoto and has been one of the purveyors to the Imperial Household Agency. It is said that when the Emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1869, Toraya accompanied him and opened a shop in Tokyo.

Today, we can enjoy Toraya's delicious sweets on the two floors of Tokyo Station Hotel.
I enjoyed a traditional Japanese sweet called Oshiruko. Although Oshiruko is traditionally eaten during New Year's, I decided to try it ahead of time.
It reminded me of Hayaben, a bento meal that people traditionally eat before lunchtime.

Toraya in Tokyo station hotel

1-9-1 2F, Marunouchi, Tokyo, Japan

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Grace Green of Sunaba in Nihonbashimuromachi, Tokyo, Japan

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Tempura Soba Originated Here: Nihonbashi Muromachi, Tokyo, Japan

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Water Lilies by Monet in Tokyo: A Deep Understanding From Ueno, Tokyo, Japan

Today, I visited the National Museum of Western Art in Ueno, Tokyo, where I had the chance to see Monet’s Water Lilies on display. I've previously seen this iconic series three times at the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris. Each time I saw them, I was struck by their incredible beauty. Despite this, I never fully understood why they had such a profound impact on me. However, seeing Monet's Water Lilies in Ueno today helped me understand a little more about that initial shock. The exhibition in Tokyo was relatively small, but it allowed me to connect with Monet’s intentions. He once mentioned that he hoped to offer viewers a sense of meditation through his water lilies. Looking at the painting today, I realized that the impact I felt was due to the sense of healing and meditation that these works provide. It was a deeper understanding of how Monet used his art to offer peace and reflection. Photos by Tsukubu The National Museum of Western Art 7-7, Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan

A Japanese Wanderer, Tsukubu — Tasting the Poetic Beauty of Japan and Beyond

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