Kabuki in Tokyo

July 22, 2006 (Saturday)

I am seated along the hanamichi. On the other side are six geisha lined up like China dolls in a toy store. Their hair is up in a large bun, very round on the side like a proper brioche.

On stage there are cherry blossoms falling down from the sky. There are butterflies flittering around on sticks. The gorgeous Ichikawa Ebizo comes out wearing a falcon kimono and he drips with sex appeal. There are fireflies that fly around on stage as well. The beauty of kabuki is not only in the actors but in the whole stage and setting.

Later for the lion dance you can see the energy that is bound within Ichikawa Ebizo.

Ginza Akebono

銀座アスター

伊東屋 銀座

にんべん 松屋銀座

銀座コンシェルジュ

銀のぶどう

松屋 銀座 デパート

木村屋 あんぱん 銀座

Confectionary West Leaf Pies - Ginza

銀座 天一 天ぷら

Pierre Marcolini Chocolates

If you arrive to his Ginza shops and the lines are not out the door, consider it a sign from God and go in!

Sembikiya - The Ultimate Fruit Shop

To see upclose the expensive melons and other fruit delicately wrapped to protect it from bruising, come to Sembikiya. Established 172 years ago, Sembikiya has been offering the best fruit in the country.

In Nihonbashi at the base of the Mitsui Tower, there is a casual restaurant on the first floor attached to the fruit shop. On the second shop is the restaurant. Both serve curry, fresh fruit and juices.

In the shop you can purchase fresh fruit, fruit preserves, and fruit based desserts.

Healthy Buffets

These viking buffet-style restaurants are a great way to try a variety of healthy, Japanese foods.

Ke-Ke in Ginza
http://r.gnavi.co.jp/a364900/

Harvest in Ikebukuro
http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g222045/

Pick-up Sticks - where to go for chopsticks in Ginza

A variety of chopsticks and chopstick rests can keep you in this shop for hours. From shorter chopsticks for kids to elegant lacquer chopsticks that run the same price as a high end melon.
Just off the main crossing at Ginza, it is easy to find.

Ginza Natsuno Chuo-ku, Ginza 6-7-4
Phone 03-3569-0952

Call ahead to confirm hours. At the time of posting this blog it is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It closes at 7 p.m. on Sundays and national holidays.

http://e-ohashi.com/ (in Japanese)