Today we went exploring around the Aoyama and Akasaka area with two Israeli women who came to Japan on a business trip. With the rich green of Togu Palace (Akasaka Palace) on the left, we headed for Toyokawa Inari Betsuin. They tried getting their paper fortunes, and one was daikichi (great luck) and the other was kichi (good luck). We’re glad they both got good fortunes.

After that, we had time to rest in Toraya, which is the most famous luxury Japanese sweets shop in Japan. Historically, emperors have always loved their sweets. You can watch the Japanese sweets artisan pâtissiers making the sweets.

After we enjoyed the delicious Japanese sweets and matcha green tea we headed for Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square. There are many kinds of Japanese traditional crafts and you can also watch the artisan craftsmen making their crafts.

３月の短期留学プログラムは、みなさんホテルアジア会館に宿泊されます。

今日はイスラエルからビジネス出張で来てらっしゃるお二人とホテルの周辺を散策しました。緑豊かな赤坂御所を左に見ながら、豊川稲荷東京別院へ。彼女たちのおみくじは大吉と吉。お二人とも良い結果で良かったです。

その後は、虎屋さんの優雅なティールームで、美味しい和菓子とともにひとやすみ。こちらは職人さんたちが和菓子を作っている様子も拝見できます。

その後はぶらぶらと青山へ戻るついでに伝統工芸青山スクエアへ立ち寄りました。こちらでも職人さんたちが日本の伝統工芸品を作成されている様子が見れますよ。