HOJ - Hang out in Japan - History, Art and Walking

※This event will be conducted in Japanese only (No English).

🔶Meeting Point:
JICA地球ひろば
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VtAevftAXQGu4N9X7

🔶Participation Fee:
500yen (Please bring a single 500yen coin.)

🔶Description:
Spend your Sunday morning exploring the vibrant "Kyoryokutai Festival," hosted by former JICA Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers 👣 This event is a window to the world, featuring deep cultural insights, exotic crafts, and delicious ethnic cuisines from Asia, Africa, and Latin America 🍲✈️ Join us to experience the diversity of our planet and the passion of volunteers who lived and worked abroad ☀️🌈

Highlights of the Festival

A World of Flavors: Ethnic Food Stalls 🍲😋 Follow the aroma of spices to discover local dishes from around the globe. These "authentic tastes" recreated by volunteers offer a unique culinary journey 🍛🥢 It is the perfect spot for a Sunday brunch featuring rare and delicious international street food.

Real Stories from Around the Globe 🎤📖 Through photo panels and talk sessions, listen to the first-hand experiences of volunteers who worked in developing countries 🔍✨ Their stories of overcoming challenges and discovering new cultures are filled with inspiration and will broaden your perspective on the world 🌟🔥

Charity Market & Exotic Crafts 🛍️✨ Browse through a colorful market of handmade jewelry, traditional textiles, and unique trinkets brought back from local markets worldwide 🎁 Many items support charitable causes, allowing you to give back to the global community while finding one-of-a-kind treasures 💎🌿

Cultural Workshops & Traditional Dress 👘📸 Try on vibrant traditional costumes for a photo or participate in workshops to learn ancient crafts 🎨 Experiencing these cultures firsthand in the bright morning light makes for a truly memorable and educational weekend 🌈✨

※This event will be conducted in Japanese only (No English).

🔶Meeting Point:
亀戸駅前公園
https://maps.app.goo.gl/otGa3rU922tMqAy78

🔶Participation Fee:
500yen (Please bring a single 500yen coin.)

🔶Description:
Step into a dreamlike world as the sun sets over Kameido Tenjin Shrine 👣 Under the night sky, the illuminated wisteria flowers transform into glowing violet curtains that seem to sparkle like chandeliers 🕯️✨ Experience the enchanting contrast of traditional arched bridges and the modern Tokyo Skytree, all wrapped in the sweet fragrance of blossoms in the cool night air 🌃🌈

Highlights of the Night

Ethereal Illumination of Wisteria 🌙💜
The night lights deepen the colors of the petals, making the violet and white flowers pop against the dark sky. Every gentle breeze carries the intoxicating scent of the blossoms, creating a sensory experience that is far more intimate than during the day 📸✨

The Mirror Reflection on Shinji Pond 🌊🕯️
Witness the "Upside-down Wisteria" as the glowing flowers and the bright red arched bridge reflect perfectly on the still water's surface. This shimmering mirror effect turns the shrine grounds into a mystical realm from another era 📸🌟

Tradition Meets the Tokyo Skytree 🗼✨
The view of the modern Tokyo Skytree towering behind the ancient wisteria trellises is truly iconic. The fusion of contemporary lighting and traditional floral beauty offers a unique perspective of Tokyo's timeless identity 🏙️💎

A Peaceful Nighttime Stroll 🙏🌌
Away from the daytime crowds, the shrine becomes a sanctuary of quiet reflection. Visiting the sacred halls under the moonlight offers a rare chance to feel the serene energy of the district before heading out to enjoy local Kanda-area nightlife 😋🍻

※This event will be conducted in Japanese only (No English).

🔶Meeting Point:
日比谷花壇 日比谷公園本店
https://maps.app.goo.gl/CAk3uMQ1D1uTBt2y6
※道路側ではなく公園側で集まります。

🔶Participation Fee:
500yen (Please bring a single 500yen coin.)

🔶Description:
Explore the 1903 park featuring a balanced display of three seasonal blooms 🔍 View the blue Nemophila carpets around the central Great Fountain 🏢💙

Discover the historic Azaleas near the public hall and stone walls 🏛️🌺 Finish at Kumogata Pond to see Wisteria reflected on the water 🍇💧

Experience the blend of Meiji-era landscape design and modern city lights 📸 Enjoy a safe evening stroll through Tokyo's first Western-style garden 🌉✨

※This event will be conducted in Japanese only (No English).

🔶Meeting Point:
新宿御苑 新宿門
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4HPefiqmsJmmHGny9

🔶Participation Fee:
500yen (Please bring a single 500yen coin.)

🔶Description:
We will enjoy a stroll and a picnic on the vast grounds of Shinjuku Gyoen, which offers free admission on Showa Day. It's a luxurious day to refresh in the heart of the city, surrounded by beautiful scenery of different tastes.