(Image by Yuriko IKEDA via https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilyfan/8373365714/) Yomiuri Land is an amusement park located in the western part of Kawasaki, at the border with Inagi in Tokyo prefecture. The place naturally features fun and thrilling rides and is renowned for its seasonal decorations, with a thousand of blooming cherry trees in spring and wonderful winter illuminations. Opened since 1964, Yomiuri Land is a leisure and theme-park, with forty-three rides catering for all ages and special attractions varying throughout the seasons. There is, for example, an ice rink in winter and a pool complex in summer. A specific decoration is also displayed on each season, such as sakura flowers at the beginning … 続きを読む

(Image by David Pursehouse via https://www.flickr.com/photos/mdid/3895656935/) Sengakuji Temple (泉岳寺) was built just south of Edo castle (on the grounds of which Tokyo Imperial Palace now stands) by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1612 in memory of Imagawa Yoshimoto, a powerful feudal lord to whom Ieyasu had been pledged as a “hostage”by his father during his youth (a common practice during the era to enforce trust between clans). A fire burnt down the main building in 1641 and the temple was moved to its current location and reconstructed. It was destroyed again during World War II and the structure we see today was built in 1953. Sengakuji would likely be just another temple … 続きを読む

(Image by Yoshikazu TAKADA via https://bit.ly/2XSEDc6) One of the best-known symbols of Tokyo is the busy pedestrian scramble outside Shibuya station. Virtually anyone who’s ever come to the capital has probably been drawn to it at some point. People refer to it variously as Hachiko Crossing, Shibuya Crossing or the Shibuya Scramble. Whatever you want to call it (for the sake of convenience, we’ll follow the example of local businesses here and call it the Scramble), it’s a true tourist magnet. The chaotic free-for-all of foot traffic, with people zigzagging every which way to get across the street, almost seems tailor-made to form an establishing shot of the metropolis on … 続きを読む

(Image by Dick Thomas Johnson via https://www.flickr.com/photos/31029865@N06/16054943312/) Meet Japan’s Oldest 14.3-Hectare Zoo The oldest zoo in Japan, Ueno Zoo was established in at its present site in Tokyo in 1882 as part of Japan’s modernisation drive during the Meiji Period. Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo is world class, with animals and birds from around the globe. Best of all, its settings convincingly imitate the wild, meaning the animals can be observed in what come pretty close to their native habitats. Tokyo Zoo is divided into 63 main sections, grouped into such categories as the Gorilla and Tiger’s Forest, Japanese Animals, The Children’s Zoo (with animal petting area), Animals of Africa, a Birdhouse, … 続きを読む

(Image by Manish Prabhune via https://www.flickr.com/photos/suzumenonamida/16035904479/) Edo-Period Paradise Connecting the Sea and the Land “Hamarikyu Onshi Teien” (Hamarikyu Gardens) is located in the heart of Tokyo and is full of nature. It is also known as an oasis in the city centre and has been loved by many people since ancient times. It is very popular as a sightseeing spot that can be easily enjoyed on a day trip from anywhere in the centre of Tokyo. Hamarikyu Gardens consists of a vast garden and the Metropolitan Expressway to the west end. It is within walking distance from Tsukiji, Shiodome, and Shimbashi. It has good access to Toei Oedo Line and … 続きを読む

(Image by .Martin. via https://www.flickr.com/photos/martinrp/32547930988/) The options for seeing Tokyo are varied—from busy trains to taxis and of course cheapo-friendly feet, but what if you want something different? Here is how you can take to the roads in a real-life (but completely unofficial) “Mario Kart” in Tokyo. “Mario Kart” in Tokyo: How It Works The street-kart rental companies offer you the opportunity to drive through the city streets, as long as you have one of the approved driving licenses (listed below). Most go-karts are fitted with GPS and communication bands, and you will be following a tour guide at all times, so you do not need to worry about taking … 続きを読む

(Image by Ben Stiefel via https://www.flickr.com/photos/kheiligh/14209862463/) Co-founded by director Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli is behind some of Japan’s—and the world’s! —most beloved animated films, such as “My Neighbour Totoro,” “Princess Mononoke,” “Spirited Away,” and “Ponyo.” The wonderful Ghibli Museum attracts a huge number of visitors, and tickets are extremely limited. In this article we will go over ways you can get tickets, and other tips on visiting the Ghibli Museum! About the Ghibli Museum The name “Ghibli” is from the Italian word for a hot desert wind (ghibli), and it was Hayao Miyazaki’s hope that Studio Ghibli would “blow a new wind through the anime industry.” Miyazaki aimed to create … 続きを読む

(Image by Balint Földesi via https://www.flickr.com/photos/balintfoeldesi/11877564975/) Rainbow Bridge is a huge and beautiful suspension bridge in the northern part of Tokyo Bay, connecting Odaiba to central Tokyo. Odaiba is ultra-modern, manmade island that is incredibly popular with tourists. Since its opening in 1993, the brightly lid Rainbow Bridge has been one of the iconic symbols of Tokyo. It is prominently featured in photos and videos and used in many TV dramas and movies. The suspension bridge is 798 meters long and stands 52.4m meters above sea level, with two 126-meter towers supporting the construction. It is a two-story bridge that carries different transportation lines; road traffic can cross the bridge … 続きを読む

(Image by M S via https://www.flickr.com/photos/kodomut/33722085798/) Every year, for just over a week, Meguro’s usually sleepy riverbanks become a hive of activity, as one of Tokyo’s most magical spots to see the annual cherry blossoms. For several kilometres, the sweeping cherry trees provide an arched canvas of blossoms with lit up lanterns, making this a perfect place to admire the scenery, take a walk or grab a bite to eat. A Leafy Stroll in the Heart of the City The Meguro River meanders nearly 8 kilometres through several chic neighbourhoods before emptying into Tokyo Bay. Generously landscaped walking paths along its banks and easy access to drinking and dining make … 続きを読む

(Image by Ray in Manila via https://www.flickr.com/photos/rayinmanila/17247906786/) The current Imperial Palace (皇居, Kōkyo) is located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the centre of Tokyo, a short walk from Tokyo Station. It is the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family. Edo Castle used to be the seat of the Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603 until 1867. In 1868, the shogunate was overthrown, and the country’s capital and Imperial Residence were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. In 1888 construction of a new Imperial Palace was completed. The palace was once destroyed during World War Two, and rebuilt … 続きを読む