(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

(Image by IQRemix via https://www.flickr.com/photos/iqremix/17923925840/) Hidden away behind Roppongi Station, the National Art Center, Tokyo has no permanent display. In that sense, it is a venue that hosts ever-changing art exhibitions. With its 12 galleries, the National Art Center, Tokyo can hold a variety of exhibitions at the same time, which means that you are bound to find something that appeals to you. Access to the National Art Center Tokyo is generally free, but some special exhibits may require tickets. Designed by Renowned Architect Kisho Kurokawa (Image by Dick Thomas Johnson via https://www.flickr.com/photos/31029865@N06/8050551986/) Since opening in 2007, this stunning structure designed by Kisho Kurokawa has been considered one of Tokyo’s … 続きを読む

Without a doubt, many of us out there are familiar with the beckoning cat that greets customers in front of Japanese restaurants and stores. Known as the maneki neko, or literally “the beckoning cat”, the small doll is believed to be a lucky charm that brings in customers and money into the shop. Brief History of Gotokuji Temple While there are several legends about the origins of this cat charm, one of the widely known story regards Gotokuji as the place of origin. Legend holds that the maneki neko originated back in Edo period, when a feudal lord from Hikone (a city in present-day Shiga Prefecture) passed by a temple … 続きを読む

(Image by Marufish via https://www.flickr.com/photos/marufish/4152761393/) Tokyo Dome in the Koishikawa district of Tokyo’s Bunkyo ward is Japan’s biggest indoor baseball stadium, seating over 40,000 people. Tokyo Dome is the major feature in the Tokyo Dome City entertainment complex. It covers 4.67 hectares (about 11.5 acres) and is almost 62 meters (292 ft) high from playing field to roof. The fabric roof is supported by the air pressure being kept a little higher inside the Dome than outside. Brief History of Tokyo Dome Tokyo Dome opened in 1988. From 1871 until 1935, the site it is on was Koishikawa Arsenal, producing munitions and early warplanes. After the war, it became the … 続きを読む

(Image by The White House via https://www.flickr.com/photos/whitehouse/47938171263/) Ryogoku Kokugikan – A Stadium with a Museum Sumo is perhaps the most famous sporting export of Japan. It is in equal parts an awesome athletic display and a tradition-laden spectacle that is sure to please any visitor who happens to catch one of the major tournaments spread throughout the calendar. In Tokyo’s famous sumo stadium called the Ryogoku Kokugikan, however, there is more to see than just the matches. To be frank, there is pretty much no reason to visit the Kokugikan Stadium unless you’re watching a sumo match. But if you are already at the Edo-Tokyo Museum next door, consider a … 続きを読む

(Image by David Offf via https://www.flickr.com/photos/67162482@N07/6122921436/) The Birthplace of Kawaii Culture Harajuku (原宿 in Japanese) is a station located between Shibuya and Shinjuku on the JR Yamanote loop line around central Tokyo. Many people get off the train at Harajuku Station to visit such popular spots as Yoyogi Park, Meiji Shrine and Omotesando, a boulevard of luxury brands and other high-end shopping experiences. Historically, Harajuku was a post town, which is reflected in the kanji characters that make up its name: “meadow lodging.” But today Harajuku has a completely different, and global, appeal as a birthplace of kawaii (cute) culture. The building that used to house Harajuku Station was a … 続きを読む