Sightseing_all / Sightseing
Step away from the busy city in Tokyo and you can feel the power of nature at Meiji Jingu , one of the largest shrines in the central of Tokyo. When you pass through a torii, gateway to the shrine, a magnificent forest spreads in front of you. A tranquil moment should make you forget you are in Tokyo.
This area is covered by an evergreen forest that consists of 120,000 trees of 365 different species, which were donated by people from all parts of Japan when the shrine was established.
Surrounded by beautiful green
It’s about 10 minutes’ walk to the main shrine.
Shinto has no founder, no holy book, and not even the concept of religious conversion, but Shinto values for sincere heart called “Magokoro” and harmony with nature.
Don’t forget to make a wish at the main shrine.
Kiyomasa’s Well
On the way to main shrine, there is large iris garden.(Admmission fee: JPY500) “Kiyomasa’s well” inside the garden is a famous power sport as believed to bring good luck or make wish come true.
Gate of Kiyomasa’s well
If you are lucky, you might be able to see Shinto traditional wedding ceremony. It’s really beautiful.
Source meijijingu.or.jp
*Click photo to enlarge
Meiji Jingu （明治神宮）Info
■ Admission free
■ Hours: From sunrise to sunset
Official website
Imperial Palace (皇居,Kōkyo) is the residence of the Emperor of Japan. It was formerly Edo Castle (Edo is the former name of Tokyo City), it is surrounded by a moat, rich in greenery and trees. Edo Castle was constructed on a vast scale, and was the largest castle ever built in Japan.The remaining stone walls, moats and gates are of great historical importance.Being in the middle of office buildings, it gives the feel of the Samurai age. It is a large park-like area located in the center of Tokyo.
Sakurada Mon Gate
*Click photo to enlarge
Nijubashi (which means ‘Double Bridge’)
Impressive stone bridge is the entrance to the inner palace grounds.
Imperial Palace is surrounded by the twelve scenic moats and Kitanomaru Garden in North, and the Garden Plaza is directly in front of.In the Kokyogaien National Garden Plaza approximately 2,000 Japanese Black Pines (Pinus Thunbergi) are planted in the lawn area.
Source: env.go.jpgardenkokyogaienenglishimgmap_b.gif
Imperial Palace Outer Garden(皇居外苑,Kokyogaien National Garden Plaza) together with the Imperial Palace grounds are the single largest green area in center of Tokyo.This area is close to Tokyo station and nice place to have cozy time. Pine trees are beautiful and well maintained. Many people enjoy taking a nap, reading and take a rest here.
Wadakura Fountain Park
This fountain park located in Garden Plaza was refurbished to celebrate the occasion of the royal wedding of the Crown Prince and Princess. The center fountain has water jet of 8.5m. There is restaurant and rest house with wood terrace inside the park.
■ Access for Imperial Palace Outer Garden (Kokyo Gaien National Park)
Nearest station: Nijyubashimae Sta.or Hibiya Sta.
Or approx.5mins walks from Tokyo station
See more on official website of Ministry of the Environment
5 minutes’ walk from Hamamatsu-cho station and you will find one of the largest Buddhist temple Zojoji at the base of Tokyo Tower.
After the start of the Edo(present-day Tokyo) Period when the Tokugawa shogunate ruled Japan, Zojoji became the family temple of the Tokugawa family. At Zojoji Temple, as many as 3,000 priests and novices always resided as students. Zojoji serves as the main temple of Jodo shu and has endeared itself to the general public as both a grand Buddhist temple typical of the metropolis Tokyo and a hub of religious and cultural activities.
*Click photo to enlarge
Majestic gate named “Sangedatsumon” will welcome you as the front face of the temple. Once you pass under the gate, it is said that you can get delivered from three earthly states of mind – greed, anger and stupidity. The gate has been designated by the State as important cultural property.
Big Bell is tolled twice a day – six times each in the early morning and in the evening. It chimes the hours, and also serves to purify one hundred and eight earthly passions (bonno), which lead people astray, through an exhortation, repeated six times a day, to profound equanimity.
Zojoji(増上寺） Info
■ Location: Hamamatsucho
■ Admission free
■ Hours: 9:00～17:00
Official website
Can you believe it is free ? The observatories are opened for visitors aiming at deepening their understanding and having interest in Tokyo by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government located in Shinjuku. It provides a full view of Tokyo city from 45th floor.
On a clear day, you can see Roppongi hills, Odaiba district, Sinjuku skyscrapers as well as Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower in the far distance. In winter from December to February, you might be able to see Mt.Fuji.
Observation room is divided into North and South. In South observation room, you can see wider view and take a rest at cafe.In North one, you can find more variety of souvenirs.
Skytree is able to be seen from both observation rooms.
Skytree
Tokyo Metropolitan Government （都庁）Info
■ Location: Shinjuku
■ Hours: 9:30-23:00
■ Admission free
Official website
Ameyoko
One of major spot in Ueno area is open-air market as if you feel in Asia. Ameya-Yokochō (アメヤ横丁). Do you know it is the perfect place for drinking in the daytime ?
*Click photo to enlarge
At the center of restaurant district lined up under railway viaduct between Ueno station and Okachimachi station, reasonable Japanese pubs are crowded togeher.You will feel drinking in the daytime is common sense here.
Recommended pubs are ;
Daitoryo大統領
Offal meat(gut),roast giblets Hours 10:00～24:00
Specialty is horse organ 420JPY
Takioka たきおか
Standing pub,seafood,roast giblets
Mon-Sat 7:00～23:30 Sun,holiday 7:00～22:00
Kakudora カクドラ
Standing pub, raw fish,roast giblets,grilled food Hours 10:00～23:30
Draft beer (EXTRA COLD) 400JPY Food from 150JPY *English menu available
Kushiage Juraku 串揚げじゅらく
Deep-fried skewers Hours 14:30～23:00（L.O.22:30）
All you can eat and drink course 3,000JPY (2hours limit)～
■ Access: 3 minutes from Ueno Station Shinobazu guchi exit (Under JR viaduct)
■ Budget ave. 1,000～3,000JPY
Hoppy Street
At west side of Sensoji’s grounds in Asakua near off‐track betting office, there are a street called “ Hoppy street “ lined with small pubs. If you want to experience the energetic atmosphere of traditional Tokyo district, you should visit here.
“Hoppy” is a low-alcohol beer-flavored beverage. You can drink draft beer,too. It used to be a popular place only among horse racing visitors, but in recent years, it gets attention from domestic and abroad tourists with open atmosphere and reasonable prices.
As it is famous for stewed food like stewed beef, stewed fish and meat and potato stew, the street is also known as “ Stew Street “.
Recommended pubs are ;
Suzuyoshi 鈴芳 Mon,Wed-Fri 12:00～22:00 weekend/holiday 10:00～22:00 *Close Tuesday
Izakaya Kouji 居酒屋浩司 : Weekdays: 15:00～23:00, weekend: 10:00～23:00, holiday: 12:00～23:00*Close Monday
Motsukushi もつくし：Weekdays 12：00～23：00,weekend/holiday 9：00～23：00
Daikatsu 大勝: Weekdays 11:00～23:00 , weekend 9:30～23:00 *Close Monday
Hoppy Street Info
■ Access : 5 minutes from Asakusa station(Ginza Line)
■ Lunch/Dinner ave.2,000～3,000JPY
Shinjuku west exit surrounded by skyscrapers. At one corner in the downtown centers of this district, there is a nostalgic alley called Omoide Yokocho( ‘Drinking Alley of the Memory’) with small lane line up. The atmosphere evokes the old Showa era.
Pubs and the bars as many as 30 houses like Yakitori,grilled chicken, Ramen noodles, Chinese food and soba are crowded together along the street with the full length 85m(279ft) . Putting shoulders each other in confined space over alcohol and tasty foods is the best part of Omoide Yokocho.
The secret of its popularity is casual ambience and everybody can fell feel to enter to any pubs.
Great combination of Yakitori and beer ! Omoide Yokocho is also called “Yakitori Yokoco”
Yakitori (grilled chicken)
Omoide Yokocho(思い出横丁）Info
■Location: Shinjuku
*1minute walk from Shinjuku station
*You might want to go to restroom in advance as there is only one old restroom
Official website
Ueno Zoo (Ueno Zoological Gardens) established in 1882 is the oldest zoo in Japan.It is located inside Ueno Park, and 5 minutes by JR Ueno station(Park exit).
Ueno Zoo opens at 9:30am.If you want to see animals moving lively, you might want to arrive at the opening time.The park is consist of two areas, East Garden and West Garden.
Ueno Zoo Iconic Animal Panda
As there are few chances to see panda abroad, it is popular for overseas tourists to take a look at Giant pandas in Ueno.As panda often sleeps when they are not fed, feeding time is a good time to see them.
Other than panda, Ueno Zoo is home for over 3,000 animals in 500 different species.
Not only panda !
The 3 rarest animals in the world
Giant pandas, “okapis” and “pygmy hippos” are quite rare species which is called as the three rarest animals in the world.You can see them in Ueno Zoo.
Okapis
It’s an African animal which body is like horse and zebra and which head is like giraffe.Classified into Red List IB. He did not appear at the outside gauge when I saw, and I turned around to check inside exhibition.
Pygmy hippos
Body is almost one-tenth of normal Hippos, and it’s like child of hippos. He was drinking water.
You can also find;
Stagnant Bird “Shoebill Stork”
Bird Shoebill has the feather of big beak and big body.It pauses patiently in a marshland and do hunting by waiting a fish of food to be coming near. It became hot topics as ” The bird which does not move ” on television and internet, and it’s also a popular animal at Ueno Zoo.
Japanese macaques(Monkeys)
Parent and child monkeys grooming each other are adorable.
Monorail train
If you buy a ticket, you can use a monorail train connecting East Garden and West Garden.If you walk, it takes a few minutes.
Place to rest
In the park, you can find some cafeteriea or bring lunch box to take a rest at public opening space and benches.
“Bamboo peel ” lunch box of Cafe Camaleon
Chicken,shiitake mushroom and black soybeans is on steamed rice.How lovely.
Gift shop
A stuffed animal, a key chain,a Japanese towel and a snack are sold at gift shops.You can get lovely panda goods.
Some cafeteria inside the park are clouded and it might be difficult to find your seat, so buying lunch box at “ecute” shops inside JR Ueno station in advance is an option.
Panda donut at “ecute” (JR Ueno station)
Ueno Zoo (Ueno Zoological Gardens) Info.
■ Hours: 9:30～17:00（tickets sold until16:00）
■ Close: Monday,29-Dec to 1-Jan
■ Admission：Adults /JPY600, Seniors(65 +)/JPY300,Students(13-15)/JPY200,Children(0-12)/FREE
Official website
Let’s ride on Water Bus “Himiko””Hotaluna” designed like spaceship, and look at Tokyo city while feeling the breeze crossing a surface of the water.
Ship connects boarding points in Asakusa, Daiba,Hamarikyu,Toyosu and cruises in Sumidagawa River and Tokyo Bay.In Sumidagawa River cruise, passing through many bridges is also attractive point. Cruise between Asakusa-Daiba in approximately 50-60 minutes while looking at Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower,Tokyo Sky tree and skyscrapers over the wave.
Crusing route
Source: suijobus.co.jp
In the ship which is overall glassed, you can enjoy the Tokyo panorama view from 0 meters of sea level at 360 any angle.
The feature of “Hotaluna”is having outside deck where you can enjoy wonderful scenery without windows. Price 1,560 yen between Asakusa-Daiba is worthy.
※ Caution: Open deck is available for route other than Asakusa -Hinode Pier in Sumidagawa Line. Whether deck is open or not is depends on captain’s judgement on that day.
Ship ‘Hotaluna’
Source: gnavi.co.jp
Night cruise is also fantastic.
Source: gnavi.co.jp
■ Tokyo Cruise official website
Boarding point, crusing route, time schedule and fares info are available.
You can buy ticket at boarding point or reserve in advance through website.
*Reservation of Groups of under 14 Guests, from 1 month before and up to Three days Before your date of DEPARTURE
*Reservation of Groups of more than 15 Guests, up to Three days Before your date of DEPARTURE
■ Click here to see “Hotaluna” Boarding Info
Boarding Point：Asakusa, Hinode Pier, Odaiba Seaside Park
Fares：
Asakusa-(Sumida River)-Hinode Pier-Odaiba Seaside Park 1,560JPY
Asakusa-Hinode Pier 1,080JPY
Hinode Pier- Odaiba Seaside Park 780JPY
■ Click here to see “Himiko” Info
Showa Kinen Park – Colorful Tulip
This government-managed large park representing Japan provides the scenery of seasonal flowers through the year.In Spring, you can see cherry blossoms, rape blossoms, tulips, poppy,moss phiox and nemophila etc.
The highlight of Showa Kinen Park is a field of 230 thousand colorful tulips. Tulips are on either bank of running small stream in the park. Flower Festival is took place every year in Spring. (24-March to 27-May in 2018)
Admission Fee: Adult/JPY410, 65-year-old and more/JPY210, 15-year-old and less/JPY80
Access: 10-15 mins from Tachikawa station (JR line)
Official website
Jindai Botanical Gardens – Beautiful Rose
Today about 100,000 trees and brushes of 4,500 species are planted in Jindai Botanical Gardens located in Chofu city (near Kichijoji and Mitaka area). The gardens are divided into 30 blocks by plant species, including the rose garden, azalea garden, plum garden, and bush clover gardens.
At the period of Rose Festival in Spring which took place every year around May (From 8th May to 31th May in 2018), you can see a field of 5,200 roses over 400 kinds.
Hours: 9:30-17:00 (Entrance is open until 16:00)
*Open at 8:00 during Rose Festival
Close: Monday, 29-Dec to 1-Jan
Admission Fee: Adult/JPY500, 65 year-old ant more/JPY250,12-year-old and more/JPY200, 12-year-old and less/Free
Access: Jindai-shokubutsu-koen-mae bus stop on Odakyu bus for Chofu or Jindaiji from Mitaka or Kichijoji (JR line). Less 30 mins.
Website
The largest field of baby blue eyes (Nemophila) flowers named“Miharashi no Oka ”(Hill of overlook) is in Hitachi Seaside Park located in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki, Japan, that features a sea of 4.5 million baby blue eyes. The sea on sky blue flowers blooms once annually around from late April to mid May.
A sea of lapis lazuli blue as you can see !
*Click photo to enlarge
(Photo by S.Ishida)
The scenery that baby blue eyes(Nemophila) go on is introduced as “ Superb landscape of Blue” and “ Hill connecting with Sky” on the medias, which Japan are able to be proud to the world as one of superb landscape in Japan. Baby blue eyes field surrounded by blue sky on the hilltop is just like a dream. The hilltop also looks out on the Pacific Ocean.
The word “Nemophila” derive from Greek “Nemos (small forest)” and “love” as they inhabit near forest. Japanese name is “Arabesque of lapis lazuli blue”.
The language of baby blue eyes is “Pretty” “Pure” “Success anywhere” etc.
Planning to see the cherry blossoms in Japan is difficult because the period is unexpected and short, but it may be easier to plan on visiting to see baby blue eyes. Once baby blue eyes bloom, their color become lighter in color over time, so you might want to check the best season in advance. In 2016,“Nemophila Harmony”event is from 23th April to 15th May. Mid April was the best season in 2016, which was 2 weeks earlier than the average year.
Hitachi Seaside Park also features vast flower gardens including many varieties of Tulips, Narcissuse, Rapessed, Poppy, Rose and Lavender through a year. Click here to see Annual flower calendar of the park.
Baby blue eyes (Nemophila)
■ Place: Miharashi No Oka
■ Bloom period: Late April to Mid May
■ The number of flower: 4.5 million
Hitachi Seaside Park Information
■ Admission: Adult/JPY410 (over15-year-old), JPY210(over 65-year-old) Free under 6-year-old
■ Hours: 9:30～evening *The period of Japanese Golden Week/ 7:30～
■ Close:Monday,one week of February etc.
Official website
Access – How to get to Hitachi Seaside Park from Tokyo
1.From Ueno Station(上野) to Katsuta Station（勝田）：80 min by express (JR Joban Line常磐線bound for Katsuta) JPY3,820 *If you get on local train, it takes 2 hours.
2.From Katsuta Station（勝田）to Ajigaura Station（阿字ヶ浦）: 30 min by train (Hitachinaka Seaside Railway,Minato Lineひたちなか海浜鉄道湊線) JPY570
3.From Ajigaura Station（阿字ヶ浦）to Hitachi Seaside Park: 20min on foot to the south entrance
Ofuro no Osama
Ofuro no Osama (“King of Ofuro“) is hot spa facility located in Tokyo and Kanagawa area providing ” the best moment” for Japanese people who originally love hot spring. Especially the high concentration carbonated spring makes one’s volume of blood flow increase dramatically only by being in 5 minutes, and it is said to have good effect for cancer,heart disease and diabetes. Oimachi is rather easy to access, 3mins from Shinagawa station by JR Keihin Tohoku Line (rapid).
Ofuro no Osama (おふろの王様)Info
■ Location: Oimachi
■ Hours: 9:30～next day 8:30 (cannot enter 1:00-6:30,maintenance 2:00-6:30)
■ Admission fee: Adult/1,250yen(weekdays), 1,550yen(weekend), Children/800yen
■ Option: Hot stone spa/700yen, Body care,Korean body scrub, V-Steam
Official Website
Maenohara Onsen Saya-no-yudokoro
Source: sayanoyudokoro.co.jp
Saya-no-yudokoro offers natural hot spring as well as stunning traditional Japanese garden, Japanese cuisine and soba noodles. Main Saya-no-yu ,the greenish brown tinge of the water, is said to provide excellent thermal effect, and it is also good for neuralgia, chronic rheumatism, and poor circulation.In addition to Saya-no-yu, there are fourteen other types of baths, plus a ganbanyoku hot stone bath.
Seasonable Japanese garden
Source: sayanoyudokoro.co.jp
Maenohara Onsen Saya-no-yudokoro(前野原温泉さやの湯) Info
■ Location: Shimura-Sakaue Station (Toei Mita Line)
■ Fee : 830 yen (weekdays) / 1,030 yen (weekend,holiday)
*Bath and face towels for rent : 310 yen
*Additional fee for the hot stone bath
Official website
Disney Land is the place of Magic Kingdom where everybody is loved, but Tokyo Disney Resort is beyond just amusement park.
“Tokyo Disney Resort”is generic name of combination, “Tokyo Disney Land” and “Tokyo Disney Sea”.FEEL TOKYO wondered if visitor from abroad can really enjoy Tokyo Disney Resort.If you are equal to the long waiting time (sometimes truly unbelievable), the answer is YES.
Due to the Japanese culture where people give a lot of importance to cleaning oneself and the surroundings, the park is perfectly maintenanced and it’s hard to find trash. All staff gives you smile and kindness with their full hospitality. You must feel the essence of Japanese culture there.
To avoid crowd as much as possible, you might want to check crowd calender in advance and decide the date to visit.There is no official crowd calender announced by Tokyo Disney Resort,but you can find some useful link on internet.Tokyo Disney Resort is always crowd regardless of weekday (why people do not go to school or work on weekday !?), but through a year, it tends to most crowd in March for spring vacation of student in Japan and Easter event, Halloween season which cosplayers are gathered and Christmas season for dating couples. On the other hand, January is said not crowed so much due to the examination period for students in Japan.
Crowed Calender of DISNEYREAL
What the special of Tokyo Disney Resort
– It’s really magical space. People visiting there look exciting and very happy! The ambience of Disney is created by people.
Magical world where people make happy
– The largest class in the world !
– There is original attraction which is not seen in overseas Disney.Monster s Ink (shooting attraction) ,Honey Hunt of Poo (looking around Poo world), Jangle Cruise (cruising on boat along the river inside the park)
– Disney with the theme focusing on “Marine” is only Tokyo Disney Sea in the world !
Theme “Marine ” of Tokyo Disney Sea
Little Mermaid zone
Parade of Tokyo Disney Sea is took place at central lake.
– Mickey and character shape silhouette is hidden inside park
Hidden character
– Flavored popcorn are sold at many places. Caramel flavor and soy sauce flavor etc.
– You find lots of teenagers enjoy matching fashion coordination.
Peojct Mapping of Tokyo Disney Land
Even if we do not spare much time to secure sitting place for parade, we can enjoy story-telling project mapping reflecting on central Cinderella castle.
Toy Story,one of most popular attraction in Tokyo Disney Sea
Tower ot terror, falling attraction of Tokyo Disney Sea
■ Tokyo Disney Resort Official website https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/index.html
■ Locoation: Maihama (20 mins from Tokyo station)
Film Ghibli is one of Japanese representative animation produced by Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.Their masterpiece like “My Neighbor Totoro (Tonari no Totoro)” and “Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi)”are known globally.Its original world view with heart-warming and strong message has attracted a lot of fans in the world.
There is Ghibli’s museum located close to the Inokashira Park in Tokyo.
There are 2 ways to get to Ghibli Museum; one is walk from Kichihoji station through Inokashira Park and the other is walk or get on shuttle bus (one way JPY210) from JR Mitaka station.
Go through Inokashira Park
Shuttle bus by Mitaka station
To the World of Ghibli
Welcoming Totoro
Three-story museum built based on the sketch drawn by director Hayao Miyazaki is really unique.There’s an atrium style ceiling and the museum is equipped with a traditional elevator and spiral staircases which lead up to upper floors and to the rooftop garden. Museums is composed of several zone, mini theater, shop and cafeteria. Walking through to inside, we can find beautiful stained glasses which some scene of Ghibli story are drawn.Taking photo is not allowed inside,so please imagine with this floor map.
Popular “Cat Bus” of Totoro
One of popular zone is”Cat Bus of Totoro”.Under 12-year-old child (*As of July,2017) can go in and out the large stuffed animal Cat Bus. Riding to the top is really enjoyable. According to the report of my kid, Cat Bus has soft and comfortable feel. No additional fee is required to play.
At zone “Room of Start-moving”, you can learn how Ghibli’s animation is created, and you can also see a work area where Ghibli studio are reproduced at zone”Place where film is made”.
The world of “Castle in the Sky”
On the rooftop of the museam, a robot of “Castle in the Sky” stands as a guardian god of this museum. It becomes shooting spot.
At souvenir shop, we can find post card, pin badge, stationery, stuffed animal. Photo is “Levi stone of Castle in the Sky” (JPY2600) . Levi stone’s light starts flashing strongly by recognizing the sound of magic spell.
* In conclusion *
Ghibli Museum is the place both adult and child can enjoy and visitor can also deeply learn how Gibli animation film is created. Very reasonable ticket price (Adult/JPY1000,Child/JPY400) is also nice surprise.
More about Ticket Reservation
Ticket reservation in advance is absolutely necessary.Ticket can be bought through online service of Gibli Museum or Loppi, or terminal machine at convenience store of Lawson, but I should say it is very difficult. On 10th of previous month, ticket starts to be sold, but the access is always too heavy. (Actually I kept struggling to access for 20 minutes at convenient store.) You are unable to ask to buy ticket to your Japanese friend because the verification is strictly required. I recommend to reserve through official agency.
Asakusa is the most popular sightseeing site of Tokyo’s districts.
Although a lot of tourists just finish Asakusa’s travel only by visiting Sensoji( a very popular Buddhist temple) and the Nakamise( a shopping street for tourists), I wish you explore around Asakusa deeply because Asakusa is surrounded by shitamachi, low city with the atmosphere of old Tokyo. At the left side of Sensoji, nostalgic town is spread, and important cultural properties such as Asakusa Shrine are dotted at the right side.
*Click photo to enlarge
Source:ebisuya.com
You can easily find a guided tour on a rickshaw (“man powered vehicle”). There are more than 10 companies rickshaw, and fares are depends on the company.
■Location: Asakusa
■For example of ‘Tokyorikushaw’, fares are
Trial course JPY3,000/per person, JPY4,000/for two people
Half around(30min) JPY7,000/per person, JPY9.000/for two people
Full circle(70min) JPY15,000/per person, JPY20,000/for two people
Meguro Gajoen is the first general wedding hall in Japan offering hotel and restaurant with the great hospitality since establishment.
Gajoen has often been called ‘fairy tale Palace of Dragon King in Showa era’ for its extraordinary gorgeous ornament. Hundreds of professional artists gathered when Gojoen was built, and produced wish of common people out of touch with reality.
The stairway of 100 steps “Hyakudan Kaidan” were selected as one of tangible properties of Tokyo, which is also well known for a model for bath building appeared in Film ‘Spirited Away’ by Studio Ghibli. At 100 steps, events are took place through a year, Hinamatsuri (doll festival) exhibition and flower exhibition and so on. (Admission fee is needed). Painting on framed sliding door and intricate painted ceiling with ornament of great depth is worthy to see. Elevator costing one hundred million yen uses beautiful silver-lipped pearl oyster inlaid in black lacquer.
Carved, painted wood ornament and cut shell-inlaid wall located at 4th floor (Admission free).
There is beautiful outside garden with great Japanese atmosphere where you can see carps.
Meguro Gajoen(目黒雅叙園) info
■ Location: Meguro
■ Shuttle bus service available between Meguro Gejoen to Meguro station
■ 7 restaurants in it
Official website
Kamakura is an ancient city that has produced its own, original culture.Kamakura began flourishing as a temple town in the 17th century. Blessed with the nature of the ocean and surrounding green hills, Kamakura today attracts a large number of tourists and it’s a perfect day trip from Tokyo. Approx 50 minutes by train from Sinagawa, approx 60 minutes from Tokyo station.
Buddha,the symbol of Kamakura.
*Click photo to enlarge
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine(鶴岡八幡宮)
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu located at the center of Kamakura establised in 1063. This shrine is famous of giving good luck for job,fight and success in life.It’s sacred place having vortex especially under the large ginkgo tree at left side of steps.
*Click photo to enlarge
Around November, you can see little girls wearing traditional kimono at the Japanese traditional event of ‘Shichi-Go-San’ to celebrate children’s growth.
Hasedera temple(長谷寺)
After climb up the hill, it will provide a really good view over the ocean. There are beautiful gardens with flowers and fish ponds.
Hokokuji (報告寺)
Another name Bamboo temple.Small bamboo forest surround this temple.Approx 20 min walk from central Kamakura.
Meigetsuin (明月院)
“The window to enlightenment” provides the ZEN moment. It is also famous for their Hydrangea in rainy season in June.
Enkakuji （円覚寺）
Famous sightseeing spot at the front of Kitakamakura station.
Zeniaraibenzaiten Shrine （銭洗弁財天)
The water of a spring in its cave are said to be able to multiply the money washed in it.
Source city.kamakura.kanagawa.jp
Komachi-dori (小町通り)
Komachi-dori is a relatively newly named street with souvenir stores for tourists that run from Kamakura station to Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine.
‘Hato sabre’ Famous cookie shaped of pigeon
Traditional Kamakura curving
Hand made rice cracker
For further information of Kamura City, the following link is helpful.
▶Kamakurama Visitor’s Guide
For visit Yokohama Minatomirai after Kamkura, click here.
Mt.Takao with 599m above sea level isn’t so high in Japan, yet it’s a No.1 mountaineering spot in the world for the number of climbers attracting 3 Million visitors a year. It takes less 1 hour by train from the center of Tokyo (i.e. No transfer from Shinjuku by Keio Line). For the reason that people can enjoy nature stroll easily, Mt. Takao was awarded the maximum of three stars by Michelin in 2007.
*Click photo to enlarge
Hiking courses are 8 Trails (Recommendation for beginner is Trail 1).Average hiking time is 1.5 hours.
Source: takaotozan.co.jp
During your hiking, you can also enjoy Japanese ambience as there are temple named Sanyaku Ouin (山薬王院) on the side of Mt.Takao.
Precincts of the temple
The temple is famous for long-nosed goblin belief and there are Long-nosed goblin’s statues from place to place.Izuna gongendo(飯綱権現堂) with wonderful decoration is the feature of Mt.Takao sightseeing.
Long-nosed goblin
In autumn, the colored leaves over the mountain look a red carpet. It’s fantastic. Because of lower temperature, the best time of a cherry blossoms and colored leaves comes little bit later than the center of Tokyo, so if you miss colored leaves, you should go to Mt.Takao ! Mt.Takao provides great nature which has you feel four seasons, cherry blossoms in late spring, chilly steam and dark green in summer.
Source: takaotozan.co.jp
From observatory of mountain top, you will find the view of Mt. Fuji awarded as the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
Source: takaotozan.co.jp
Beer garden opens in summer season.
Source: takaotozan.co.jp
■ Location: Takaosanguchi (Keio Line)
* You might want to check hiking trails and hiking guide of Mt.Takao official website
Cat Café is a place where cats lover can spend the time to watch and stroke cats,play with them, and are in close proximity with the cats. Don’t think café with sets of tables and chairs.It’s generaly like living room.Let’s go to see adorable cats !
Asakusa Nekoen
Source :facebook.com/asakusanekoen
*Click photo to enlarge
At Asakusa Nekoen near the Sensoji Temple,about 11-20 cats will welcome you. The friendly lady owner speaks good English and tells you about the cats. She is leading the way in rescuing homeless cats from the streets. So far over 100 cats were able to find forever home through the cafe.To avoid over-packed, they have a number limit on visitors at any one time. you can book a time and return later at busy time.
■ Location: Asakusa
■ Fee: 800 JPY in 60 minutes, 200JPY for another 30 minutes
■ You are requested to wear socks for keeping cleanness
■ Free Wi-Fi available
Official website
Temarinoouchi
Source temarinoouchi.com
Temarinoouchi is Cat Cafe opened in 2013 in Kichijoji. While it is common for most of Cat Cafes to charge by hours, there is no time limitation and no additional fee for extension.They also offer sweets and foods. Shop is the image of forest with lovely tree houses. You will feel slip into the fairy tale world.
■ Location: Kichijoji
■ Hours: 10:00～21:00
■ Fee:1,200JPY(weekdays), 1,600JPY(weekend/holiday), 700JPY after 19:00pm
■ Wi-Fi available
Official website(Japanese)
Yokohama is the second largest city in Japan after Tokyo.Minato Mirai Area right next to the port of Yokohama is a great place for sightseeting. Easily accessible by train (Ex.About half an hour from Shibuya), it offers various shopping malls such as Queen’s Square, Landmark Plaza, Mark IS, World Porters, etc.,and attractions, museums, food and fun.
*Click photo to enlarge
Ship Nihonmaru
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse (“Aka-Renga”)
Deck of Osanbashi
To see the full view of Minatomirai, I recommend to see from Osanbashi,an impressive terminal.
Yokohama Chinatown
Very crowded,but Yokohama Chinatown is the biggest China town in Japan.You’ll find an energetic Chinatown with hundreds of restaurants and souvenir shops.
Click here to see official website of Minato Mirai 21.
Autumn Leaves Spot in Tokyo
The beautiful scenery of Japanese autumn covered with yellow and red colored leaves is world-famous. The deciduous tree which turns red and yellow can be seen only in Japan, South East Asia and the part of North America. Japan has the largest number of the kind of deciduous trees, and Japanese colored leaves are more vivid and remarkable of the color contrast compared with other country.They are still beautiful even if it’ll be a fallen leaf.
The area where autumn leaves are seen earliest in Japan is Hokkaido, and the view starts around September,then a front line of colored leaves is moving to south gradually.In Tokyo, colored leaves are covered up around November.
MEIJI JINGU GAIEN（明治神宮外苑）
Ginkgo trees of Meiji Jingu Gaien is one of representative autumn leaves spot in the central of Tokyo.About 150 ginkgo trees of age more than 100 are turn gold to line up along to the street called golden road.Ginkgo festival is took place at the best season around late-November to begin-December every year.Stall stores open and it is crowded with people. Golden carpet with fallen leaves is awesome. Easy access in the central of Tokyo is also attractive.
RIKUGI-EN (六義園）
Rikugien is one of representative Japanese gardens in Tokyo. It’s fine garden has been counted as one of two excellent gardens of the Edo period together with Koishikawa Koraku-en.A big pond with some islands are surrounded by trees. In autumn leaves season, especially lightened up leaves at night are fantastic. It’s crowded, but it is worthy to see.
KOISHIKAWA KORAKUEN GARDENS（小石川後楽園)
Koishikawa Koraku-en Gardens which is named after a Chinese teaching of ” a governor should warry before people and enjoy after people ” is full of Chinese flavor. Viewing red leaves over small bridge with Japanese atmosphere are beautiful.
YOYOGI KOEN（代々木公園)
One of large park in the central of Tokyo having 1300 trees, covered up with yellow and red leaves in autumn season. In spacious park, there are many benches and places to be seated. You can have relax and cozy moment.
Komazawa Olympic Park（駒沢オリンピック公園)
FEEL TOKYO recommends Komazawa Olympic park for who want to enjoy the autumn scenery as jogging or cycling.There is 2.1km length jogging/cycling course around the park where you can feel fresh air and beautiful autumn season with approximately 670 ginkgo and zelkova trees tinted colors. In addition to rental bicycle from kid to adult, a tandem(two-seater bicycle) and a four-wheel bicycle called “pear pear” are popular.
Location: Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line “Komazawa University Station” walk 15 minute
Admission: Free (Rental fee is only $1-2)
More park information https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/access040.html
Formally dressed up children in kimono – Shichi go san
Shichi-go-san officially celebrated on November 15th is a traditional event to celebrate the healthy growth of children as they turn three,five and seven years of age. For the Japanese tradition of Shichi-go-san, girls aged three and seven, and boys aged three and five dress in kimonos to visit shrine. Around November, you can catch sight of dressing up Japanese children in kimono at shrine (or temple).
Each age has the following meaning :
Age 3 – Kamioki, a ceremony of allowing the hair to grow at the age of three
Age 5 – Hakama-gi, boys aged five can wear “hakama”, a formal skirt for formal wear, for the first time
Age 7 – Obi-toki, the ceremony of fitting an “obi”, a sash belt, to a girl aged seven for the first time
Park with white sandy beach in Odaiba. The sand transported from Izu resort island realized to create the beach in the center of Tokyo. Sea bathing is not allowded but you can enjoy feeling the breeze of wind from Tokyo bay, sunbathing and windsurfing.
*Click photo to enlarge
You can see Rainbow Bledge in front of you.From sunset to night, the scenary of lightend up Tokyo Tower, the great city of Tokyo and Yakatabune, Japanese roofed pleasure boat is awesome.
Observation deck
It is also convenient place for dining and shopping.
Odaiba Kaihin Koen Info
■Location: Odaiba Kaihin Koen
Park Info
Experience Joya-no-kane at temple
Joya-no-kane are the 108 peals of the temple bell which are sounded on New Year’s Eve.The sound
of the bell rings out the old year and rings in the new year. It is also supposed to release people from the 108 forms of evil.
Recommeded temples for Joya-no-kane in Tokyo
Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple
Location:Tsukiji
A Buddhist temple located in the Tsukiji district of Tokyo.The temple is adjacent to Tsukiji Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line.
Daihonzan Zojo-ji Temple Shurodo
Location:Onarimon or Hamamatsu-cho
A Buddhist temple in the Shiba neighborhood of Tokyo. It is the Great Main Temple of the Chinzei branch of Jōdo-shū Buddhism.
Sensoji Temple
Location:Asakusa
An ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Tokyo. It is Tokyo’s oldest temple, and one of its most significant.
Ikegami Honmon-ji Temple
Location: Nishi-Magome
600 people can ring the bell on a first-come-first-served basis
New Year Countdown event in Tokyo
Skytree New Year’s Eve special lightening
23:50 December 31st, 2017 ～ 1:00 January 1st ,2018
Source:twitter @tetsu_skytree
Asakusa Hanayashiki
Source: www.live3.info
On New Year Eve, an old-fashioned fancy amusement park “Asakusa Hanayashiki”closes 18:00pm once and reopens from 21:00ppm until 26:00. During this time, 10 attractions are free to ride only for JPY2,000(Adults more than 13 year-old) including admission fee. Children(2 year-old to 12 year-old) and handycapped are onlyJPY1,000.Every year the event of countdown is livened up exciting with plenty of the program including the live performace of Japanese comedian.
Also Senso-ji Temple, a popular spot of Hatsumode(the first visit of the year to shrine/temple) and Skytree which starts from early morning for the sunrise on New Year’s Day, are located nearby. Golden plan is countdown at Hanayashiki, Hatsumode at Senso-ji Temple,then seeing the sunrise at Skytree.
The Price Park Tower Tokyo
Source:princehotels.co.jp
Hotel the Price Park Tower Tokyo will take place COUNTDOWN2018 at the outside venue close to Tokyo Tower, a landmark of Tokyo. At COUNTDOWN2018, a famouse magician will be a presentater and the fantastic performance with light and music,and customary balloon release will be hold. For who stay at hotel, they provide the service of experiensing “Wanko Soba”, or soba noodles in broth served continuously so that the guest never has an empty bowl.
Hatsumode spots like Zojo-ji Temple, Shiba Tosho-gu,Shiba Daijingu-shrine are neighbor,so going to Hatsumode or seeing the sunrise at Tokyo Tower after the countdown might be a perfect course.
Official website
