- miraikan - national museum of emerging science and innovation
- sakura - cherry blossom
- onsen
- ramen
- odaiba
- shibuya crossing
- hachicko dog statue
- harajuku - punk gothic, lolita, elvis
- akihabara - all things electronic
- asakusa
- ueno park
- tsukiji fish market
16 March 2009
tokyo MUST
day five: tuesday 10 mar 09
1. GINZA http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3005.htmltrain: shinjuku – ginza (marunouchi line)
10:00 Sony building - level 6: playstation. The newest products by Sony, including DVD recorders, televisions, cameras, audio sets, mobile phones, computers and Play Station products, are displayed to the public in the showrooms in this building. There are also a few shops, restaurants and cafes. Showroom and shops open daily 11:00 to 19:00. Restaurants typically open 11:30 to 9:30.
11:00 Leica gallery.In the specialist trade outlet Leica Ginza opened by Leica Camera Japan has been continuing the tradition of the Leica Gallery in Tokyo since April 2006 with a photo salon.
Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday 11.00 am - 7.00 pm. http://en.leica-camera.com/culture/galeries/gallery_tokyo/
2. TSUKIJI train: ginza – tsukiji (hibiya line)
12:00 fish market - http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3021.html. Tsukiji Central Wholesale Market is a large market for fish, fruit and vegetables in central Tokyo. It is the most famous of over ten wholesale markets that handle the distribution of fish, fruit, vegetables, meat and flowers for metropolitan Tokyo.
2:00 advertising museum - how to get there:• Look for Exit No. 4 ("JR Shimbashi Station, Shiodome Gate, Shiodome Shiosite")
• Turn left at the concourse end. Go downstairs and walk toward Toei Asakusa Line
• Walk ahead along the concourse. Pass the "Shiodome City Center" sign to your left
• Pass "Caretta Fountain" (tortoise-shaped stones) to your right and walk toward Gate-A to your left
• Enter Caretta Shiodome at Gate-A
• Take escalator up to B1F
• Welcome to ADMT Entrance
3. UENO PARK http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3019.htmltrain: tsukiji – ginza (hibiya line) - ueno (ginza line)
From ueno, go to narita airport
day four: monday 9 mar 09
1. SHINJUKU http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3011.html
9:00 art deco Isetan building (on left). free art gallery: 5th floor
9:30 take pic at studio alta building. with its giant TV screen, is directly opposite My City. As a popular rendezvous point, the entrance is often so crowded that meeting the person you're supposed to be meeting is really no option at all.
10:00 Shinjuku NS building. great architecture. free observatory is located in the 30th floor. http://gojapan.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=gojapan&cdn=travel&tm=5&f=21&su=p531.50.336.ip_&tt=11&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.shinjuku-ns.co.jp/
11:00 Pentax forum. 1st floor of shinjuku mitsui building. amazing building. exhibitons & play with camera. http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=330439
2. MARUNOUCHI http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3037.html
train: Shinjuku – tokyo (marunouchi line)
Situated between Tokyo Station and Tokyo Imperial Palace, Japan's most prestigious business district of Marunouchi with neighboring Otemachi, is home to the headquarters or Tokyo branches of many of Japan's largest companies, particularly from the financial sector.
12:00 imperial palace: kokyo higashi gaien (park) and nijubashi bridge. Postcard scene.pine trees.
1:30 tokyo international forum plaza. shiplike building, awesome architechture
2:30 take photo of Marunouchi buildings. 4 level shopping & view from 35th floor
3. KAMIYACHO
train: tokyo - via kasumigaseki (marunouchi line) - kamiyacho (hibiya line)
3:00 take photo outside Tokyo Tower - http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3009.html
With 333 meters, Tokyo Tower is 13 meters taller than its model, the Eiffel Tower of Paris, and the world's tallest self-supporting steel tower. It was completed in the year 1958 as a symbol for Japan's rebirth as a major economic power, and serves as a television and radio broadcast antenna and tourist attraction.
Visitors can ascend to the main observatory at 150 meters and the special observatory at 250 meters to get a bird's eye view of Tokyo. Under good weather conditions, Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance. An aquarium, wax museum and several more attractions can be found on the ground floors of the tower. Separate entrance fees apply. http://www.tokyotower.co.jp/english/
4. ROPPONGI http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3031.html
train: kamiyacho - roppongi (hibiya line)
4:00 browse Roppongi Hills
Tokyo City View & Mori Art Museum
On the top floors of the Mori Tower are the Mori Art Museum, a contemporary art museum with changing exhibitions, and the Tokyo City View indoor observation deck with the newly added open-air Sky Deck on the building's roof. Tokyo City View is open daily 10:00 to 23:00 (until 1:00 on Fridays and Saturdays), while the Sky Deck is open in good weather only from 10:00 to 19:00. Admission: 1500 Yen. The Mori Art Museum is open daily 10:00 to 22:00 (until 17:00 on Tuesdays). The admission fee for the museum varies by exhibition.
TV Asahi Headquarters
The headquarters of TV Asahi, one of Japan's private, nationwide TV stations, is part of the Roppongi Hill complex. The spacious atrium is open to the public and features displays of current programs and a shop selling TV Asahi related goods. The TV Asahi Shop is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00.
Mori Garden
A small oasis of greenery between the tall buildings of Roppongi Hills, the Mori Garden is built in the style of a traditional Japanese landscape garden.
5. IKEBUKURO http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3038.html
train: roppongi - ginza (hibiya line) - ikebukuro (marunouchi line)
5:00 tokyo metropolitan art space. http://www.geigeki.jp/english/
Going back to hotel:
ikebukuro – Shinjuku (marunouchi line)
9:00 art deco Isetan building (on left). free art gallery: 5th floor9:30 take pic at studio alta building. with its giant TV screen, is directly opposite My City. As a popular rendezvous point, the entrance is often so crowded that meeting the person you're supposed to be meeting is really no option at all.
10:00 Shinjuku NS building. great architecture. free observatory is located in the 30th floor. http://gojapan.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=gojapan&cdn=travel&tm=5&f=21&su=p531.50.336.ip_&tt=11&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.shinjuku-ns.co.jp/
11:00 Pentax forum. 1st floor of shinjuku mitsui building. amazing building. exhibitons & play with camera. http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=330439
2. MARUNOUCHI http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3037.htmltrain: Shinjuku – tokyo (marunouchi line)
Situated between Tokyo Station and Tokyo Imperial Palace, Japan's most prestigious business district of Marunouchi with neighboring Otemachi, is home to the headquarters or Tokyo branches of many of Japan's largest companies, particularly from the financial sector.
12:00 imperial palace: kokyo higashi gaien (park) and nijubashi bridge. Postcard scene.pine trees.1:30 tokyo international forum plaza. shiplike building, awesome architechture
2:30 take photo of Marunouchi buildings. 4 level shopping & view from 35th floor3. KAMIYACHO
train: tokyo - via kasumigaseki (marunouchi line) - kamiyacho (hibiya line)
3:00 take photo outside Tokyo Tower - http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3009.htmlWith 333 meters, Tokyo Tower is 13 meters taller than its model, the Eiffel Tower of Paris, and the world's tallest self-supporting steel tower. It was completed in the year 1958 as a symbol for Japan's rebirth as a major economic power, and serves as a television and radio broadcast antenna and tourist attraction.
Visitors can ascend to the main observatory at 150 meters and the special observatory at 250 meters to get a bird's eye view of Tokyo. Under good weather conditions, Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance. An aquarium, wax museum and several more attractions can be found on the ground floors of the tower. Separate entrance fees apply. http://www.tokyotower.co.jp/english/ 4. ROPPONGI http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3031.htmltrain: kamiyacho - roppongi (hibiya line)
4:00 browse Roppongi Hills
Tokyo City View & Mori Art MuseumOn the top floors of the Mori Tower are the Mori Art Museum, a contemporary art museum with changing exhibitions, and the Tokyo City View indoor observation deck with the newly added open-air Sky Deck on the building's roof. Tokyo City View is open daily 10:00 to 23:00 (until 1:00 on Fridays and Saturdays), while the Sky Deck is open in good weather only from 10:00 to 19:00. Admission: 1500 Yen. The Mori Art Museum is open daily 10:00 to 22:00 (until 17:00 on Tuesdays). The admission fee for the museum varies by exhibition.
TV Asahi HeadquartersThe headquarters of TV Asahi, one of Japan's private, nationwide TV stations, is part of the Roppongi Hill complex. The spacious atrium is open to the public and features displays of current programs and a shop selling TV Asahi related goods. The TV Asahi Shop is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00.
Mori Garden
A small oasis of greenery between the tall buildings of Roppongi Hills, the Mori Garden is built in the style of a traditional Japanese landscape garden.
5. IKEBUKURO http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3038.htmltrain: roppongi - ginza (hibiya line) - ikebukuro (marunouchi line)
Ikebukuro is one of Tokyo's multiple city centers, located in the northwestern corner of the Yamanote loop line. Ikebukuro offers plenty of entertainment, shopping and dining opportunities.
Handling more than a million passengers per day, Ikebukuro Station is surpassed only by Shinjuku Station as Japan's busiest railway station. Three subway and multiple urban and suburban train lines commence or pass through the large station complex.
Going back to hotel:
ikebukuro – Shinjuku (marunouchi line)
day three: sunday 8 mar 09
1. SHIBUYA http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3007.html
train: Shinjuku – shibuya (fukutoshin line)
Shibuya is one of the twenty-three city wards of Tokyo, but often refers to just the popular shopping and entertainment area around Shibuya Station. Shibuya is one of Tokyo's most colorful and busy districts and birthplace to many of Japan's fashion and entertainment trends. Most of the area's large department and fashion stores belong to either Tokyu or Seibu, two competing corporations.
9:00 shibuya station: take pic with hachiko statue
A statue of a loyal dog named Hachiko. According to a famous story, the dog waited for his master every day in front of Shibuya Station, and continued to do so for years even after his master had passed away. It is one of Tokyo's most popular meeting points.
9:30 take photo of humax pavilion building. fancy building, resemble a cartoon rocket. www.humax.co.jp/english/group_intro/index.html
10:00 TEPCO Museum. hands-on museum where you can learn about power. FREE. This museum by the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) introduces various aspects of electric energy, such as the process of power generation and the role of electricity in society and everyday life. Information in English is limited. http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/index-e.html
11:00 browsing tokyu hands dept store. the most complete DIY dept store in the world. Promoted as "Creative Life Store", Tokyu Hands has everything from do-it-yourself, interior, hobby, crafts, outdoors to stationery and more. The Shibuya store spans eight floors. Open daily from 10:00 to 20:30.
11:30 browsing shibuya 109 mall
Shibuya 109 is a trend setting fashion complex for young women with more than one hundred boutiques on ten floors. Open daily 10:00 to 21:00 (restaurants from 11:00 to 22:30). Closed New Year's Day.
2. HARAJUKU http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3006.html
train: Shibuya – meiji-jingumae (fukutoshin line)
In order to experience the teenage culture at its most extreme, visit Harajuku on a Sunday, when many young people gather around Harajuku Station and engage in cosplay ("costume play"), dressed up in crazy costumes to resemble anime characters, punk musicians, etc.
12:30 Yoyogi park (punk rock) & olympic stadiums. 5am-8pm. Cosplay-zoku at Meiji Shrine Bridge. costumed.Yoyogi Koen (Yoyogi Park) is one of Tokyo's largest and most pleasant city parks, featuring wide lawns, ponds and forested areas. It is a great place for jogging, picnicking and other outdoor activities. Open daily 5:00-20:00 (winter until 17:00). Facility hours vary with most open from 9:00 to 17:00.
1:30 Meiji Shrine (meiji-jingu) - most splendid shrine. dawn-dusk. an idyllic walk, Beautiful cedar and cypress trees.
Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. The buildings are surrounded by a beautiful, dense forest. Daily from sunrise to sunset. No closing days. Free admission.
2:30 Takeshita Dori street
The symbol of Harajuku and birthplace of many of Japan's fashion trends, Takeshita Dori (Takeshita Street) is a narrow, roughly 400 meter long street lined by shops, boutiques, cafes and fast food outlets targeting Tokyo's teenagers. Shops along Takeshita Dori tend to be open daily from 11:00 to 20:00.
Daiso Harajuku - 100 Yen Shop. This is one of the largest 100 Yen Shops in central Tokyo, offering a wide array of goods, including clothing, kitchenware, food and stationary on multiple floors at 105 Yen per item. It is located only a few steps from Harajuku Station along Takeshita Dori.
3. ASAKUSA http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3004.html
train: meiji-jingumae - Shibuya (fukutoshin line) - asakusa (ginza line)
Asakusa's main attraction is Sensoji, a very popular Buddhist temple, built in the 7th century. The temple is approached via the Nakamise, a shopping street that has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries. Asakusa can be easily explored on foot. Alternatively, you can consider a guided tour on a rickshaw (jinrikisha, lit. "man powered vehicle"). A 30 minute tour for two persons costs around 8000 Yen. Shorter and longer courses are also available.
4:00 kaminari gate to senso-ji temple, via nakamise street. Huge red paper lantern, picture perfect. 6am-5pm. Kaminarimon is the first of two large entrance gates leading to Sensoji Temple. First built more than 1000 years ago, it is the symbol of Asakusa. The Nakamise shopping street leads from Kaminarimon to the temple grounds. Sensoji Temple. Sensoji ("Senso" is an alternative reading for Asakusa and "ji" means temple) is Tokyo's most famous and popular temple. Built in the 7th century, it is also one of its oldest, although the current buildings are postwar reconstructions.
Akihabara (short: Akiba) is a district in central Tokyo, famous for its many electronics shops. In recent years, it has also gained fame as a center of the gaming, manga and animation culture. A major redevelopment of Akihabara Station and surroundings is nearing its completion, giving Akihabara a new face.
6:00 browse electronic dept store
6:30 sightseeing maid café. http://www.angelfire.com/id/croon/japan/akihabaramaids.html
Going back to hotel:
Akihabara – via ginza (hibiya line) – shinjuku (marunouchi line)
train: Shinjuku – shibuya (fukutoshin line)
Shibuya is one of the twenty-three city wards of Tokyo, but often refers to just the popular shopping and entertainment area around Shibuya Station. Shibuya is one of Tokyo's most colorful and busy districts and birthplace to many of Japan's fashion and entertainment trends. Most of the area's large department and fashion stores belong to either Tokyu or Seibu, two competing corporations.
9:00 shibuya station: take pic with hachiko statueA statue of a loyal dog named Hachiko. According to a famous story, the dog waited for his master every day in front of Shibuya Station, and continued to do so for years even after his master had passed away. It is one of Tokyo's most popular meeting points.
9:30 take photo of humax pavilion building. fancy building, resemble a cartoon rocket. www.humax.co.jp/english/group_intro/index.html
10:00 TEPCO Museum. hands-on museum where you can learn about power. FREE. This museum by the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) introduces various aspects of electric energy, such as the process of power generation and the role of electricity in society and everyday life. Information in English is limited. http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/index-e.html11:00 browsing tokyu hands dept store. the most complete DIY dept store in the world. Promoted as "Creative Life Store", Tokyu Hands has everything from do-it-yourself, interior, hobby, crafts, outdoors to stationery and more. The Shibuya store spans eight floors. Open daily from 10:00 to 20:30.
11:30 browsing shibuya 109 mallShibuya 109 is a trend setting fashion complex for young women with more than one hundred boutiques on ten floors. Open daily 10:00 to 21:00 (restaurants from 11:00 to 22:30). Closed New Year's Day.
2. HARAJUKU http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3006.html
train: Shibuya – meiji-jingumae (fukutoshin line)
In order to experience the teenage culture at its most extreme, visit Harajuku on a Sunday, when many young people gather around Harajuku Station and engage in cosplay ("costume play"), dressed up in crazy costumes to resemble anime characters, punk musicians, etc.
12:30 Yoyogi park (punk rock) & olympic stadiums. 5am-8pm. Cosplay-zoku at Meiji Shrine Bridge. costumed.Yoyogi Koen (Yoyogi Park) is one of Tokyo's largest and most pleasant city parks, featuring wide lawns, ponds and forested areas. It is a great place for jogging, picnicking and other outdoor activities. Open daily 5:00-20:00 (winter until 17:00). Facility hours vary with most open from 9:00 to 17:00.
1:30 Meiji Shrine (meiji-jingu) - most splendid shrine. dawn-dusk. an idyllic walk, Beautiful cedar and cypress trees.Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. The buildings are surrounded by a beautiful, dense forest. Daily from sunrise to sunset. No closing days. Free admission.
2:30 Takeshita Dori streetThe symbol of Harajuku and birthplace of many of Japan's fashion trends, Takeshita Dori (Takeshita Street) is a narrow, roughly 400 meter long street lined by shops, boutiques, cafes and fast food outlets targeting Tokyo's teenagers. Shops along Takeshita Dori tend to be open daily from 11:00 to 20:00.
Daiso Harajuku - 100 Yen Shop. This is one of the largest 100 Yen Shops in central Tokyo, offering a wide array of goods, including clothing, kitchenware, food and stationary on multiple floors at 105 Yen per item. It is located only a few steps from Harajuku Station along Takeshita Dori.
3. ASAKUSA http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3004.html
train: meiji-jingumae - Shibuya (fukutoshin line) - asakusa (ginza line)
Asakusa's main attraction is Sensoji, a very popular Buddhist temple, built in the 7th century. The temple is approached via the Nakamise, a shopping street that has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries. Asakusa can be easily explored on foot. Alternatively, you can consider a guided tour on a rickshaw (jinrikisha, lit. "man powered vehicle"). A 30 minute tour for two persons costs around 8000 Yen. Shorter and longer courses are also available.
4:00 kaminari gate to senso-ji temple, via nakamise street. Huge red paper lantern, picture perfect. 6am-5pm. Kaminarimon is the first of two large entrance gates leading to Sensoji Temple. First built more than 1000 years ago, it is the symbol of Asakusa. The Nakamise shopping street leads from Kaminarimon to the temple grounds. Sensoji Temple. Sensoji ("Senso" is an alternative reading for Asakusa and "ji" means temple) is Tokyo's most famous and popular temple. Built in the 7th century, it is also one of its oldest, although the current buildings are postwar reconstructions. 4. AKIHABARA - sales of all things electrical. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3003.html
train: Asakusa – via ueno (ginza line) – akihabara (hibiya line)
Akihabara (short: Akiba) is a district in central Tokyo, famous for its many electronics shops. In recent years, it has also gained fame as a center of the gaming, manga and animation culture. A major redevelopment of Akihabara Station and surroundings is nearing its completion, giving Akihabara a new face. 6:00 browse electronic dept store
6:30 sightseeing maid café. http://www.angelfire.com/id/croon/japan/akihabaramaids.html
Going back to hotel:
Akihabara – via ginza (hibiya line) – shinjuku (marunouchi line)
day two: saturday 7 mar 09
1. SHINJUKU www.japan-guide.com/e/e3011.html
we walked from hotel to reach our first destination. it's quite far, but we enjoyed the sightseeing: amazing buildings, the people, the shops. we arrived too early, so we had to wait around 10mins at the door. there were other people too, mainly school children - i think they were on a school trip.
9:30 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings: South & North observatory
The 243 meter tall twin towers and surrounding buildings contain the offices and the assembly hall of the metropolitan government of Tokyo, as well as observatories on the 45th floor of each tower. The view from the southern tower is considered slightly more interesting. Open daily 9:30 to 23:00 (south observatory until 17:30), except December 29-31, January 2-3 and occasional inspection days. Furthermore, the north observatory is closed on the 2nd and 4th Monday and the south observatory on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, except if a public holiday falls on the closure day, in which case the observatory is closed the following day. Admission is free. www.metro.tokyo.jp/ENGLISH/
10:30 tokyo opera city. NTT intercommunication centre - level 4
sadly when we arrived they're having a renovation so it's closed, but we enjoyed the cool tokyo opera city building.
"every visitor can encounter the activities of cutting-edge artists, meet them, and feel the stream of science and the arts in the new era." (www.ntticc.or.jp/index_e.html)
2. ODAIBA www.japan-guide.com/e/e3008.html
train: shinjuku to ginza (using marunouchi line), from ginza to shimbashi (using ginza line), at shimbashi buy ticket to odaiba using yurikamome line. buy day pass 800 yen because you will use it more than once. http://yurikamome.co.jp/english/index.php
The Yurikamome is an un-manned, elevated train with rubber tires, which connects Shimbashi Station on the JR Yamanote Line with all of Odaiba's attractions and Toyosu Station on the Yurakucho Subway Line. A ride from Shimbashi to Daiba takes 15 minutes and costs 310 yen. If you ride the Yurikamome more than twice, a one day pass for 800 yen is likely to come cheaper than single tickets. The Yurikamome uses the Rainbow Bridge to get to Odaiba and offers spectacular views of the harbor and the Tokyo waterfront area. Sit or stand at the very front of the train for the most impressive views. One-day Open Pass allows you to ride the YURIKAMOME line as many times as you wish for one day. It is available at ticket vending machines and the station offices of Shimbashi and Toyosu stations. One-day Open Pass issued by the ticket vending machine is valid only for the day of purchase, whereas the pass sold at the station office is valid for one day of your choice within the period of validity indicated on the ticket.
the order of yurikamome stops:
first stop from shimbashi station is at DAIBA.
11:30 Decks tokyo beach shopping mall
Decks is a shopping mall featuring various stores, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, the food theme park "Daiba Little Hong Kong" and "Tokyo Joypolis", three floors packed with the newest arcade games and more. Open daily 11:00 to 21:00 (some stores and restaurants remain open until 22:00 or 23:00). Admission is free, except to Tokyo Joypolis (500 yen). http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/japan/tokyo/sightseeing-in-tokyo/decks-tokyo-beach.html
12:30 Futuristic Fuji tv building
This is the headquarters of Fuji Television, one of Japan's private, nationwide TV stations. You can see some exhibitions on popular programs, buy Fuji TV goods at the souvenir shop and access the futuristic looking building's observatory deck. Open 10:00 to 20:00. Most attractions are closed on Mondays (closed the following Tuesday instead, if Monday falls on a public holiday). Admission is free except for the observatory deck (500 yen). http://www.fujitv.co.jp/en/
1:00 Sony Explora Science in Odaiba Mediage Building
A science museum designed by Sony, which includes a planetarium. http://www.mediage.jp/e/
...now get on the yurikamome line and stop at TELECOM CENTER
1:30 National museum of emerging science & innovation 500 yen - AMAZING!!!
This well done, highly interactive and bilingual science museum includes exhibits about environmental issues, robots (starring Asimo among others), information technology, biology and space exploration. Open daily 10:00 to 17:00. Closed Tuesdays and from Dec 28 to Jan 1 (Open Tuesdays during the summer holidays or if Tuesday is a public holiday). Admission: 500 yen. http://www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/en/
...now get on the yurikamome line and stop at AOMI
2:30 Pallete town
This shopping and entertainment complex consists of Venus Fort, Sun Walk, Mega Web, a Ferris Wheel and Zepp Tokyo, a large concert venue. See more details on each attraction below. Open daily. Most shops and attractions are open from 11:00 to 21:00 and restaurants until 23:00. Part of Palette Town, this 115 meter tall ferris wheel is one of the world's largest and offers nice views of the bay area. Operating daily from 10:00 to 22:00 (until 24:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, and days preceding holidays during the spring and summer season. Admission: 900 Yen. http://www.tcvb.or.jp/en/infomation/2area/11rinkai.html
3:00 Toyota mega web
Part of Palette Town, Mega Web is a Toyota showroom, where you can view and touch Toyota's newest models and car accessories, test drive a real car ("Ride One") or ride an automatic, electric vehicle ("E-com Ride"). Historic cars are exhibited in the "History Garage". Toyota City Showcase and History Garage open 11:00 to 21:00. Universal Design Showcase open until 19:00. "Ride One", "E-com Ride" and "Kid's Hybrid Ride One" until 20:00 ("Kid's Hybrid Ride One open until 18:00 on weekdays"). There are occasional closing days. Admission is free, except for "Ride One" (300 Yen per ride) and "E-com Ride" (200 Yen per ride). A Japanese or recognized international driving permit is required for "Ride One" drivers. http://www.megaweb.gr.jp/English/
4:00 Venus Fort - mall for women with changing sky
Part of Palette Town, Venus Fort is a shopping mall in the style of a 18th century South European town. It features more than one hundred boutiques, shops, cafes and restaurants, targeting a mainly female audience. Shops are open daily 11:00 to 21:00. Restaurants until 23:00.http://www.venusfort.co.jp/multi/index_e.html
...now get on the yurikamome line and stop at KOKUSAI TENJIJO SEIMON
4:30 tokyo big sight
Also known as Tokyo International Exhibition Center, Tokyo Big Sight is Japan's largest exhibition and convention center and one of the bay islands' boldest architectural creations. A wide array of events are held at the Big Sight throughout the year. Hours and admission fees depend on the specific events. http://www.bigsight.jp/english/
5:30 panasonic center
no taking pictures inside, we experienced the biggest LCD tv screen in the world, massive!
The Panasonic Center is a showroom for the latest products and technologies by the Matsushita Group, of which Panasonic is part of. On display are the newest cameras, TV screens, computers, Nintendo games, home appliances and more. Open 10:00 to 18:00 (entry to Risupia until 17:00). Closed on Mondays, except if Monday is a public holiday. Admission is free except Risupia (500 yen). Entry to Risupia is by numbered ticket which are limited during times of high visitation. http://panasonic.net/center/tokyo/index.html
...now get on the yurikamome line and go back to stop at TELECOM CENTER
6:00 oedo onsen monogatari: hot spring theme park
www.sunnypages.jp/travel_guide/modern_tokyo/super_sentos/Oedo+Onsen+Monogatari/2030
Opened in March 2003, this is a hot spring theme park, which reproduces the atmosphere of the Edo Period (1603-1868). You can enjoy various types of baths, which are fed by actual hot spring water from a depth of 1400 meters. Open daily from 11am to 9am (no entry between 2am and 5am, last entry 7am). Admission is 2827 yen (1987 yen if you enter after 6pm). An overnight stay supplement of 1,575 yen applies if you stay after 2am. If you enter between 5am and 7am, the admission is 1,567 Yen. Once a month Oedo onsen closes early at 11pm for maintenance (admission until 9pm).
...now get on the yurikamome line and go back to stop at SHIMBASHI. from shimbashi – to shibuya (ginza line) – to shinjuku-our hotel (fukutoshin line)
we walked from hotel to reach our first destination. it's quite far, but we enjoyed the sightseeing: amazing buildings, the people, the shops. we arrived too early, so we had to wait around 10mins at the door. there were other people too, mainly school children - i think they were on a school trip.9:30 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings: South & North observatory
The 243 meter tall twin towers and surrounding buildings contain the offices and the assembly hall of the metropolitan government of Tokyo, as well as observatories on the 45th floor of each tower. The view from the southern tower is considered slightly more interesting. Open daily 9:30 to 23:00 (south observatory until 17:30), except December 29-31, January 2-3 and occasional inspection days. Furthermore, the north observatory is closed on the 2nd and 4th Monday and the south observatory on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, except if a public holiday falls on the closure day, in which case the observatory is closed the following day. Admission is free. www.metro.tokyo.jp/ENGLISH/
10:30 tokyo opera city. NTT intercommunication centre - level 4sadly when we arrived they're having a renovation so it's closed, but we enjoyed the cool tokyo opera city building.
"every visitor can encounter the activities of cutting-edge artists, meet them, and feel the stream of science and the arts in the new era." (www.ntticc.or.jp/index_e.html)
2. ODAIBA www.japan-guide.com/e/e3008.html
train: shinjuku to ginza (using marunouchi line), from ginza to shimbashi (using ginza line), at shimbashi buy ticket to odaiba using yurikamome line. buy day pass 800 yen because you will use it more than once. http://yurikamome.co.jp/english/index.php
The Yurikamome is an un-manned, elevated train with rubber tires, which connects Shimbashi Station on the JR Yamanote Line with all of Odaiba's attractions and Toyosu Station on the Yurakucho Subway Line. A ride from Shimbashi to Daiba takes 15 minutes and costs 310 yen. If you ride the Yurikamome more than twice, a one day pass for 800 yen is likely to come cheaper than single tickets. The Yurikamome uses the Rainbow Bridge to get to Odaiba and offers spectacular views of the harbor and the Tokyo waterfront area. Sit or stand at the very front of the train for the most impressive views. One-day Open Pass allows you to ride the YURIKAMOME line as many times as you wish for one day. It is available at ticket vending machines and the station offices of Shimbashi and Toyosu stations. One-day Open Pass issued by the ticket vending machine is valid only for the day of purchase, whereas the pass sold at the station office is valid for one day of your choice within the period of validity indicated on the ticket.the order of yurikamome stops:
first stop from shimbashi station is at DAIBA.
11:30 Decks tokyo beach shopping mall
Decks is a shopping mall featuring various stores, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, the food theme park "Daiba Little Hong Kong" and "Tokyo Joypolis", three floors packed with the newest arcade games and more. Open daily 11:00 to 21:00 (some stores and restaurants remain open until 22:00 or 23:00). Admission is free, except to Tokyo Joypolis (500 yen). http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/japan/tokyo/sightseeing-in-tokyo/decks-tokyo-beach.html
12:30 Futuristic Fuji tv buildingThis is the headquarters of Fuji Television, one of Japan's private, nationwide TV stations. You can see some exhibitions on popular programs, buy Fuji TV goods at the souvenir shop and access the futuristic looking building's observatory deck. Open 10:00 to 20:00. Most attractions are closed on Mondays (closed the following Tuesday instead, if Monday falls on a public holiday). Admission is free except for the observatory deck (500 yen). http://www.fujitv.co.jp/en/
1:00 Sony Explora Science in Odaiba Mediage Building
A science museum designed by Sony, which includes a planetarium. http://www.mediage.jp/e/
...now get on the yurikamome line and stop at TELECOM CENTER
1:30 National museum of emerging science & innovation 500 yen - AMAZING!!!This well done, highly interactive and bilingual science museum includes exhibits about environmental issues, robots (starring Asimo among others), information technology, biology and space exploration. Open daily 10:00 to 17:00. Closed Tuesdays and from Dec 28 to Jan 1 (Open Tuesdays during the summer holidays or if Tuesday is a public holiday). Admission: 500 yen. http://www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/en/
...now get on the yurikamome line and stop at AOMI
2:30 Pallete townThis shopping and entertainment complex consists of Venus Fort, Sun Walk, Mega Web, a Ferris Wheel and Zepp Tokyo, a large concert venue. See more details on each attraction below. Open daily. Most shops and attractions are open from 11:00 to 21:00 and restaurants until 23:00. Part of Palette Town, this 115 meter tall ferris wheel is one of the world's largest and offers nice views of the bay area. Operating daily from 10:00 to 22:00 (until 24:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, and days preceding holidays during the spring and summer season. Admission: 900 Yen. http://www.tcvb.or.jp/en/infomation/2area/11rinkai.html
3:00 Toyota mega webPart of Palette Town, Mega Web is a Toyota showroom, where you can view and touch Toyota's newest models and car accessories, test drive a real car ("Ride One") or ride an automatic, electric vehicle ("E-com Ride"). Historic cars are exhibited in the "History Garage". Toyota City Showcase and History Garage open 11:00 to 21:00. Universal Design Showcase open until 19:00. "Ride One", "E-com Ride" and "Kid's Hybrid Ride One" until 20:00 ("Kid's Hybrid Ride One open until 18:00 on weekdays"). There are occasional closing days. Admission is free, except for "Ride One" (300 Yen per ride) and "E-com Ride" (200 Yen per ride). A Japanese or recognized international driving permit is required for "Ride One" drivers. http://www.megaweb.gr.jp/English/
4:00 Venus Fort - mall for women with changing skyPart of Palette Town, Venus Fort is a shopping mall in the style of a 18th century South European town. It features more than one hundred boutiques, shops, cafes and restaurants, targeting a mainly female audience. Shops are open daily 11:00 to 21:00. Restaurants until 23:00.http://www.venusfort.co.jp/multi/index_e.html
4:30 tokyo big sightAlso known as Tokyo International Exhibition Center, Tokyo Big Sight is Japan's largest exhibition and convention center and one of the bay islands' boldest architectural creations. A wide array of events are held at the Big Sight throughout the year. Hours and admission fees depend on the specific events. http://www.bigsight.jp/english/
5:30 panasonic center no taking pictures inside, we experienced the biggest LCD tv screen in the world, massive!
The Panasonic Center is a showroom for the latest products and technologies by the Matsushita Group, of which Panasonic is part of. On display are the newest cameras, TV screens, computers, Nintendo games, home appliances and more. Open 10:00 to 18:00 (entry to Risupia until 17:00). Closed on Mondays, except if Monday is a public holiday. Admission is free except Risupia (500 yen). Entry to Risupia is by numbered ticket which are limited during times of high visitation. http://panasonic.net/center/tokyo/index.html
...now get on the yurikamome line and go back to stop at TELECOM CENTER
6:00 oedo onsen monogatari: hot spring theme parkwww.sunnypages.jp/travel_guide/modern_tokyo/super_sentos/Oedo+Onsen+Monogatari/2030
Opened in March 2003, this is a hot spring theme park, which reproduces the atmosphere of the Edo Period (1603-1868). You can enjoy various types of baths, which are fed by actual hot spring water from a depth of 1400 meters. Open daily from 11am to 9am (no entry between 2am and 5am, last entry 7am). Admission is 2827 yen (1987 yen if you enter after 6pm). An overnight stay supplement of 1,575 yen applies if you stay after 2am. If you enter between 5am and 7am, the admission is 1,567 Yen. Once a month Oedo onsen closes early at 11pm for maintenance (admission until 9pm).
...now get on the yurikamome line and go back to stop at SHIMBASHI. from shimbashi – to shibuya (ginza line) – to shinjuku-our hotel (fukutoshin line)
day one: friday 6 mar 09
around 6:00 arrived at airport
(when we arrive in japan the sky was already dark by the time we were on the train to ueno, and raining, and worst of all i wasn't in the best condition-suffering from motion sickness and diarrhea from 30minutes turbulence before landing. so all i wanted to do was checking in to hotel and have a nice sleep). at the airport i was busy buying tickets for the next 4 days: tokyo metro 2 day pass, and keisei limited express, also visited the tourist info center to get the tokyo handy guide booklet that has discounts for museum visits etc. on the way to ueno we had to stop a few times because i wanted to vomit.
this is the toilet i found at first! so surprised, i was not going to use, luckily the disable toilet is modern style. phewww...
stopped at ueno
cold, raining, 9 degree Celsius. hopped in the subway to shinjuku. destination: shinjuku listel hotel.
arrived at shinjuku
wow the view was just amazing. what a busy night. people everywhere, lights everywhere. on the way to hotel - which is quite far, we looked for a place to have dinner. we were hunting for the most authentic japanese restaurant since it's our first night we wanted to taste the nice food.
checked in at hotel
after walking for about 30mins, we finally found the hotel. lucko is so good at reading map, he's a great companion for traveling. the hotel is smaller than what i expected, room is tiny, but comfy. the bathroom is small, kinda reminded us of the toilet on plane hehehe. this bathroom is tiny, but complete, and hi tech: toilet that has remote, and a bath tub. perfect. i ended up soaking in hot water every night from the tiredness of walking 8 hours. the bath tub is small but deep, similar to onsen style i guess.
oh i should've taken the pic of the bathroom...;p
(when we arrive in japan the sky was already dark by the time we were on the train to ueno, and raining, and worst of all i wasn't in the best condition-suffering from motion sickness and diarrhea from 30minutes turbulence before landing. so all i wanted to do was checking in to hotel and have a nice sleep). at the airport i was busy buying tickets for the next 4 days: tokyo metro 2 day pass, and keisei limited express, also visited the tourist info center to get the tokyo handy guide booklet that has discounts for museum visits etc. on the way to ueno we had to stop a few times because i wanted to vomit.
this is the toilet i found at first! so surprised, i was not going to use, luckily the disable toilet is modern style. phewww...stopped at ueno
cold, raining, 9 degree Celsius. hopped in the subway to shinjuku. destination: shinjuku listel hotel.
arrived at shinjuku
wow the view was just amazing. what a busy night. people everywhere, lights everywhere. on the way to hotel - which is quite far, we looked for a place to have dinner. we were hunting for the most authentic japanese restaurant since it's our first night we wanted to taste the nice food.
checked in at hotel
after walking for about 30mins, we finally found the hotel. lucko is so good at reading map, he's a great companion for traveling. the hotel is smaller than what i expected, room is tiny, but comfy. the bathroom is small, kinda reminded us of the toilet on plane hehehe. this bathroom is tiny, but complete, and hi tech: toilet that has remote, and a bath tub. perfect. i ended up soaking in hot water every night from the tiredness of walking 8 hours. the bath tub is small but deep, similar to onsen style i guess.
oh i should've taken the pic of the bathroom...;p
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