IFTA Japan Mini Travel GuideBy Joe Young, International Relationship Manager, NTAA TokyoArt, Museums, and Sights in Tokyo
Meiji Jingu - This is a wonderland, full of nature and with 100,000 different trees from all over Japan. Meiji Jingu is a 700,000m2 Shinto shrine that was built in 1920 for the former emperor and deity of Japan; Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. If beauty has a definition, then Meiji Jingu would probably be in the description of it.
Tokyo National Museum - A walk into the past, one of the largest collections of Japanese antiquity that exists on Earth. If you are interested in Japanese/Asian culture, this would be the destination for you. Located near Ueno station, this is just a short 16 minute train ride away.
Tokyo Imperial Palace & East Garden - The palace complex, which has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the centuries, is a sprawling complex of concrete, stones, and parks. This is a must see if you enjoy a good walk, jog, or lying underneath a tree. The palace itself is just outside of Tokyo station and is only 14 minutes away from Shinjuku by train.
Kabuki-za - Japan’s original theatre. Operated by one company and the descendents of the original actors, the shows are designed to be entertaining. Often with special effects, costumes, and the original plays from the Edo period, this experience is only available here. 17 minutes from Shinjuku.
Asakusa - This is the place to buy ALL of your souvenirs. This has almost every trinket and item that possibly originated from Japan, from swords to traditional garments such as the Japanese Yukata. Asakusa has your souvenir. It is also packed with traditional restaurants and in the center of everything is the Senso-ji Temple. This is Tokyo’s oldest temple. This massive Buddhist temple sits at the end of the Nakamise-dori (road). It is picturesque in its design, layout, and is another must see. Again, it is just a quick 22 minutes train ride to Asakusa from Shinjuku.
Sanrio Puroland - If you have brought your little daughter along with you, or if you happen to really like “Hello Kitty”, then you have to go. This is a little girl’s paradise with singing children’s shows, rides and a boat load of love. Puroland is indoor and a perfect place to visit on a rainy day, full of Sanrio characters, cute restaurants and gift shops. If “Hello Kitty” is your thing, it will not disappoint. Make note that all of the shows are in Japanese. However, the shows are easy enough to understand that little children won’t mind. At only 28 minutes from Shinjuku, it is close enough for children not to complain about the train ride.
Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySEA - Hit and miss depending on the weather and the crowds. Disneyland and DisneySEA are located in the same area but separated into two different parks. You cannot switch from one to the other without paying a second admission. Try to go during the week if possible and better yet when it is slightly sprinkling rain when the queues are shorter. During perfect weather and the weekends, queues can range up to 2 or more hours for a couple of minutes ride. This place is indeed fun, but one must be aware of the attendance. DisneySEA is more focused towards teenagers and Disneyland is more oriented towards younger children. This being said, it is Disneyland and therefore great fun for all the family. From Shinjuku to Maihama station close to Disneyland is about 45 minutes.
Edo Tokyo Museum - This is truly an amazing place. It is full of relics of times past and miniature recreations of old Edo Tokyo. This is truly a marvel to behold and it will not disappoint the Japan interested traveler. The building is situated way up high in the air on four giant concrete posts with access to the main building by an extended escalator. This feat of construction is truly an experience all unto its own. Only 16 minutes to Ryogoku station from Shinjuku.
Sumo Museum and Ryogoku area - Men of great renown, men of legend and Japanese folklore have stepped into the 6.7m square clay arena. Deeply intertwined with both Japanese and Shinto tradition, one can learn a lot by visiting the Sumo Museum. This is the place for anyone interested in both Sumo and true Japanese tradition. Sumo is Japan’s national sport and its rules are simple: knock your opponent either out of the 4.55m diameter circle or make any part of your opponent other than the soles his feet touch the clay. The objective is simple, yet so very complex and fast in reality. Only the very dedicated and talented elite get the chance to be called the Yokozuna (Grand Champion). Nowadays there are wrestlers of a wide variety of nationalities engaged in this sport, including the USA, Mongolia, Russia, Bulgaria, Georgia, China, Brazil, the Philippines, Korea, and more. Fifteen-day sumo tournaments by professional wrestlers are held six times a year (January in Tokyo, March in Osaka, May in Tokyo, July in Nagoya, September in Tokyo, and November in Tokyo). Although there will be no tournament going on when IFTA 2015 Tokyo is being held, one will be able to enjoy sumo by visiting the museum. In the Ryogoku area of Tokyo, where the sumo stadium and museum are located, there are a number of sumobeya (stables) where the sumo wrestlers live and train together. At some stables, visitors can see how they train together in the morning. This is the area that has the highest concentration of sumo wrestler residents in Tokyo (and most likely in the world). If you are sightseeing around the area, there will be a fair chance that you will see those professional sumo wrestlers strolling in the street. They are noticeable; they are big (at least by Japanese standard), wear a traditional hairdo, Japanese kimono, and geta wooden sandals. Only 16 minutes to Ryogoku station from Shinjuku.
Tokyo Tower / Skytree - Both Tokyo tower and Skytree are momentous celebrations of engineering. Tokyo Tower resembles the Eiffel Tower and has a panoramic view of the city. It is the second tallest structure in Japan, only surpassed by Tokyo Skytree. The Skytree is the tallest tower in the world. It is breathtaking sight. Be prepared for a one hour wait if you want to go up to the top. There are fine restaurants in both towers to satisfy any palette. The views, however, are breathtaking to behold. Needless to say, a clear day is highly recommended. Tokyo Tower is just a 13 minutes train ride from Shinjuku (Toei Line). Tokyo Skytree station is just 22 minutes from Shinjuku.
Roppongi - Otherwise known as a nightlife heaven. If you want to go out to a more international or American style club, this is the place to go. Be prepared to tip as it is the only place that I am aware of that tipping is somewhat expected. Many clubs do not even resemble Japan; so this is a very unique area. Much of the time clubs have foreign performances from international Hip Hop/Club music artists. If you are into clubbing, nightlife, and alcohol, then Roppongi and Kabukicho would be for you. Only 14 minutes from Shinjuku.
Kabukicho - Leveled to the ground during the war and originally supposed to be the next location of the Kabuki theatre, the name was changed to Kabukicho. Once known for being Tokyo’s main red light and Yakuza district, the current reality is different. There still are many elements to remind you of its reputation. However, it is now also the hub for bars, dance clubs, good food, karaoke, entertainment of all kinds. If you are looking for a night on the town, this would probably be the place to go. It is walking distance from the hotel.
Mori Art Museum - For all of the contemporary art lovers out there. Located in Roppongi Hills, one of the most upmarket districts in Tokyo, it is a location for artists to temporarily display their creations. Before heading to this museum, it would be wise to check their website located at: http://www.mori.art.museum/eng/. It is 14 minutes by train to Roppongi.
Design Festa - Includes a very nice mix of art showcasing the talents of many different types of artists. As the art that is displayed changes every day, no two visits will ever be the same. Also, the art is specifically selected so as to showcase the various forms of expression to leave a lasting impression that will not soon be forgotten. A 4 minute train ride and a 15 minute walk, or one can always take a taxi.
Mt. Takao - Only 50 minutes from Shinjuku, and still located within Tokyo, this is a very convenient hike. If you are not into hiking, the cable car leaves every 15 minutes and will get you directly to the summit for some incredible views.
Mt. Tsukuba - Tsukuba-san (“san” in this context means mountain), as it is referred to here in Japan, is one of the most beautiful hikes close to Tokyo. All one needs to do is take a 1.5 hour train ride. The hike usually takes a couple of hours but one can always take the gondola. At the top of the mountain are shops and local eateries. The scenery and the views are utterly breathtaking. Well worth the time. If you are the type of person who enjoys hiking, this is for you. |