IFTA Japan Mini Travel GuideBy Joe Young, International Relationship Manager, NTAA TokyoShopping
Odaiba - Full of modern buildings, a monorail, a beautiful bridge, it is designed as a mecca for shoppers. The reclaimed land recently created has truly been turned into something out of a science fiction movie. It is the home of the futuristic Fuji Television building. Tokyo Big Sight has a unique upside down pyramid shape. Deck’s is also a very interesting mall in that there is a small Chinatown inside, full of decent prices and nice views of the bay. There is also a place called VenusFort, centered towards women and couples with its artificial sunrise and sunset every few hours. Places like this can only exist in Tokyo. The VenusFort has literally hundreds of shops. Odaiba is a 50 minute train ride from Shinjuku to Tokyo Teleport Station.
Ginza - Tokyo is one of the fashion centers of the world, and that makes Ginza and Shinjuku the focal points of this status. From the moment one steps off the train, one is overwhelmed with luxury brand names from Gucci to Armani. Everything is there to quench your thirst. Ginza and Shinjuku are for the shopper, or excellent places to buy a gift for that special someone with a more developed taste.
Shibuya - 109, the building featured in Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift movie and the Hachiko dog statue (a recent Richard Gere film adaptation has been made of the story). Shibuya is an iconic center. No doubt you have seen in photographs its huge crosswalk which many global city centers are replicating. 109 is a large department store and close by is Tokyu Hands. Both are shopping extravaganzas with reasonable prices. Dining
Tapas Molecular Bar - If you like art and modern Japanese style, then Tapas Molecular Bar is the place to go. Located within the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo Hotel on the 38th floor, this will not just satisfy your appetite and taste buds, but it will also give you an appreciation for contemporary style. The views of the Imperial Palace and Shinjuku district are worth the price alone, but factor in award-winning food and you have an experience that is unforgettable.
Kyubei Main Restaurant - This is traditional sushi, but it is the best that money can buy. If you are in the mood for the truest and purest, then this is the best sushi that you will taste… ever. Reserve your place here and go. Open for noon and supper only. Only 22 minutes away from Shinjuku.
Cedros in Shibuya - If you enjoy seafood, dine here. It is not as expensive as others on this list, however, probably, all in all, twice as good. Cedros has scored top points on every review site on the internet. Cedros is not a restaurant one should overlook.
Kobe Beef Kaiseki 511 - The highest grade beef, the highest grade chefs, the highest grade food. Kobe Beef Kaiseki is a restaurant that is better experienced than described. With beef so tender that it melts in your mouth like butter. This is true Kobe beef. Only 16 minutes from Shinjuku. Amusement
Harajuku - This is an upscale neighborhood of young hipsters, trendsetters and interesting Goth kids. (You can take your picture with them). It is replete with teen and bleeding edge fashion shops. Harajuku, always associated with art, has many art galleries including Design Fiesta 1. If art and style are your thing, this would be the place to visit. Just 4 minutes away from Shinjuku.
Akihabara (Electric Town) - Akihabara is a place that is better seen than heard about. With its maid cafe’s, unique anime subculture, video games, trains, latest camera tech, remote-controlled planes, it is truly an electronic geek’s paradise. Akihabara is one of those places that is difficult to describe. There is so much to do and see there. Just 13 minutes away by train.
Tsukiji Fish Market - One of the premiere uniquely Japanese experiences to have. Registration time is 5:00 AM, limited to 120 people maximum. See the mountains of fish and sea creatures being sold for up to 20,000,000 yen (US$ 162,000). It is truly a sight to behold and a story to tell your friends. After the market is over, order some fresh sushi and watch the giant tuna being carved up in front of you by a master. This all before 8 AM. Just 19 minutes to Tsukiji station from Shinjuku, this is a healthy way to begin your day even before the NTAA conference activities even start!
Karaoke - (pronounced kara-okay, one will not but understood if one says “carry-okee”) Meaning empty orchestra, exists everywhere in Japan. If you haven’t experienced it, try it at least once. It differs from American style karaoke in that no one save your own friends will be watching you sing so it is not exactly embarrassing and there is a boatload of food and drinks available at the push of a button. Location… everywhere! Grab some friends and go and sing.
Asahi Beer Hall - There are no tours at Japan’s most popular beer factory. However, there is plenty of fresh draught beer. So please enjoy some beer with cake and snacks. It is a fun place to go to with friends. Three minute walk from Asakusa Station.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden - Dating from the Edo period, this 58 hectare park is beautiful all year long especially during cherry blossom season. If you are the type of person who likes to go for a walk or relax under a tree while reading a book this would be the place for you. Just a 10 minute walk from Shinjuku station. |