One of the Best International Holiday Resorts. Home of Renowned Spas and a Large Historical
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1. Hakone
One of the best international holiday resorts. Home of renowned spas and a large historical zone. A historic hotel, exotic streets, unique hot springs and open-air museums are all accessible via the Hakone Tozan Line.
The town of Hakone is situated in the southwestern part of Kanagawa, and is part of Fuji Hakone Izu National Park. Hakone is an internationally well-known holiday resort that includes many renowned hot springs. They have about 20 different qualities, nicknamed "Hakone Seventeen Spas."
A view of Mt. Fuji is not the only view that you can enjoy in Hakone. There are a number of spots to visit, including O-waku-dani (where volcanic fumes still bear a trace of the Hakone Volcano), Lake Ashi-no-ko (created in the crater of the Hakone Volcano), Susuki-sogen (silver grass field) of Sengokuhara, a stone Buddha and stone towers situated in Moto-Hakone, and cedar trees along Kyu-Kaido Street. Various methods of transportation, such as mountain railway, cable car, ropeway, and cruising boat, are available to bring you to these spots.
Many tourist spots in Hakone are accessible via the Hakone Tozan Railway. It is unique in that the train repeats switchbacks three times to go up the steep slope from Yumoto, the entrance of Hakone, to Gora. The train runs on the steepest slope (80/1000) among the railways in Japan. The mood of Hakone is characterized by riding the train and looking down into the valley of the Haya- kawa River, through the greenery, while the train chugs along. Tourists can stay on the train or get off to enjoy Hakone further. Miyanoshita is one of seven hot spring towns in Hakone. A resort hotel targeting foreign visitors opened in 1878, and made the town well known. Numerous celebrities, including John Lennon, have stayed at this hotel. The streets, with their exotic and somewhat retro atmosphere, attract many individuals. Around Kowakidani Station, there is a hot spring theme park named Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, a Mediterranean-style public bath. It is divided into two sections, in one you bathe with your bathing suit on and the other you bathe without. You can choose the one you like. In the former section, you can enjoy various unique baths, such as a coffee bath or a wine bath. In the latter section, you will relax in the cypress bath, in the magnificent nature of Hakone.
Around Chokoku-no-Mori Station, which follows Kowakidani Station, there is the Hakone Open Air Museum. This museum is composed of an open air area displaying 100 sculptures, including the works of Rodin, Milo and Moore, representing modern and contemporary fine arts, and features the Picasso Pavilion and Picture Gallery, in a green area of about 70,000 square meters. Pleasures are not limited to fine arts. A 20-meter footbath, in which 30 people can bathe at once in the briskness of the open air, exists. Visitors can relax in the comfort of the footbath while appreciating the artwork. The Hakone Tozan Railway terminates at Gora Station at an altitude of about 550 meters. It is a unique building that resembles a mountain hut, and is crowded with visitors who want to transfer to a cable car for Owakudani to go to Mt. So'un-zan. There are parks and a museum in this area. For example, in Gora-koen Park, you can enjoy viewing seasonal flowers, or can try blowing glass, sandblasting, and making pottery and drying flowers at the craft house. The Hakone Museum of Art, which specializes in Japanese ceramics, is not only a place to enjoy exhibitions. The museum also has gardens, including a moss garden.
Directions From Tokyo : [Rail] 90 min from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station by Odakyu Line.
40 min from Tokyo to Odawara by JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line, and 15 min from Odawara to Hakone-Yumoto Station by Hakone Tozan Line.
Mount Fuji (富士山, Fujisan) is with 3776 meters Japan's highest mountain. It is not surprising that the nearly perfectly shaped volcano has been worshiped as a sacred mountain and experienced big popularity among artists and common people throughout the centuries. Mount Fuji is an active volcano, which most recently erupted in 1708. It stands on the border between Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures and can be seen from Tokyo and Yokohama on clear days. Another easy way to view Mount Fuji is from the train on a trip between Tokyo and Osaka. If you take the shinkansen from Tokyo in direction of Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka, the best view of the mountain can be enjoyed from around Shin-Fuji Station on the right hand side of the train, about 40-45 minutes into the journey. Note however, that clouds and poor visibility often block the view of Mount Fuji, and you have to consider yourself lucky if you get a clear view of the mountain. Visibility tends to be better during the colder seasons of the year than in summer, and in the early morning and late evening hours than during the middle of the day. If you want to enjoy Mount Fuji at a more leisurely pace and from a nice natural surrounding, you should head to the Fuji Five Lake (Fujigoko) region at the northern foot of the mountain, or to Hakone, a nearby hot spring resort. Mount Fuji is officially open for climbing during July and August via several routes.
2. Akihabara Akihabara (秋葉原), also called Akiba after a former local shrine, is a district in central Tokyo, that is famous for its many electronics shops. In more recent years, Akihabara has gained recognition as the center of Japan's otaku (diehard fan) culture, and many shops and establishments devoted to anime and manga are now dispersed among the electronic stores in the district. Akihabara has also been undergoing some major redevelopment recently with the addition of the Akihabara Crossfield complex aimed at promoting Akihabara as a center for global electronics technology and trade, and a major renovation of Akihabara Station and surroundings. On Sundays, the main street is closed to car traffic from 13:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 from October through March). Electronics Hundreds of electronics shops, ranging from tiny one man stalls specializing in a particular electronic component to large electronics retailers, line the main Chuo Dori street and the crowded side streets around Akihabara. They offer everything from the newest computers, cameras, televisions, mobile phones, electronics parts and home appliances to second-hand goods and electronic junk. A few chain stores, such as Sofmap, Ishimaru and Laox, each operate multiple specialized branches along the main roads, while small independent shops can be found in the side streets. The only mega sized store is the Yodobashi Camera complex on the east side of the station. Note that some of the electronics on sale are only intended for use in Japan due to voltage and other technical differences, Japanese language documentation and limited warranties. However, several stores also feature a selection of international models intended for overseas use, and most also offer duty free shopping to foreign tourists on purchases of over 10,000 yen (passport required). Otaku Goods The character of Akihabara has constantly changed over the decades and continues to do so. In the last decade Akihabara has emerged as a center of Japanese otaku and anime culture, and dozens of stores specializing in anime, manga, retro video games, figurines, card games and other collectibles have filled the spaces between the electronics retailers. In addition to shops, various other animation related establishments have become popular in the area, particularly maid cafes where waitresses dress up and act like maids or anime characters, and manga kissaten ("comics cafes"), a type of internet cafe where customers can read comics and watch DVDs in addition to having access to the internet. Major Electronics Stores Sofmap Hours: 11:00 to 21:00 (some branches have different hours) Closed: No closing days Sofmap operates 12 shops around Akihabara. In addition to their main store, they have many specialty branches that feature a type of item such as Apple products, CDs or games, as well as a number of outlets for used products such as used computers, cameras, CDs and software.
Laox Hours: 10:00 to 19:00 (some branches have different hours) Closed: No closing days Operating four stores in Akihabara, including the Main Store and Pocket Plus One mobile products store that both sell duty free items, as well as the Musicvox branch specializing in musical instruments and Asobitcity branch that carries hobby and game related products.
Yamada Denki Hours: 10:00 to 22:00 Closed: No closing days Yamada Denki operates a "LABI" store just across the street from the Akihabara Electric Town exit of JR Akihabara Station. It specializes in personal computers, pc accessories and household electronics.
Akky Hours: 9:00 to 20:00 Closed: No closing days Akky specializes in duty free goods and operates three shops around Akihabara Station. Akky sells a variety of electronic equipment for overseas use, including cameras, computers, televisions, DVD players and software. Some branches carry used or refurbished items.
Yodobashi Camera Hours: 9:30 to 22:00 Restaurants: 11:00 to 23:00 Closed: No closing days The Shinjuku based discount electronic store giant Yodobashi Camera opened its huge Akihabara branch in September 2005. Unlike most other electronic shops, it is located on the east side of Akihabara Station. This branch offers one stop shopping for computers, games, watches and cameras, and sells duty free and international models. Otaku Attractions Maid Cafes
Maid cafes are cosplay themed restaurants where guests are served by waitresses that are typically dressed as French maids. In addition to serving food, the maids engage in conversation and games with the customers and treat them with the care and respectful language due to the master of a house. Maid cafes are popular with both men and women, and some cafes, like the @Home Cafe, offer English speaking maids.
Tokyo Anime Center Hours: 11:00 to 19:00 Closed: Mondays (or Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday) The Tokyo Anime Center is found on the fourth floor of the UDX Building of Akihabara Crossfield. It stages anime related exhibitions, hosts anime related events and contains a shop selling toys, stationary and other souvenirs.
Don Quijote Hours: 10:00 to 5:00 Closed: No closing days Don Quijote is a discount store chain that carries everything from groceries and toys to electronics and high end fashion goods. The Akihabara branch is home to the girl pop group AKB48, who perform daily shows at their theater on the 8th floor of the store (3000 yen). There is also a branch of the @Home Cafe maid cafe on the 5th floor of the store.
Mandarake Hours: 12:00 to 20:00 Closed: No closing days Mandarake, the self described largest "manga and anime shop in the world", operates a large branch in Akihabara. Specializing in pre-owned goods, it is a good place to find rare and collectible manga, figurines, dolls, posters, CDs, toys and other types of manga and anime related goods.
Gundam Cafe Hours: 10:00 to 23:00 8:30 to 23:00 (Saturdays) 8:30 to 21:30 (Sundays and Holidays) Closed: No closing days The Gundam Cafe is themed after the extremely popular Mobile Suit Gundam anime series. The cafe serves gundam themed dishes and is decorated with art and themes from the series. A gift shop is attached and sells character goods and souvenirs.
AKB48 Cafe and Shop Restaurant: 11:00 to 23:00 (from 10:00 on weekends and national holidays) Shop: 11:00 to 22:00 (longer hours on Fri, weekends, holidays and day before holidays) The AKB48 Cafe next door to the Gundam Cafe is a themed restaurant based on the popular idol group AKB48. The cafe serves food inspired by the idols, and character goods are sold at the attached shops. The cafe has a theater where a rotating cast of AKB members perform daily (reservations required) during scheduled performance times.
3. Ueno Zoo
Ueno Zoological Gardens is the oldest zoo in Japan. Founded in 1882, it has grown over the years, expanded its area to 14.3 ha (35.2 acres) and been the flagship of the Japanese zoo world. Now it's home to over 2,600 animals from 464 different species and provides visitors with learning experience about the diversity of animals as well as fun and enjoyment.
In its long history, Ueno Zoo has received numerous animals from abroad. In 1972, the first giant pandas arrived from China to Ueno Zoo. We have been cooperating with Beijing Zoo (China), San Diego Zoo (US), and Chapultepec Zoo (Mexico) for conservation and breeding of wild giant pandas. After Ling Ling's death in 2008, Ri Ri and Shin Shin arrived at the zoo in 2011.
In the "Gorilla Woods" and the "Tiger Forest," you experience the thrill of facing nose-to-nose with those amazing wildlife. In an effort to breed endangered species, we have organized nationwide and worldwide zoo networks and share experience and knowledge of animal husbandry and management.
The Five-storied Pagoda and the tea ceremony house give the zoo a Japanese touch. The pagoda was built in 1631, rebuilt after destruction by fire, and in 1958 the owner, Kan'ei-ji temple, gave the pagoda to Tokyo Metropolitan Government, who assigned its management to Ueno Zoo. The tea ceremony house was built to entertain Shoguns in 17th century, and it stills stands as a historic structure in the zoo ground.
Take a short ride by Monorail to the west lower area. Small children love the Petting Zoo. Okapis from San Diego Wild Animal Park and aye-ayes from Tsimbazaza Zoo (Madagascar) are quite rare species, which came to Ueno Zoo as a part of international breeding cooperation. We have succeeded in breeding of aye- ayes as well as pygmy hippos, which are also endangered in the wild.
In the Small Mammal House, you'll find the wonder of nocturnal animals. In 1999, the Vivarium (Reptile and Amphibian House) has been completed, where world's rare fishes, crocodiles, turtles, snakes and frogs can be seen in the green house.
Shinobazu Pond in the West Are is a unique habitat for wild common cormorants, Phalacrocorax carbo, which once were seen everywhere in Japan, but now are endangered.
Animals
East Area: Pheasants, red pandas, snow owls, raptors, Sumatran tiger, Indian lions, western lowland gorillas, gibbons, Bird House, dholes (red dogs), Nocturnal House (mouse deer, leopard cats, slow lorises, bats), cranes, California sea lions, bears (polar bears, Hokkaido brown bears, sun bears, and Japanese black bears), birds of Tokyo, Asiatic elephants, monkeys (Japanese macaques, white-mantled black colobuses, ruffed lemur, ring-tailed lemurs, black-handed spider monkeys), llamas, capybaras, South American tapirs, American bisons, prairie dogs, etc.
West Area: African animals (white rhinos, hippos, pygmy hippos, giraffes, zebras, okapis), maned wolves, aardvarks, Hoffmann's two-toed sloths, gray gentle lemurs, aye-ayes, Small Mammall House (rodents, bats, armadillos, hedgehogs, porcupines, nocturnal animals), Vivarium (galapagos tortoise, saltwater crocodile, green iguana, geckos, corn snakes, Japanese pond turtles, Burmese pythons, and other reptiles and amphibians), waterfowls (common cormorants, mallards, black-headed gulls, European pochards, crested screamers, puffins, Inca terns, scarlet ibises, sacred ibises, fulvous whistling ducks), Children's Zoo (guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, miniature horses, donkeys, cows, llamas, goats, sheep and other domestic animals), etc.
Ameyoko
Ameyoko (アメ横) is a busy market street along the Yamanote Line tracks between Okachimachi and Ueno Stations. The name "Ameyoko" is a short form for "Ameya Yokocho" (candy store alley), as candies were traditionally sold there. Alternatively, "Ame" also stands for "America", because a lot of American products used to be available there when the street was the site of a black market in the years following World War Two. Today, various products such as clothes, bags, cosmetics, fresh fish, dried food and spices are sold along Ameyoko. Opening hours and closing days depend on individual stores, but stores typically open around 10:00 and close around 19:00. Many stores remain closed on selected Wednesdays. 4. Meiji Jingu Shrine
Meiji Shrine (明治神宮, Meiji Jingū) is a shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Located just beside the JR Yamanote Line's busy Harajuku Station, Meiji Shrine and the adjacent Yoyogi Park make up a large forested area within the densely built-up city. The spacious shrine grounds offer walking paths that are great for a relaxing stroll. The shrine was completed and dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and the Empress Shoken in 1920, eight years after the passing of the emperor and six years after the passing of the empress. The shrine was destroyed during the Second World War but was rebuilt shortly thereafter. Emperor Meiji was the first emperor of modern Japan. He was born in 1852 and ascended to the throne in 1867 at the peak of the Meiji Restoration when Japan's feudal era came to an end and the emperor was restored to power. During the Meiji Period, Japan modernized and westernized herself to join the world's major powers by the time Emperor Meiji passed away in 1912. The main complex of shrine buildings is located a ten minute walk from both the southern entrance near Harajuku Station and the northern entrance near Yoyogi Station. Entry into the shrine grounds is marked by a massive torii gate, after which the sights and sounds of the busy city are replaced by a tranquil forest. The approximately 100,000 trees that make up Meiji Jingu's forest were planted during the shrine's construction and were donated from regions across the entire country. At the middle of the forest, Meiji Jingu's buildings also have an air of tranquility distinct from the surrounding city. Visitors to the shrine can take part in typical Shinto activities, such as making offerings at the main hall, buying charms and amulets or writing out one's wish on an ema. Meiji Jingu is one of the Japan's most popular shrines. In the first days of the New Year, the shrine regularly welcomes more than three million visitors for the year's first prayers (hatsumode), more than any other shrine or temple in the country. During the rest of the year, traditional Shinto weddings can often be seen taking place there. At the northern end of the shrine grounds visitors will come across the Meiji Jingu Treasure House, which was constructed one year after the shrine was opened. The Treasure House displays many interesting personal belongings of the Emperor and Empress, including the carriage which the emperor rode to the formal declaration of the Meiji Constitution in 1889. There is also a Museum Annex Building just to the east of the main shrine buildings that displays temporary exhibitions. A large area of the southern section of the shrine grounds is taken up by the Inner Garden, which requires an entrance fee to enter. The garden becomes particularly popular during the middle of June when the irises are in bloom. A small well located within the garden, Kiyomasa's Well, is named after a military commander who dug it around 400 years ago. The well was visited by the Emperor and Empress while they were alive and has become a popular spiritual "power spot".
5. Harajuku
Harajuku (原宿) refers to the area around Tokyo's Harajuku Station, which is between Shinjuku and Shibuya on the Yamanote Line. It is the center of Japan's most extreme teenage cultures and fashion styles, but also offers shopping for adults and some historic sights. The focal point of Harajuku's teenage culture is Takeshita Dori (Takeshita Street) and its side streets, which are lined by many trendy shops, fashion boutiques, used clothes stores, crepe stands and fast food outlets geared towards the fashion and trend conscious teens. 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 excentric costumes to resemble anime characters, punk musicians, etc. Just south of Takeshita Dori and over twice its length is Omotesando, a broad, tree lined avenue sometimes referred to as Tokyo's Champs-Elysees. Here you can find famous brand name shops, cafes and restaurants for a more adult clientele. The stylish Omotesando Hills complex was opened in 2006 and targets fashion conscious urbanites in their 30s and 40s, while Kiddy Land has hundreds of unique toys for kids of all ages. Harajuku is not only about teenage culture and shopping. Meiji Jingu, one of Tokyo's major shrines, is located just west of the railway tracks in a large green oasis shared with the spacious Yoyogi Park. Beautiful ukiyo-e paintings are exhibited in the small Ota Memorial Museum of Art, and the Nezu Museum has an impressive collection of various Asian art as well as a traditional Japanese garden. Famous Streets
Takeshita Dori Shops along Takeshita Dori tend to be open daily from 11:00 to 20:00. 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. Because of the street's popularity, it becomes extremely busy and crowded on the weekends. Interesting shops and restaurants can also be found along some of the side streets.
Omotesando Shops along Omotesando tend to be open daily from 11:00 to 20:00. Referred to as Tokyo's Champs-Elysees, Omotesando is a one kilometer long, tree lined avenue, serving as the main approach to Meiji Shrine. Numerous stores, boutiques, cafes and restaurants, including several leading fashion brand shops, stand along the avenue. This area generally caters to an older and wealthier clientele than Takeshita Dori. Shopping Omotesando Hills Shops: 11:00 to 21:00 (Sun until 20:00) Restaurants: 11:00 to 22:30 (Sun until 21:30). Opened in 2006, Omotesando Hills consists of six floors (three are underground) of about 100 upmarket shops, cafes, restaurants and beauty salons. The building was designed by the renowned architect Ando Tadao and has intriguing design elements. The shopping complex is Omotesando's most prominent establishment, stretching along about one quarter of the avenue. Apartments are located above the shops.
LaForet Harajuku Open daily from 11:00 to 20:00 LaForet Harajuku is a trend setting shopping complex, consisting of seven floors of fashion boutiques and shops, mainly geared towards a young, female audience. The LaForet Museum on the top floor hosts various events and exhibitions.
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku Shops: 11:00 to 21:00 Restaurants: 8:30 to 23:00 Opened in April 2012, this is one of the newest additions to the district. The interestingly designed building houses multiple floors of fashion and lifestyle shops, as well as a pleasant green space on a terrace on the 6th floor.
Daiso Harajuku - 100 Yen Shop Open daily from 10:00 to 21:00 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.
Oriental Bazaar 10:00 to 19:00 Closed: Thursdays This is one of Tokyo's largest souvenir shops, very popular among foreign travelers in search of typical Japanese souvenirs, such as kimono, tableware, lamps, dolls, furniture and samurai related goods. The shop spans three floors and has a red and green facade that mimics traditional Japanese architecture. Travelers who pass by the store front are sure to notice the building.
Kiddy Land 11:00 to 21:00 (from 10:30 on weekend and national holidays) One of Tokyo's most famous and popular toy stores, Kiddy Land has a fantastic selection of toys and other products to amuse kids, including a Snoopy Town and Hello Kitty Shop on a total of five floors. The Omotesando store was reopened in July 2012 after being reconstructed and redesigned.
Louis Vuitton Open daily from 11:00 to 20:00 The Louis Vuitton Omotesando store was opened in autumn 2002 as the company's largest store. It is one of many famous brand names that have opened a store along Omotesando. The public store makes up five of the building's ten floors, which are designed as a stack of trunks rather than conventional floors.
6. Shibuya
Shibuya (渋谷) is one of the twenty-three city wards of Tokyo, but often refers to just the popular shopping and entertainment area found around Shibuya Station. In this regard, Shibuya is one of Tokyo's most colorful and busy districts, packed with shopping, dining and nightclubs serving swarms of visitors that come to the district everyday. Shibuya is a center for youth fashion and culture, and its streets are the birthplace to many of Japan's fashion and entertainment trends. Over a dozen major department store branches can be found around the area catering to all types of shoppers. Most of the area's large department and fashion stores belong to either Tokyu or Seibu, two competing corporations. A prominent landmark of Shibuya is the large intersection in front of the station's Hachiko Exit. The intersection is heavily decorated by neon advertisements and giant video screens and gets flooded by pedestrians each time the crossing light turns green, making it a popular photo and movie filming spot. Shibuya Station and surroundings are undergoing major redevelopment over the coming years. On the east side of the station, a new large culture, shopping and office complex, the Shibuya Hikarie, opened in spring 2012. A year later, the Tokyu Toyoko Line platforms were moved to the underground, enabling through-traffic with the Fukutoshin Subway Line. Furthermore, a major redevelopment of the Shibuya Station building is now underway, including the construction of a new, 230 meter tall skyscraper to be completed by around 2020 and the move of the platforms of the JR Saikyo Line next to the platforms of the JR Yamanote Line. Furthermore, the pedestrian plaza on the west side of the station will be enlarged and made more pedestrian friendly in combination with a rearrangement of the bus and taxi stops. The entire project is scheduled for completion around 2027. Famous Streets and Districts:
Center Gai
The birthplace of many Japanese fashion trends, Center Gai is a busy pedestrian zone in the heart of Shibuya lined by stores, boutiques and game centers. In the evenings the street is crowded with young people heading to night clubs, restaurants and bars, or just loitering around.
Koen Dori
Koen Dori, lit. "Park Street", is a popular shopping street leading from the Marui department store to Yoyogi Park. It was named after Parco department store (parco is Italian for park) and the fact that the street leads to Yoyogi Park.
Spain Slope
Spain Slope (Supeinzaka) is a narrow, approximately 100 meter long pedestrian street with stairs leading up the slope to the Parco department store. It is lined by boutiques, cafes and restaurants, and was nicknamed for its resemblance to a Spanish street scene. Tokyu Affiliated Shopping
Shibuya Hikarie Shops: 10:00 to 21:00 Restaurants: 11:00 to 23:00 Shibuya Hikarie is a new high rise complex with cultural space just east of Shibuya Station. Besides a theater and exhibition floors, it offers office space on its upper floors and shopping and dining on its lower floors.
Shibuya 109 Hours: 10:00 to 21:00 Restaurants: 11:00 to 22:00 Closed: January 1 Shibuya 109 is a trend setting fashion complex for young women and an icon of the Shibuya district with more than one hundred boutiques on ten floors. Usually pronounced "Shibuya ichi maru kyu", the complex's name can also be read as "Shibuya to kyu", identifying the complex as part of the Tokyu Group.
7. Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland is a theme park based on the films produced by Walt Disney. It was opened in 1983 as the first Disney theme park outside of the United States. Modeled after Disneyland in California and the Magic Kingdom in Florida, Tokyo Disneyland is made up of seven themed lands and features seasonal decorations and parades.
Themed Lands
World Bazaar
World Bazaar, located at the main entrance to the park, is a covered shopping arcade lined by shops and restaurants. The area is designed like an early 20th century American town and serves as the park's main shopping area where many guests stop on their way out of the park. Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland explores the themes of outer space and future technologies. It is home to popular attractions such as Space Mountain, Star Tours and Buzz Lightyear's AstroBlasters.
Toontown
Toontown is a suburban toon neighborhood where the Disney characters live, work and play. Aimed at a younger audience, Toontown lets visitors meet Mickey at his house, play on Donald Duck's boat, check out Chip'n Dale's Treehouse and ride a kid sized rollercoaster.
Fantasyland
Fantasyland is based on the classic animated films by Disney and is home to the iconic Cinderella's Castle at the center of the park, as well as other characters and rides such as Peter Pan, Snow White, It's A Small World and Pooh's Hunny Hunt, an original Fantasyland attraction unique to Tokyo Disneyland.
Critter Country
Critter Country is home to Br'er Rabbit, Br'er Fox, Br'er Bear and the other characters from the Disney film "Song of the South". Here you can find the popular Splash Mountain log ride, as well as guided canoe tours on the Rivers of America.
Westernland
Westernland is themed after the US western frontier along the Rivers of America. The area is home to the popular rollercoaster Big Thunder Mountain, while Tom Sawyer Island is located out in the middle of the river.
Adventureland
Adventureland includes attractions that encompass the spirit of adventure. Here you can join a jungle cruise, explore the Swiss Family Treehouse, ride the Western River Railroad and sail with the Pirates of the Caribbean.
8.Tsukiji fish market
Tsukiji Market (築地市場, Tsukiji Shijō) is a large wholesale market for fish, fruits and vegetables in central Tokyo. It is the most famous of over ten wholesale markets that handle the distribution of fish, meat, produce and flowers in metropolitan Tokyo. Tsukiji Market is best known as one of the world's largest fish markets, handling over 2,000 tons of marine products per day. It is expected to move to a new site in Toyosu by spring 2016. The sight of the many kinds of fresh fish and other seafood and the busy atmosphere of scooters, trucks, sellers and buyers hurrying around, make Tsukiji Market a major tourist attractions. In fact, the numbers of visitors have increased so much over recent years, that they have become a problem to the course of business, as the aging market's infrastructure was not anticipated to serve as a tourist spot. Tsukiji Market consists of an inner market where most of the wholesale business and the famous tuna auctions are taking place, and an outer market whose retail shops and restaurants carter to the public. A few restaurants are also found in the inner market. In order to avoid interference with business, different rules should be followed when visiting the different areas of the market: Visiting the tuna auction The number of visitors to the tuna auction is limited to 120 per day, the maximum number which the market's infrastructure can accommodate. Tourists, who wish to see the auction, have to apply at the Osakana Fukyu Center (Fish Information Center) at the Kachidoki Gate, starting from 5:00am on a first-come, first-serve basis (may start earlier on busy days). A first group of 60 visitors will be admitted to the auction between 5:25 and 5:50, while a second group of 60 visitors will be admitted between 5:50 and 6:15. On busy days, visitors start lining up long before 5am, and the maximum number is likely to be exceeded, in which case later arriving visitors will not be able to see the auction. Successful applicants will be able to view the auction from a designated visitor area. It is not allowed to view the auction from anywhere else or to use flash photography or to interfere with the business action in any other way. Visiting the wholesale area The wholesale area consists of hundreds of small stands in a large, crowded hall, where buyers and sellers hurry along narrow lanes with their carts and trucks. It is an exciting area for tourists to view and photograph the fish and the action, but it is also an area where tourists are likely to interfere with the professionals working there. Consequently, in order to prevent accidents and interference with business, tourists are not allowed into the wholesale area before 9am, when the peak of the business activities take place. Even when visiting after 9am, tourists are asked to refrain from bringing any luggage into the market and to be constantly alert of what is happening around them to avoid blocking traffic. Visiting other areas of the market Instead of visiting the inner market, tourists are encouraged to visit Tsukiji's outer market, which is located just adjacent to the inner market and caters to the public. The outer market consists of a few blocks of small retail shops and restaurants crowded along narrow lanes. Here you can find all sorts of food related goods, knives and fresh seafood and produce for sale in smaller (than wholesale) portions. A visit to Tsukiji Market is best combined with a fresh sushi breakfast or lunch at one of the local restaurants. There are restaurants both in the inner and outer market area, which are typically open from 5:00 in the morning to around noon or early afternoon.
A few more general rules for visiting Tsukiji Market Since Tsukiji Market is a site where serious business is conducted, it is important for visitors not to interfere with the action by adhering to the following additional rules:
Do not enter areas restricted to authorized personnel!
Do not obstruct traffic!
Do not bring large bags or suitcases into the market!
Do not enter the market in high heeled shoes or sandals!
Do not bring small children or pets!
Do not smoke in the market! Do not touch anything!
9.Edo-Tokyo Museum
The Edo-Tokyo Museum (江戸東京博物館, Edo Tōkyō Hakubutsukan) is housed in an unique looking building located in the Ryogoku district. The museum's permanent exhibition vividly illustrates the past of Tokyo (formerly Edo) through its exhibits and covers many features of the capital from the Edo Period to relatively recent decades. In an interactive way, visitors are able to experience and learn about various aspects of earlier Tokyo, such as the way of life of people, Edo Period architecture, cultural heritage, political climate, commercial situation and more. Through numerous models of towns, figurines and life-sized figures, the museum makes it interesting to find out about how towns were constructed in the past. The museum also offers many good picture taking opportunities, for example with vehicles and items which were previously used. Voluntary guides speaking in English and other languages are available from 10:00 to 15:00. There is a theater in the museum, at which performances are held on weekends. Programs vary from rakugo (comic story) to koto (13-stringed Japanese zither) performances. In addition to the permanent exhibition, special exhibitions are held periodically on varying, Tokyo related themes. Furthermore, the museum has a sister museum in the western suburbs of Tokyo, the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum, which preserves and exhibits multiple historic buildings.
10. Sensoji (Asakusa Kannon Temple) Sensoji (浅草寺, Sensōji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple) is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa. It is one of Tokyo's most colorful and popular temples. The legend says that in the year 628, two brothers fished a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, out of the Sumida River, and even though they put the statue back into the river, it always returned to them. Consequently, Sensoji was built nearby for the goddess of Kannon. The temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo's oldest temple. When approaching the temple, visitors first enter through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), the outer gate of Sensoji Temple and the symbol of Asakusa and the entire city of Tokyo. A shopping street of over 200 meters, called Nakamise, leads from the outer gate to the temple's second gate, the Hozomon. Alongside typical Japanese souvenirs such as yukata and folding fans, various traditional local snacks from the Asakusa area are sold along the Nakamise. The shopping street has a history of several centuries. Beyond the Hozomon Gate stands the temple's main hall and a five storied pagoda. Destroyed in the war, the buildings are relatively recent reconstructions. The Asakusa Shrine, built in the year 1649 by Tokugawa Iemitsu, stands only a few dozen meters to the left of the temple's main building. Various events are held throughout the year in the Sensoji Temple area. The biggest of them is the Sanja Matsuri, the annual festival of the Asakusa Shrine, held in May. Other events are the Asakusa Samba Carnival in August and the Hagoita-ichi (Hagoita Market) at which decorated wooden paddles used in the traditional game of hanetsuki are sold. 11. Tokyo Imperial Palace
The current Imperial Palace (皇居, Kōkyo) is located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo, a short walk from Tokyo Station. It is the residence of Japan's Imperial Family. Edo Castle used to be the seat of the Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603 until 1867. In 1868, the shogunate was overthrown, and the country's capital and Imperial Residence were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. In 1888 construction of a new Imperial Palace was completed. The palace was once destroyed during World War Two, and rebuilt in the same style, afterwards. From Kokyo Gaien, the large plaza in front of the Imperial Palace, visitors can view the Nijubashi, two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds. The stone bridge in front is called Meganebashi (Eyeglass Bridge) for its looks. The bridge in the back was formerly a wooden bridge with two levels, from which the name Nijubashi (Double Bridge) is derived. The palace buildings and inner gardens are not open to the public. Only on January 2 (New Year's Greeting) and December 23 (Emperor's Birthday), visitors are able to enter the inner palace grounds and see the members of the Imperial Family, who make several public appearances on a balcony. During the rest of the year, guided tours of the palace are offered in Japanese, with an English pamphlet and audio guide provided. Tours must be reserved in advance with the Imperial Household Agency. Reservations can be made over the internet (see links below). The Imperial Palace East Gardens are open to the public throughout the year except on Mondays, Fridays and special occasions. More information is available on the East Gardens page.
12. Tokyo
Tokyo (東京, Tōkyō) is Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis. It is also one of Japan's 47 prefectures, consisting of 23 central city wards and multiple cities, towns and villages west of the city center. The Izu and Ogasawara Islands are also part of Tokyo. Prior to 1868, Tokyo was known as Edo. A small castle town in the 16th century, Edo became Japan's political center in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu established his feudal government there. A few decades later, Edo had grown into one of the world's most populous cities. With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the emperor and capital moved from Kyoto to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo ("Eastern Capital"). Large parts of Tokyo were destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and in the air raids of 1945. Today, Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dining to its visitors. The city's history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa, and in many excellent museums, historic temples and gardens. Contrary to common perception, Tokyo also offers a number of attractive green spaces in the city center and within relatively short train rides at its outskirts.
13. Yokohama Yokohama (横浜) is Japan's second largest city with a population of over three million. Yokohama is located less than half an hour south of Tokyo by train, and is the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture. Towards the end of the Edo Period (1603-1867), during which Japan maintained a policy of self-isolation, Yokohama's port was one of the first to be opened to foreign trade in 1859. Consequently, Yokohama quickly grew from a small fishing village into one of Japan's major cities. Until today, Yokohama remains popular among expats, has one of the world's largest chinatowns and preserves some former Western residences in the Yamate district.