Ever wondered how Japanese houses and shops looked decades ago? Well, here is your chance to gain knowledge. Much of Tokyo's architectural heritage had been destroyed in the Great Kanto earthquake and the World War II bombings. In order to retrieve its past, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government established the Tatemono-en (open air architectural museum) as part of the Edo-Tokyo museum in 1993. The museum has 27 buildings (with plans for four more) that run along small streets and span architectural time-lines from the mid-Edo period through the mid-Showa. Do not miss the Tsunashima family's thatched-roof farmhouse, the old post box, the top of the watchtower from the Ueno Fire Station and the bricks from Ginza Brick Town. Walk through the streets and take history lessons! Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum closes every Monday (When Monday is a national holiday, closes on the following day.)
21_21 Design Sight is Tadao Ando and Issey Miyake's labor of love. It shines an appreciative light on all things design-able, from furniture to utensils to architecture. There are many exhibitions and workshops held here as 21_21's primary function is to provide a creative meeting place for designers and craftsmen. The building itself is flat and triangular, resembling a folded origami design.
In operation since 2001, The Tokyo DisneySea has become one of the most visited attractions of Japan. The park is the second of its kind to be opened inside the Tokyo Disney Resort and is peculiarly fascinating for the recreated Mediterranean Harbor, New York Harbor and Arabian Coast and fantasy attractions such as the Mysterious Island and Mermaid Lagoon built to enthrall one and all. The gigantic Aqua Sphere water fountain in shape of the earth at the park entrance and the volcanic Mount Prometheus at the center are prominent attractions at this widely popular theme park. If you are in the mood for a memorable day out, then certainly head to the Tokyo DisneySea to spend quality time with your friends and family.
This company has been making Japanese Sakes for over 100 years, and they opened their Saka-kura (building to make the Japanese Sake) for everyone to see their process. You can enjoy walking around and partake in the "Kura" study tour for free. In this tour, you can learn how they make Japanese Sake and admire the beauty of old Japanese architecture. You have to make a reservation by phone or e-mail in advance, if you wish to join the "Kura" tour.
A Japanese tour is incomplete without witnessing a Sumo Wrestling Match. The JTB Sunrise Tours offer various packages for Sumo matches starting from Tokyo. You can customize it by choosing meal packages, start time and duration of the tour as per your needs. The company offers several different tours but the Sumo Tour is one of the most renowned and an absolutely delight.
Named after Tsubouchi Shōyō, a well-known scriptwriter, Waseda University Tsubouchi Memorial Theatre Museum was established in 1928. The museum has a collection of the works of Shakespeare that have been translated from English into Japanese by the writer Shoyo. Other exhibits on display include over 37,000 articles that include famous scripted Japanese plays.