Dédié aux esprits divinisés de l’empereur Meiji et de l’impératrice Shoken, ce sanctuaire shinto fut initialement construit en 1920 sur le site d’un jardin d’iris qui était apprécié par le couple royal. L’empereur Meiji monta sur le trône en 1867, à l’apogée de la restauration de Meiji, faisant sortir le Japon des voiles du féodalisme pour entrer dans l’ère moderne. La sanctuaire nagare-zukuri traditionnel est bâti au milieu d’une forêt foisonnante et toujours verte de plus de 10 000 arbres de tout le Japon, témoignage de gratitude de la part du peuple. À la fois simple et élégant, le Meiji-jingū est isolé de l’effervescence de la ville, son linceul verdoyant adoucissant les sons de la métropole animée qu’est Tokyo. Non loin de là se trouve l’envoûtant jardin intérieur, un champ d’iris en fleurs en juin. L’Imperial Treasure House expose également le chariot de couronnement et plusieurs autres souvenirs intrigants de l’empereur Meiji et de l’impératrice Shoken. Le sanctuaire qui s’élève aujourd’hui est une reconstruction de l’original, qui remonte à 1958 après la destruction de son prédécesseur pendant la Seconde guerre mondiale.
En tant que première scène de jazz de Tokyo, le Blue Note est l'endroit pour voir certains des plus grands musiciens de jazz du monde. Puisqu'il est associé à d'autres clubs, dans des villes telles que New York et Milan, il attire des noms comme Natalie Cole, Oscar Peterson et Taj Mahal. Arrivez tôt pour le dîner et profitez du vaste menu offrant de tout, des steaks aux fruits de mer. Visitez le site Internet pour plus de renseignements à propos des concerts.
Avec Totoro vous accueillant à l’entrée, découvrez ce musée coloré et original, qui vous apprendra tout sur les films d’animation du Studio Ghibli. Explorez les magnifiques expositions qui expliquent le processus de création des films d’animation, puis assistez à la projection de courts-métrages créés exclusivement pour le musée. Les enfants adoreront jouer dans le Chat-bus en peluche inspiré par le film Mon voisin Totoro, avant de visiter le jardin sur le toit pour admirer la statue de 7 mètres de haut du Soldat Robot du film Le Château dans le ciel. Ne manquez donc pas de visiter le musée Ghibli pour en apprendre davantage sur ce studio d’animation emblématique.
This naturally wooded park adjoins the Meiji Jingu Shrine, and until 1996, it hosted Tokyo's amateur rock and roll bands, who strutted their stuff every Sunday. They have since moved to Omotesando, and Yoyogi Park has become quiet, and ideal for groups of friends and families who like to enjoy a tranquil Sunday afternoon strolling by small ponds filled with koi (Japanese carp). Rental bicycles are available within the grounds during summer.
Cet immense musée de science générale, comprenant deux édifices, fut fondé en 1877 et couvre une large variété de savoirs scientifiques, incluant l'évolution des créatures vivantes, l'histoire formatrice de la Terre, la nature et l'astronomie. Il présente un fossile de dinosaure géant, une roche de la lune et le corps empaillé de Hachiko, le célèbre chien Akita fidèle. Si vous ne pouvez pas lire le japonais, apporter un ami japonais qui peut traduire pour vous, autrement la gamme de sites à voir sera limitée.
This magical wonderland is a fitting embodiment of Walt Disney's legacy. Opened in 1983, Tokyo Disneyland was the first Disney theme park to be built outside the United States. The park is centered around the iconic Cinderella Castle, and features a troupe of attractions scattered across numerous themed arenas such as World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown and Tomorrowland. In addition, this gargantuan facility is also home to an arsenal of shops and dining facilities. Here, Mickey Mouse, along with his clan of iconic Disney characters, parades around, sparking joy and jubilation among both young and old.
Located in the east of the city, Tokyo Station handles a vast array of commuter trains running north, south, east and west. All trains are color-coded to match the lines on which they run. Most lines run local, rapid and express trains. Tokyo Station is also the terminal for bullet trains running to all corners of the country. Tickets for these may be purchased at all major JR stations at the Midori Madoguchi (Green Window). It is best to make a seat reservation in advance. Moreover, the imperial red building also houses a plethora of shops, eateries and even a hotel within its premises, making it a premiere attraction.
A building that houses it all, the Shin-Marunouchi Building contains floors of shops, restaurants, and businesses. At a height of 198 meters and 38 stories, this building dominates both the skyline and the retail sector in front of Tokyo Station. The retail zone offers around 150 shops ranging from jewelry, to cosmetics, to men's and women's fashion. The dining options are varied, offering shoppers a selection that includes teahouses, Brazilian barbecue, and the ubiquitous Seven-Eleven. With room for both work and play, the Shin-Marunouchi Building has it all.
Lixil Gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the Tokyo Tatemono Kyobashi building. It plays a crucial role in taking emerging artists under its wing, and giving them a platform to showcase their artworks. Established in 1982, the trendy place boasts an eclectic repertoire of exhibitions all year round so check website for details. At this same floor, you can also see contemporary ceramic-artworks at Galleria Ceramica.
Tokyo International Forum is an excellent venue for music, theater, dance performances, cinema and art exhibitions. It consists of four buildings, each with its own venue hall. Live performances are usually staged in Hall A and Hall B. The facilities are marvelous and include a variety of restaurants that cater to a wide range of culinary tastes. Concerts are also sometimes staged in the afternoon and evening.
Gallery Koyanagi is tucked away at the back of the Koyanagi building, on the eighth floor. Here you will find around thirty artistic spaces, all occupied by well-established artists, both local and foreign (Sophie Calle, Rei Naito, Yoon Hee Chang). It's a space that requires time and quiet (it's one of the largest commercial art spaces in Tokyo) and both shall be richly rewarded.
Idemitsu Museum of Arts is located on the 9th floor in the Teigeki building. Since its 1966 opening, the Idemitsu has earned a reputation for housing excellent ceramics, the Chinese portion of which is among the most extensive to be found in Japan. The collection also includes byobu (folding screens), lacquer, painting, Chinese bronzes, scrolls, calligraphy, and tea utensils. For study and research, representative shards from various Japanese kilns are on display in a separate room. The first museum director, Sazo Idemitsu acquired this collection over a 70-year span. In addition, the Idemitsu owns more than 400 works of the French religious and expressionist painter Georges-Henri Rouault (1871-1958).