In memoria dell'imperatore Meiji e dell'imperatrice Shoken, questo santuario scintoista fu originariamente costruito nel 1920 nel luogo in cui si trovava un giardino di iris noto per essere stato prediletto dalla coppia reale. Salito al trono nel 1867, l'imperatore Meiji guidò il Rinnovamento Meiji facendo uscire il Giappone dal feudalesimo. Il tradizionale santuario nagare-zukuri è costruito in mezzo a una foresta sempreverde composta da numerosi alberi provenienti da tutto il Giappone; un segno di gratitudine donato dalla popolazione. Semplice, ma elegante, il Meiji Jingū è isolato dal trambusto di Tokyo grazie alla copertura di vegetazione che attenua i rumori della frenetica metropoli. Nelle vicinanze si trova l'incantevole giardino interno, un campo di iris che fiorisce in giugno. Nel museo del tesoro imperiale del santuario sono esposti anche la carrozza dell'incoronazione e diversi altri intriganti cimeli. Quello che si visita oggi è una ricostruzione del santuario originale, costruito nel 1958 dopo che il suo predecessore subì gravi danni durante la seconda guerra mondiale.
As the premier jazz venue in Tokyo, the Blue Note is the place to hear some of the world's greatest jazz musicians. Tied in with other clubs in such cities as New York and Milan, Blue Note is able to attract such names as Natalie Cole, Oscar Peterson and Taj Mahal. Arrive early for dinner and enjoy a wide ranging menu offering everything from steaks to seafood. A rustic, elegant setting provides the perfect vibe to enjoy dinner and music and is a must-visit for jazz lovers while in Tokyo.
Con Totoro che vi saluta all'ingresso, entrate in questo museo colorato e stravagante e scoprite tutto sulle animazioni dello Studio Ghibli. Passeggiate tra le bellissime mostre e scoprite come vengono creati i film d'animazione. Dopo aver appreso il processo cinematografico, potrete assistere alla proiezione di brevi filmati esclusivi del museo. I bambini si divertiranno a giocare sul gattobus di peluche di il mio vicino Totoro e poi potranno visitare il giardino pensile per vedere la statua alta cinque metri del robot-soldato di Laputa castello nel cielo. Visitate il Museo Ghibli per conoscere meglio uno degli studi di animazione più iconici.
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.
This huge, two-building general science museum was established in 1877 and covers a wide variety of scientific knowledge including the evolution of living things, the Earth's formative history, nature, and astronomy. The giant dinosaur fossil, a moon rock and the stuffed body of Hachiko, the famous loyal Akita dog are some of the unmissable exhibits here. Taxidermy specimens, steam engines and the life of Japanese people are also some of the intriguing permanent exhibitions. If you cannot read Japanese, it is better to bring along a Japanese friend who can translate things for you.
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).