One of the largest temples in eastern Japan, Soji-ji is a major temple belonging to the Soto-sect of Zen Buddhism. It was established in 1321 in Noto Province by Jokin Keizan (1268-1325), but after a disastrous fire, it was relocated to Tsurumi in 1911. Both the statue of Miroku Bosatsu, which dates to 1276, and the bell (cast in 1269) have been named important cultural properties. Along with Eihei-ji (in Fukui prefecture) in 1615, Soji-ji was named a major Zen center by the Tokugawa government. The public is welcome to participate in meditation sessions at this very active Zen temple.
Jingu Bashi is the best place to go in Tokyo for adolescent cosplay action on a regular basis. Finding the spectacle is simple—it's just outside the familiar Harajuku Station and easy to spot due to the masses of camera-toting tourists. Saturdays and Sundays in the early afternoon are the ideal time to go for large gatherings of these non-conformist primadonna youth. However, since they sometimes object to the extra public exposure, be sure to ask them before you take their picture. Fun for the entire family, and feel free to join in with your own cosplay theme and be the center of attention! - Erin Sanchez
What is the Gozabune? It is the gorgeous ship which Japanese feudal lords used when they sailed. Atekemaru is a revival ship of Gozabune. There are two routes. One is from Hinode to Aomi and back, another is from Aomi to Tokyo Big Sight and back. Also, you can choose the cruise from Hinode to Tokyo Big Sight. Fares are different depending on distance, so please check the website. Children from ages 1 to 5 can get on board for free, with up to 1 child per adult traveling free of charge. The cruise service also serves some exquisite Japanese food on-board to please your palate as you bask in the view of the picturesque surrounding vistas.
The regent, Tokimune Hojo, established Engaku-ji Temple in 1282. It is Kamakura's largest temple and is famous for its "Great Bell" which dates back to 1301. The bell has been designated a national treasure. The oldest extant Zen temple hall, with its distinctive cypress roof, is also found here. Known as the Shari-den, it is believed the hall was relocated from a nearby nunnery during the Muromachi Era (1333-1573). Do not miss the statue of monk Mugaku, the temple's first abbot. The public is permitted to participate in meditations here.
Minato Mirai 21 Yokohama Pavilion was originally constructed for the 1989 Yokohama Exotic Showcase or YES Expo, which unveiled the details for the Minato Mirai 21 project. An estimated 13 million people visited the pavilion during 1989 YES Expo. The central feature was Gulliver Land, a model of what Minato Mirai 21 and the Yokohama Waterfront will look like in the 21st century. Gulliver Land contains scale models of over 3,500 buildings with 20,000 people walking through this futuristic vision. The lighting in Gulliver Land changes to simulate day and night. And, of course, the models illuminate in the darkness to create an image of a magnificent "City of Light". Admission is absolutely free.