Memorializing Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, this Shinto shrine was originally constructed in 1920 at the site of an iris garden known to have been favored by the royal couple. Ascending the throne in 1867, Emperor Meiji spearheaded the Meiji Restoration, drawing Japan from the veils of feudalism. The traditional nagare-zukuri shrine is built amid an evergreen forest comprised of numerous trees from across Japan; a token of gratitude donated by the people. Simple, yet elegant, the Meiji Jingū is isolated from the bustle of Tokyo, its verdant shroud softening the sounds of the vibrant metropolis. Nearby lies the enchanting inner garden, a field of iris blooms in June. The Imperial Treasure House at the shrine also exhibits the coronation carriage and several other intriguing mementos. What stands today is a reconstruction of the original shrine, built in 1958 after its predecessor sustained severe damage during World War II.
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.
With Totoro greeting you at the entrance, step inside this colorful and whimsical museum and learn all about Studio Ghibli animations. Stroll through the beautiful exhibits and discover how animated films are created. After learning about the movie process, you can catch the screening of short museum-exclusive films. Kids will love playing on the plush Cat Bus from My Neighbor Totoro and later, you can visit the rooftop garden to see the five-meter (16 feet) tall statue of Robot Soldier from Laputa Castle in the Sky. Pay a visit to the Ghibli Museum to learn more about an iconic animation studio.
The Tokyo National Museum displays a bevy of sculptures, paintings, calligraphy, archaeological objects and other decorative arts. Divided into sections spanning Japanese as well as Korean and Chinese art, the museum's collections are nothing short of artistic preservation of Asian history and culture. Exhibitions, lectures, gallery talks and workshops are held regularly, so visitors can gain access to some valuable information about the world's largest continent. The museum also stores historical documents dating back to the 10th and 11th Centuries.
Located in the Taito-Ku area of Tokyo, The National Museum of Western Art is known for its amazing collection of drawings, sculptures and paintings by European artists. Designated a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, the architecture of the main building can be credited to renowned Swiss Architect Charles-Edouard Jeanneret-Gris, famously known as Le Corbusier. You can admire the great works of Monet, Cezanne, Manet, Signac and many masters that shaped the history of art. Visitors are treated to the rich artistic heritage of the West during the numerous thematic exhibitions held regularly at the museum's gallery.
Suntory Hall is one of Tokyo's best concert venues for classical music. It harbors two concert halls: the Main Hall with a capacity of 2006 and the Blue Rose Hall with a capacity of 432. The larger hall mainly features orchestral concerts and pipe organ recitals, while the smaller hall offers a wide range of different classical genres, including popular children's concerts. Wines, cocktails and coffee are available at the Bar Intermezzo before each concert and during intermission. The concert halls gives the impression of opulence with great, ambient lighting and the stage right in the middle, with the seating arranged in a semi-circle on different levels. So, definitely go for a show here, it is well worth the price.
This museum provides an overview of local folklore, history and archeology relating to an area famous for a shell mound identified by Edward Sylvester Morse. Ota Ward faces Tokyo Bay and at one time it was the major source of laver, a common Japanese food. The cultivation of this product is well documented in the museum displays. Clay figures (haniwa), implements made of bone, and ancient tools which were excavated nearby, are on view.
In a city where high fashion meets urban culture, the Dior Omotesando Buildling embodies the ideal of chic ingenuity. The architects, Sejima and Nishizawa, formed the exterior of the building with glass and acrylic, letting the shifting play of sunlight bring out the building's architectural beauty as the day winds down. At night, the building glows softly on the skyline. Interested in fashion or not, locals and tourists alike pause to appreciate the sight.
Azabu-juban is an upscale neighborhood of Tokyo in the Minato-ku. Which is why here one can find mega sized residential buildings, hotels, trendy restaurants, schools and universities as well as eminent embassies of various countries. This municipality is also home to various retail stores, services shops, gourmet shops as well as household stores. With a handful of attractions to explore, Azabu-juban has its own share of history and has gone on to become an integral part of Japan's rich tourism sector. The entire neighborhood comes to life when events like the February Setsubun and the Flower Festival kick-off.
Founded in 2008 and located in the Shinjuku ward of Tokyo metropolis, Totem Pole Photo Gallery is a refined center for display of contemporary photography. The spacious facility of the center serves as a platform for talented amateur artists and provides various elements like aluminum and wooded frames, adequate lights and LCD projectors to make the exhibition successful. A perfect place to view skillful photography display by professional artists from time to time. Call or visit their website for more information.
The term art has come to mean a lot of things other than the cliched painting and music. Song, music, dance, visual art, graphic designing and sculpture are a few of the other art forms which have become popular over the years. ASK? Art Space Kimura promotes various forms of art and culture in the city of Tokyo. To know more about the events and the place, do visit their website.
Some believe that medieval times were barbaric, with all kinds of torture and marauding taking place. Well at Castle Tintagel you can experience the more chivalrous aspects of those times of yore. Learn the knightly virtues of prowess, courage, honesty, loyalty, and courtesy. Take lessons in the broad sword and shield, the dagger, spear and pole axe. Attend Knight School, the Academy of Chivalry, and learn renaissance dance and calligraphy or join an authentic outdoor battle reenactment. Castle Tintagel boasts the most authentic medieval combat education in Asia. Attend theme parties or get married in the style of the period. As a regular member or a one-time visitor, Castle Tintagel is an experience for the whole family like no other. -Stephen Lebovits