The Shinjuku Gyo-en blends Western and Eastern influences in its layout with English, French and conventional Japanese gardens. It also features quaint tea ceremony houses and a greenhouse with a considerable collection of tropical plants. It is most famous for its cherry blossom trees, which in early spring paint the stunning landscape in different hues of fluttering pink and draw visitors in droves owing to their spellbinding beauty. The garden is an ideal place to get some fresh air, relax amidst nature and lift your spirits.
Both history and architecture buffs will appreciate the very contemporary building balanced on its landmark, gigantic pillars. Set in a stadium-sized expanse, a model of Nihonbashi (Japan's premier bridge) separates feudal Tokyo (Edo) from modern Tokyo (since 1868). In the permanent exhibition area, you will find original documents of the Edo era. Nostalgic aspects of everyday life are depicted to scale without the restriction of display cases. Ongoing enactments of various folk arts and crafts bring Japan's rich cultural traditions to life. Do not miss the models of the Edo Castle and the Kabuki Theater. See the website for visitor information and the event calendar.
Kabuki-za, the main kabuki theater in Tokyo since 1889, usually features two daily performances each consisting of three or four plays, and the repertoire is changed monthly. For 650 Yen, non-Japanese-speaking visitors can hire earphones that give an explanation in English. The visitor who does not have time for an entire performance can buy a ticket for the 4th floor to watch part of the show, but earphones are not available. Five restaurants provide a wide range of Japanese food and refreshments for visitors.
Ueno Zoological Gardens, over 100 years old, is one of the oldest zoos in the country. The gardens are home to a multitude of birds, Siberian tigers, monkeys, gorillas, Giant Pandas, giraffes, and other animals from all over the world. There is also a children's petting zoo at the southern end. A pagoda-like structure, dating back to 1631, stands on one end of the park and adds a touch of Japanese history into the mix. Perfectly combining history and wildlife, this attraction makes for a rewarding experience for adults and children alike.
Wreathed in an atmosphere of a working-class neighborhood set in the pre-1923 Great Kanto Earthquake days, the Shitamachii Museum is an evocative representation of the bygone glory of Japan. It is home to a string of traditional, Japanese-style houses which, much paradoxically, lie nestled amid the soaring high-rises of Tokyo. A mural on the landing between the first and second floors depicts peddlers, artisans and blue-collar workers going about their daily life during the Edo period. The extensive display of household items gives a fascinating peek into a lifestyle from days gone by. A striking nexus of antiquity and unhindered cultural intrigue, the museum displays insightful exhibits which can be explored and understood with the help of an English speaking guide. A glimpse of Japanese history, the museum is no less than a time machine, transporting its visitors to the Edo era.
Lady Inada, also known as Inada-no-Tsubone together with a monk called Joko were responsible for the fundraising which resulted in the aesthetically pleasing bronze statue of Great Buddha, dedicated to Amida. After several mishaps with wooden statues, the bronze casting crafted by Goremon Ono was finished in 1252. Now gracefully sitting outside, the serene Buddha formerly was housed in the Kotoku-in's main building, which a tidal wave swept away in 1495. The statue stands at 13.35 meters (43.8 feet) tall and is hollow, allowing visitors inside.
Aoyama Gakuin University's history dates back to 1874 when a few missionaries started three schools in Shibuya which merged to form the university in 1949. One of the esteemed Christian educational institutions in Japan, it offers undergraduate and graduate courses to its students while also giving on campus housing facilities. Aoyama houses nine faculties and 23 departments from the Arts, Commerce and Science fields. It has two campuses, the Aoyama and Sagamihara. The Aoyama Campus is located in the Shibuya neighborhood and is the original site since it was a part of Aoyama Gakuin's foundation. Spanning 29.65 acres (11.99 hectares) with many trees, it has a quiet and charming look to it. While Sagamihara was built in 2003 and is situated in its namesake locality, this extensive campus has nineteen buildings and is abode to the Science and Engineering, and Social Informatics centers.
The Shinjuku Gyo-en blends Western and Eastern influences in its layout with English, French and conventional Japanese gardens. It also features quaint tea ceremony houses and a greenhouse with a considerable collection of tropical plants. It is most famous for its cherry blossom trees, which in early spring paint the stunning landscape in different hues of fluttering pink and draw visitors in droves owing to their spellbinding beauty. The garden is an ideal place to get some fresh air, relax amidst nature and lift your spirits.
This enchanting garden, first created in 1629, is a delightful place to visit at any time of the year. Koraku means to 'enjoy afterwards' and the garden was designed as a place of peaceful, quiet contemplation. It's only a quarter of the size it initially was but the paths, sloping hills and the beguiling pond at its center ensure that it is as charming and beautiful as it ever was. Year round, the garden displays an array of colors, from green, orange, red to pink; the trees, meadows and flowers are all painted in various colors of nature. The city appointed it as a special place of beauty; go and enjoy it for yourself.
A recommended place to take children of all ages and interests, the museum is divided into the following sections: Space Captain, Space City Yokohama, Space Gym, Space Laboratory and Space Theater. The exhibits are "hands-on," and the interactive games, videos and planetarium-show provide education as well as great entertainment.
Both history and architecture buffs will appreciate the very contemporary building balanced on its landmark, gigantic pillars. Set in a stadium-sized expanse, a model of Nihonbashi (Japan's premier bridge) separates feudal Tokyo (Edo) from modern Tokyo (since 1868). In the permanent exhibition area, you will find original documents of the Edo era. Nostalgic aspects of everyday life are depicted to scale without the restriction of display cases. Ongoing enactments of various folk arts and crafts bring Japan's rich cultural traditions to life. Do not miss the models of the Edo Castle and the Kabuki Theater. See the website for visitor information and the event calendar.
Located in a nostalgic area of Tokyo, the collection is housed in the former residence of Fumio Asakura (1883-1964). In 1948, Asakura was awarded the Order of Culture. In government-backed shows, he often won prizes. Animals, figures and portraits executed in plaster and bronze give the visitor an historical overview of Japan's contribution to Western-style sculpture. The garden which is dominated by a pond is delightful, as there is something enchanting blooming throughout the year.