Gleaming in swathes of orange and white during the day, the Tokyo Tower rises from a sea of skyscrapers in its latticed glory, and soars above the city at 332 meters (1,092 feet). The tower, constructed in 1958, was inspired by the charming form of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and its architect, Tachū Naitō, instantly imbibed this design into his plans for the magnificent tower. A remarkable landmark in this thriving city, the Tokyo Tower hosts a variety of entertainment along its steep stretch. At 150 meters (490 feet), the Main Observatory hosts a viewing platform, while the special platform with incomparable views is located at 250 meters (820.21 feet). On a clear day, the views extend to as far as the lofty pinnacle of Mount Fuji. The Tokyo Tower, among other things, is a dazzling beacon symbolizing the city's success, and appears the most beautiful when illuminated in incandescent colors.
A millennium ago or so the legend goes, the Hirokuma brothers found the statue of Kannon (the Bodhisattva of Mercy - the deity alleged to have great powers in purifying people and granting them true happiness) in their fishing nets, and the village chief dutifully enshrined it. The Asakusa Shrine was thus established in 1649 and the three persons in the legend were consecrated as gods of the shrine, hereby earning it the nickname Sanja-sama (the shrine of the three gods). Undoubtedly one of the most famous shrines in Tokyo, it also hosts the Sanja Festival in May.
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.
Amid the urban din of southern Yokohama lies a serene, picturesque sanctum. Based on an ingenious design conceptualized by Tomito Hara, this traditional, Japanese-style garden is riddled with trickling rivers and winding trails. Tomitaro Hara began by acquiring several buildings including tea houses, a farmer's house, a pagoda and various villas, and then placed them on his property amidst ponds, wooded slopes and landscaped gardens; these were later opened to the public in 1906. The picturesque, undulating landscape of the park is dotted with a troupe of iconic buildings which are as striking to look at as they are historically significant. Sankei-en also features lovely tea houses which further augment its allure. Although there are sixteen separate buildings, the Rinshukaku villa, with paintings by Kano-school masters, is particularly noteworthy. In addition, the famed pagoda, Tenzui-ji Juto, Gekka-den, Tenju-in, Choshu-kaku, Shunso-ro, Tokei-ji, the Yanohara House and the main hall of Tomyo-ji have been designated significant cultural properties, too.
Kodomo-no-Kuni, or literally "Children's Land," is a 976,000 square meter park devoted to family and the raising of children with "sound minds and sound bodies." Kodomo-no-Kuni water activities including rowing, pedal boats, and fishing with nets. Kodomo-no-Kuni has outdoor swimming pools and waterslides. Two attractions for landlubbers are Kodomo-no-Kuni's zoo and its working dairy farm. The children's zoo features lots of birds, sheep, goats, deer, rabbits and guinea pigs. that kids can hold to their heart's content. The working dairy farm let's children see where milk comes from. If you wish you can buy some of the fresh milk, as well as homemade dairy ice cream. Families with infants and toddlers can rent strollers at the park. Check website for admission fee.
Chinatown or Chukagai in Japanese, is a fun place for dining, shopping or just walking around. Chinese people started settling in Yokohama in the mid-1800s when Japan opened its doors to international trade. Since then Yokohama's Chinatown has blossomed into the country's largest Chinese community. The area comprises one major street, dozens of cross-streets and alleys, and is home to over 100 restaurants, most serving Cantonese cuisine. There are also many colorful and exotic shops overflowing with Chinese goods, books, souvenirs and even Chinese medicines.