Tokyo Highlights

Tokyo Highlights


  • Asakusa Senso-ji Temple
Commonly called Kannon-sama among the locals, is the oldest and one of the most popular temples in Tokyo. The temple was built in 628 to be dedicated to the statue of Kannon that was found in the Sumida River. Kaminari-mon (Thunder gate) with a huge red paper lantern is the symbol of the complex. There are many shops selling traditional Japanese confectionary and souvenirs along “Nakamise”, the alley leading to the main hall. The temple complex and surrounding areas give you the air of old time Tokyo.


  • Tokyo Metropolitan Government
The iconic 243 meter high skyscraper with two towers is the headquarters of city assembly and council operation of entire Tokyo. The observatory on the 45th floor is open to the public and visitors will be able to see how extensive the city really is.


  • Imperial Palace (Nijubashi Bridge)
The Edo Castle, formerly the Tokugawa family’s residence, was opened in the Meiji Restoration and later renamed as the Imperial Palace. The two-arched Nijubashi Bridge in front of the main entrance is picturesque setting with its bridge reflects on the water.


  • Ameyoko Avenue
Ameya-yokocho, locals call it “Ameyoko”, is the market place under the railway tracks between Ueno and Okachimachi stations. It originated as a flea market soon after the World War 2 ended, people helping each other by selling basic items and foods in affordable prices. Today the market has grown more with nearly 500 shops selling wide range of foods, clothes and imported items.


  • Tsukiji Market
It is the largest central wholesale market in Japan, situated by the busy Tokyo bay. It has long supported the kitchens of the city. Not to miss the Tuna Auction at 5am that has a great atmosphere. Although visitors are not allowed to purchase anything inside the main market, many stalls and shops in Jogai-shijo (Outside market) would happy to deal with us. You may also taste the freshest seafood in one of many Sushi, Seafood bars and restaurants spreading around market.


  • Ginza 4-chome Intersection
This is the world’s most expensive land hereby the crossing between Cho-dori avenue and Harumi-dori avenue. Every weekend hundreds of shoppers enjoy car free days that entire Chuo-dori closes for traffic. A famous “Wako” department store with its clock tower is the most enduring landmarks.


  • Sony Building
Located at the Sukiyabashi crossing, is one of several Ginza landmarks and popular meeting points. It is also a must go for techno-freaks, with six-floors of the latest Sony gadgets on display.


  • Tokyo Tower
Erected to relay broadcastings in 1958, Tokyo Tower is the tallest construction in Japan as well as the symbol of Tokyo. It has a height of 333-meters with two levels of observatories. At the foot of the tower consists of museums (including “Wax Museum” and “Guinness World Record Museum”), Aquarium, gift-shops and food hall.


  • Fuji TV Headquarters
One of the popular TV station, Fuji TV is based here in Odaiba, lit by lasers at night, is the landmark of this waterfront area. Japanese Architect, Kenzo Tange, designed the building. The ball on top of the building weighs almost 1200 tons, with a diameter of 32 meters.


  • Shibuya Hachiko-mae crossing
A massive intersection with X-shape zebra crossing is all filled by cars and pedestrians in certain sequence of traffic lights in front of JR Shibuya Station. Either the pedestrian-deck near Keio terminal or Starbucks would be the best points to see the stream of people crossing the intersection. The Statue of Hachiko was constructed in honour of Hachiko’s faithfulness and loyalty to his master, professor Ueno. After Ueno’s death, Hachiko had been waiting for his master’s return in front of Shibuya station for over a decade. Today, the statue is a famous meeting spot.


  • Meiji Jingu Shrine
The shrine built for the Emperor and Empress of the Meiji Era. The original buildings were lost in a fire. The present shrine was built with wood donated by the public. This shrine is the most heavily visited place by worshippers in Japan during New Year holiday, almost 3 million people flock in.


  • Sunshine City
With the height of 240 meters, Sunshine city building is the symbol of Ikebukuro District in Northern Tokyo. There is an observation deck on the 60th floor. It is also the centre of all amenities including an aquarium and a planetarium, shopping malls and restaurants & cafes.


  • Toyota AMLUX / Megaweb
The world’s most famous car manufacturer came up with the new type of showroom where people can learn about cars. Amlux is the realistic version of showroom in the future, where more than 70 cars are on display. You can sit on it, take pictures and even rent the car you like for few hours, too. While Megaweb in Odaiba district plays much larger exhibition where people can physically drive with the car you like around the tailor made circuit with straight and bendy lines, slopes and uneven surface.


  • Akihabara Electric City
Akihabara is well known as “Denki-gai (Electric Town)”. Everyone would agree the trend of electronic gadgets starts from here to the world. The area was originally developed as a place for stores and distributors specialised in selling electronic goods during the postwar period. From more than 1,000 stores lined up on the street called "Chuo Dori Avenue," you may be able to find anything from new to old, never be able to find in local electronic stores. As the new development has been taking place around Akihabara Station, it has changed its theme not only for electronics, but also for game, manga (comic books) and animation related goods.


  • Roppongi Hills
The new multipurpose complex built in Roppongi was opened to the public in 2003. The large area consists of gardens, open spaces, residential buildings, office buildings and shopping malls, restaurants, shops, and cafes, amusement facilities such as cinemas, a museum, and outdoor theatre. The 54-story Mori Tower with its height of 238 meters has an observation deck. “Mori Garden” is probably the most popular traditional Japanese style with the essence of contemporary features. The surrounding area also enhances its luxury and richness by housing high-class designers brand stores.



Back to Tokyo, Japan

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最終更新:2009年04月23日 05:09