posted by Traveller on Sep 23

What? Are you kidding? What is there to do see and do at the reclaimed land in Tokyo City? I will definitely give this a miss. Don’t waste my time and money!

Wait a minute, don’t go first, let me explain. The stretch of reclaimed was the past and it now boast the latest mega development with amazing collection of entertainment, shopping, exhibition facilities and its own beaches.

Yes, I am speaking of the futuristic Odaiba which has become one of Tokyo’s most popular areas and newest district.

The Odaiba is connected to the mainland by the Rainbow Bridge, the Yurikamome monorail Line, the JR Saikyo Line, the Rinkai line and a vehicular harbor tunnel.  So, to get there is very easy and you have different modes of transportation. Oh yes, not forgetting the river bus as well. Click here to see some picture on Odaida.

You can start your exploration of Odaiba by visiting the Palette Town Complex. Over here, visit the Mega Web.  This is a huge hands-on museum show casing the latest in automotive technology. Next, visit the Future World, to have a taste of future transportation with a 3D coaster ride, and also view the display of classic cars from the 1950s to 1970s. A short distance away, you can hop into the Giant Sky Wheel and catch the fantastic view to Tokyo Bay.  If you need some shopping, go into the Sun Walk shopping complex where you can enjoy a meal at the restaurants, and shop at the women’s mega mall, and the 18th-entury style VenusFort. Pay a visit to the nearby National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation as well. 

Your next stop should be the Decks, Joypolis and the Seaside park. This place is built in resemblance to a giant passenger liner. At the Decks shopping and entertainment complex, it has an array of boutiques including the Tokyo Joypolis, which is a virtual reality center with thrilling rides and video games. After all the entertainment, shopping and eating, you may wish to take a stroll at the Seaside Park for relaxation. If you wise, you can do some sunbathing here which is popular. As this place is a habor, it is not suitable for swimming.

The next area of interest will be the Mediage, Aqua City and Fuji Headquarters. Apart from the cinemas at Mediage, you will find the mini funparks such as “Where the wild Things Are, Airtight Garage and the Beatles’ Yellow Submarine Adventure”.  The Aqua City next door, which is another huge retail complex is another shopping haven. Next, pay a visit to the futuristic Fuji Television building which is near the Diaba Station and is has an observation deck.

Odaiba is a huge place with so many to do and see. You really need to spend time here if you to see all the things. This is indeed Tokyo’s newest district and also is one of the Tokyo’s hottest date spots for the young Japanese.  How about a date with Odaiba when you visit Tokyo City? Click here to see some picture on Odaida.

posted by Traveller on Sep 13

Are you sure you can do that? Taking a stroll at the emperor’s private garden?  Yes, of course you can. When you are at the City of Tokyo, you can do it at the Imperial Palace East Garden, Tokyo. The Imperial Palace East Garden, Tokyo was once part of the emperor’s private garden.  It is now open to public. It has a size of 21 hectares (53 acres) and was once the main grounds of Edo Castle. It is located next to the Imperial Palace and is a good place for a respite in the middle of the busy business district of Marunochi. 

Take note: The Imperial Palace East Garden (Higashi-Gyoen) is indeed open to public but not everyday. It is close on Monday and Friday. This vast garden is located in the heart o the city and is easily assessed by sub-way or train.  In fact, the Tokyo Station is just opposite the entrance. There are three gates to the garden and the most commonly used gate is the Ote-mon on the east. The Ote-mon is closed to the Tokyo Station and this was the principal entrance to Edo Castle for more than 200 years.

As you walk in the garden, you will be able to have a closed up view on the massive stones that built the castle walls. These stones are perfectly fit together without mortar and there were designed to withstand earthquakes.  Take a look at the Imperial East Garden Here.

Also visit the Museum of Imperial Collections where you can view some exhibits from the imperial collections.  Oh yes, when you are outside the museum, you will be hearing shouting in the garden and may be wondering where the sound come from. Do not be alarmed, it is the police martial arts class in the hall next to the guard house.

There are always blossom in the garden. In spring, you will see the azaleas and the cheer blossom and irises in summer.

Believe it or not, the Imperial East Garden is hardly crowded as the number of visitors going into the garden is controlled by the guard. Before you enter the garden, you will be given a token and when you leave, you will have to return it to the guard. This is how they regulate the number visiting the garden.

The Imperial East Garden Tokyo is a good place to retreat from the city’s crowd.

If you are wish to stay at the Imperial Palace Park area, Check out here to search some Imperial Palace Area Hotels.