 | Tokyo Fish Market (Tsukiji) |
Although few of us like rising before the sun it is worth the effort to visit the Tsukuji Fish Market and the early morning tuna auctions. The stalls are crammed with every sea creature and parts of sea creature imaginable and after a quick perusal you can sample some of the delicacies in one of the sushi bars which line the markets outer area. Our favourite sushi bar is 'Okame'
http://www.tsukiji-market.or.jp/tukiji_e.htm |
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 | Odaiba - Sega Joypolis |
The man-made island of Odaiba is a great place to head at night when a glorious night-time city-scape of Tokyo Bay can be observed. The island has a huge variety of restaurants, shops and entertainments including the wonderful Sega Joypolis, a must visit fo rall gaming fanatics. Here you can take part in cutting edge VR experiences such as skydiving and hang-gliding as well as playing some old classics! Be sure to pick up some Sonic gear in the shop....
Sega Joypolis (English) / Tokyo Decks Odaiba (English) |
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 | Roppongi Hills and the Mori Gallery |
The aim of the Roppongi Hills complex is to become a cultural complex in the heart of Tokyo city combining apartments, shops, restaurants, art galleries and cinemas. The complex combines the urban feel of residences with beautiful parks and gardens and is the latest in urban design. The Mori Gallery is on the 49th floor of the Roppongi Mori Building and offers an art gallery and Tokyo observation deck. The gallery space has exhibitions of both young Japanese artists and more well-known artists.
http://www.roppongihills.com/en/information/ |
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 | Tokyo National Museum |
The Tokyo National Museum has the largest collection of Japanese art in the world and is definitely worth a visit whilst in Tokyo. The main building (Honkan) houses a wonderful collection which includes Buddhist sculpture, embroidered textiles, Ukiyoe prints and swords. If you visit on the second Saturday of the month then your visit will be free!
http://www.tnm.jp/scripts/Index.en.idc |
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 | Parasite Museum |
| The first exhibit you meet on entry to the museum is a framed 10 metre long tape worm who was found inside an unsuspecting Yokohama resident and the museum exhibits get progressively more weird and wonderful as you go on. Of particular note is an innocent looking creature that burrows its way into men’s testicles and inflates them to a huge size. One victim’s gonads were inflated to such a huge size he was forced to transport them in a wheel barrow! The museum is free to enter. A truly weird and wonderful Japan experience. |
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 | Kappa-bashi kitchen district |
| Eight blocks of shops selling everything you need to set up a restaurant! For the tourist, it offers rich pickings in terms of souvenirs of bowls, chopsticks, plastic food models as well as some of the finest chefs' knives available anywhere in the World. |
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 | Jakotsuyu Onsen, Asakusa |
| Definitely a “locals” hang out, this is a great way to experience a real Japanese bath house. More than 100 years old this Onsen is nicely decorated with a mural of Mt Fuji in the spring and as well as a selection of regular Onsen spa baths there is an electrical bath where a gentle current travels through the water massaging the body - a very strange sensation indeed! For a look inside check out the following link www.jakotsuyu.co.jp (Japanese only but interesting video footage). |
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 | Daikanyama |
| Nestled between Ebisu and Shibuya on the JR Yamanote Line, Daikanyama is the place to head for Avant Garde architecture, fashion and café culture. It is a great place to hunt out Japanese fashion bargains as well as enjoy a coffee in a pavement café. |
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 | Kabuki-za Theatre |
The Kabuki-za theatre in Ginza is one of the best places in Japan to watch a performance of Kabuki. The theatre caters well to foreign visitors offering taped commentaries and single act tickets for the performances.
http://www.shochiku.co.jp/play/kabukiza/theater/ |
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 | Harajuku and Yoyogi Park on Sundays |
| This is the place to visit if you want to check out youth culture and fashion as the Yoyogi park area in Harajuku becomes a Sunday stage for Tokyo’s coolest to strut their stuff. The main street leading to Harajuku is called “Omote-Sando” and the pavements are lined with street artists and vendors on a Sunday. All this combined with trendy street cafes and restaurants, Harajuku makes the perfect Sunday hang-out. |
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