Berlin
- Day 1 (7 schedule items)
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- A Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo
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This venue is a wholesale market that offers fish, fruit and vegetables. "Uogashi," or fish market, dates back to the 16th Century. Tsukiji is the largest of the three (the other two are Ohta and Adachi) Tokyo Central Wholesale Markets. In fact, it is one of the largest wholesale markets in the world. They call it "a kitchen for 12 million people in Tokyo." The busiest times are from 5a-9a and many shops begin to close at 11a.[Full Description]
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- B Shinjuku Mitsukoshi ALCOTT, Tokyo
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Starting in the Edo period as a kimono material and accessories shop, Mitsukoshi is the oldest surviving department store in Japan. Despite its European influences, Mitsukoshi still reveres its Japanese traditions and retains the finest quality houseware, laquerware, kimono and accessories. This branch reopened in 2005 as "Shinjuku Mitsukoshi ALCOTT" and is a zakka specialty store (general merchandise). The store has some very interesting items for women and has now become more of an upscale lifestyle store.[Full Description]
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- C Kabuki-za, Tokyo
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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 JPY650, 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.[Full Description]
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- D Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo
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This excellent example of classic Shinto architecture was built in 1869, and dedicated to the war dead of Japan. Each August 15, the anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II, it draws controversy, when the nation's top politicians come and offer their prayers to its dead heroes, amid protests from neighboring countries victimized by Japan during WWII. Yasukuni means; peaceful country. This is an irony when the place itself reminds people so much of war and grief. The site opens daily at 9 a.m.[Full Description]
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- E Imperial Palace jogging course, Tokyo
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Imperial Palace jogging course
This might not be everybody's peak experience, but the run around the Imperial Palace could be second best and a whole lot easier than climbing Mout Fuji. The 5km plus-a-few-meters course takes participants around the Imperial Palace, passing near the Marunouchi business district, the Budokan, venue to sports and concerts, the British Embassy and Hibya Park. There is even an annual charity team-relay run that does the distance and is organized by the Japan Times. For those who require a more leisurely pace, there are plenty of things to look at while you complete the circuit.[Full Description]
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- F Matsuzakaya, Tokyo
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One of the older department stores, Matsuzakaya has a slightly more traditional and conservative collection. Familiar with tourists, an English floor guide is readily available right at the entrance. The selection of kimono, obi (kimono belts), tabi (split-toed socks) and zori (sandals) is particularly good, as is the lacquer ware, souvenirs and bonsai trees. Also notable is a fairly decent collection of large size wear on the fourth floor. In the Annex building, Matsuzakaya shows its longevity by hosting not only the usual Art Gallery/Exhibition space but promoting its very own ladies Deportment School.[Full Description]
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- G Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo
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This excellent example of classic Shinto architecture was built in 1869, and dedicated to the war dead of Japan. Each August 15, the anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II, it draws controversy, when the nation's top politicians come and offer their prayers to its dead heroes, amid protests from neighboring countries victimized by Japan during WWII. Yasukuni means; peaceful country. This is an irony when the place itself reminds people so much of war and grief. The site opens daily at 9 a.m.[Full Description]
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- Day 2 (10 schedule items)
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- H Don Quijote, Tokyo
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There are 22 branches of this store, all selling an enormous selection of goods ranging from small accessories and cosmetics to electrical appliances. This Shibuya store alone claims to stock over 35,000 different items. There appears to be no criteria as to what is for sale. Don Quijote quite happily sells moisturizer in one section, video cameras in another and Korean food in the next. Brand names include Gucci, Hermes, Sony, Sanrio and many more. Prices naturally vary depending on type and name of product, but generally they are quite good.[Full Description]
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- I Roppongi Hills, Tokyo
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Symbolized by the 54-story Mori Tower, Roppongi Hills is a mega complex that incorporates upscale shops, restaurants, a movie theater, a museum, and an observatory as the most notable aspects of its facilities. As part of an ongoing process to reshape the image of Roppongi, this project has helped to create a classier side of this city, which is notorious for its sleezy nightlife on the weekends. The diversity of entertainment at this site provides an ideal place for families and couples to spend the day, as well as provide enough splendor for the casual tourist who is looking to sightsee and experience modern day Tokyo. - Erin Sanchez[Full Description]
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- J "0I0I" (Marui), Tokyo
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In Shibuya, Marui has three neighboring buildings, each flaunting enormous, unmissable, bright red storefront signs. The abstract "O" (circle = maru) and "1" (one = ichi) makes you curious and once inside, Marui is overwhelming. O1 Young has eight floors of youth fashion and sportswear, O1 City caters for the working twenties and up, while O1 One is more general and casual. To visit all three would exhaust not only your bank balance, but also more than an entire day![Full Description]
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- K Oriental Bazaar, Tokyo
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Possibly the most famous of souvenir shops, Oriental Bazaar is also the most imaginatively laid out. There are four floors and the higher you go, the more expensive the items get. The basement stocks bright, cheap and cheerful, touristy items, while the top floor offers antiques and traditional Japanese kimono and crafts. It is notably one of the best places to buy affordable and beautiful, second-hand original kimonos. Yukata (bathrobes), ceramics, towels and papercraft are some of the more popular items.[Full Description]
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- L Tokyo Tocho (City Hall) Gift Shop
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Tokyo Tocho (City Hall) Gift Shop
Tokyo Tocho, Tokyo City Hall's two towers, have become the best places to view Tokyo. There is a free observation level in both of the towers and the gift shop is located on that floor in the North tower. The souvenirs are standard, but quite cute in their own cheesy manner. You can buy Tokyo City Hall mobile phone straps, key rings, sweets and even mini chocolate eclairs. All packaging has an image of the Tokyo City Hall and of course TOKYO is printed somewhere on everything.[Full Description]
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- M Hachiko Statue, Tokyo
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Perhaps the most famous meeting spot for people in Tokyo is this life-sized statue of a very loyal Akita dog in front of Shibuya Station. Hachiko used to walk with his master, Professor Ueno of the University of Tokyo, to the station each morning and home each evening. In May 1925, the professor died while at work; the dog patiently waited for his master that day, came back again the next day, and the next. For 10 years he waited for his master's return. Hachiko's stuffed body is now in the National Science Museum, Ueno.[Full Description]
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- N Tokyo Tower
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Constructed in 1958, Tokyo Tower soars 332 meters (1092 feet), 13 meters (42 feet) higher than the Eiffel Tower. There are two observatories from which to get panoramic views of Tokyo, and Mount Fuji on a clear day. The Main Observatory is 150 meters (492 feet) high, the Special Observatory, 250 meters (820 feet) high. The tower is lit by 164 floodlights: orange in winter, and incandescent white in summer. Inside the tower, you will also find the Tokyo Tower Wax Museum, the Mysterious Walking Zone and the Trick Art Gallery.[Full Description]
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- O Hachiko Statue, Tokyo
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Perhaps the most famous meeting spot for people in Tokyo is this life-sized statue of a very loyal Akita dog in front of Shibuya Station. Hachiko used to walk with his master, Professor Ueno of the University of Tokyo, to the station each morning and home each evening. In May 1925, the professor died while at work; the dog patiently waited for his master that day, came back again the next day, and the next. For 10 years he waited for his master's return. Hachiko's stuffed body is now in the National Science Museum, Ueno.[Full Description]
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- P Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo
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This perfect example of Shinto architecture--muted colors and spare lines--was opened in 1920 to commemorate the death of Emperor Meiji in 1912. Surrounded by 72 hectares (178 acres) of shady trees and various Japanese flora of the Meiji Jingu Park, it is one of Japan's most sacred and picturesque shrines. The Imperial Treasury House annex exhibits mementos, including the coronation carriage, of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.[Full Description]
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- Q Yoyogi Park, Tokyo
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This naturally wooded park adjoins the Meiji Jingu Shrine, and until 1996 was the venue for Tokyo's amateur rock and roll bands to show their stuff every Sunday. They have since moved to Omotesando, and Yoyogi Park has become quiet, and ideal for lovers and families who like to enjoy a tranquil Sunday afternoon strolling by small ponds filled with koi (Japanese carp). Rental bicycles are available within the grounds during summer.[Full Description]
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- Day 3 (4 schedule items)
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- R Shiba Yayoi Kaikan, Tokyo
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Centrally located in Tokyo, Shiba Yayoi Kaikan is within easy walking distance to public transit, the famous Tokyo Tower and Hamarikyu traditional Japanese garden. Here in this exceptional environment, you*ll be welcomed and friendly bilingual staff is on hand to meet the guest*s every need with the same distinctive hospitality made at Shiba Yayoi Kaikan. Guest*s wishing to dine at the hotel can choose between delicious casual French and casual Japanese cuisine.[Full Description]
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- S Asakusa Shrine, Tokyo
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A millennium ago 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 the most famous shrine in Tokyo, it also hosts the Sanja Festival in May.[Full Description]
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- T Akihabara, Tokyo
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Akihabara is known as denki machi or Electric Town in Tokyo. All manner of electrical appliances, from washing machines to refrigerators, and from stereo and audiovisual equipment to fax machines, can be found here. There are also a number of shops selling computer hardware and software. Visitors to Japan will want to bring their passports along with them to purchase duty free products. Appliances with a range of voltages to suit different countries are available.[Full Description]
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- U Tokyo National Museum
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The Tokyo National Museum displays sculptures, paintings, calligraphical and archaeological objects, and other decorative arts. Broadly divided into Japanese, Chinese and Korean forms, the museum's collections are nothing but an artistic preservation of Asian history and culture. Exhibitions, lectures and gallery talks are held regularly, so visitors can gain access to some valuable information about the world's largest continent—the museum also stores historical documents dating back to the 10th and 11th Centuries.[Full Description]
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- Day 4 (0 schedule items)
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- Day 5 (0 schedule items)
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- Day 6 (0 schedule items)
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- Day 7 (0 schedule items)
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