The Tokyo Traveler

May 10th, 2008

A Design Festa in Tokyo

Design Festa is the biggest art event in Asia, with approximately 2,600 booths and 7,000 exhibitors working in a variety of mediums. This art event is held twice a year at Tokyo Big Sight, the biggest event hall in Japan.

In addition to the shopping at the various booths be sure to check out the schedule of live events which include live performances by 20 bands, fashion shows, contemporary dancing and a Japanese drumming. It should be a lot of fun so check it out!

Event Details:

Dates & Times: May 17th & 18th, 2008 (10AM-5PM)
Venue: Tokyo International Exhibition Center “TOKYO BIG SIGHT”
West Hall 1, 2, 3, 4, Atrium & Outdoor (map & directions)
Admission: Yy1,000 for one day or Y1,800 for both days. FREE for children 12 years old and under. Advance tickets available (details).

Photo Credit: Personal Collection & Flickr, Design Festa

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May 9th, 2008

Make Yourself A Sake Margarita!

In honor of World Cocktail Week (May 8-13), Jon, The DC Traveler, has challenged the Travel & Culture Channel here at b5 media to come up with a humorous/satirical cocktail that stereotypes their city.  But first, let me give you an idea for a twist on the traditional Margarita.  Why not try a Sake (Japanese Rice Wine) Margarita?  How to mix cocktails.com has recipes for almost every cocktail imaginable and was my source for the following recipe:

Sake Margarita

Salt
1.0 fl. oz. of Sake
1.0 fl. oz. of Orange Curacao
1.0 fl. oz. of Lime Juice
Ice

Mixing Procedure: Frost the rim of a martini glass with salt, combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with the ice, shake, strain into the martini glass, garnish with a Wedge of Lime.

This sounds pretty good doesn’t it?  Why not impress your friends and try one this weekend?

Now for a little fun…

The Tokyo Tsunami

Take 2 salary-men and 1 boss who loves to drink and can force his subordinates to go out with him for a round or two after work.  Combine with 1 izakaya (pub or bar) and a few rounds of the aforementioned sake.  Then, after the izakaya has closed, let them loose on the streets and trains and you have a Tokyo Tsunami!

The Tokyo Tourist

Combine 1 American tourist, with a problem, who doesn’t speak Japanese, and 1 helpful Japanese person who doesn’t speak English.  Shake well to see how slowly and loudly the tourist can speak, in English!

Photo Credit: Flickr, Blood Orange Margarita at Frontera Grill

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May 8th, 2008

Udon at Hanamaru

Udon is a thick wheat based noodle that is served in a variety of different ways at Hanamaru Udon (English on signs read ‘Manmaru’), a fast food Udon chain that operates 187 restaurants throughout Japan and serves over 2.5 millions customers each month.

Noodles are a significant part of the diet in Japan and there are three different kinds of noodles.  The most commonly known noodle in the west is Ramen, then there is Soba, a thin noodle made from buckwheat and wheat flour, and finally, my favorite, Udon, which is a thick and substantial noodle made from wheat flour that can be traced back more than a thousand years in Japan.

Udon can be served either in a hot soup or cold, dipped into a sauce called mentsuyu.  Eating udon is a healthy alternative to traditional western fast food as the noodles contain no fat - the only ingredients are wheat, salt and water.   The soup base and dips are usually a mix of soy sauce (shoyu), rice wine vinegar (mirin) and other low fat ingredients.  In addition to udon, Hanamaru offers a self serve tempura bar, curry & rice and a beef bowl. 

You can get lunch or dinner for two for between Y1,000 and Y1,500 and the service is quick.  Don’t be discouraged if you encounter a line - it will move fast and you will have more time to decide which tempura you want with your udon!

The Hanamaru in my neighborhood offers an English menu but even if the one you run across doesn’t you can decide by looking at the picture menu in Japanese.  If you aren’t too adventurous stick to kake (plain) or bukake (with lemon).  I had never tasted bukake before and it’s become one of my new favorites! 

So, the next time you are hungry for something healthy and inexpensive, yet tasty, look for the Hanamaru/Manmaru sign (upper right) and I don’t think that you will be disappointed.

Photo Credit:  Personal Collection

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May 7th, 2008

Meiji Jingu Shrine

The Meiji Jingu Shrine is beautiful Shinto shrine located within a 175 acre forested area in central Tokyo.  As you walk about the grounds it’s hard to imagine that you are in the middle of the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. 

The deities (spirits/souls) of the Emperor Meiji and His Consort Empress Shoken are enshrined at Meiji Jingu.  Empereor Meiji (1852-1912) led Japan out of isolation by promoting international ties and encouraging cultural pursuits.  His reign marked a very prosperous time in Japanese history.  Empress Shoken (1850-1914) was an advocate of education for women and was a contributor and supporter of the Japan Red Cross.  Both the Emperor and Empress were well loved by the people of Japan and the Meiji Jingu Shrine was built in thier honor.  It was completed in 1920 but was destroyed by fire during World War II and was rebuilt in 1958.

The gravel pathway to the shrine is demarcated by trees along each side and a number of torii (gates).  The otorii (grand shrine gate) is 12 meters high with a 17 meter cross piece made of Japanese cypress and is an impressive sight.

As you pass through the various tori and approach the shrine take note of the entrance to the inner garden.  For a small fee you can meander through a stunning garden that was created by the Emperor for the Empress long before the shrine was built.

The shrine itself is located in a courtyard which is accessed via an ornately carved gate guarded by paper lanterns on each side. This Shrine is one of the largest and most popular in Japan and is a pleasure to visit.  If you are lucky you might get to see a newly married couple in traditional bridal attire like my friends and I did on our last visit!

Meiji Jingu Shrine is located near the Harajuku and Meiji Jingumae Stations in central Tokyo.  It’s well worth a visit!

Photo Credit: Personal Collection

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May 6th, 2008

Kabuki - Japanese Drama

Kabuki is a 400 year old traditional Japanese art form.  It is considered classical theater but watching Kabuki is rarely a staid affair.  Originally created by women, since 1629 men have played all of the major roles in a Kabuki drama.  They wear elaborate makeup and costumes and utilize skills taught to them by their fathers and Grandfathers. One of the most recognizable parts of a Kabuki play is the mie, where an actor gyrates his head abruptly, stops completely, and faces the audience, freezing in position for just a moment.  At this point the audience will cheer and you will get caught up in the wonder of Kabuki!

Kabuki can be an all day affair or you can just stop by or one act.  Each act has its own distinct story line and is a play unto itself so it is not necessary to watch each act.  The May program at Kabuki-za Theater includes a fantastical story about two feuding warriors who run into each other by accident, a dance number about five men who are all in love with the same woman, a fight between a commoner and a samurai warrior and a story about five thieves and a cross-dresser.  I think that means there is something for everyone in May at Kabuki-za Theater?

Seeing Kabuki will definitely be one of the highlights of any trip to Tokyo and even the kids will enjoy it!  Programs change throughout the year so check the Kabuki-za Theater website if you are unable to attend the May 2008 performances.

Event Details:

Location: Kabuki-za Theater, near Higashi-Ginza Station on the Hibiya or Toei Asakusa lines (map).
Dates: May Grand Kabuki (May 2 - 26, 2008).
Times: Matinee starts at 11AM and the Evening performance starts at 4:30PM (both shows are different - see program).
Ticket Prices:  From Y2,500 for Makumi (single act - limited to first 150 people) to Y17,000 for a first floor box seat  If you purchase a Makumi ticket and want to stay longer, you may upgrade at the box office. (ticket information & facility map).
Earphones(highly recommended): Rental Cost is Y400 for Makumi or Y650 for other tickets plus a Y1,000 deposit (detail).

 Photo Credit:  Wikipedia, Kabuki-makeup.PNG & Flickr, kabuki theater

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May 5th, 2008

The Dawn of US Japan Relations circa 1853

The Perry & Harris Exhibition - The Dawn of U.S. Japan Relations is a special exhibit at the Edo-Tokyo Museum that will display photos, documents and artifacts relating to Commodore Matthew Perry’s historic trips to Japan and the events surrounding the 1858 Treaty of Amity and Commerce Between the United States and Japan, better know as The Harris Treaty.

In 1853 US Naval Commander Mathew Perry arrived on the shores of Japan in search of a foreign trade treaty. He was not well received and threatened the use of force if he was not allowed to present a letter from the president to the Shogun. In fear of the modern weaponry on Perry’s “Black Ships” the letter was accepted. Commander Perry returned for a response in early 1854 and found that all of his demands were met in the Convention of Kanagawa.

Townsend Harris took Commander Perry’s work one step further when he negotiated the 1858 Treaty of Amity and Commerce Between the United States and Japan which gave Americans the right to live and trade, unfettered, in Tokyo and Osaka and allowed for the free export of Japanese gold and silver among other things.

Thus began what some considered a one-sided relationship between the United States and Japan, a relationship that continues to evolve over time. The Perry & Harris Exhibition - The Dawn of U.S. Japan Relations will be on display through June 22nd.

Event Details:

Location: Edo-Tokyo Museum (1F Special exhibition gallery), Ryogoku Station, West Exit (map)
Dates: April 26 - June 22, 2008 (Closed Mondays)
Hours: 9:30am - 5:30pm (Saturdays until 7:30pm)
Admission: Adults Y1300, College Student Y1040, Students & Children Y650
(Special Exhibit Only, see website for available discounts and combination tickets)

Source: Wikipedia, Mathew C. Perry & Treaty of Amity & Commerce
Photo Credit: Wikimedia, Perry1852LibraryOfCongress

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May 4th, 2008

Nihon on the Net

Japanese Royal Tombs opened to Scholars for the first time.

It will cost Japan approximately $100,000 dollars to redesign a commemorative coin because of a copyright dispute with a Brazilian artist.

A new high speed train service connecting Tokyo to Kanagawa Prefecture utilizes a “secret” train track under Tokyo.

Bobby Valentine, a baseball manager for the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan, thinks that Major League teams in the US should send players to the Olympics.

Photo Credit: Flickr, Birra Coin, Like

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May 3rd, 2008

Sumo Grand Tournament - Tokyo

The 2008 May Grand Sumo Tournament will be held from May 11th - May 25th at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Sumo tournaments are held six times each year but only three of the tournaments are held in Tokyo (January, May & September). So if you want to see some Sumo in Tokyo this is your last chance until September!

Some highlights of a day at the tournament include:

Free entrance to the Sumo Museum on the premises which houses a fascinating and informative display covering various aspects of the sport.

Famous Sumo bouts of the past will be shown daily, from noon -1:30PM, on large screen monitors in front of the restaurant on the second floor.

Everyone attending the tournament on May 12th, 13th, 19th & 20th will receive a clear file of both Yokozuna. (Asashoryu & Hakuho)

Sumo’s famous “champion building” stew, chanko-nabe, will be served at the Kokugikan during the May tournament from noon to 4:00. It’s a taste treat you will not want to miss. The price for one bowl is 200 yen. (From the main entrance circle around to the left towards the back of the Kokugikan.)

I have seen Sumo in person and it is something that I will never forget. It is definitely an experience that you don’t want to miss if you will be in Tokyo around this time!

Event Details:

Dates: May 11-25, 2008
Ticket Information: Prices range from Y3,600 for a single seat to Y61,800 for a box that holds 6 people. Tickets can be purchased at the venue or by phone.
Venue: Ryogoku Kokugikan - Tokyo, a 2 minute walk from Ryogoku station on the JR Sobu Line
Times: A Typical Tournament Day starts around 8AM with the lower division matches. The real action starts at 3:55 with the Makuuchi Ring Entering Ceremony and ends with the Bow Dance at 6PM.

Photo Credits: Personal Collection & Flickr, chanko dining #03

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May 2nd, 2008

16 Minutes of Terror in Odaiba

At least that’s what it was for me! Billed as the worlds second largest Ferris Wheel, the Giant Sky Wheel in Odaiba claims to provide 16 minutes of memories. But that’s not quite how it worked out for me….

My hubby and I decide to make a day trip to Odaiba , a futuristic area of Tokyo constructed on reclaimed land. The area boasts unique architecture, many shopping and dining options and a number of high tech game centers. It’s proximity to Tokyo makes it a great place to get away from the city for the afternoon and it’s just a nice area to walk around.

The Giant Sky Wheel opened in 1999, has 64 carriages and is 115 meters (377 Feet) tall. You have an option to ride in an enclosed carriage or one of four open carriages that opened in April of this year.

You can’t miss the Giant Sky Wheel on the horizon as you exit the train station. I commented to my husband on how much I don’t like ferris wheels and how odd that is since I love a good roller coater and he replied by saying that he wasn’t much of a fan either. Great, I thought until we approached the Giant Sky Wheel and my husband said “lets go!” and walked up to the ticket booth before my brain kicked in to say “Wait, I’m not so sure…”

We got on the Giant Sky Wheel and were heading for heights that I wasn’t so sure that I wanted to attain. I spent most of the next 16 minutes hanging on to the rails for dear life despite the fact the ride was very stable and slow moving. I did peek out at the view a couple of times and it is really spectacular. You can see the Tokyo Tower on the horizon, the Rainbow bridge in the foreground along with all of the ultra modern buildings of Odaiba and some of the shipping activities going on out in Tokyo Bay.

I’m sort of glad that I went on the Giant Sky Wheel but I don’t think that I’ll be doing it again anytime soon. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t go and claim your 16 minutes of terror, or should I say, memories!

Ride Information & Access:

The Giant Sky Wheel in Odaiba is open from 10AM to 10PM daily (weather permitting). Tickets cost Y900 per person or Y3000 for a 6 person carriage. Commemorative photos are taken before you embark and can be purchased for Y800 when you get off the ride. Odaiba can be accessed via a number of train lines and a completely automated monorail (details here).

Photo Credit: Personal Collection

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May 1st, 2008

Doki Doki Flea Market

The Doki Doki Flea Market is a popular annual event that offers up food booths, games, entertainment and approximately 1200 vendor booths on each day. 

Doki-Doki is a Japanese onomatopoeia that refers to the sound of the heart beating and implies that this event will be very exciting.  You should plan of arriving early or waiting until after the first rush is over to avoid the 5,000 people that lined up before the gates opened to this event last year.  They faced a wait 20 - 30 minutes to get in but it looks like it might be worth it. Check out some of the pictures from last years Flea Market. 

It’s in my neighborhood and I plan on attending  - I hope to see you there!

Event Information:
Dates: May 3 - 5, 2008 Hours: 10AM - 5PM (last admission 4:30PM)
Location: Makuhari Messe Exhibition Halls 1-8 
Admission Fee: Y500 per person, free for the under 6 crowd
Directions: About 30 minutes from Tokyo station; 5 minute walk from JR Kaihin Makuhari Station on the Keiyo Line (map)

Photo Credit: Personal Collection

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