The Tokyo Traveler » Nightlife

Chill out at the Absolut Icebar in Tokyo

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:00:57 +0000

Absolut Icebar Tokyo is the first permanent icebar in Japan and when it opened in February of 2006 it was the first Abbsolut Icebar outside of Europe. Everything in the bar from the walls to the bar itself, the tables and chairs and even your glass is made from crystal clear ice from the Torne River in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden.

Cover is Y3,500 for a 45 minute visit, long enough as the temperature is kept at a chilly minus 5 degrees Celsius year around, and includes a cape to keep you warm during your stay and a Vodka cocktail (or non-alcoholic drink) served in your very own ice glass.

The bar is currently undergoing a renovation and will reopen on November 1st with a new interior decor and all new ice. Absolut Icebar Tokyo is open from 6PM to midnight Sunday through Thursday and on Friday and Saturdays from 6PM to 1:15AM.

Reservations for 45 minute slots are recommended and can be made online on the ABSOLUT ICEBAR TOKYO website.

Image Credit: FLickr, ice glasses on the ice bar

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

How Tokyoites Celebrate Halloween

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:00:17 +0000

Parades and parties are on the Halloween calendar in Tokyo! Summer and O-bon is the season of ghosts in Japan, but Tokyoites have embraced the fall fun of a western-style Halloween with a few events around the city. Participate or just watch the Hello Halloween Pumpkin Parade down Omotesando-dori towards Harajuku. The festivities in the area run from 11AM to 6PM on October 26th.

Tokyo Disney’s Halloween 2008 got an early start on September 12th and will run through October 31st. Feel free to visit the park in costume but be sure to check the costume guidelines before heading out.

Adults will enjoy the Metroplis GlitterBall 2008 at WOMB in Shibuya from 7PM on October 30th. All-you-can-drink (until midnight) presale tickets are available online for Y2,500.

Just because you are in Tokyo this Halloween doesn’t mean you can’t dress up and celebrate!

Image Credit: Flickr, Donguri Garden Halloween

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

Tokyo Towers – More that just one!

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:00:57 +0000

Pick a clear day, or night, and head out to one of these great towers to enjoy the panoramic views of the Tokyo that they offer from their perches high above the city. Two of the three towers can be visited today but you will have to wait until 2011 to view the Tokyo skyline from the tallest tower in the world.

The most famous and the oldest is the Tokyo Tower, located in Roppongi, it was built in 1958 and was, for a time, the world’s tallest self-supporting steel tower at 333 meters, beating out the Eiffel Tower in Paris by 7 meters. On a clear day, the views of the city from the observation decks are quite stunning. (access and admission details)

On April 22, 2008 the 270 meter Tokyo Sky Deck opened on top of the Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills. Due to the topography of the city, the Tokyo Sky Deck actually looks down on the Tokyo Tower. The outdoor deck is built around the rim of the rooftop heliport on the 52nd floor of the Mori Tower and offers a 360 degree view of the city. If you prefer to stay indoors, a cocktail in the Mado Lounge would be great after dark. Admission is Y1,500 for adults, Y1,000 for students and Y500 for children four and up. (access and information)

Lastly, the Tokyo Sky Tree is scheduled to open in 2011. The structure will be the world’s tallest tower, standing 610 meters high, and will be located in the Sumida area of Tokyo, near the Asahi Breweries Headquarters building. A photo special by The Mainichi Daily News includes artist renderings of the Tokyo Sky Tree and the surrounding area.

Photo Credit: Flickr, Tokyo Tower & Lounge

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler