“Aoyama Cemetery, perhaps best described as an urban oasis, has been in existence for over 130 years. As one of the four city-owned cemeteries, it is the eternal resting place of over 120,000 graves, including many politicians, writers, Hachiko the famous loyal dog, and nearly 200 foreigners since the Meiji period.”

Source: Japan Now & Then, Aoyama Cemetery–Foreigner’s Graves in Danger

Aoyama Cemetery Access:
7-minute walk from Gaien Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line. 10-minute walk from Nogizaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Subway Chiyoda Line. 10-minute walk from Aoyama 1-chome Station on the Tokyo Metro Subway Hanzomon Line or Toei Subway Oedo Line.

Visit the Cemetery Administration office near the Aoyama-dori entrance (Aoyama area map) to pick up a map of the cemetery and its once famous residents. Admission is free.

Image Credit:  Flickr, Cemetery Road

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

Kasai Rinkai Park first opened to the public in 1989 and is the largest park in Tokyo’s 23 wards. Lovely grassy areas, a barbeque and picnic area and great views of Tokyo Bay from the “Crystal View” structure (pictured above) that was built in 1995 can be enjoyed by everyone who visits.  Tokyo Sea Life Park, housed in partially in it’s signature glass dome, is one of the best aquariums in the Tokyo area and is home to over 530 different species of fish and other aquatic life. 

One of the most impressive features at the aquarium is the Deep Sea Theater where visitors can sit in the center of a huge, 2,200 ton, donut-shaped tank filled with Blue-fin Tuna and watch, enthralled, as these large fish, some as long as three meters, swim rounds swiftly before their eyes.  The museum also offers a variety of interesting exhibits on fish and other aquatic life native to Tokyo Bay, as well as rare fish from tropical, coral filled waters and those from the frigid waters of the Antarctic.  Kids will have a great time at the tidal pool area where they can observe, and even touch, starfish and other creatures that make tidal areas their home.  Tokyo Sea Life park  is open 9:30AM -5 PM daily except Wednesdays (closed Thursday if Wednesday is a public holiday – last tickets sold at 4PM). Admission is Y700 for adults, Y350 for seniors, Y250 for children and free for the disabled and children under 12. (Tokyo Sea Life Park Map – PDF)

Also located in the park is a 27.1 ha bird sanctuary that incorporates a forest, marshlands, and both brackish and freshwater ponds.  A two-story observatory and a paved walking trail with access to a number of watching windows offer visitors a chance to see and photograph native birds in a beautiful natural environment.  Bird lovers and those looking for a relaxing walk away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo will enjoy a stroll through this area of Kasai Rinkai Park.

Finish the day off with a ride on one of Japan’s largest Ferris Wheels.  The Diamond & Flowers Ferris Wheel is 117 meters tall, rotates once every 17 minutes and includes 68 six-seat gondolas.  Views of Tokyo Disneyland, Odaiba and if you visit on a clear day, Mount Fuji can be seen from this Ferris Wheel that is named after the beautiful patterns that can been seen in it’s lights after sunset.  The wheel operates daily from 10AM -8PM (one hour later on weekends and holidays) with admission priced at Y700 (ages 3-69), Y400 (age 70+), Y350 (physically disabled with two wheelchair accessible gondolas). Spend a few hours, or a full day, exploring all that Kasai Rinkai Park has to offer.  The entrance to the park is located just outside of Kasai-Rinkai Koen Station on the JR Keiyo Line and is only 15 minutes by train from Tokyo Station.

Image Credit: Flickr, 大洋の航海者, Ferris Wheel & Personal Collection

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

In the fall, the harvest of new rice is celebrated at temples and shrines and moon viewing, tsukimi, is all the rage.  Residents and visitors alike head out for walks in the parks of Tokyo to take in the colorful fall foliage with almost as much delight as when they head off to picnic under the cherry blossoms each spring. The changing colors of fall foliage is a beautiful sight no matter where you are and Japan is no exception.  The leaves of Japanese Maple trees make a gradual change from pale green to a fiery red each autumn and the Ginko leaves turn a lovely shade of yellow.  Consider a cruise down the Sumida River to Hamarikyu Detached Palace Garden or a visit to Rikugien Garden to take in the stunning colors of fall in Tokyo.

Moon viewing is a traditional Japanese autumn event that coincides with the full moons in September and October each year. Japanese silver grass, dumplings called tsukimi dango and sake are usually displayed as offerings during tsukimi which will occur on September 14th and October 11th this year.  The Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel in Shibuya has put together a tsukimi accommodation package that includes a bottle of sake and seasonal foods meant to be enjoyed while you gaze out at the moon from your room on the upper floors of the hotel.  The package also includes a twin or king room and breakfast for ¥48,000 and is available through November 14th.

The city’s restaurants and home chefs take full advantage of seasonal foods and fall favorites such as pine mushrooms (matsutake), gingko nuts (ginnan) and mackerel (saba) will start to appear on menus and in the supermarkets along with new rice (shin-mai) which is harvested in September and October.

While summer in Tokyo is the peak of festival season in the city, there are many fun fall festivals and events on the calendar.  The Japan Times Festival Listings offer a good overview of events in the city each month and is a great resource to find the fall festival that fits into your schedule.

So get out there, sample some seasonal food, attend a fall festival and be sure to ponder the moon this Autumn in Tokyo!

Image Credit: Flickr, Happiness Found in Ueno Park & Full Moon

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

Ponder the central grass square and it’s surrounding blooms from the patio of the park office, a German-style bungalow built in 1910 and one of the few remaining examples of western-style architecture from the Meiji Era in Tokyo, where you will find a restaurant and snack shop.  Then take a leisurely 1.2 kilometer stroll past monuments, seasonal flowers, ponds and fountains. As with many of Tokyo’s parks you will find yourself lost in the beauty of of your surroundings and hardly aware that you are in the center of a busy city. Highlights in the park include Shinji-ike pond which sits alongside a stone wall that was once part of the outer defenses of the Edo Castle, some clay figures that are remains from ancient burial grounds in Miyazaki Prefecture and a crane fountain that graces the center of Kumogata-ike pond. The fountain is a beautiful sight anytime of the year but particularly popular in winter when icicles hang from the spread wings of the crane. Hibiya Park is located a short walk from either Hibiya or Kasumigaseki Stations and sits on the outer edge of the Imperial Palace Plaza.

Image Credit: Personal Collection

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

Yanagi Onna (willow woman, pictured above right) is a young mother who foolishly stood underneath the branches of an old willow on a windy night. The old tree, in a foul mood, proceeded to strangle her. On foggy nights you might run across her ghost, holding a baby, standing under a willow tree.

Then there is the story of Heitaro and his Willow Wife.  Heitaro was a young farmer who loved a willow tree near his home.  He often stopped to rest or pray under it’s branches and one day he came across a mysterious woman, Higo, under the tree who would eventually become his wife. They had a child and lived happily together until the day that the Emperor ordered the tree cut down to build a temple.  As the tree fell Higo let out a piercing cry and shuddered with pain as each blow was cast upon the trunk of the tree before finally dying.  She was the spirit of the yanagi.

Yanagi Baba (the willow witch) is not so much a ghost as the actual spirit of a 1,000-year old willow. The spirit can change shape, from an old woman to a beautiful young lady and has been know to lure unsuspecting travelers under her branches.

While none of the yanagi yokai are likely to harm you you may feel a chill run down your spine or have an unsettling dream if you dare to rest under the branches of a willow tree in Tokyo.

Image Credit:  Wkimedia, ShunsenYanagi-onna and ShunsenYanagibaba

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

The Suijio Waterbus operates five different routes up and down the Sumida River on a daily basis and each offer great views of the Tokyo skyline and an opportunity to rest your feet while heading to some interesting destinations.

Sumida River Line

The main line of the Suijo Water bus, this 40 minute cruise will take you past a twelve bridges, each unique in style and color, spanning the river between Asakusa and Hinode Pier.  The Sumida River Line offers great views of the often ridiculed Asahi Beer Headquarters building and Tokyo Tower before making a brief stop at Hamarikyu Garden, where for Y300 you can enjoy the peaceful and historic garden sitting amidst the high rise buildings of the Shiodome business area, before continuing on the Hinode Pier.

Odaiba Line

This line connects Hinode Pier and Odaiba Seaside Park passing by the famous Rainbow Bridge along the way.  The Odaiba area offers a vast array of entertainment, dining and shopping options along with a man made beach that is poplar with the locals due to its location in the heart of the city.  The area is also home to some interesting modern architecture and a miniature version of the Statue of Liberty and is worth a visit if you need a break from temples and shrines.

Asakusa to Odaiba Direct Line

Running periodically throughout the day the Asakusa to Odaiba Direct Line combines the Sumida River Line and the Odaiba line, skipping the stops at Hamarikyu Garden and Hinode Pier.  The newly constructed and ultra modern and futuristic Water Bus “Himiko” operates one this line and offers 360 degree panoramic views from its sleek silver and glass hull.

Tokyo Big Sight & Palette Town Line

Palette Town is home to one of the world’s biggest Ferris wheels that I told you about in 16 minutes of Terror, Mega Web, where you can see and drive the latest vehicles from Toyota, and a variety of other shopping, dining and entertainment options.  Also in the area is Tokyo Big Sight where many special events and exhibitions are held throughout the year.

Museum of Maritime Science/Shinagawa Aquarium Line

This line connects the Museum of Maritime Science, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, and the Shinagawa Aquarium.

How to Take the Suijo Waterbus

Rates per person for the the various lines range from Y200, for the short trip from Hamarikyu Garden to Hinode Pier to Y1,520 for the Asakusa to Odaiba Direct Line, with discounted rates for children on all routes.  For more details, including access information to the various docks, review the Suijo Waterbus route map or click on the route names above.

With all there is to do and see around the Sumida River why not give your feet a rest and take the Suijo Waterbus?  It’s fun and kid’s of all ages will enjoy the ride!

Photo Credit: Personal Collection

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

Many festivals are held throughout the year and you can attend one on almost any weekend during the summer months. The Japan Times provides a Monthly Guide to Festivals in Japan which is a great resource for visitors and residents alike. Attending a festival is a great way to get some insight into Japanese culture by sampling some of the street food or taking in some of the entertainment or festival games. The festivals usually held on the grounds of historic temples or shrines and lend a historic atmosphere to these great events.

Hanabi, or fireworks, are very popular during the summer months. The Sumida River Fireworks Festival, scheduled for July 26th (weather permitting), is the oldest fireworks show on record in Japan. It dates back to 1733, when the Shogun staged a ceremony the Sumida River to pray for the souls of the victims of a famine the previous year and to drive away disease.

If you just want to relax on a sunny afternoon, pick up a bento from your local grocery store and head out to one of these great parks:

• Yoyogi Park, a huge green area near the Meiji Jingu Shrine (map). Sundays are great for people watching as the Gothic Lolitas and their friends are usually out in force strutting their stuff.
• Ueno Park offers a relaxing stroll around the Shinobazu pond, where you can rent pedal powered boats, or you can visit the Ueno Zoo before claiming a spot for your picnic. (map)

You can also dine by the light of fireflies until July 18th or cheer on your favorite team at a baseball game.

It might be hot outside, but why would you want to stay home with the air conditioner going full blast when there are so many great things to do and see over the summer in Tokyo!

Photo Credit: Flickr, Yukata Couple, Fireworks 04 & Yoyogi Park

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

• Meiji Jingu Shrine – The garden is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ( 6 p.m. on Sat. & Sun.). Admission:¥500.  Closest Station: Harajuku (Yamanote Line) or Tokyo Metro Meiji-Jingumae Sta.
• Horikiri Shobuen Garden -  The garden is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Admission is free.  Closest Station:  10 minute walk from Horikiri-Shobuen Station
• Mizumoto Koen Park – The garden is open daily from dawn to dusk.  Admission is free.  Directions: South Exit of Kanamachi Sta. From there, 10-15 min. by bus to Mizumoto Koen Bus Stop, and then a 7 min walk.

The Meiji Jingu garden, pictured above, is my favorite.  Thousands of irises meander along a creek bed that seems to go on forever.  There are many benches and a snack-shop in the garden where you can pause to take in the view.

Photo Credit, Flickr, IMG_6740

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

The garden was built in 1702 on the grounds of a private villa and was not open to the public until 1938. It was designated as a special beauty spot of Japan in 1953 and features a large pond and surrounded by sloping hills and walking paths. There isn’t a better time to stroll through this garden than when the Azaleas are in bloom.

Events during the festival include:

• Niko concerts (Chinese two string violin or ehru) on May 31st at 1 & 3PM, weather permitting.
• Edo puppet presentations on June 7, at 1 & 3PM, weather permitting.
• Free garden tour to on Sundays and national holidays during the festival as 11AM and 2PM (1 hour)
• Enjoy some green tea and Japanese sweets at Fukiage-chaya tea house (cost; Y500)

Event Details:

Dates: May 24 (Sat.) – Jun. 8 (Sun.) 9:00 – 17:00 *No entry after 16:30
Location: Rikugien Garden (map)
Admission: Adults Y300, Senior citizens (65 and over) Y150 and free for elementary school students and younger children.
Access: 7 minutes walk from Komagome Station on the JR Yamanote Line and Tokyo-metro Nanboku Line or a 10 minutes walk from Sengoku Station on the Toei Subway Mita Line

Photo Credit: Flickr, azalea carpet & Bunraku puppet in Gion

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

The Imperial Palace East Garden is located on the former site of Edo Castle. None of the original buildings remain but the moats, walls, entrance gates and several guardhouses that protected the former castle still stand within the confines of the garden. The castle, once the largest in Japan standing 58 meters (190 feet) high, was destroyed by fire in 1657 but the base remains and can be used as a vantage point to oversee portions of this vast garden.

The Tide view, or Shiomi-zaka, slope once commanded a view of the ocean but now leads you downs to the Ninomaru Garden which is beautifully laid out around a central pond that features many stunning bridges and stone lanterns on the surrounding path. Also on the grounds is the Suwano-chaya Tea House, originally built in 1912 and the Sannomaru Shozokan (The Museum of the Imperial Collections) that holds a collection of approximately 9,500 art pieces owned and inherited by the Imperial family.

The Imperial Palace East Garden can be accessed through one of three gates (map) within close proximity to either the Takebashi or Otemachi Stations on Tokyo Metro. Use the garden map to identify points of interest in the garden and their locations.

After spending a few hours at the Imperial Palace East Garden, why not pop across the street to the Imperial Hotel and and rest your feet while enjoying a cocktail at the Old Imperial Bar? It’s a perfect way to end the day.

Photo Credit: Flickr, In the Tokyo Imperial Palace East Garden

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler