The Tokyo Traveler

Why not rent a bike and get some exercise while taking in all the great sights that Tokyo has to offer? Next to the train, cycling is the most common way to get around the city and it can be a lot of fun. Folding bicycles with carrying cases can be rented through Coolbike for Y2,000 (around US $20) per day via an online reservation system in English, or in person at their shop.
Coolbike rentals can be taken on trains and busses around the city (when collapsed and in their carrying case) so you can take …read more

3 Comments

The Imperial Palace, located in the heart of Tokyo, is home to the Emperor and Empress of Japan. The inner areas of the palace are closed to the public on all but two days of the year, January 2nd and December 23rd (The Emperor’s birthday) but if you plan ahead you can tour some of these areas and it’s free! The tour begins with a brief introductory video and then for 75 minutes you will be walking in the footsteps of royalty along a 2.2 kilometer (1.3 mile) route (tour map) that will offer you a view the beautiful …read more

2 Comments

The Kagurazaka district is located in the center of Tokyo, in the middle of JR Yamanote Line. The area is famous for its lively main street, Kagurazaka-Dori (Dori means “street.”) and it’s winding cobblestone alleyways. The name Kagurazaka is a combination of kagura (a shrine-dance to music) and saka (hill) and evokes the sites and topography of this beautiful part of Tokyo. The layout of the area is much the same as it was when the town was built in the 17th century despite the fact that most of the area was burned down as the …read more

5 Comments