In addition to creating some of the best video games out there, the company also operates Sega Joypolis, a modern take on the amusement park, where video games, virtual reality and high tech rides are the featured attractions.

If your are a gamer or you are traveling with one you will definitely want to put Sega Joypolis is on your itinerary.  Located in the modern Odaiba area of Tokyo in the DECKS shopping complex, the facility spans three floors and is home to some fun and unique attractions.

On the ground floor you will find Halfpipe Canyon, a two person snowboarding ride where teams compete to make the most 360 degree turns at each end of a curved track that brings the riders parallel to the ground at it’s highest point.  Spin bullet is a small roller coaster that will spin you out to a view of Tokyo Bay or could opt for a virtual sky cruise.

On the next level, test out your driving skills in Outbound 2 Special Tours SDX which will put you behind the wheel of a real Japanese sports car and allows you to choose from a selection of virtual courses.  You will want to wear your seatbelt on this one as the car responds realistically to each move the driver makes.  If auto racing isn’t your thing then you might enjoy bobsledding or shooting at zombies in The House of the Dead.

On the uppermost level you will find additional virtual reality rides where you can hang glide or try your hand at rapid river rafting.  Also on this level is a cafe overlooking Tokyo bay when you can pause to catch your breath and take in some refreshment.

While the rides are a lot of fun and shouldn’t be missed, true gamers will want to spend time exploring the various video games that are available on each level of Sega Joypolis.   Kids of all ages will enjoy a visit to this amazing indoor amusement park – I know I sure did!

Details:

Hours: 10AM – 11PM (Last Entry 10:15PM)
Location: Odaiba, Decks Tokyo Beach, 3rd Floor.  A 3 minute walk from Odaiba Kaihin Koen Station or a 5 minute walk from Tokyo Teleport. (Sega Tokyo Joypolis access information)
Admission:  Three options are available (Sega Tokyo Joypolis pricing).  A Passport offers holders unlimited access to rides and attractions and costs Y3,500 for Adults and Y3,100 for children 7-14.  The Night Passport offers the same benefits but is only available after 5PM at a cost of Y2,500 for Adults and Y2,100 for children 7-14.  Admission is Y500 for Adults and Y300 for children 7-14; the cost each attraction is paid separately.  The cost to play any of the stand alone games is additional regardless of the admission option chosen above.

Many thanks go out to Graham from b5’s own Sega Nerds for helping this non-gamer not make a fool of herself!  If you love Sega, then be sure to check out Sega Nerds to get all your Sega news, reviews, previews and more!

Image Credit: Personal Collection

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

Aka (Red) is the color of the circle representing the sun on the Hinomaru, the flag of Japan, and is considered good luck. The Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa and many of the shrines around Tokyo are painted in this deep crimson color.Kiiro (Yellow) is the color of the Ginko biloba leaves in the fall. Better know for their green color, the Ginko biloba leaf is one of the symbols of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Midori (Green) can be found in the parks and gardens that are pockets of natural beauty amidst the modern architecture and noise of this bustling city. Sakurairo (Pale Pink) is the color of spring in Tokyo and the color of the cherry blossoms that bloom each year. There are so many other colors that Tokyo has to offer, there is the blue and white of the traditional pottery and fabrics, the white and silver that is ever present on the modern architectural wonders that grace the Tokyo skyline, and the black sumi ink that artists use to create renderings of the kanji and Japanese poetry that are gorgeous in their simplicity.

Lastly, covering the whole spectrum of color is the aptly named Rainbow Bridge in the Odaiba area of Tokyo.

Come explore the rainbow of colors that Tokyo has to offer, you won’t be disappointed!

Image Credits: Flickr, Kaminarimon, Japanese style garden #2, 銀杏並木, Cherry Blossom at night & Rainbow Bridge

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

A Shibuya Side Street

The entrance to a shrine in the Gotanda area of Tokyo

The Imperial Garden in Autumn

Tokyo Big Sight in Odaiba

The image that peaked my curiosity and led me to the other images presented here was an amazing HDR image of The Peninsula Hotel Tokyo. If you like these images as much as I do you will want to peruse the Japan HDR Flickr Group or my search of Tokyo HDR images.

Image Credit: Flickr, Shibuya Side Street in HRD, Shrine at night in HDR, Surface of water, Imperial colors of autumn

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

The Marunouchi Shuttle operates in the area around the Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace every 15-20 minutes from 8AM – 8PM weekdays and 10AM – 8PM on weekend and holidays. (route map & schedule)

Metrolink Nihonbashi operates on the opposite side of Tokyo Station (Yaesu exit) and circles around the historic Nihonbashi and Kyobashi areas. Busses run daily, every 10 minutes, from 10AM – 8PM . Sights in the area include the Nihonbashi bridge, the Kite Museum and the Museum of Coinage & Currency (map).

Tokyo Bay Shuttle operates in and around the modern Odaiba area every 15-20 minutes from 11AM – 8PM. In this area you will find some great shopping, the Giant Sky Wheel, the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo’s very own miniature version of the Statue of Liberty. (route map & schedule).

Photo Credit: Personal Collection & Wikimedia, Nihonbashi 1114

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

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

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler