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

In the basement you will find Kinomo, Yukata, Geta, laquerware, decorative panels and toys. The main floor has a wide selection of Japanese china, postcards and stationery and the upper floor offers a selection of antiques, screens, art prints and books. The store definitely caters to the tourist crowd but it’s enjoyable to browse through and you would be hard pressed to find the array of goods that they offer at any other store in Tokyo.

The main branch of the Oriental Bazaar is located in the Harajuku area of Tokyo, approximately halfway between Omotesando and Harajuku/Meiji-Jingumae Stations (map -look for the salmon colored push pin). Hours of operation are 10AM – 7PM daily, except Thursdays (closed).

There is also a small branch in Terminal 1 at Narita International Airport in case you forgot someone on your list!

Photos: Personal Collection

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

This shot was taken from a parking lot in the ultra-modern Omotesando area of Tokyo. I spied the roof of this temple peaking over a cinder block fence as I was walking by and thought I would take a closer look – I’m sure glad that I did! There are photo opportunities everywhere in Tokyo so keep your eyes open and take the time to be curious.

Photo Credit: Personal Collection

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

On a visit to the branch in Harajuku I was amazed by the variety of hashi available. The walls were covered with hashi in almost every color of the rainbow and there were sizes and styles that I had never seen before.

When you purchase hashi the correct length is estimated at 1.5 times the distance between your thumb and index fingers when extended. You should also considers the finish, thickness, shape and weight of the hashi when deciding which pair is right for you. Hashi should never be put in the dishwasher or left soaking in water. Just wipe them down with a damp sponge and dry them with a dish towel before storing them. If your chopstick are wooden they will dry out over time but a periodic rub down with rapeseed or olive oil will keep them in good shape.

Ginza Natsuno also sell hashi rests and the variety on display was mind boggling. There were turtles, samurai, fish, castles, and I even spotted a baseball glove with a ball. These little ceramic gems were so adorable that you could start a collection and the uninitiated would never suspect that they were meant to rest your chopsticks on so the table cloth wouldn’t get dirty!

The Harajuku location is actually composed of two stores. The main store holds the hashi and hashi rests and the satellite store (next door) carries dishes, toys and figurines.

What better souvenir is there than one that you can actually use that will bring back fond memories of you trip to Tokyo?

The maps of the Ginza Natsuno locations are in Japanese but I have provided you with the station name and exit number which should make the maps easy to navigate using the Tokyo Transfer Guide. Here are the links to the maps:

Harajuku location, Exit A2 from Omotesando station.

Marunouchi location, 4th floor of the Shin-Marunouchi Building near Tokyo Station.

Ginza locations, Exit B5 from Ginza station.

Photos: Personal Collection

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler