One hundred and sixteen classic cars will compete in the 12th running of this race where the average driver is 50 years old and no replica automobiles or cars built after 1967 are permitted to race.  A 1923 BUGATTI BRESCIA T22 is the oldest car in the race while a 1967 TOYOTA 2000GT MF10 is the youngest.  Ferraris, Aston Martins, MGs and Alfa Romeos are also among the cars competing in this grueling four day event. The flag will fall, signaling the start of the 2008 La Festa Mille Miglia, at 11AM on October 11th from the south gate of the Meiji Jingu Shrine in Harajuku and will continue through the Roppongi Hills area before leaving Tokyo behind.

On October 14th the racers will return to the Tokyo area with a spin through Chiba’s Baytown and Makuhari Messe areas just after 10AM.  They will then head towards the finish line in the Motomachi area of Yokohama between 4:30PM and 7PM the same day.

The time plan for La Festa Mille Miglia provides estimated times for the various checkpoints along the 1,000 mile route and will help you find the closest one to you.

This is one event that vintage car lovers in Japan won’t want to miss!

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, L2 Magna 1933

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

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