ARCHITECTURE IN JAPAN

I highly recommend you visit the Edo-Tokyo Open-air Architectural Museum to see actual homes and businesses from the 1700’s to the early 1900’s preserved in a beautiful park. Unfortunately due to natural disasters, war and redevelopment much of Tokyo historical architecture has been erased, but at the Edo-Tokyo Open-air Architectural …

Meiji Jingu was built in 1920 to worship the Emperor in the Meiji period. It is a relatively new shrine in Japan and approximately 3 million people including foreigners visit there within three days of the New Year celebration. Since it is near Harajuku station, you can enjoy unique kawaii …

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku has one of the best views of Tokyo, and it is free (well Taxpayers are footing the bill). From Tokyo Tower on a clear day, you can see the fantastic size of Tokyo from Mt Fuji in the west, Tokyo Bay to the …

Myoukenzan Yutenji Temple is a Jodo (pure) Sect of Buddhism established about 300 years ago. The temple launched a free smartphone app, a bilingual (English and Japanese) video guide to the history and origins of the Temple buildings. Download the app, obtain an app map at the main temple office, …

Tokyo Sky Tree is a 634-metre high broadcasting tower with two public observation decks, restaurants, shops and other facilities in Sumida, Tokyo. It became the tallest structure in Japan in 2012, making it the tallest free-standing tower in the world. Today, it is the second-tallest structure in the world after Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. It …

Opened just last month, Daikanyama T-site is a low-rise complex of shops, eateries and a huge Tsutaya. This place is sure to attract a huge crowd due to the well-designed architecture, greenery, and places to shop, eat & socialize. Spend an afternoon shopping for music/books at Tsutaya, battery assisted bikes at Motovelo, specialty cameras, …

A trip to Tokyo Tower (東京タワー) with the kids is a must do for visitors or newly arrived Tokyo expats. Not only is the view great, but the ride up is really, really cool! For Special Discounts purchase tickets online via Voyagin (trusted partner). There are two observation levels; one …

The Kyu Asakura House (旧朝倉家住宅, the literal translation is Old Asakura House) is a gem hidden in central Daikanyama, Shibuya-ku. I stumbled upon it the other day on my way from Ebisu to Nakameguro, and some magical force pulled me inside to discover this Important Cultural Property. If you enjoy …

The Nezu Museum and Garden is one of my favorite escape relaxation locations in Tokyo. I visited the other day with all four kids, and the iris plants were in full bloom (May). However, regardless of season or exhibit the Nezu Museum & Garden is a great 1-2 hour period …

When one thinks of Roppongi bright lights, nightlife, and shopping come to mind. But in the late 1800s and early 1900s, it was a sleepy residence area that General Nogi and his family set-up their home. You can visit the wooden home (looking into windows from outside), walk through the …