Place

Where to Take Children in Tokyo

Tokyo Sea Life Park Children will love the park’s aquarium, containing many marine creatures brought from Tokyo Bay and the world’s largest oceans, such as the Pacific and Atlantic. Many creatures are displayed at the sea life park, including hammerhead sharks and ocean fish. The park also has bird houses, ponds and beaches. Visiting hours: Tuesday–Thursday, 9:30 until 5 pm. Admission: 700 yen for adults, 250 yen for children, and free for children under 12 Address: 6-2-3 Rinkai-cho, Kasai Rinkai Park, Edogawa-ku Telephone: 0338695152 Ueno Zoo Ueno Zoo is a wonderful zoo dating to the late 19th century. It has birds, reptiles (including crocodiles, snakes and Komodo dragons), pandas, sea lions, polar bears, penguins, lions, zebras and giraffes. Visiting hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:30 until 5 pm Admission: 600 yen for adults, 200 yen for children, and free for children under 12 Address: Ueno Park, Taito-ku Telephone: 0338285171 Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea Disneyland and the DisneySea water park are near one another and are considered replicas of the original Disneyland. Tokyo Disneyland has various adventure rides, including Pirates of the Caribbean, the Jungle Cruise, the Haunted Mansion and Star Tours. DisneySea is exclusive to Tokyo and features attractions for characters who lived in or travelled across the sea, such as the Little Mermaid, Sindbad and Indiana Jones. The adventures at both places are wonderful and will remain in visitors’ memories, especially children’s. Visiting hours: daily from 9 am until 10 pm Admission: 5800 yen for adults, 3900 yen for children (12-17 years) and (4-11 years), and free for children under 4 Address: 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu-shi Telephone: 033100733

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Asakura Choso Museum

Museum

This house turned museum belonged to famous Japanese sculptor Asakura Fumio known for his carvings of famous personalities. The house is wonderful in itself- antiques adorn various rooms. The house comprises a courtyard, a tea room, a rooftop garden and a library. A delight to visit. Timings: Tues- Thurs & Sat-Sun 9 30 A.M- 4 30 P.M

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East Garden

Garden

This is one of Tokyo’s most gorgeous gardens. It is located near the Imperial Palace and spread across over 50 acres of land. Traditionally known as Higashi Gyoen, the garden looks splendid when cherry blossoms, irises and other beautiful flowers and trees are in full bloom. Like other traditional Japanese gardens; ponds, cobblestone pathways, winding tracks dot the garden. Honmaru or the inner citadel is the site at which the Edo castle: once the highest building in Tokyo and from where the Shogun ruled the rest of Edo. Timings: Daily, except Monday and Friday 9 A.M- 5 P.M

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Edo-Tokyo Museum

Museum

This museum showcases the evolution of the city of Tokyo through the ages; in particular from 1590- 1964 spanning almost four centuries from the era in which Tokyo was made the capital by the Shogun to when the Olympics were held in this amazing city. The history, geography, culture and social life of the city are showcased here. Edo literally means Old Tokyo and the Museum shows how the city as it is today radiated from the nucleus that was Old Tokyo. The Nihombashi Bridge which connects the old and new parts of the city and a model of this very bridge is presented in the museum. Exhibits educated visitors as to how the different strata of Japanese society- the Shoguns, Merchant class, feudal lords and the common people lived. Others showcase the great earthquake of 1923 and its aftermath, yet others showcase the air raids during WWII. This museum makes for a very interesting afternoon indeed. Timings: Tues- Sun 9 30 A.M- 5 30 P.M

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John Lennon Museum

Museum

For the Beatles and John Lennon fans in particular this museum will be a rare treat. Opened in 2000 under the patronage of Lennon’s wife Yoko Ono- the Museum showcases the life of this musician; his personal life as a husband and father, as well as his life as a musician and as a protestor. Pieces include lyrics hand-written by Lennon himself, his jacket, passport, his glasses and guitars.

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Meiji Jingu Shrine

Mausoleum

This shrine was built in honor of the Emperor and Empress Meiji in 1920. These royals were credited with making Japan more extroverted and opening it up to foreigners. This Shinto shrine is magnificent- the gates leading to the shrine known as Torii in Japanese are 1700 years old and are made of extravagant cypress. The structure itself is also composed of Japanese cypress with green copper roofs sitting atop the temple. The gardens contained within the gates are beautiful- trees, shrubs, and beautiful flowers adorn the gardens. Timings: Daily, sunrise-sunset

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Miraikan National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation

Museum

This museum is very interesting and caters to all age groups. It is fascinating in terms of the technologies that are showcased here- ultra-modern, revolutionary, and environmentally friendly. Moreover, most exhibits are interactive. Visitors can engage with robots and embark on virtual reality rides. They can also use touch screens to learn more about nanotechnology and genetic engineering. This visit will be both educational and a great deal of fun.

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Open Air Folk House Museum

Museum

This museum, located only half an hour away from Tokyo, is delightful. It showcases the architecture of the past rural Japan. The setting is beautiful; historic/traditional houses are perched amidst or atop of wooded hilly areas. The houses are simple and often comprise of thatched roofs. Interesting features of this museum include a gate to the home of a Samurai, a Kabuki stage and a water wheel from centuries ago.

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Panasonic Center

Market

Japan is famed for the rapid technological advances it has made and the high-quality electronics that its numerous factories churn out. The Panasonic Center allows tourists to witness firsthand the sheer progress Japan has made in this department. Visitors are allowed to interact and use the various exhibits including Nintendo games on gigantic TV screens, checking out various cameras, camcorders, and other gadgets. The tour can also be quite educational and visitors can learn/ are shown environmentally friendly technologies being developed and how they work. RiSuPia is a kind of museum within the center allowing visitors to indulge in various fascinating activities including playing air hockey scoring only in prime numbers, a pillows puzzle, probability-based games, computerized artwork, and many more. The Eco and Ud House is the most interesting exhibit of all which showcases an ultramodern household with ultra-modern gadgets that use energy efficiently. Timings: Tues- Sun 10 A.M- 6 P.M

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Sensoji Temple

Temple

This is arguably Tokyo’s most popular temple. It has stood at this very location since 628 A.D. despite having been destroyed during WWII in 1945 during a bombing raid, it was rebuilt soon after. The myth surrounding this temple is that two fishermen catching fish in the Sumida river caught instead a golden statue of the goddess of Mercy and Happiness namely Kannon. The temple is said to house this priceless statue in whose honor the temple was erected. Thousands pay tribute to the goddess daily praying for good fortune.

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Tokyo National Museum

Museum

Tokyo National Museum is a grand museum and is well worth a visit. It showcases the marvelous history and culture of Japan. The pieces on display are stunning, some archaic all allowing visitors to appreciate the richness of Japanese heritage. The museum comprises the Japanese gallery which contains Japanese arts and crafts; Samurai swords and armory, ceramics, Buddhist sculptures, textiles and calligraphy. The Asian gallery contains archaeological finds from all over Asia especially China but also from Cambodia, Vietnam, India, Iran, Turkey even Egypt. These relics include some statues of Buddha, some jewelry, paintings, frescoes and ceramics. Some objects date as far back as 2000 B.C. The Heiseikan gallery showcases archaeological finds from within Japan itself with relics dating back to various periods in Japans history including the Jomon Period and Yayoi period, therefore displaying pieces dating as far back as 10000 B.C. The Horyuji Treasures gallery showcases Buddhist statues and ornaments from the Horyuji temple in Nara. A fifth building of the museum known as the Hyokeikan houses special exhibitions.

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Casita

Cuisine: Japanese/ International Address: 5-51-8 Jingumae, Harajuku and Aoyama Tel: 03-5485-7353 Website: www.casita.jp The ambience of this restaurant is best described as being intimate. The seating is comfortable, the lighting is dim; the staff is more than helpful. The food is excellent as well; a variety of dishes are served; seafood as well as chicken and beef.

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Nobu Tokyo

Cuisine: Japanese/ International Address: 4-1-28 Toronomon, Asakasa Tel: 03-5733-0070 Website: www.nobutokyo.com This is another one of Tokyo’s popular extravagant joints. The food served here makes use of the freshest of ingredients and has the most unforgettable taste. The menu comprises mostly of sea-food dishes but with a twist; for instance shrimp tempura with creamy spicy sauce; sushi and avocado; yellowtail served with jalapeno dressing, squid served with ginger dip etc. Tourists should definitely stop for a meal here. Also try Nobu’s Chocolate Bento Box.

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Donto

Cuisine: Japanese Address: 1-7-1 Yurakucho, Ginza and Hibiya Tel: 03-3201-3021 Website: none The food here is delicious. A diverse range of Japanese dishes are available here. These include sushi, sashimi, grilled fish/meat, noodles and obento.

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Legato

Cuisine: Italian Address: 3-6 Maruyama-cho, E-Space Tower, Shibuya Tel: 03-5784-2121 Website: www.legato-tokyo.jp This is a lovely eatery popular amongst the residents of Tokyo for the delectable Italian dishes served here. Dishes include pastas such as steamed chicken with chive spaghetti, spaghetti with Japanese Mentaiko, and Arrabiata with cherry tomatoes and basil. Fish and meat are also served; the sirloin steak is delicious. Try the home made marble ice cream as well.

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Ohmatsuya

Cuisine: Japanese Address: 6-5-8 Ginza, Behind the Sony Building Tel: 03-3585-6600 Website: none The food here is delightful; seafood, chicken and beef dishes are normally grilled. The décor too is wonderful mimicking the style of a traditional Japanese farmhouse.

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Fungo

Cuisine: Italian Address: 6-16-7 Nishi Shinuku Tel: 03-5339-7123 Website: none Down to earth best describes the ambience of this restaurant. Italian cuisine is showcased in the menu with traditional pastas, steaks and sea-food dishes being served here. Fresh ingredients are used in churning out these high quality dishes.

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Gonpachi

Cuisine: Japanese Address: 1-13-11 Nishi Azabu Tel: 03-5771-0170 Website: www.gonpachi.jp This restaurant serves excellent quality dishes at more than reasonable prices. Their menu comprises of a diverse range of dishes from salads (seafood salad as well as spinach and spicy jyako salad) to noodles, to sea-food (grilled tiger prawn and snow crab croquettes) to tempura to yakitori as well as meat dishes such as sirloin steaks. The sushi rolls are exceptional.

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Hakkaku

Cuisine: Japanese Address: 2-4-1 Nishi Shinjuku, N.S Building Tel: 03-3345-1848 Website: none This restaurant is extremely popular especially amongst the youth. The atmosphere is vivacious and the guests are treated to beautiful views of the surrounding city. The salads are excellent; as are the grilled fish/ meats, the noodles and the sashimi and yakitori.

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Namiki Yabusoba

Cuisine: Japanese (Noodles) Address: 2-11-9 Kaminarimon, Asakusa Tel: 03-3841-1340 Website: none This is one of Tokyo’s most well known noodle house. A variety of noodles are available as well as noodle soup.

tokyo

Jom Makan

Cuisine: Malay Address: 5-1 Saki, Chuo-ku, Ginza Tel: 03-6280-6777

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*Tokyo Marriott Hotel

The hotel is next to Gotenyama, a well-known park in the Japanese capital. All rooms are spacious and suit tourists and business travellers, offering high-speed Wi-Fi, luxurious bedding and amenities. This hotel suits history enthusiasts wishing to explore the neighbourhood’s many temples, shrines and ancient monuments dating to the Shinagawa era.

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Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

This is one of Tokyo’s most lavish hotels housed in the Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower. This hotel is also located near the Mitsukoshi Mall. The architecture and the décor are contemporary- what is most unique about this hotel is that all the textile products used within have been produced expressly for this hotel by artisans from across Japan. Rooms are extremely large and spacious affording guests with the most stunning views of the city of Tokyo. In room facilities comprise of wireless internet, a DVD player, cable TV plasma screen, hairdryer, safe, coffee maker and a mini-bar. Hotel facilities include restaurants, bars, a fitness club and spa babysitting services, massage services, laundry services and a business center.

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Hotel Century Southern Tower

Moderate Hotels

This hotel has a good location with Takashimaya Times Square Shopping Mall close by. The décor is contemporary. Rooms are comfortable affording decent views of the surrounding city. In room facilities include cable TV, a fridge, hot water pot and tea, hairdryer and safe. Hotel facilties include restaurants, a gym, convenience store and laundry services.

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Ginza Washington Hotel

Moderate Hotels

This hotel has an excellent location with Matsuzakaya Shopping Mall close by. The décor is practical and down to earth. Rooms are not very big but are comfortable. In room facilities include cable TV, a fridge, hot water pot and tea, hairdryer and safe. Hotel facilties include restaurants, laundry and massage services.

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Annex Katsutaro

This hotel has a decent location. Although a ryokan this hotel’s architecture and décor is contemporary. The furnishings are simple and minimalist. In room facilities include a TV, fridge and hot water pot with tea. Hotel facilities include internet access and coin operated washing machines and dryers.

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Homeikan

This hotel does not have the ideal location, however, it is extremely charming and this charm lies primarily in the rich history and traditional architecture embodied in the three buildings that make up this hotel. Guests will learn about authentic traditional Japanese culture. The décor is beautiful- wood, bamboo, stone and pebble pathways, gardens and ponds adorn the area. In room facilities include a TV, safe, mini bar and hot water pot with tea. Address: 5-10-5 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Ueno Tel: 03-3811-1187 Website: www.homeikan.com

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Okura Hotel

This is another of Tokyo’s extravagant hotels. It is located near the American embassy and is popular amongst tourists. The architecture and the décor unlike, other lavish hotels in and around Tokyo, are more on the traditional side- dark wood and traditional Japanese screens have been used extensively. The staff is helpful and friendly. Rooms are extremely large and spacious. In room facilities comprise of wireless internet, cable TV, hairdryer, coffee maker and a mini-bar. Hotel facilities include restaurants, bars, a gym and spa, swimming pools, sauna, babysitting services, massage services, laundry services, a salon, a shopping arcade and a business center. In addition there is a pharmacy and an in-house dentist. Moreover shuttle service to the nearest subway stations is also provided.

tokyo

Park Hyatt Tokyo

This is one of Tokyo’s most extravagant hotels housed in the Shinjuku Park Tower- a glass architectural marvel in itself. The architecture and the décor is contemporary. Rooms are extremely large and spacious affording guests with the most stunning views of the city of Tokyo. Everybody who’s anybody comes and stays here. In room facilities comprise of wireless internet, a DVD player, cable TV plasma screen, printer, hairdryer, safe, coffee maker and a mini-bar. Hotel facilities include restaurants, bars, a fitness club and sauna, a swimming pool, a salon, babysitting services, massage services, a business center, a library and shuttle service to the nearest metro station.

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Royal Park Hotel Tokyo

This is one of Tokyo’s most popular hotels. The location of this hotel is excellent- it is located near the Tokyo station and the Tokyo City Air Terminal. The staff is helpful and efficient too. In room facilities comprise of wireless internet, a DVD player, cable TV, hairdryer, safe, coffee maker and a mini-bar. Hotel facilities include restaurants, bar, a fitness club, a swimming pool, a shopping arcade; babysitting services, massage services, and a business center. Address: 2-1-1 Nihombashi-Kakigara-Cho, Chuo-ku Tel: 03-3667-1111 Website: www.rph.co.jp

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The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo

This is another of Tokyo’s extravagant hotels. It is located within the tallest building of Tokyo. The architecture and the décor are contemporary- minimalist furnishing, marble floors, modern art, glass sculptures dot the hotel lobby. Rooms are extremely large and spacious. In room facilities comprise of wireless internet, cable TV, hairdryer, safe, coffee maker and a mini-bar. Hotel facilities include restaurants, bar, a gym and spa, a swimming pool, babysitting services, massage services, laundry services and a business center. Address: 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Roppongi and Akasaki Tel: 03-3423-8001 Website: www.ritzcarlton.com