Things to do in Tokyo

TOKYO ATTRACTIONSlist to die for, cheap pub grub, a dukebox and a
Tokyo National Museum - A huge complex thatdart board. What more could you want! My
has ancient temple treasures, beautiful kimonosfavorites are the one in Roppongi, Tokyo and
that are centuries old, Japanese armour andKawasaki, Yokohama. The one in Roppongi is on
weapons and numerous other displays reflectingthe main entertainment strip in Roppongi beside
the culture and history of this fascinating country.the McDonalds.
Ancient relics and figurines dating back toThe one in Kawasaki is right in front of the main
centuries BC and many artifacts from the orientalentrance of the JR station.
areas outside of Japan are also housed here.There are also HUBs in Shibuya, Shinjuku,
Senso- ji Temple - Experience the religious heartIkebukuro, Ueno and other key areas in Tokyo.
of Tokyo.This temple was built on the site of aTOKYO SHOPPING
shrine dating back to 645 and is Tokyo's mostBring on the credit card, where does one begin?
sacred temple. Thousands of worshipers streamMitsukoshi in Nihonbashi is a good start should you
through here to light candles, throw coin offeringswant to browse through a department store for
and to take in the smoke of holy incense,starters.
believed to have healing powers.Tokyo Decks combines five levels of shops with
Imperial Palace - The original building commencedrestaurants for that breather between purchases
in 1590, during the Edo period further extentionsand a games centre for the kids.
made it the worlds largest castle. UnfortunatelyJapan is well known for electronic wares and
only the inner complex stands today. WalkAkihabara District has shops that stock an
through the gardens, now public parks, and makeunbelievable selection but don't think that you will
a point of taking a look at the Nijubashi gate andbe getting huge bargains though, as the prices are
enjoying the view from the castles keeprelatively high. Have your passport ready to
(Honmaru). The emperor's huge Samurai guardsrequest tax free prices when available.
were once housed in the Hyakunin Basho buildingAlways make sure that what you buy is
nearby.compatible with voltage and your other equipment
TOKYO RESTAURANTSat home or your wonderful buy will turn out to be
Otaka-Ginza - near the Sony Bldg. The fish hot-a white elephant! T- Zone and Gateway Country
pot is a must for delicious warm winter fare,are recommended for English computer soft- and
traditionally ladled from a bubbling pot and servinghardware.
between 4.30pm and 11pm.Photographers can get the latest camera
Tsukiji Edogin - Tsukiji. You must have sushi whenequipment in the West Shinjuku area.
in Japan and this is one of the best places to getTOKYO CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES Tokyo
it. Hugely popular, this restaurant has expandedDisneyland - Chiba. Something for the kid in all of
rapidly and is highly recommended, they are openus.
from 11am to 9.30 in the evening.Amazing Square - Heaven for little Johnny, watch
Benihana - Nihonbashi. Famous for theirhim battle it out with space aliens playing hi- tech
teppanyaki: you select meat, seafood and veginteractive games. Japan is always on the cutting
which is cooked on a griddle while you watch.edge of this technology.
Open from 11am to 10pm with delicacies such asUnesco Village - A dinosaur themed amusement
lobster and abalone this is a must for deliciouspark, big monsters have always been a drawcard
eating, Japanese style.for kids. Life- sized, mobile and noisy, these are
Nodaiwa - Tokyo Tower. Bubble bubble boil andguaranteed to give the more sensitive kid a few
trouble..eye of newt- this acclaimed restaurant issleepless nights.
open for lunch between 11am & 1.30 and dinnerUeno Zoo is not just for kids, but they probably
from 5- 8pm and specialises in eel dishes,enjoy it more than adults do.
considered a great delicacy in Japan.The zoo is located in Ueno Park, where there are
TOKYO BARS & CLUBS Birdland - Roppongi'stemples and shrines, museums, flower gardens,
Square. For a bit of class this is Tokyo's hottestcafes and restaurants and plenty of green areas.
jazz club, situated in the Square Building whichIf you are stuck in the middle of Tokyo at your
houses clubs on all the floors. So if you get tiredwits end on how to entertain the kids; well Ueno
of the jazz, hey, just move up to the next floor!Park in general and the zoo in particular is a good
Pentax Gallery - Minato-ku. One of the manyway to give the kids a fun filled day. You can use
popular nightclubs in the city where you can partythe Ueno Keisei line, the subway Ginza line, the
the night away.subway Chiyoda line or the infamous JR
Blues Alley Japan - Meguro Station Hotel. A cosyYamanote line to get to Ueno Park and zoo. From
eclectic club where rock, blues and jazz can bethe JR station take the "Park exit". From there it
enjoyed.is easy to find your way to the zoo - just follow
There are "HUB" bars all over Tokyo and theythe signs. The zoo is a little expensive so you
are always busy because; they provide amay want to bring packed lunches and your own
Western style bar, with reasonably priced drink,refreshments.
English speaking bar staff, happy hour, a cocktail