WAttention Tokyo Vol.34

Tokyo Edition

Singapore - Malaysia - L.A - Taiwan - Thailand - Paris - Hong Kong - Indonesia - Mexico - Australia

FREE Winter 2019-20 VOL.34

Your guide to the best of Tokyo

Sports Special

Area Special

Tokyo 1964 – 2020:

Ginza

A Tale of Two Olympics

welcoming the year ahead with Luxury and Centuries-Old Tradition

Another 3hr Trip

SHORT TRIP FROM TOKYO

Around Tokyo in 180 Minutes

Odaiba, Asakusa, Kagurazaka and Shinjuku

Love Japan? Follow

Miurakaigan: Town of Early Blooming Cherry Blossom is about one-hour train ride from Tokyo

WAttention

暦 Koyomi December

師走

こよみを楽しむ

IN HARMONY WITH THE SEASONS

A Garden’s Carol 祝いの庭

folding screens “A Garden’s Carol”

ALLAN WEST Born in 1962 in the US, Allan West settled in Tokyo and eventually graduated with a Master of Fine Arts from Tokyo University of the Arts.

You can visit his open studio in Yanaka, Tokyo. www.allanwest.jp text & artwork / Allan West, cordination / Mariko Takahashi, photo / Keiji Okazaki

I thought it would be an interesting challenge to paint a painting that

Included in the painting are three other red berried plants used

would evoke both my childhood Christmas and a Japanese New Year.

to welcome a fortuitous year; Nandina symbolizes changes for the

I wanted it to be equally holy and celebratory by combining elements

good. Senr yo, or sarcandra plant symbolizes good fortune and

and impressions that feature in both holiday observances. I thought of

Ardisia tell us that happiness is on its way.

the plants and flowers which we associate with the two holidays, and realized that there is an interesting botanical overlap. Holly is a part of

Just as a child we banged on pot bottoms and made cymbals of

Christmas traditions, and I remembered how as a kid I enjoyed cutting

pan lids to make a noise to drive the devil away from the new year,

holly boughs from the tree in the back yard and hung them over doors,

I hear the sound of pure vibration as the temple bells next door

the fireplace mantel and other places around the house. It was our way

resonate through my studio at midnight on New Year’s Eve. The deep

of welcoming in the guardians; fairies we were sure lived in the back

bellow crosses the neighborhood’s roofs, penetrating the cold night

woods. In Japan, Holly is believed to ward away bad influences, and so

sky, ringing 108 times; a benediction for each fault and pettiness we

a holly leaf and a protective sardine’s head are stuck on a stick over

put behind us with the old year.

doors and windows facing North, the demonic entry point.

WAttention Tokyo |

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Why “WAttention”?

Our name comes from the hope that people around the world will pay more “Attention” to “WA（和） ; an important term in Japanese culture meaning harmony with nature, peace and even Japanese culture itself!

VOL.34

世界中の人々に「和」 （WA）に注目（Attention）してほしいという願い を込めてWA+Attention= WAttentionと名づけました。

Contents 01

In Harmony with the Seasons

Publisher Yasuko Suzuki / WATTENTION CO., LTD.

03

Tokyo Hot News

Associate Editor Yuka Suzuki

04

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Feature 1

Feature 2

Editorial Advisor Mariko Takahashi / Isako Watanabe

Tokyo 1964 – 2020: A Tale of Two Olympics

Language Consultant Joseph M. Shiodah Editorial Team Ellen Hwang / Jude Austin / Jaid Mathews Nancy Liu / Andrew Smith / Mikaela Jacques Hsin-Yun Chang(WEB) / Hirokatsu Araki(WEB) Maiko Watanabe / Kageyama Ayako

Ginza welcoming the year ahead with Luxury and Centuries-Old Tradition

Design Team Graphic Designers Kenji Ishida / Chew Yan Qiao Michiko Otomo / Sean Zerrudo

- Mikasa Kaikan: Remaining Grounded in a High-class World - The Everlasting Allure of the Ginza Shopping District

Another 3hr Trip - Around Tokyo in 180 Minutes

16

Photographers Keiji Okazaki Kenji Sugasawa / Tomoyo Nozawa

- Odaiba / Asakusa / Kagurazaka & Kudanshita / Shinjuku

Robot Restaurant

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Sales & Marketing Yuri Nakazawa / Chihiro Tamura

SHORT TRIP FROM TOKYO - Miurakaigan

26

Takuma Imae / Misaki Ichimiya

- Town of Early Blooming Cherry Blossom is about one-hour train ride from Tokyo

広告･記事に関するお問い合わせは

Interested to find out more about the places and things featured in our magazine? Head to our official WAttention website where you can read the articles in full, with additional information.

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From Editors

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In a blink of eyes, Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 that will be held in the following year is now within reach. WAttention Tokyo will take this opportunity to introduced Tokyo and Olympic through various angles leading to the Olympic year, 2020. Japanese people are definitely if not the most excited for this big event as the city has been preparing many exciting plans, so gear up and enjoy the new year.

いよいよ、東京2020オリンピック・パラリ ンピック競技大会が開催される2020年 がやってきます。 オリンピック・イヤーの 2020年、WAttention Tokyoでは「東京と オリンピック」をいろいろな角度から紹 介していきます。 日本人は、おそらく世界 中で一番、オリンピックが大好きな国民 かもしれません。大会開催に向けて、 ど んどん盛り上がっていく東京の街を、楽 しんでください!

-Associate Editor Yuka Suzuki

編集長: 鈴木幸香

Tokyo Edition

Singapore - Malaysia - L.A - Taiwan - Thailand - Paris - Hong Kong - Indonesia - Mexico - Australia

FREE Autumn 2019 VOL.33

Your guide to the best of Tokyo

Sports Special

Exciting Huge Sports Events are Brewing in Tokyo

Culture Special

Flourishing Japanese Theater from Edo to The Modern Era

Another 3hr Trip

Niigata

Short Trip from Tokyo

Misaki Port & Jogashima

Love Japan? Follow

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TOKYO H T NEWS

Bringing you the latest hot news Winter 2019-20

Meet travelers from all over the world at shibuya-san With the opening of the mixeduse commercial facility “Shibuya FUKURAS” on December 5, the Shibuya district has undergone a makeover. Now, foreign travelers looking to experience the hustle and bustle of Shibuya no longer need to worry about getting lost in its chaotic streets, as “shibuyasan” – a tourist information center that doubles as an art gallery – has opened on the first floor of Shibuya FUKURAS near the West Exit of Shibuya Station. Visitors can take part in a variety of activities to learn about different aspects of Shibuya culture, or get more information about local nightlife and entertainment options. In addition, there is a bus stop in front of the facility, where buses to and from Haneda and Narita Airports stop, adding to the convenience of visitors who want to get in and out of Tokyo. shibuya-san shibuyasan.jp/en/

Learn about Japan’s origins through the special exhibition “Izumo and Yamato” Next year brings not just the Olympics and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, but the 1300th anniversary of the compilation of the oldest history book in Japan, the Nihon Shoki. The start of the Reiwa Era is a great time to get acquainted with the history of Japan! From January 15 to March 8, 2020, the special exhibition “Izumo and Yamato” will be held in the Heiseikan of the TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM. During this period, more than twenty national treasures and over seventy important cultural assets will be exhibited, including artifacts from the Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, along with treasures excavated from kofun (ancient burial mounds) that symbolized the birth of Japan’s royal power in the past. Perhaps this fascinating exhibition of cultural relics will draw you deeper into the charms of Japan’s profound historical and cultural heritage.

SPECIAL EXHIBITION IZUMO AND YAMATO izumo-yamato2020.jp/english.html

The Chronicles of Japan (Nihon Shoki), Volume 2, Atsuta Shrine, Aichi *Exhibition period: February 11 - March 8 Mirror with patterned concentric bands and design of deities and animals, Mirror with sawtooth pattern on rim and design of deities and animals Ministry of Cultural Affairs (In the care of the Archaeological Institute of Kashihara, Nara)

Milk chocolate version of Hachiko as a keepsake of your travels in Japan The story of Hachiko is well-known and loved even outside Japan, and has even been made into a Hollywood fi lm, making its statue in front of Shibuya Station a must-see for many foreign tourists. Now, this Shibuya landmark has a delicious milk chocolate version of itself, which tourists can buy from retail outlets such as SHIBUYA SKY SOUVENIR SHOP on the 46th floor of SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE. These delicious chocolates make a great souvenir to snack on while sharing your experiences with family and friends back home!

PLAY! DIVERSITY SHIBUYA play-shibuya.com

Chichibu area launches promotional event to welcome foreign visitors

Japanese style-themed light displays illuminating Tokyo Dome City Beginning in mid-November each year, Tokyo transforms into a beautiful paradise of lights every night, with decorative lights displays throughout the city. For a particularly unique display, visit Tokyo Dome City for its stunning Japanese style-themed lights featuring the beautiful natural sights of Japan! The “TOKYO DOME CITY WINTER LIGHTS GARDEN” started on November 13, 2019, and will end on February 26, 2020, running from 5pm to 12am each evening. The highlights of this display of lights include a 6.5m-tall recreation of the spring’s pastel pink sakura tree , and a representation of Mt. Fuji. These festive light displays and friendly Japanese hospitality will surely warm your heart even during this freezing cold season!

TOKYO DOME CITY WINTER LIGHTS GARDEN www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/en/tourists/illumination/

Chichibu is a mere 80 minutes from Tokyo by train. This tourist spot is rich in both nature and culture, boasting beautiful scenery in each season and a variety of festivals that make up almost 300 days each year! In order to give foreign tourists a warm welcome, Chichibu Omotenashi Tourism Organization will launch the “CHICHIBU WELCOMES ALL Heartfelt Invitation to you - Beyond mere words -” promotional event from end of January 2020. Foreign tourists who visit Chichibu City, Yokoze Town, Minano Town, Nagatoro Town, and Ogano Town during the duration of the event and shop at participating stores are entitled to special gifts or discounts by simply scanning a QR code within the store and presenting it! Look forward to a trip filled with surprises!

CHICHIBU WELCOMES ALL wattention.com/chichibu-welcomes-all/ (Start from end January 2020)

▼ keep reading here: ▶

WTT34 hot news WAttention Tokyo |

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Tokyo 1964 – 2020: A Tale of Two Olympics 56 years on from Tokyo’s first Olympic Games, the global sporting showpiece will be back in 2020, but it’s a tale of two very different Olympics. The Olympics Games Tokyo 1964 represented Japan’s re-entry into the world community after overcoming post-war strife and financial ruin, while the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 will further show the world that Japan is an economic powerhouse and why it’s one of the most sought-after tourist destinations on earth. Tokyo now feels like a fitting location to welcome the planet’s greatest athletes, but the journey to Tokyo 2020 Games has not always been a straightforward one. From the Olympics Games Tokyo 1940 that never happened to the resounding success of 1964 and the Games’ greatly anticipated return in 2020, let’s take a look at Tokyo’s Olympic history.

Interview with Robert Whiting

Tokyo 1964: A View of the City In 1959, when Tokyo won its bid for the Tokyo 1964 Games, it was scarcely more than a glorified collection of shantytowns, as the Japanese nation was still wrestling its way out of the wreckage of World War II. To turn the city into a high-tech megalopolis fit to host one of the world’s greatest sporting events in five short years was a civil engineering feat of unparalleled precedence. It may have come at a cost, but for a nation languishing on the fringes of international society, it marked an irreversible change in fortunes for Japan and its capital city.

I spoke with Robert Whiting, a Tokyo resident during the Tokyo 1964 Games and author of Futatsu No Olympics: Tokyo 1964/2020

Michimasa Soejima, IOC member (left), Count Henri II de BailletLatour, the third President of the IOC (right) / The Organizing Committee of the XIIth Olympiad, Report of the Organizing Committee on its Work for the XIIth Olympic Games of 1940 in Tokyo until the Relinquishment, Tokio 1940, p. 7.

Olympic-Torch relay 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo ©Shinjuku Historical Museum

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– an autobiographical treatise on Tokyo’s Olympic history, set to be published in English in January 2021 – who shared his thoughts on the effects of the Tokyo 1964 Games and the prospect of the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Whiting first arrived in Tokyo as a G.I. for the United States military in 1962. “The level of construction at that time was amazing,” he says. It was a time of rapid urban development and economic upheaval which saw a rush of workers flock to the city with pipe dreams of prosperity; it was the eastern land of milk and honey, and it caught Whiting hook, line, and sinker: “The energy level of the city just sucked me right in, I just couldn’t get enough of it”.

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch / ©Tokyo 2020

Tokyo today

By David McElhinney

Building a World City Robert Whiting Robert Whiting was born in New Jersey, raised As the 1960s approached, Tokyo was lacking the necessary resources to host a global sporting showcase; it had only one fivestar hotel (the aging Imperial Hotel), inadequate sewage and water filtration systems, hygiene and rat infestation problems, a lack of proper transport infrastructure, and a host of other logistical issues. Whiting tells me, “In 1959 when they were awarded the Tokyo Olympics, most people thought it was crazy to have an Olympics in Japan at that time,” though he’s quick to mention the “amazing” nature of the city’s redevelopment plans. “In a five-year period from 1959 to 1964 [the Tokyo Metropolitan Government] put up 10,000 new buildings, five five-star hotels, two new subway lines, they built a monorail from Haneda [Airport] into the city, and then they built the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka. It completely transformed the city of Tokyo.” he says.

in California, and first came to Japan with U.S. military intelligence in 1962. He is the author of several successful books on contemporary Japanese culture, including Tokyo Underworld, The Meaning of Ichiro, The Chrysanthemum and the Bat, and the best-selling You Gotta Have Wa (A Book of the Month Club selection, a Casey Award finalist, and a Pulitzer Prize candidate) and has served for the past four years on the Board of Directors at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan. The English version of his latest book Futatsu No Olympics, published by Kadokawa (photo below left), will be released in January 2021 in English as Tokyo Junkie by Stone Bridge press.

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Akasakamitsuke

Akasakamitsuke, near Benkeibashi bridge, Metropolitan Expressway under construction around 1964

Akasakamitsuke today

The Road to Greatness Japan’s mounting struggles in the wake of the Second World War were still a part of the social zeitgeist in the lead up to the Games, so I asked Whiting about the sense of national pride among the Japanese populace in the early 1960s with the Games looming over the immediate horizon. “In the beginning, most Japanese people didn’t want the Olympics; they didn’t think Tokyo was ready,” he replied.

Yet by the time the opening ceremony rolled around, there was a seismic emotional shift among the natives. Pride had usurped dismay in the nation’s collective consciousness. Whiting watched the Games inaugural broadcast – the first ever Olympic opening ceremony to be broadcast live across the globe – with several Japanese acquaintances, and recalls them watching it “ with tears in their eyes.” The landmark event represented Japan’s official re-entry into the global community.

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Looking Toward the Future: The Tokyo 2020 Games

Tokyo 1964 – 2020: A Tale of Two Olympics

The Tokyo 2020 Games is mere months away, and Whiting is relatively upbeat about the Games return to Japan. “The 2020 Olympics will show people a new side of Tokyo. Most people, when they think of Tokyo, probably think of Tokyo Tower, Asakusa, and Kannon Temple. They don’t know about Odaiba and this second city center that’s being created around Tokyo Bay,” he says. “It’s my belief that Tokyo is the greatest city in the world right now.” This statement carries a lot of stock coming from a man who has lived in cities as far-flung as New York, Paris, Geneva, Los Angeles, and Stockholm. To back it up, Whiting notes several quality of life statistics in which Tokyo is a consistent global front-runner: GDP, number of Fortune 500 headquarters, number of Michelin-starred restaurants, efficiency of the transport network, literacy rates, and levels of public safety.

Concerns notwithstanding, Whiting tells me, “I think one of the good things about this Olympics is that people will see what a modern technological marvel Tokyo is right now. If you stand on the Rainbow Bridge at sunset and look at the skyline of Tokyo now, it’s as impressive as any skyline in the world.” He also suspects this introduction of Tokyo to an even bigger global audience should have positive economic effects in the long run – despite the consistently rising costs of the Tokyo 2020 Games. He mentions the first Games to be broadcast on 8K television, a Maglev train demonstration, and the introduction of driverless cars and translating robots to the city as other technologically-advanced byproducts of Tokyo hosting the Tokyo 2020 Games. They will go a long way in promoting what he has previously referred to as the “Japan Brand” – Japan presenting itself as a global front-runner in the realms of consumer and infrastructural technology. ▼ keep reading here: ▶

WTT34 Olympics

Shinagawa Station with emblems of Tokyo 1964

Shinagawa Station

Shinagawa Station today

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Deja Vu: Experience Tokyo’s Olympic History First-Hand The rags to riches story of Tokyo in the 1960s only continued over the subsequent half-century. The old cliche of Tokyo inspiring Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner stands for a reason.

But it’s only half the story. Amid the corporate canyons, LED lights, super-sized TV screens blaring J-pop into the rising sun air, and the city’s neo-modern urban facade, jewels of historical intrigue still exist. It’s this juxtaposition that makes Tokyo so alluring to the outside world, and as a resident, it feels important they are preserved.

If you want to get a sense of Tokyo’s Olympic history, there

are a host of sights around the city which will transport you back to the glory days of 1964. Many of said sights have undergone serious renovation projects over the last 50 years, but the essence of their somewhat humble beginnings is still clear for all to see.

The following five sights and one mode of transport were key elements of Tokyo’s exponential growth. Each of them is an ode to “the greatest urban transformation in history,” individually laying the groundwork for the megalopolis that Tokyo has become.

Yoyogi Park Yoyogi Park, one of the finest inner-city green spaces in Tokyo, is nestled in between several of the capital’s tourist hubs: Shibuya, Harajuku, and Omotesando. The park was home to the 1964 Olympic Village and Yoyogi National Gymnasium, designed by Kenzo Tange, and will host the handball competitions at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Aeral view of Washington Heights in Yoyogi / Japanese magazine “The Mainichi Graphic, 13 January 1954 issue” published by The Mainichi Newspapers Co.,Ltd.

The Olympic memorial house used for Dutch athletes in today’s Yoyogi Park

Nippon Budokan The Nippon Budokan in Kitanomaru Park was built for the Tokyo 1964 Games’ Judo competitions. Renowned for its distinct octagonal design and the famous final match between the Netherlands giant, Antonius Johannes Geesink, and the Japanese genius Judo player, Akio Kaminaga, it’s a great place to experience one of the Tokyo 1964 Games most famous venue. It will host Judo and Karate in Tokyo 2020 Games.

Built in 1964, designed by Mamoru Yamada

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Tokyo 1964 – 2020: A Tale of Two Olympics

Tokyo Monorail The Tokyo monorail, which runs from Haneda Airport to the city, is celebrating its 55th anniversary in 2019. It’s an example of the transport infrastructure overhaul which Tokyo underwent in the lead up to the Tokyo 1964 Games. The rail is still in operation today, and as fast and punctual as ever.

Inauguration in 1964 / ©Tokyo Monorail Co., Ltd.

The Okura Tokyo (the former Hotel Okura Tokyo Main Building) The Okura Tokyo, in the city’s glamorous Minato ward, is a fivestar hotel built in 1962, two years before the Tokyo 1964 Games.

The historic main building was closed in 2015, and after 4 years of rebuilding work, it opened its doors again in September 2019, with the iconic lobby of the former Hotel Okura Tokyo faithfully restored.

Hotel Okura Tokyo in 1962 / ©The Okura Tokyo Main Lobby of The Okura Prestige Tower in 2019 ©The Okura Tokyo

Metropolitan Expressway The Metropolitan Expressway, first built between Kyobashi and Minato in 1962, was aimed at increasing the efficiency of traffic flow for the Tokyo 1964 Games. Now it’s a 300km-plus network of expressways dissecting the Tokyo metropolitan area. Despite their aesthetic shortcomings, the expressways are a tangible piece of the Japanese capital’s mid-20th-century history and have undoubtedly made the city easier to traverse on four wheels.

Complex junction today

Komazawa Olympic Park Komazawa Olympic Park is an open green space and multi-purpose sports complex built for the Tokyo 1940 Games that never were – due to the breakout of World War II. The Komazawa Olympic Park Stadium hosted football at the Tokyo 1964 Games, while wrestling events were held in Komazawa Gymnasium.

The venue will feature again in 2020.

Central square and Olympics memorial tower today

Gymnastic hall today

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Area Special

Ginza welcoming the

with Luxury and CenturiesThe Japanese New Year is comparable to Christmas in the West. It’s a time when families get together, everyone is in a better mood, and the country becomes just a little bit more

festive. It’s probably one of the best times ever to visit Japan. But where exactly in Japan can you enjoy the best start to the new year?

BYLINE: Cezary Jan Strusiewicz

year ahead

Old Tradition

Utagawa Hiroshige 1840

There are many possible answers to that question, but among them, Ginza probably tops the list. Known all over the world as Tokyo’s upscale shopping and entertainment district, Ginza is, in reality, so much more than its glamorous image.

Both are actually embodied, in a way, by a Ginza staple: hatsu-uri.

While not a Ginza-exclusive event, the district has become nearly synonymous with it. Around January 2 or 3, you will see lines of people in front of Ginza department stores or clothing shops, waiting for businesses’ hatsu-uri (the first bargain sale of the year) when they sell fukubukuro. A fukubukuro, or “Lucky Bag,” is filled with a particular store’s brand goods, sold at significantly lower prices than if you were to purchase all the items inside individually. In most cases, you don’t know what’s inside a Lucky Bag, which is very much part of the fun, although a few shops will give you some indication as to what items you’re purchasing.

Take fukubukuro, for example. It seems like a modern invention of capitalism that has little to do with faith and spirituality, but the concept of fuku (luck) is actually a big part of Japanese religion, which was probably more pronounced back when the Lucky Bags were called Ebisubukuro (Ebisu bags). Who is Ebisu? He’s one of the Shichifukujin, the “Seven Lucky Gods,” who’ve long had a strong connection with Ginza.

As the district grew and modernized, most of its temples and shrines dedicated to Shichifukujin sadly disappeared. A few remain, though, and today many people still like to go on “Ginza Shichifukujin Meguri” pilgrimages hitting all the places where the Seven Lucky Gods are enshrined. Visit Ginza during the new year and discover its unique charms for yourself.

Koizumi Kishio 1934 WAttention Tokyo |

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Area Special

Start your new year with the Nostalgia yet Modern Ginza 2020 marks the beginning of the first calendar year for the Reiwa era.

With the new year comes an enthusiastic desire for change and renewal, and rejuvenated shoppers will be walking among the glamorous luxury stores of the world-class Ginza shopping district. Beyond the luster of such elegance shops and restaurants, there is a rich culture and history that began in a surprisingly much humbler Ginza.

Mikasa Kaikan

Remaining Grounded in a High-class World

The main branch of the famous Mikasa Kaikan restaurant on Namiki-dori Street in Ginza has an astonishingly long history of over 90 years. Just like the various items on their menu that mix flavors and styles to create delicious dishes, the design of the legendary restaurant also creates a different atmosphere on each floor. On the basement floor, there’s a bar serving original cocktails and refreshing drinks. On the first floor, a stylish Italian bar welcomes guests, catching the eye of even the most glamorous shoppers in Ginza. Moving up from there, classy restaurants and party rooms on each floor serve delicious French, Italian, Chinese and Japanese cuisine.

Over the years, it has earned a reputation for being one of the most sophisticated establishments to host important business meetings, wedding parties, and other special events.

The humble origins of Mikasa Kaikan Though an incredible sense of luxury can be felt from the small details in the tableware to the impressive classic design of the dining areas, customers are still served with the same warmth and respect that was given when Mikasa Kaikan first originated back in 1925. That feeling could certainly be felt as Yoshiki Tani, Chairman and CEO, kindly talked with us about the beginnings of Mikasa Kaikan and the early years of modern Ginza. Mr. Tani’s grandfather, Mr. Zennojo, came from Nara to Ginza penniless. He managed to open his shop and poured his heart and soul into it. He earned the admiration of the people in Ginza, who would help support him during the shop’s humble start. At that time, Ginza was an entertainment district mostly known for Japanese Kabuki theater. Surprisingly, the shop started out selling sweets like shaved ice to those who frequented the programs in the summer. After a slow start, business gradually picked up pace in the winter as sweet red bean soup became a hot item among Geisha in Shimbashi.

The fried chicken revolution At the beginning of the Showa era (1926-1989), Mikasa, which was then slowly converting to a western-style restaurant, cooked itself up some great success with their legendary fried chicken, or karaage. Mikasa was the first restaurant to serve such Chinese-style, deep-fried chicken with a firm outer appearance while maintaining a moist, fluffy inside. The popularity of the dish propelled Mikasa into the mainstream and caught the attention of top celebrities who had to taste it for themselves.

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Wakadori no Karaage (Fried chiken) in Showa era

The evolution of Mikasa Kaikan and Ginza In WWII, Mikasa Kaikan, along with the rest of Ginza, was burned to the ground. The area was rebuilt, and the shop relocated to its current spot along Namiki-dori Street. After the war, the Ginza area became more high-class, and so did Mikasa Kaikan. As more high-brands set up shop in Ginza, the area quickly became associated with prosperity and the upper-crust of society. There was so much enthusiasm by local business owners of Namiki-dori to create the world’s premier shopping street that members of The Association of Ginza West Namiki-Dori District pooled their resources to lay 850 million yen worth of beautiful granite on the walkways.

Dedicated to the craft Mikasa Kaikan continues to evolve and try new combinations and techniques while also preserving tradition and its roots. Head chef Mr. Toshihiko Kawahara explains that to pass down the traditional recipes to the next generation of Mikasa Kaikan chefs, he analyzes and records them, and even though the recipes remain the same, the individual ingredients will always vary over time. To stay true to the original taste, it takes a skilled chef who can adjust and carry on the legacy of Mikasa Kaikan’s classic flavor.

At the end of the year, Mikasa Kaikan sells Osechi , a New Year’s meal, which is traditionally made and eaten at home. It also sells western-style Osechi. As times have changed, this kind of Osechi has become more available, but it was Mikasa Kaikan that was the first to introduce it. Now, Mikasa Kaikan’s celebratory meals are popular among customers who want to bring in the new year with excellently prepared food.

Yoshiki Tani, Chairman and CEO

Toshihiko Kawahara, Head chef

The future of Mikasa Kaikan Despite Mikasa Kaikan’s dedication to preserving traditions, Mr. Tani still is looking to integrate future technology into the long-standing restaurant — even mentioning the possibilities of having AI in the kitchen. He compares the kitchen to a lab, where new combinations are tested and flavors are discovered. The CEO aims to seamlessly blend the modern-day with traditional dishes in an old-fashioned building and ensures that, although Mikasa Kaikan will continue to move forward into the future, it will always strive to create the same excellent eating experience and honor the long history of the legendary Ginza restaurant.

Head chef Kawahara says that the number of international customers has increased, but that hasn’t changed the way Mikasa Kaikan does things. No matter where in the world a customer comes from, they will always be able to enjoy the same great authentic Mikasa Kaikan food that has made the restaurant famous. Their philosophy is always about sustainability, and loyal patrons are looking forward to the next 100 years of outstanding service and taste from Mikasa Kaikan.

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Area Special

The Everlasting Allure of the Ginza Shopping District The glamorous Ginza area has a long history as being the most refined shopping and entertainment district in Tokyo, where top brands from around the world come to share their best products with Japan. Whether set up in a retro or modern package you can expect the highest quality of goods and entertainment from Ginza’s shops and restaurants.

Bar Lupin –A Historic Bar Adored by Writers and Artists In Ginza, luxury can be found in unexpected places. Hidden in the narrow alleys not far from the famous Ginza Wako clock tower is Bar Lupin, a classy bar that has been serving drinks in Ginza since 1928. Over the years, this sophisticated retro bar has received high praise from intellectuals and legendary writers all over Japan, like Kyoka Izumi, Kan Kikuchi, and Yasunari Kawabata. People of such caliber became regular customers, and people visit from all over the world to share a drink in the same establishment that hosted their favorite artists. Inside, you can see photos of famous writers Osamu Dazai, Sakunosuke Oda, and Ango Sakaguchi enjoying their time at Bar Lupin. The bar even has pictures drawn by painter Leonardo Foujita (Tsuguharu Fujita) hanging inside.

Ginza Kanameya – Traditional Japanese Culture at Its Most Glamorous Ginza’s main shopping streets may be walled by world-class brands, but the high-end shops are not limited to international names. Ginza Kanameya, which sells Waso komono, a variety of kimono accessories, is considered to have the best selection of kanzashi, hair ornaments that go with traditional Japanese wear. Hairpins and hair sticks made from glossy tortoiseshell are among the top items. The handcrafted accessories come in a variety of colors and sizes for both adults and children. Each year, Ginza Kanameya releases special items to commemorate the new Zodiac sign made out of cow bone, usually from the thigh. To celebrate 2020, the year of the rat, an adorable mouse motif will be used across Ginza Kanameya’s latest products with class and quality that can only be found in Ginza.

Moderns Ginza & GICROS GINZA GEMS Moderns Ginza has just opened on the famous Namiki-dori Street. This classic style building represents the old and new Ginza and hosts sophisticated bars like the renowned Star Bar, which is ranked as one of the world’s best bars. The building also has cabarets and galleries inspired by the kinds of places where writers and artists of the 1920s would have gathered.

With a striking checkered design motif that has been used since ancient times, the new complex GICROS GINZA GEMS aims to combine tradition with innovation and offer a fresh experience for Ginza shoppers. The complex hosts a number of flagship stores from the basement to the 2nd floor, topped with restaurants for fine dining from the 3rd floor all the way up to the 11th.

The brilliant design, high-class shops and restaurants, and convenient location near Ginza station are sure to attract customers from all around the world in 2020 and beyond.

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A new way to enjoy Japanese ramen at

Ginza Soryu

Walking the streets of Tokyo’s high-class Ginza shopping district, you wouldn’t expect to find many Japanese ramen shops. Their fast-paced, noisy atmosphere just doesn’t suit the calm chic vibe around Ginza, but ramen shop Ginza Soryu has succeeded in blending the stylishly comfort of Ginza with delicious Japanese ramen noodles.

Ginza Soryu was launched by the owners of the famous Nogata Hope chain ramen shops. Nogata Hope broke into the competitive ramen industr y in 1988 with its excellent qualit y and popular flavor, so expectations were high when Ginza Soryu opened in Ginza.

The shop boasts the authentic flavor of “Oedo Soy Sauce Ramen” using three main styles of wheat based noodles – white, black and kogashi.

Vegetable ramen which changes key ingredients based on the seasons is highly recommended, along with vegetable dumplings which don’t use garlic and sweet tomato dumplings. Ginza Sor yu uses local ingredients as much as possible to ensure freshness and promote the authentic flavors of Tokyo.

Ramen is a highly popular dish in Japan and must-tr y for visiting tourists. However, local shops can be intimidating if you’re not familiar with the menu and hectic shoulder-to-shoulder dining culture. Ginza Soryu makes eating ramen more accessible and enjoyable with its well laid out English menus, quiet atmosphere, and spacious interior.

The Vibrant World of

Hineno Katsujiro Syoten Japanese fashion and lifestyle continue to change, but Hineno Katsujiro Syoten’s products prove that qualit y hand-dyed fabrics still have a place in the modern world.

Though in the past, Hineno Katsujiro Syoten was known for kimonos, the company has evolved as part of a strategy to branch out to new customers and share their beautiful fabrics with as many people as possible.

Kyo Yuzen, a complex method of painting dye directly onto cloth, has been utilized to create a variety of products.

Hineno Katsujiro Syoten’s amazing designers and dyers use their mastery of this dyeing technique to craft gorgeous one of a kind fabrics.

While many 3rd party products use fabrics displaying solid colors or printed patterns, artisans at Hineno Katsujiro Syoten mainly decorate fabrics of Chameleon Tie with dyeing techniques such as bokashi (gradation) and nuregaki (painting on fabric that has been wet with glue). These techniques truly give you a sense that the fabrics have been hand-dyed by real craftsmen and craftswomen.

Chameleon Tie The Chameleon Tie is not what you would consider to be traditional Japanese fashion, but the material and techniques utilized in its creation are still very much based in the homeland. The bow and the string are made from Kyoto’s famous silk and obi fabric, and Hineno Katsujiro Syoten’s mastery of traditional dyeing methods is on full display. Besides the vivid colors resembling a chameleon in mid-transformation, the vibrant bow tie is easily exchangeable, allowing you to ef for tlessly change st yles according to the environment and mood, just like everyone’s favorite multicolored reptile. It’s an ideal gift that can be made to fit any occasion.

For purchase ▲

Pop-up Store Information A pop-up store will open up in Ginza Mitsukoshi from middle of Dec. to the end of Mar. to share Hineno Katsujiro Syoten’s exclusive designs and hand-made fabrics with the world.

Ginza Mitsukoshi For purchase at Ginza Mitsukoshi, 5F Men’s Wear & Accessories/GINZA Closet 4-6-16, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo TEL: 03-3562-1111 OPEN: 10:00 to 20:00 On Sunday until 19:30 Hineno Katsujiro Syoten http://www.katsujirou.com/

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3ODAIBA HR ANOTHER

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Around Tokyo in 180 minutes

お台場

Odaiba, an artificial island in Tokyo Bay, is one of the many former fortresses constructed at the end of the Edo Period to stop U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry’s Black Ships from invading Japan. Today, it has become a popular shopping district, attracting not only tourists from all over the world, but also locals curious about the most advanced entertainment technology. The drastic change over the past hundreds of years is something no one would have expected back in the Edo Period!

Start exploring Odaiba from Aomi Station.

森ビル デジタルアート ミュージアム：エプソン チームラボ ボーダレス

MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM: teamLab Borderless teamLab is famous for its concept of “borderless art,” where visitors can become part of an art display and interact with it, all thanks to the magic of digital technology. One of teamLab’s most popular exhibitions is the “Forest of Resonating Lamps,” which is itself one of the five ‘worlds’ you can see at “teamLab Borderless” in Odaiba. As with the other displays, visitors are encouraged to enter the space and interact with the exhibition itself. If you stand close to a lamp, it begins to glow. The lamp sends out its color to the nearest two lamps, which send it to the next two nearest, and so on, creating a magical path around the room.

In preparation for the winter season, teamLab has made some changes to this artwork, adding winter colorations, including one that makes the color of the lamps blue and resonate with white and pale blue light. This coloration has been dubbed “Ice Cave.” The Cool blue lighting makes for a wonderfully atmospheric setting, and the copious use of mirrors in the room makes the forest stretch out into infinity in all directions.

Although the venue is always worth a visit, the beauty found in the Venetian-glass lamps, which make up the new Ice Cave, is the perfect way to get into the winter mood! Why not come by and see for yourself?

シンボルプロムナード公園

Symbol Promenade Park Symbol Promenade Park connects Aomi, Ariake, and Odaiba areas and is known for its beautiful green landscape. The area also offers an unobscured view of Tokyo Bay, which is most charming during sunset when the skyscrapers in the far distance light up, creating an unbelievably romantic setting.

A slow stroll in the park is an indulgent experience you will treasure for a lifetime. ©2018 Tokyo Port Terminal Corp. / Kou Majima

©2018 Tokyo Port Terminal Corp. / Kou Majima

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Daiba Station

Tokyo Joypolis

Tokyo Teleport Station

TOKYO-JOYPOLIS by CA Sega Joypolis boasts over 20 exciting, fun and virtual entertainment attractions that will leave you spellbound. Experience the adrenaline rush in 3D car drifting and turn yourself into a Transformer! This state-of-the-art attraction is a gamer’s paradise!

Aomi Station

Rinkai Line

Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station

Telecom Center Station

台場一丁目商店街

©しげの秀一/講談社 ©SEGA All manufactures,cars,names,brands and associated imagery featured in this game are trademarks and/or copyrighted materials of their respective owners,All rights reserved.

Daiba 1-chome Shoutengai Interested in how Japanese lived back in the 1950s? The retro décor and vintage goods at Daiba 1-chome Shoutengai in DECKS shopping mall will make you feel like you have leapt through time back to the past. Aside from events and arcade games reminiscent of the good old days, traditional candies are also sold here. It’s time to get retro and relive the era!

東京トリックアート迷宮館

Tokyo Trick Art Museum Located on the 4th floor of DECKS Tokyo Beach Seaside Mall at Odaiba, Tokyo Trick Art Museum is separated into different areas by themes, such as the Edo period, ninja and Japanese monsters, famous artworks and brain training. Riding on the back of a tiger or flying through the sky with ninjas are all possible.

You can also download the “TRICKAR” app on your smartphone and turn the pictures you take into a movie—a new way to experience art.

© 2010 Paramount Pictures Corporation.

Manufactured under license from TOMY Company,Ltd. ® and/or TM & © 2015 TOMY.All Rights Reserved.TM & ® denote Japan Trademarks.For distribute in Japan only. ※「トラン 「TRANSFORMERS」は株式会社タカラトミーの登録商標です。 スフォーマー」

3A S A K U S A 浅草 HR ANOTHER

TRIP

Around Tokyo in 180 minutes

浅草文化観光センター

Situated in Asakusa, Sensoji is an

Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center

attraction that paints a perfect

A tourist information center located inside a unique building in front of the Asakusa Kaminarimon Gate. The building is the work of Kengo Kuma, one of the bestknown Japanese architects. The ceiling and the interior are quite interesting so don’t even consider skipping it.

The night view of Asakusa from the observatory on the 8 th floor’s terrace is also highly recommended.

picture of what the bustling streets of Tokyo’s old town area were like during the Edo period.

Chonin, a class of townsmen including merchants, craftsmen, and artisans who emerged during this time, are still very active today and play an influential role in local businesses. Aside from Tokyo’s kitchenware capital Kappa-bashi and other shopping streets, there are also several historic gourmet destinations to keep you occupied.

浅草たつみや

Asakusa Tatsumiya With an 80-year history, the kimono shop Asakusa Tatsumiya never fails to keep up with the latest trends. Its third generation owner has been incorporating Japanese kimono sashes into tumblers, cushions, centerpiece, and a wide range of goods. With these ingenious souvenirs, you can easily bring home the beauty of a kimono. Do drop in if you are looking for something unique and authentic!

和えん亭 吉幸

Waentei-Kikko Located in the vicinity of Sensoji, Waentei-Kikko is a haven where you can enjoy traditional Japanese haute cuisine. Lovers of music, prepared to be charmed by the owner’s live Tsugarushamisen (a three-string instrument) performance, which always adds a touch of magic to the atmosphere. Experience authentic Japanese hospitality and culture right here.

浅草寺

Sensoji Temple Sensoji is a temple with 1,400 years of history and a must-visit for any traveler to Tokyo. The symbolic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) leading to the temple appeared about 1,000 years ago when it was built along with other major structures in the complex. While here, don’t forget to stroll down the 200-meter thriving shopping street, Nakamise, for an adventure of food and culture.

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茶御飯東京

CHAGOHAN TOKYO No one would disagree that Japanese cuisine is among the best in the world.

Chagohan is now offering spectacular cooking courses for those interested in learning the secrets to making delicious classic Japanese dishes, such as sushi, sukiyaki, katsudon, and more. You can also sign up for vegetarian courses, sake tasting classes, and tea ceremony sessions to gain a deeper insight into Japanese dining. かまた刃研社 伝法院通り

Denbouin-dori With a plethora of retro shops selling crafts and accessories, Denbouin-dori is a great place to experience the culture and atmosphere of Edo. Not only are the shutters decorated with Edo-style paintings, but also shop roofs all have traditional Japanese tiles and the wooden billboards are written AD_3HRS_KAMATA_TKY31.pdf 1 2019/02/06 15:38:31 in Japanese calligraphy. Denbouin-dori will surely satisfy the cultural curiosity of tourists.

KAMATA HAKENSHA Kamata Hakensha has been serving the neighborhood for over 90 years and has earned a reputation for selling quality Japanese knives and being able to breathe life back into any knife. While many tourists come with a mission to find the right knife for themselves or friends, others come to have their old knives maintained. As the saying goes, to do a good job, one must first sharpen one’s tools. Find out the criteria for a good knife from the knife masters at Kamata Hakensha.

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3KAGURAZAKA HR ANOTHER

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神楽坂

Around Tokyo in 180 minutes

九段下 KUDANSHITA

Although Kagurazaka is close to Tokyo’s entertainment district, Shinjuku, it has a character all of its own. As a prominent hanamachi (geisha district) that thrived from the Edo Period (1603-1868) to the Showa Period (1926-1989), Kagurazaka is wellknown for its refined, nostalgic atmosphere. Venture inside the cobbled alleys and you will discover tons of historic geisha houses and sophisticated shops that embody the Japanese aesthetic sense and precise craftsmanship. We also recommend to take a walk to Kudanshita through Mejiro Dori from Kagurazaka-Iidabashi.

神楽坂茶寮本店

Kagurazaka Saryo Honten Tucked away in a quiet alley in the heart of Kaguarazaka, this retro cafe fits perfectly into Kagurazaka’s nostalgic atmosphere.

Built in a typical Japanese wooden machiya house, one is enveloped by the warmth and comfort created by its wooden decor as they step in. The shop serves a wide variety of Japanese sweets, with the matcha chocolate hot pot and tea-flavored sundae being the most recommended menu items.

牛込見附・牛込橋

神楽坂 清水

Ushigome Mitsuke & Ushigomebashi Bridge

Kagurazaka Shimizu If you’re looking for premium Japanese cuisine without a hefty price tag, Kagurazaka Shimizu is the place to go. Located close by Kagurazaka’s Geisha Shindo, this old geisha lodging now serves authentic kappo cuisine.

Kappo, which literally means “to cut and to cook,” is a word for Japanese style multi-course meals. Embellished with nostalgic décor from the Taisho period (1912-1926), the restaurant makes you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time. The menu consists of carefully selected, fresh, seasonal ingredients that are amazingly delicious and pleasing to the eye. Soak in the vintage atmosphere as you enjoy every bite of the feast!

The traditional Japanese cuisine

Kagurazaka Shimizu Open 17:30 Close 23:00

5-37 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku,Tokyo, 162-0825, Japan

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81-03-5261-2002

info@kagurazaka-shimizu.jp

Sotobori Park ends at the West Exit of JR Iidabashi Station, but this marks the entrance into the Ushigome neighborhood.

During the Edo period, Ushigome Mitsuke used to be one of the roads approaching the gate of the Edo Castle. For security reasons, guardhouses were set up to check on pedestrians crossing the Ushigomebashi Bridge. The other side of the bridge used to be a samurai residence area, can you imagine that?

外濠公園

Sotobori Park Sotobori is the remains of the outer moat of the Edo Castle. Commissioned

by Iemitsu Tokugawa, the third shogun of the Tokugawa dynasty in 1636 as the final construction of the castle. The historic moat is now transformed into a scenic park with a 2 km walking path between JR Yotsuya Station and JR Iidabashi Station. Known for its display of vivid shades of green all year round. A popular spot during the flower viewing season that is not to be missed.

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Kudanshita Station L ine juk u Shin Toei t ro e M o Tok y mon L ine o Hanz

Experience the charm of Japan without leaving Tokyo by visiting antenna shops, shops created by prefectural governments to promote local food and crafts. Located in the vicinity of Kagurazaka, Aomori Hokusaikan is the place to sample Aomori’s mouth-watering delicacies and stock up on genuine handicrafts made by traditional artisans. As Aomori is Japan’s top apple-producing prefecture, you can also indulge in the mellow sweetness of 100% natural apple juice.

東京大神宮

Tokyo Daijingu Shrine Tokyo Daijingu Shrine was built in 1880 to worship Amaterasu, a deity related to the divine origin of the emperor, and other deities enshrined in the Ise Jingu Shrine. Tokyo Daijigu Shrine functions as a yohaiden, or hall for worship from afar in Japanese, for pilgrims who were not able to travel all the way to Ise Jingu Shrine in Mie Prefecture. As the shrine is the first in Japan to hold a Shinto wedding ceremony, it is especially popular among women wishing to get married. 築土神社

Tsukudo Shrine Walk in the direction of Nigohanzaka from Tokyo Daijingu Shrine and you will come across a rare sight: a western architecture with a cross on it. Built in 1937 as the first seminary for Tokyo Lutheran Center Church, the building’s significance lies in that it is the only western chapel in Japan before World War II. From here, it might be a little bit difficult to spot Tsukudo Shrine, whose entrance is located next to a modern building called Kudan Airex Building. Tucked away from the bustles of the city, the shrine is as cozy as a secret garden. However, as the head of Taira-no-Masakado, a samurai who died in a battle in the Heian period (7941185), is enshrined here, the shrine has quite a few ghost stories to share.

H a n d m a de p i e c e s o f c u l t u r e , encapsu lating the spirit of wabi -sabi

Ja p a n e s e Po t t e ry Sh o p YOULUCK

This Japanese pottery shop features amazing handmade items fired in traditional kilns, available especially in Kagurazaka, an area steeped in classic Japanese atmosphere. These ceramic souvenirs will be your best memories from Japan!

2F, 2-10 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-0825, Japan 81-(0)3-6228-1178 uluck.jp/en/ @kagurazakauluck

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3S H I N 新 HR ANOTHER

Around Tokyo in 180 minutes

TRIP

宿J U K U バスタ新宿

An average of 3.47 million people use Shinjuku Station every day, making it the world’s busiest station according to the Guinness World Records. Apart from being the place where JR lines, private lines and subway lines converge, Shinjuku is also known as the

Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal Shinjuku Service Center

Although Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal is a transportation hub for express buses heading all over Japan, it also has a variety of restaurants offering a satisfying choice of food and clothes shops where you can kill time before your departure. If you have trouble finding a coin locker, the Shinjuku Service Counter on the third floor is there to help, offering luggage delivery and storage services. After stowing away your luggage, it’s time to stroll around and enjoy the last three hours of your trip in Tokyo.

administrative center of Tokyo due 東京都庁展望台

to the presence of the majestic

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. You will have no trouble

One of the must-dos in Tokyo is to take in the city’s awe-inspiring, magnificent skyline. TOKYO SKYTREE® and Tokyo Tower both offer great views but Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is the place where you can enjoy the city’s horizon for free. Measuring 202 meters in height, the observatory decks offer a glimpse of Mt. Fuji on a clear day between December and February. It might be a good idea to wave goodbye to the iconic mountain before departure.

finding fancy restaurants and fun entertainment in this town which never sleeps. Visiting Shinjuku will definitely make your trip more enjoyable and memorable.

伊勢丹新宿店 メンズ館

ISETAN SHINJUKU STORE MEN’S BUILDING

新宿御苑

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Established over 100 years ago, this park was an Imperial garden before being opened to the public following World War II. Shinjuku Gyoen combines three styles of garden: French Formal, English Landscape and Japanese Traditional. It is a marvel of the perfect blend of Japanese and Western aesthetics and really worth a visit. From cherry blossoms in spring to the soft greens of summer, Shinjuku Gyoen is an ideal place to enjoy the change of seasons.

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Situated at the heart of Shinjuku, otherwise known as one of Japan’s fashion capital, this historic department store is exceptional at keeping up with the times, reflecting its unrivaled amount of experience in cuttingedge fashion and Japanese hospitality. After leading men’s fashion in Japan, it celebrated its grand reopening in March 2019, following a huge revamp, promising to deliver a more personalized shopping experience through products and service. From Basement 1 to the eighth floor, one can find from formal to

casual wear, shoes, bags, men’s cosmetics and lifestyle items from international brands and selected popular Japanese brands. You’ll have no problem finding something to fit your needs. To add to the fun, men’s beauty concierge and floor attendants with extensive knowledge of all brands are here to answer your questions, assuring an enjoyable and relaxed shopping environment for both first-time customers and connoisseurs alike.

天然温泉テルマー湯

Natural Hot Spring Thermae-yu Enjoy Izu’s Jindai-no-yu natural hot spring right in the bustling heart of Shinjuku. This is a great place to relax the mind and body for travelers. Known as the beautification spring, the mild water is high in quality and can soften the skin. There are six other relaxing facilities including carbonic acid bath and sauna to choose from. Not a bad idea to soak in before flying off. 花園神社

サムライミュージアム

Hanazono-jinja Shrine

SAMURAI MUSEUM

Hanazono-jinja Shrine was known as the protector of the district long before Ieyasu Tokugawa ’s Edo period. Before its relocation, the historic shrine was housed at the site of today’s Isetan Shinjuku Department Store. Due to a stage being built inside during reconstruction after a fire, entertainment shows and traditional dances began to take place here in the Edo period.

The shrine is a popular place to pray for good business and prosperity. Why not try your luck here?

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Japan? Many people associate Japan with samurai, a culture that is not only confined to history books but still alive in modern Japan. The Samurai Museum introduces the authentic samurai spirit through a display of relics, armors and all sorts of items. A free 60 to 90 minute guided tour is recommended for those with more time. Put on a samurai helmet and costume for a photo shoot and get blown away by a reenactment of a sword fight.

新宿西口思い出横丁

Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho, a bunch of old, low story buildings occupying the prime location of Shinjuku, is the best place to observe the life of office workers in Japan as they come here after work for a drink to unwind. It is a trip down memory lane for many because of the wellpreserved atmosphere of the Showa period (1926-1989).

The eateries and bars here provide mouthwatering cuisine and a place of communication between travelers and locals.

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JR Chuo / Sobu Line

Shinjuku i-LAND Tower Tochomae Station Shinjuku Station

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ISETAN MEN’S has set aside plenty of space to facilitate the communication between staff and customers, or exchange events such as art exhibitions. The fifth floor even features a transparent bespoke studio where shoppers can see tailors at work. If you want to experience Japan’s fashion scene and genuine craftsmanship, this is the ideal destination.

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WAttention Reporter

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Michela Figliola

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from Italy

ロボット レストラン

ROBOT

RESTAURANT

the melting pot of everything Japanese

Many images are likely to come to your mind when you think of Japan: traditional culture and music, exaggerated fighting styles, colorful cuteness and futuristic robots. Now bring all those elements together in the unique atmosphere of Kabukicho, serve it with some J-Pop music, and you’ll have a taste of what Robot Restaurant is.

Squeezed into the lively night district of Kabukicho, this ninety-minute show is hard to describe: you can’t believe it’s real until you see it with your own eyes. Of course, it's impossible not to notice the colorful signs and the huge robot photo-spot nearby, but believe me; what's waiting for you inside is even crazier than you could have imagined.

Before the show, you can wait in a flamboyant lounge with mirrors and live music, perfect to get yourself into the right mood.

The traditional sound of taiko – Japanese drums – and monsters from Japanese folklore mesh with current pop culture and fashion of present days in a show of color, sound and dance. The theme centers around the connection with nature meeting the futuristic world of robotics, a field where

Japan is a global leader. This contradiction in style, representative of Japan, explodes in a fighting show in a typical Japanese anime style of battle.

The music leaves space for sounds and voices as the big robots start their show, each one competing to be the most incredible. Twists and turns, all seeming perfectly natural and yet unexpected, take place right in front of you. Don’t try to understand why, just go with the flow and let your mind be captured by the fight.

Then, suddenly, the dark erupts into a show of laser lights and your eyes flash from the colors to the massive robots shaking to the rhythm of the music, completely enveloped in the atmosphere… of the dance floor.

But the show cannot end without a crazy, colorful, pop parade; a tribute to the world, an ode to the happiness of life, full of colors and familiar pop music.

At the end of the show, when humans and robots disappear behind the curtain, you feel lost and excited at the same time, like you suddenly woke up from the craziest dream ever. However, this dream is real, and its name is the Robot Restaurant Show.

It was recommended everywhere as something not to miss while traveling in Tokyo. We can’t wait to see the amazing show of lights.

Jessica & Cascey from USA

Tayla (Australia) & Caitlyn (USA)

It’s our first time together in Tokyo, and a friend recommended we didn’t miss the show, so now we’re looking forward to enjoying crazy lights and colors!

Robot Restaurant Address: 1-7-7 Kabukicho, Shinjuku Time: 2:30pm - 11pm (Shows: 3:30pm, 5:30pm, 7:30pm, 9:30pm) 1 show approx. 90 min Admission: 8,000 JPY Access: 5-min walk from JR and Tokyo Metro Shinjuku Station URL: shinjuku-robot.com Scan QR code for more information

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1：One highlight is the breathtaking night view 2：There are approximately 1,000 kawazuzakura planted along the railroad 3：Yellow nanohana (rapeseed) flowers provide a nice contrast to all the pink 4：Strawberry Picking 5：Sakura shaped preserved vegetables 6：Japanses lantans for kawazuzakura festival 7：Traditional Japanese sunken hearth in Kaiwaya 8：Special meal for “Maguro Selection Meal Ticket”

Miurakaigan:

Town of Early Blooming Cherry Blossom is about one-hour train ride from Tokyo As the earliest blooming sakura in Honshu, Kawazuzakura cherry blossoms start blossoming as early as February, coloring their surroundings in vibrant pink. In order to enjoy the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms, we got “Misaki Maguro Day Trip Ticket” from Shinagawa Station in Tokyo. This value-packed ticket set includes a comfortable train ride to Miurakaigan Station in Kanagawa (south of Tokyo city), where stunning views of Kawazuzakura cherry blossoms and nanohana (rapeseed flowers) awaited us. Following the recommendation from the booklet picked up at the station, on this trip, we also tasted some delicious, locally-caught maguro (tuna).

Spring Strawberry Picking is a popular spring activity Since spring is the strawberry season on Miura Peninsula, our first stop on the journey was strawberry picking at Tsukuihama Farm, which is just a 20-minute walk from Tsukuihama Station. We were immediately ushered to the greenhouse for a 30-minute strawberry-picking spree after completing the registration. We couldn’t help but be awed by the fresh, gigantic and juicy strawberries before our eyes. These red jewels struck the perfect balance between sweetness and acidity.

We took one bite after another and left with over-full stomachs.

Miurakaigan town has already transformed into a pink wonderland Upon arrival at Miurakaigan Station, we were greeted with Kawazuzakura cherry blossoms that were not quite fully in bloom. Vendors selling local delicacies crowded the streets, giving off a holiday atmosphere that put everyone in a festive mood. The most famous flower-viewing spot is a one-kilometer long path between the station and Komatsugaike Park. Pink Kawazuzakura cherry blossoms and vivid yellow nanohana (rapeseed) flowers decorate the scene as the occasional train passes by. This is a mustsee for rail enthusiasts and photographers. If you have plenty of time on your 26

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hands, make sure to visit again in the evening when the cherry blossoms light up in romantic colors.

Enjoy Maguro and more with Misaki Maguro Day Trip Ticket “Misaki Maguro Day Trip Ticket” is one of the discount tickets issued by Keikyu Railway. The ticket set is available year-round and features a round-trip train ticket on the Keikyu Line, unlimited rides on Keikyu buses, Maguro Selection Meal Ticket that allows you to choose a tuna dish from 32 different restaurants and a Leisure Facility Use or Souvenir Ticket that gives you the option between a free activity, and a souvenir to take home. Talk about value for money! One thing to bear in mind is that train rides allow you to alight at various points along the way, you can’t double back. Buses are different story though-unlimited rides are available in specified areas.

After flower viewing, we paged through the booklet that was included with the ticket set and picked out a restaurant that was famous reputed for tasty seafood and an outstanding interior. Located not too far from the station, Kaiwaya is a restaurant featuring tatami flooring and a traditional Japanese sunken hearth, which is used both to heat the space and cook food. We ordered a hearty meal that came with a bowl of rice covered in an assortment of fish slices, a bowl of soba noodles topped with cooked whitebait from the Shonan area, tuna cooked in three different ways, and preserved vegetables.

The variety is sure to satisfy anyone’s craving.

Last but not least, you can use the Leisure Facility Use or Souvenir Ticket to get a free experience or a free gift representative of the Miura area. For those interested in hot springs, why not visit Miura Maholova Hot Spring for a dip in Miura’s only natural hot spring to relax the body and mind? The jam and preserved vegetables at Temiyage Iroiro Miura Store, a souvenir shop close by the station, also makes a great memory of the trip.

Sengakuji

Keikyu-Main Line

Shinagawa

Keikyu-Kurihama Line

Keikyu-Airport Line Keikyu-Daishi Line

Keikyu Haneda Kamata Airport

Keikyu-Zushi Line Keikyu Kawasaki

Kojimashinden

Yokohama

Kamiooka

Tokyo Bay Kanazawa-bunko Kanazawa-hakkei

Shinzushi

三 浦 海 岸

Yokosuka-chuo

Horinouchi

Uraga Keikyu Kurihama Tsukuihama

Miurakaigan Misakiguchi

KEIKYU Misaki Maguro Day Trip Ticket: Eat. Play. Ride Discount Package Explore Misaki with the KEIKYU’s specially priced ticket package of three tickets as follows. * Available at Keikyu Line Stations (excluding Sengakuji and Misakiguchi Stations) * Valid only for date of purchase. * Price varies depending on boarding stations.

A “Train and Bus Tickets:” Keikyu Line round-trip & Keihin Kyuko Bus Unlimited ride zone ticket. Stopovers are allowed. *However, going back is not allowed. *Free bus rides are available in specified area.

B “Maguro Selection Meal Ticket:” You can choose one from 32 restaurants.

C “Leisure Facility Use or Souvenir Ticket:” You can choose one from 18 shops, facilities or experiences.

Scan QR code for more information

*Please note that each of the three tickets has its own use and variety of options. B & C tickets can be used only once at designated spot.

For more information, please visit: www.haneda-tokyo-access.com/en/ticket/discount/maguro-day.html

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