Universal Studios Japan
January 6, 2010 by JapanGuide
Filed under Places To Visit
The similarities of Japan Universal Studios and Universal Studios in the United States (Hollywood or Florida) are amazing. Many of the same themed rides and characters of movies are present on the park, which is divided in nine designed areas. If it wasn’t because of the fact that you know that you are in Japan, you wouldn’t know the difference.
Some of the attractions that you can find in Universal Studios Japan are The Amazing Adventures of Spider-man, Jurassic Park, Jaws, ET Adventure and many more. Shows like Wicked, Fantastic World, Toto and friends, and Peter Pan’s Neverland are whimsical and mesmerizing. Some of the characters that you may encounter are Betty Boop, Popeye, Woody Woodpecker, Shrek and friends, Sesame Street characters, and many others known here in the States.
Universal Studios Japan has a unique theme park dedicated to the character of Snoopy. Snoopy and The Peanuts gang are a big attraction there. Snoopy attractions include: Snoopy’s Great Race, Peppermint Pattie’s Stunt Slide, or on the Play Zone – Snoopy’s Sound Stage Adventure and Snoopy’s Playland.
There are a variety of restaurants to please every palate, but there is only one Japanese restaurant in the entire park – Saido. It overlooks the lagoon and its architecture is similar to the Soho, New York Japanese restaurants. Other restaurants include Chinese food, Italian food, Burgers, Noodle and Rice restaurants, restaurants for light meals, sweets, and of course, ice cream.
You can also find Souvenir shops, a Theme Shop, Photo shops, and Games. You can find many services to visitors such as guest services, first aid, picnic area, restrooms, pet services, post office and many others.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early. There are many available tickets, but the Express Pass let’s you go ahead of the line for an extra fee on several popular rides and attractions. These passes sell out fast during the peak hours or season.
There are many Hotels available to accommodate different needs and budgets. Alliance hotels are located near the park, in the Osaka bay area. They are luxury hotels in downtown Osaka. Associated Hotels are luxury and deluxe class hotels located in Kansai. You can find refined service, a pleasant atmosphere, or a more relaxed casual and cozy ambience depending on your family needs.
Universal Studios Japan offers visitors many attractions and services and the similarities to Universal Studios in the United States, make tourists feel that they might still be in the States.
The Top 10 Sights Of Kyoto
December 29, 2009 by JapanGuide
Filed under Places To Visit
When people first consider the idea of a holiday in Japan, their thoughts usually turn to Tokyo. Now, there’s nothing wrong with Tokyo – its soaring skyscrapers perfectly contrasting with its sombre temples – but there is a lot more to Japan than the bright lights of its world famous capital.
Take Kyoto, for example. The city is the historical and cultural capital of Japan – a fine mix of urban sprawl and cultural gems. Indeed, Kyoto was home to the Japanese Imperial family from 794 all the way up to 1868 when the Emperor decided to relocate to Tokyo. Kyoto is one of the few major Japanese cities to avoid the destruction of aerial raids during World War 2, and aside from anything else that makes it a fascinating part of any holiday in Japan.
How much time you wish to spend in this amazing city is mainly down to your tastes in sightseeing. Outside of the shopping and purely commercial aspects of the town the main sights are almost entirely made up of by cultural sights such as Buddhist temples and Zen gardens. Because of the quantity of historical and cultural sights, it is very easy to overdo Kyoto sightseeing if done too quickly.
Thankfully, walking from sight to sight through the marvelous city tempers this nicely and allows visitors to enjoy the rich contrasts a Japanese holiday in this region can offer. Still, if you only have the time or energy to visit 10 of Kyoto’s cultural and historical treasures, these are what I’d recommend (in no particular order)
Heian Jungu
This Shinto shrine is famous for having the largest torii in the whole of Japan. The shrine was built in 1895 to celebrate the 1100th anniversary of Kyoto (formerly Heiankyo), and is dedicated to Emperor Kammu and Emperor Komei. If you happen to be on holiday in Japan on October 22nd, you will have the chance to see the ‘Festival of Ages’ (Jidai Matsuri) which takes place here and celebrates the day when Kyoto became Japan’s capital. The festival includes a huge procession of around 2,000 people which stretches for several kilometers.
Gion
Gion is the district of Kyoto renowned for its geisha houses and is the best area of the city to see geisha and maiko going about their everyday business. Gion was built in the middle ages, but due in part to some areas being declared a national historical preservation district, some of the architecture and entertainment remains similar to how it was when first established.
To clarify a popular misconception – geishas are not prostitutes, and Gion has never been a red light district.
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion Temple)
The most striking feature of Kinkakuji (and where it gets its name) is from the gold leaf that entirely covers the top two tiers of the pavilion. It is a stunning site and one that Japanese holiday makers cannot help but associate with Kyoto. The temple is placed next to a pond, allowing a shimmering mirror image of the structure to be viewed by all who visit, creating a powerful image of a connection between heaven and earth. Although the gold leaf covering makes the temple extremely valuable, its value is not entirely monitory, but also spiritual: within its walls it houses relics of the Buddha.
Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion Temple)
Listing this directly below the Golden Pavilion Temple is slightly misleading, because while the aforementioned temple’s golden covering makes it something of an ostentatious monument, this temple is comparatively minimalist. This is because while the original plan was to make this temple a silver accompaniment to its golden cousin, the plan was never carried out and it remains a delightful example of minimalism and restraint.
The temple itself is a simple two-story building, but its beautiful appeal is found in the surrounding serenity of the two gardens. The first is a pond garden composed of rocks and plants – the aim being to grant a different perspective from every angle. The second garden includes two carefully sculpted sand mounts which offer a sense of perfect serenity.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Kyoto’s Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) was once the home of Japan’s Imperial family, but when the capital shifted to Tokyo in 1868, the rulers followed. The structure has burned down on many occasions and the present reconstruction was only built in 1855.
The complex itself is encased in a long wall and is made up of several halls, gardens and gates. Although the enthronement ceremonies of Emperor Taisho and Emperor Showa were held within this palace’s main hall, the current Emperor was inaugurated in the Tokyo Imperial Palace.
Kiyomizudera
Kiyomizudera (or “Pure Water Temple”) is one of the most famous temples in Japan with both tourists and locals. Founded in 780 by one of the oldest sects in Japanese Buddhism (the Hosso), the temple is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Located in the wooded hills in eastern Kyoto, the temple offers a fabulous view over the city from its wooden terrace. The spring below said terrace is said to have water with healing properties and is the reason the temple has its name.
Fushimi Inari
Inari is the Shinto god of rice, and foxes are supposed to be his messengers. For that reason, the Fuhimi Inari shrine is dotted with many fox statues. The many tori gates make for an unforgettable experience, but if you can manage it, visiting the shrine in the evening is a must – the dim lights and sounds of the wildlife make for a delightfully atmospheric walk through the shrine’s tori gates.
Tenryuji Temple
Tenryuji Temple is considered the most important Zen Temple in Kyoto, and the literal translation of its name is “heavenly dragon temple”. The building started out its life as a private villa of Emperor Go Daigo, and was later converted after his death to a temple in his memory. Legend has it that a Buddhist priest had an uneasy dream where a dragon rose from a nearby river, making him believe that Go Daigo’s spirit was uneasy and that a temple should be built to appease him.
The temple has been damaged by fires an unlikely eight times, though the last instance was over 150 years ago. As a result, the current incarnation of the building is only 100 years old, but the garden is one of the oldest in the country, dating from the 14th century.
Ryoanji Temple
The Ryoanji temple has been designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The name means ‘temple of the peaceful dragon’ and it belongs to the Myoshinki school of the Rinzai branch of the Zen sect. The garden itself is regarded as one of the most pure examples of Japanese culture. Perfect in its simplicity, the garden consists of clay walls, raked sand and 15 rocks.
A Brief Guide to the History of Japan for Modern Visitors
December 20, 2009 by JapanGuide
Filed under History & Culture, Places To Visit
Japan may appear small when you look at it on the world map, but its history has had a much greater influence than its size would suggest. This is a country packed with historical and cultural sites for the visitor to discover, and a striking combination of scenic mountains and stunningly modern cities. Tourists can often feel overwhelmed by their first introduction to Japan. A brief overview of the history that has made Japan what it is today may help you to adjust more easily.
First, a refresher on the geography of Japan. The total area is a little smaller than California, although it consists of thousands of scattered islands. The main island is Honshu. Hokkaido, together with Shikoku and the island of Kyushu, make up the other three major islands. These islands are all the result of ancient volcanic activity and Japan suffers from earthquakes which are occasionally severe.
The origins of the islands are reflected by their characteristic mountains. The most famous of these is Mount Fuji, which reaches over twelve thousand feet at its summit. The steep slopes covering most of the country have caused the Japanese people to congregate in densely populated cities along the coasts. The majority live in these urban areas, such as the capital, Tokyo.
Japan has a population of over 127 million, which is gradually decreasing at the moment. The term “Japanese” is used to refer to the people, and is also the name of the main language. Japan has a literacy rate of 99%, and life expectancy here is very high, 77 for men and 84 for women. The two main religions have co-existed harmoniously in Japan for a long time due to their similar beliefs. Shinto and Buddhist temples are often shared.
The Emperor of Japan traces back his ancestry to the legendary founder of his nation, Jimmu, who supposedly created Japan as a country in about 600 BCE.
It was by chance that the first Europeans arrived in Japan, when a ship that had lost its way brought some Portuguese sailors to its shores. As more travelers came from the West they were welcomed only with suspicion. They were eventually banned from entering the country, and for two centuries Japan remained isolated. In 1854 this decision was reversed after Japan came to an agreement with the US. This time the contact with the outside world brought change to the people of Japan, and their society changed its traditional feudalism for more modern values.
Japan came out of the First World War, having supported the Allies, as a respected world power of economic as well as military value. This good relationship did not last, however. The then Emperor attempted to spread the influence of Japan by attempting to take over parts of China, hoping to make Japan the dominant power across the whole of Asia. As the Nazi party rose to power in Germany, Japan decided to ally itself with this new power.
Japan entered the Second World War with an attack on the US at Pearl Harbor in 1941. By the end of the war, with more than three million casualties and the horror the two atomic bombs dropped on their soil, Japan was left with no alternative but to surrender. Japan lost most of its overseas territories and was placed under the command of General MacArthur, until it regained its independence in 1952. Japan underwent great changes during this and subsequent times, developing as a democracy and becoming the world’s second largest economy.
Japan can be a confusing and expensive place to visit, due to its unique culture and fast-paced cities, but with a willingness to try to understand its history, modern Japan can be an extremely interesting and exciting destination- and if one thing is sure, it is that you will never be bored.
Traveling The Japanese Countryside
December 18, 2009 by JapanGuide
Filed under Places To Visit
Japan is a wonderful destination for a vacation since it offers the contrast of modern city life with the serene and peaceful countryside. Whatever you are looking for on your trip, there will be somewhere in Japan that provides it. Most people usually associate a trip to Japan with time spent in one of the major cities, exploring the culture of today. There are plenty of other, less well known sights to see and things to do that will give a completely different view of the country, and where you will see many of the Japanese taking their own vacations too.
Since Japan is a nation of islands, many of these destinations are near the sea. There are some spectacular peninsulas that are worth a visit, including Tsunegami Hanto with its rugged mountains, and the stretch of coast known as Obama Bay which has a beautiful peninsula which reaches out into the sea, called Oshima. There are many National Parks in Japan which protect the most scenic and important areas of natural beauty. Wakasa Wan is a coastal park around the bay of the same name, while Echi-zen Kaigan park is part of one of the most magnificent coastlines in Japan. There are some spectacular cliffs here, called Tojimbo, and many people also visit the tiny village of Anto where there is a chance to experience the sights and sounds of an authentic fishing community. The center of the island of Honshu consists of some vast and photogenic mountains, including the Central Alps. There are some beautiful mountains near the coast at Sekigane too. There is also a charming village here where bamboo grows and hot springs bubble up from the ground, and the park of Kamei provides some excellent scenery amongst which to spend a relaxing afternoon.
Some of the smaller islands such as Hon-Jima also present scenic landscapes and rural calm. Mukkuchi-Jima is another beauty, while there are a number of islands in the Inland Sea around Oakayam that are worth a visit, the island group is called Shiwaku Shoto.
One of the most romantic destinations in Japan is Hokkaido, which has a lot to offer for other sorts of travelers too. Vinus Fort and Kobe Portipa also offer some beautiful locations for couples, while Ikspiari and, of course, Lover’s Cape are also imbued with romance.
If you are more interested in history then the place for you is Hagi, which is close to the West end of Honshu. Hagi is home to an ancient Samurai castle and there are some interesting sights in the surrounding town too. The Joka-Machi, for example, is the district where the samurai used to live. The Kasuga and Sho-in shrines are also worth a visit, while the Kumaya Museum houses an excellent collection of art.
The religious aspect of Japanese culture is very interesting, particularly for Westerners. On the peninsula of Kyoto Fu there is a small but historically important shrine. If you only visit one shrine while you’re in Japan, then the best choice if you can get to it is Idzumo. This shrine belongs to the Shinto religion and has been thought of as the place where the gods make their home.
Top Places to Go in Japan
December 13, 2009 by JapanGuide
Filed under Places To Visit
Many strangers to Japan can feel like they have suddenly arrived on another planet. The natural beauty and enchanting traditional society does however make this a great destination for exploring a foreign and surprising culture. It is a good idea to have a plan of what you want to see and do before you arrive, because the culture shock can be quite overwhelming, especially for westerners.
Nagasaki and Hiroshima are both names you have probably heard in relation to the events surrounding the end of the Second World War, when they were both hit by atomic bombs. Each site houses a museum in which you can learn more about these bombs and the effect they had on the local people. There is also a Peace Park in both cities, which is dedicated to remembrance of these terrible events.
There is a great deal of historical interest from other periods in Japan’s past to be found in Nagasaki. Perhaps the most famous- and most photographed- spot is the Spectacle bridge. If you position yourself so that you get a good look at the bridge and it’s reflection in the water below, you will see how it got it’s name- it looks just like a pair of spectacles!
Many different cultures have played a part in the history of Nagasaki. There is a vibrant Chinatown, established here in the 17th century, where adventurous tourists can seek some of the varied restaurants. In the Natural History museum you will find many interesting objects of importance to the history of China that have been borrowed from museums in Beijing. You can also visit the famous Confucius Shrine, which is a stunning glimpse into the melting pot of Asian traditions. If you are interested in history, you will also find Dejima island to be worth a visit. This artificial piece of land was once the home of workers from the Netherlands who were restricted to this part of Nagasaki. Many interesting buildings still remain, and there is also an informative museum. A monument on Nishizaka, a hill overlooking the city, is dedicated to 26 Christian martyrs of the 17th century who were killed for their beliefs- by crucifixion. The Glover park and mansion is a great place to visit when the weather is good. Situated around the park are 9 houses built in various western styles.
Tourists in Hiroshima may also like to visit the Castle and the Atomic Dome.
Tokyo offers all the culture and variety that you would expect from a thriving capital city. The National and Mori museums house vast collections. Items in the National Museum have to be rotated as there is not enough room for them all to be shown at once. It is an essential place to visit for anyone with an interest in the history of Japan. Many contemporary artist’s are represented in the art museum. Edo Museum has many exhibits that are more specifically related to Tokyo’s past. If you are unable to attend a Kabuki performance while you are here, or your interest has been piqued by the experience, then you will find an excellent replica of an ancient performance theater here, among other intriguing items. Kabuki is the famous traditional performing art of Japan, and it is well worth taking the chance to see it if you can. The main theater can be found in Ginza.
The massive Torii gate which guards the way into the Imperial Palace is a monument to those who have been killed in defense of the country. If you are in Tokyo on the 15th of August you may witness the annual ceremony of remembrance held here to mark the end of World War II. This is usually attended by many important officials.
Nearby are some peaceful gardens where you can relax on a sunny day. There is another beautiful park, called Hama Rikyo, down by the bay.
If you enjoy your food then you will find Tokyo to be a great vacation destination. The vast fish market offers excellent choice if you are looking for sushi, or even if you just want an interesting day out. One of the best districts for eating out is Asakusa, where you can relax with an excellent meal after visiting the enchanting temple, Senso.
Mount Fuji Japan
December 9, 2009 by JapanGuide
Filed under Places To Visit
Mount Fuji is the highest point in Japan at 12,388 ft (3,776 m). Along with Mount Haku and Mount Tate; it is one of Sanreizan (Three Holy Mountains). An estimated two hundred thousands people climb Mount Fuji annually, thirty percent of whom are non-Japanese. The most popular time to hike up Mount Fuji is from 1 July through 27 August, when resting places and other facilities are fully operating. Buses to the 5th station start running at 1 July. Some prefer to climb the mountain at nighttime in order to have good observation spot when the sun rises.
To reach Mt. Fuji, you can take a bus from Shinjuku West via Keio Shopping Mall. The ticket can be bought in the level two of Shinjuku West Terminal. The staffs can speak English quite fluently. It is possible to make an advance booking, just make a telephone call from your town and collect the ticket in Shinjuku West. The journey with the bus is relatively long, as you will likely encounter a heavy traffic jam. It is important that you arrive 10 minutes before the departure, Japanese are really punctual and they will not wait for you, not even for one minute. The last bus that leaves for Mount Fuji’s Kawaguchiko fifth station is at 3 PM. If you miss it you will waste one night in Shinjuku.
Mt. Fuji is mildly challenging and very pleasant to climb. Be sure, you eat and drink enough but not too much. You will find huts along the way to rest, drink or eat, although you may find that the price is slightly overpriced.
Most choose Kawaguchiko route due to its large parking lot and larger resting places where a climber can eat and drink. In summer season, most Mt. Fuji tours start from there. If you prefer less crowded surrounding, you can choose Fujinomiya route with its highest 5th station, or Gotemba and Subashiri for a quieter climb to the summit.
You can use four major routes from the Kawaguchiko 5th station to the mount summit while from the mountain foot there are four routes. The major routes from the 5th station are Fujinomiya, Gotemba, Subashiri, and Lake Kawaguchi. If you start from the mountain foot, you can choose Murayama, Suyama, Yoshida, and Shojiko routes. Each route has its own stations which are located at different elevations. The highest 5th station is in Fujinomiya route.
Great Places to Visit While in Tokyo
December 6, 2009 by JapanGuide
Filed under Places To Visit
One of the most popular tourist spots for performing arts fanciers in the Japanese capital of Tokyo, is Kabuki. Located in Ginza, which is the part of the urban center recognized for its shopping amenities, classic theatre is provided, with explanations and narrations in English in a video format. The presentations in Kabuki last for several hours and are designed to be savored in an unhurried and leisurely manner. Taking in just a portion of a production is not feasible.
Rising early for a visit to Tsukiji Fish Market will allow you to witness the catch of the day. The fish are immediately provided to an assortment of restaurants to provide sushi meals. The most beneficial times to visit are between five and eight a.m.
Japanese royalty can be seen at the Imperial Palace, but solely on the single public visitation day of January 1st. The exquisite grounds of the palace however,are open for taking in year round. The Imperial Palace is likewise home to the East Garden providing a tea pavilion with open lawns to unwind and rejuvenate in.
Constructed in honor of two celebrated personalities, Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, Meiji-Jingu Shrine is a frequent tourist attraction. Originally constructed in 1920, the Meiji-Jingu Shrine was damaged severely during World War 2 and had to be restored using local cypress wood.. After visiting the Meiji-Jingu Shrine Yoyogi Park and Harajuku District are nearby.
The spiritual side of the city may be experienced in Kamakura. There are a variety of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples making up that of Daibutsu which stands 11.4 meters tall and is constituted of 850 tons of bronze. The Kannon Statue, geological dating back to the eighth century is housed in the Hase-dera Temple in Kamakura. Just twenty minutes outside of Kamakura tourists can travel to a beach to decompress.
Tokyo Kosei
December 5, 2009 by JapanGuide
Filed under Places To Visit
With a goal of mirroring the thriving professionalism of music in the country, Risso Kosei-kai conceived the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra or TOKWO in 1960. TOKWO was brought about with the assistance of a Japanese Buddhist establishment. Among the most rivalrous groups, a series of concerts were arranged throughout the European Union.
Furmon Hall, a vast auditorium within a school campus, is celebrated as the home of the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra. The venue is home to final stage of a contest masterminded by the All-Japan Band Association or AJBA. The group is responsible for developing the audio track recordings for the nearly 14,000 competition participants.
The Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra is reputed as one of the most superior in the field by global audiences. A musical organization established in the United States of America known as the Dallas Wind Symphony (DWS) has been recently looked upon as the number one challenger of the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra. Both groups are highly regarded for producing melodies skillfully.
Douglas Bostock was selected as the Principal Conductor of the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra in January 2000. Frederick Fennell bore this role from 1996 to 2000. Although his penchant may be for a complete symphony musical composition, he has been able to adapt fabulously and has been a frequent guest at performances throughout Japan
Douglas Bostock is purported to be among the most prominent British harmony directors of his generation. Preceding his work with the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra he was affiliated with the Southwest German Philharmonic, Chamber Philharmonic of Bohemia and Munich Symphony Orchestra to name but a few. Bostock is famed for interpreting the classical works of popular British and French composers of the twentieth century.
The Fascinating world of Tokyo Disney land
November 29, 2009 by JapanGuide
Filed under Places To Visit
After the original Disney land in the US, the fantasy land was recreated in Tokyo in April 1983; first of its kind constructed outside United States. The concept was much similar to the existing ones in California and Florida. The Disney Land in Tokyo is one of the two theme parks constructed as a part of the Tokyo Disney Resort, the other being the Tokyo Disney Sea. Both are the only ones not within the proprietorship of Walt Disney Company.
Tokyo Disney land is for people of all ages for complete family based entertainment with their imaginative, thrilling, scintillating shows and games. One gets to see the real magic of the Disney world which is actually very mesmerizing. You go through this wonderful experience visiting the theme parks Of the Tokyo Disney land.
The kids simply love the animal characters from The Disney song from the movie ‘Critters’ in the Critter Country theme. The visitors get to see the make belief little homes, burrows of the little critters throughout the section. The Rivers of America and the Splash Mountain slopes draw the curious visitors to them.
All the fairy tale characters like Pinocchio and Peter Pan waits there to enchant, along with Cinderella in her castle and Snow white. The primary attractions are the different Disney character from the different Classic Disney animations.
Kids are most fascinated by the Toon Town with its colorful and exhilarating themes. They can see the Loony town Square come alive in front of their eyes where the toons are singing, dancing and waiting for children to join their play.
In the Western land, one gets the feel of the western country life with cowboys, gold miners, dancers and whole lot of the natives. The visitors are mesmerized by the live Rivers of America and the breathtaking Thunder Mountain standing tall in front of their eyes. There are also Shops and restaurants adding to the ruggedness of the frontier life.
Tomorrow land takes you to the future with its imaginative and science fiction creations which is fun and exciting to experience.
Adventure land takes us to the make belief Caribbean beaches to the lively market places of the Latin America, and the grasslands of Africa. One gets feel of the Asia and Polynesia regions too.
The best place to be is the World Bazaar which has shops, banks and restaurants all within one place which features he 1900′s America. It may be few steps away as you enter the Tokyo Disney land, but gives you feel of the land far off.
Tokyo Disney is an experience of a lifetime which one just cannot miss and anyone would swear by the towering Cinderella Castle which is a landmark by itself.
What to See in Tokyo
March 23, 2009 by JapanGuide
Filed under Places To Visit
Tokyo offers tourists many interesting and exciting things to do and see. Listed below are just a few.
Located in Ginza, one of Tokyo’s most popular shopping districts, Kabuki is something every visitor should see. The production offers narration in English as well as the classic theater format. Just make sure you have enough time to take it in. The full Kabuki experiences last for three or four hours, and there are no tickets for shorter periods.
If you are an early riser, you will certain enjoy a visit to the famous Tsukiji Fish Market. You can watch while the fishermen bring in amazing creatures from the sea that will then be taken to local restaurants. As a visitor, you cannot be involved in handling or throwing the fish, but you are free to wander around the stalls and observe the workers. The best time to go is from five to eight in the morning.
A visit to the Imperial Palace will let you catch a glimpse of Japanese royalty. However, you should know that the Imperial Palace is different from the other royal houses around the city. The public is only allowed to once a year on January 1. So if you are in Tokyo at this time, this is a chance you should not pass up. The tours are on a tight schedule, so you cannot just wander around. But the Palace also has a tea pavilion in the East Garden where the public can spend time and relax.
There are many tourist spots in Tokyo that are open to the public all the time. The Meiji-Jingu Shrine is a beautiful structure that was constructed to honor Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Work on the shrine was completed in 1920. However, during the Second World War, the Shrine was badly damaged. Some years later it was renovated and returned to its original condition. After a short tour, you can go to the nearby Yoyogi Park and walk around.
Kamakura is a favorite spot were visitors can see the spiritual and religious side of the great city. Here you can view a number of impressive Shinto shrines and great Buddhist temples. The great Daibutsu temple, which is made of bronze and stands over eleven meters tall, can be seen at Kamakura. If you are looking for a little color or just a stroll by the water, there is a nice beach just a few minutes walk from Kamakura.


