Tokyo Things to Do Tips by PartyRambo

Tokyo Tower.
Built in 1958 as a transmission tower, at 333 metres it was 13 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower. Since then, though, a succession of skyscrapers & other towers have made its uniqueness fade.
It contains several sites, more aimed at the child than the adult, and admission seemed a little steep to me, but thousands flock there every day.

Leave a Comment

Directions: The address is 4-2-8 Shiba-ken, Minato-ku.
Subway: Hamamatsucho Station.
Open: 9 AM-7 PM daily, with certain times of the year open until 8 or 9 PM.
Other Contact: This website has the facts:
http

Asakusa Shrine.
The area of Asakusa is full of real history, and the temple has lots to see in a leisurely afternoon.
The story goes: two fishing brothers rescued a statue of Kannon (goddess of mercy and infinite compassion) from the sea in AD 628.
Their master recognized its sacred qualities and rebuilt his house, where the temple now stands, to enshrine the statue. It is said to measure only 2 inches tall, but is hidden away & nobody is allowed to see it.
As you exit the subway & cross to the main approach to the shrine, passing through the Kaminari gate, you find yourself about to enter the 'hall of vendors' as I called it... (a zillion stalls trying to get your money before you reach the shrine).

Leave a Comment

Address: By subway: Asakusa station.
Other Contact: There is a tourism centre opposi

Continuing down towards the Asakusa temple, past the vendors, you'll arrive at the Hozo-mon (-mon means 'gate').
On the other side, you'll find a couple of giant sandals. I wouldn't want to mess with their owner!

Leave a Comment

Edo-Tokyo Museum.
It's a fascinating building on its own, but has an interesting history of the city in models of buildings and standard museum cases of artefacts.
The building stands up above its base - like a capital 'T' - most of the building floats in the air -it's very modern, and is a good photo!

Leave a Comment

Edo-Tokyo Museum's spaceship-like entrance.

Leave a Comment

Odaiba ('Rainbow Town') sits as an island in Tokyo Bay.
It's a man-made, futuristic location, with plenty to see and do. I visited only one evening, and limited myself to the MegaWeb FunFair - a small amusement park-type area, and the Toyota City Showcase (the world's largest auto showroom).
I wish I'd returned the following day, for the place is full of great photo opportunities, and can take a day to wander around.
The photo shows one building from the elevated railway, the Tokyo Big Site/Sight (the International Exhibition Hall). Kinda looks like something on the Klingon Home World, doesn't it???
...and yes, that's a giant wooden carpenter's saw handle on the left side of the picture...
There's a car museum, amusement centre, a brewery, restaurants, ferris wheel, hotels, maritime museum, etc...

My guide book suggested (and I heartily agree) to try & time the trip over the bridge to the sunset.

Leave a Comment

Directions: Over the Rainbow Bridge if you've got lots of leg strength for the walk, or off the Yamamote Subway line
Other Contact: 2 sites I consider nice to visit