Tokyo Activities

Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland is every bit as "Disney" as you might expect, and in many ways, of a higher standard than the other Disney Parks. Just slightly bigger than Disneyland in California, Tokyo Disneyland features all of the most popular Disney theme park rides and attractions. It was an instant success when it opened in 1983, with over 10 million visitors in the first year. It can get quite crowded on weekends and holidays.

Opening hours are every day from 10am-6pm. However, there are Starlight Evenings, usually on weekends when the park stays open until around 10pm. You can use your unlimited pass or buy a Starlight Passport which will get you into the park from 5pm until closing. Closing time varies for Starlight Evenings, depending on the season and the weather. For current operating hours, call the Information Hotline (English spoken): +81 047 - 354 - 0001

Hakuhinkan Toy Park
This impressive five-storey toy store in Ginza is more than just a store; it also has a children-oriented theatre and special restaurants designed with kids in mind.

Kobayashi Doll Museum
Visit the small museum, Kobayashi Doll Museum, in Tokyo to observe first-hand the traditional method of handcrafting Japanese dolls, an art that has earned worldwide praise and admiration. Dolls like the ones displayed in this museum are seen in Japanese homes on Girl's Day on 3 March. You may hear a Japanese song as you tour the museum. It is an old song sung by little girls after their dolls are packed away at the end of the annual doll festival. Address: 6-31-2 Yahiro, Sumida-ku, Tokyo.

Tokyo Tower
Japan’s tallest building, Tokyo Tower, resembles the Eiffel Tower, yet at a soaring 333 metres, it is 13 metres taller than the Paris monument. There are two observatories offering spectacular panoramic views of Tokyo and Mount Fuji on a clear day. Also inside the Tokyo Tower, is the Tokyo Tower Wax Museum, the Mysterious Walking Zone and the Trick Art Gallery, offering children and parents hours of amusement.

Yume-no-shima Tropical Greenhouse Dome
If you were wondering where Tokyo grows eucalyptus trees to feed the koala bears in the zoo then look no further than Yume-no-shima Tropical Greenhouse Dome! The greenhouse is an educational rain forest replica, offering a peaceful escape from the city and an interesting outing for the family. Address: 3-2 Yumenoshima, Koto-ku, Tokyo.

Bunraku Theatre
Bunraku is traditional Japanese puppet theatre that has its origin in the Edo period. The puppets are about one metre tall and are manipulated by up to three persons.

Kabuki Theatre
Kabuki is a traditional form of Japanese theatre. It was founded early in the 17th century by Okuni, a shrine maiden who brought her unique and lively dance style to the river banks of Kyoto; and over the next 300 years developed into a sophisticated, highly stylized form of theatre. Kabuki plays are about historical events, moral conflicts in love relationships and are performed on a revolving stage with trapdoors and bridges.

The Kabukiza is a kabuki theater located in Ginza. Matinee and evening shows are performed on most days of the year. Shows last three to five hours and are divided into about three or four acts of one to two hours each. Tickets can be purchased for either a whole show or just a single act. English earphone guides that provide translation and explanations are available for a small rental fee.

Kyogen Theatre
Kyogen is a classical comic theatre which balances the more serious Noh; the two are traditionally performed alternately on the same program and they share a common heritage. The historical Suzumoto theatre, built in 1857, is the oldest of its kind in Tokyo. A comedian sits on a purple cushion, dressed in a kimono, and tells stories that have been handed down for centuries. Using only a few simple props, the storyteller becomes a whole cast of characters. There is no English interpretation, and even for the Japanese themselves, the monologues are difficult to follow, but don't let that deter you. For a slice of traditional pop culture, it is worth seeing, even if you don't understand a word.

Noh Theatre
Noh is a very old form of traditional Japanese performance which combines dance, drama, music and poetry into one highly aesthetic stage art. Performers are mainly men, who have passed down the art among family members for numerous generations, originating in the 14th century. Noh performances usually take place outdoors or in public halls such as the National No Theatre.

Sumo Wresting
Sumo is Japan’s national sport, originating in ancient times as religious performances to the Shinto gods. Many rituals are still followed nowadays. Three tournaments a year are held in Tokyo, each lasting 15 days. Ryogoku is an area of Tokyo where the sumo stadium, many sumo stables, chanko restaurants and other sumo related sights can be found. It is the centre of the sumo world. For more information visit  the official sumo site at: http://www.sumo.or.jp/eng/

The Kokugikan stadium hosts three tournaments in January, May and September. In case you’re curious about what these massive men eat, you can sample Chanko-nabe, the staple food of sumo wrestlers in several restaurants in the Ryogoku area. It is a hot pot dish that comes in many varieties and contains vegetables, seafood and meat.

You can experience the art of a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony at various teahouses and cultural centres throughout Tokyo. Some hotels also provide their very own teahouse. To make a booking or to find out more information, contact the Tokyo Tourist Information Center (TIC) Tenth Floor, Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan Building, 2–10–1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku
Tel: (03) 3201 3331 or 3201 2911 (24-hour recorded information). Or visit their web-site at: www.jnto.go.jp
 

Tokyo consists of many ‘cities within the city’ providing everything you could possibly desire within a relatively confined area. Yebisu Garden Place is one of Tokyo's most pleasant cities within the city. Consisting of roughly a dozen buildings and skyscrapers, it features a large array of restaurants and shops including a Mitsukoshi department store, the Westin Tokyo hotel, offices, residential space and two museums. The Beer Museum Yebisu displays exhibits about the history and science of beer brewing in Japan and the world and of course, offers beer tasting. After a visit to the beer museum, you may want to consider a meal and drink at the beer restaurant "Beer Station".

Odaiba Rainbow City is a futuristic business, shopping, entertainment and residential district on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. Odaiba is home to several shopping and entertainment centres, restaurants, theme parks, hot spring baths, museums, and more.

Caretta Shiodome is a skyscraper of 51 floors, most of which are occupied by the offices of Dentsu, Japan's leading advertising company. The other floors accommodate a musical theater, a museum on advertising and a range of shops, cafes and restaurants, including the "sky restaurants" on the building's top floors. Shiodome Shiosite is one of Tokyo's newest cities within the city. Its spectacular skyscrapers accommodate a large variety of shops, cafes, restaurants, theatres and hotels.

Akihabara has every kind of computer and electronic gadget on the market. Akihabara’s second hand shops offer good quality used merchandise for up to 80% less than the new items cost! For fashion head to Ginza, Shinjuku and Roppongi areas. If you’re doing Tokyo on a budget, or just want to find something cheap, look for the 100 Yen shops located in most train and subway stations. For musicians or aspiring musicians, head to the stretch of shops in Ochanomizu. These shops sell all sorts of musical instruments and related items. Hanging outside many of the shop fronts are scores of electric guitars in every colour imaginable. This is a musician’s haven! The subway stops in Ochanomizu.

Yoshinoya is a large chain of 24-hour fast-food, found all over Tokyo. This is inexpensive fast-food with the grace of Asia and by any means healthier than McDonalds. They specialize in domburi – a bowl of rice topped with various meat or fish.

For beef lovers, Mo-Mo Paradise has several outlets across town. This restaurant serves all-you-can-eat shabu shabu and sukiyaki at highly reasonable prices. You can pay extra and all-you-can-drink drinks.

In addition to the many mouth-watering delights of Japanese cuisine, Tokyo has numerous western restaurants as well. Head to the Hard Rock café in Roppongi if you’re craving a hamburger and fries.

If you’re craving Thai food Erawan restaurants have several outlets in Shinjuku, Roppongi and other districts. Don’t confuse this with the one Greek restaurant also called Erawan in Shibuya.

Bicycling
An enjoyable way to spend a Sunday is cycling around Yoyogi Park. The scenic and sacred Meiji Shrine lends free bicycles for the cycling course in the shrine’s vicinity on Sundays and national holidays. The park pathway provides a pleasant escape from the city with fresh air and lots of refreshing greenery. You will also see the National Stadium (where the 1964 Olympics were held) and Jingu Stadium (where the Yakult Swallows play their baseball games). Operating Hours: 9am-4pm Sundays. Shinjuku Station.

Golf
Golf is hugely popular among the elite crowd but has now become less expensive and much more accessible.

Kazusa Monarch Country Club in Kimitsu is a four-star, Jack Nicklaus designed golf course. The course is a par-72, 7,020 yard monster, with tons of elevation change, mature trees and sand. Kazusa Monarch Country Club features full caddy service, as well as complimentary beverages. The course is just a 15 km train ride from Tokyo Station. Green

Yomiyuri Country Club is a 6,962 yard, par-72 designed by Seichi Inoue and features mountainous terrain, several blind tee shots, and well-placed bunkers. Yomiyuri Country Club is open to the public, and once played host to the World Cup of Golf.

Wakasu Golf Links is a flat, metropolitan Tokyo course links style with a twist - lots of water hazards. The course is covered with bunkers, and difficult enough to be a frequent host of professional and amateur tournaments.

Koganei Country Club is the most exclusive golf course in the world. For Japanese membership at Koganei, ranks as the highest social standing, and costs in the US$2-$3 million range. The 18-hole course is a par-72, 6,755 yard track, obviously in perfect condition.

Hiking
Hiking in Tokyo may sound funny, but in fact there are plenty of beautiful places to enjoy (free) exercise in fresh air!

Mount Takao is a sacred, wooded mountain, 50 minutes by train west of central Tokyo, yet still within the boundaries of the metropolis. It offers various hiking trails, and is particularly nice during the autumn leaves season. Get off at JR Takaosanguchi Station, Keio Railways.

Todoroki Valley is a pleasant park extending for one kilometre along a small, wooded valley in the middle of residential Setagaya city ward. At one end of the park stands the enchanting Todoroki Fudo Temple. It is just a 2 minute walk from Tokyu's Todoroki Station.

Mount Mitake is part of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park in western Tokyo. A shrine and lots of hiking opportunities await visitors to the mountain, which can be reached in less than two hours from Shinjuku Station. Take the JR Ome line to Mitake Station.

You can also take a leisurely stroll among the surprising greenery of Odaiba Rainbow City. Most of Odaiba's attractions are connected with each other by pleasant parks and pedestrian walks. Among the more noteworthy parks is the Odaiba Kaihin Park near the Rainbow Bridge. It also includes a man made sand beach.

Hot Springs (Onsen)

Hot springs are abundant in Japan and very much a part of the culture and an important ritual for the Japanese.

Within Tokyo is Seta Onsen which offers a variety of hot pools and is one of the few onsen that provides mixed gender pools (swimsuits are required or can be rented there). In addition to completely natural hot-spring baths, there is an open-air jacuzzi from which Mount Fuji is visible on a clear day. Within the Seta compound, there are restaurants, relaxation rooms, a salon and a game arcade. Massage and aesthetic services are also available. Seta’s hot spring water reputedly comes from seawater that filled the ancient Tokyo Bay around 100 million years ago, and is now 1,700 metres underground. Seta Onsen is a 10-minute walk from Futako Tamagawa Station on the Tokyu Denen Toshi and Oimachi lines. (A shuttle bus service from the station to Seta is available.)

You can experience an authentic onsen at in the futuristic Odaiba Rainbow City at Oedo Onsen Monogatari theme park, which reproduces the atmosphere of the Edo Period (1603-1868). Various types of baths, which are fed by actual hot spring water from a depth of 1400 meters can be enjoyed around the clock from.

There are a variety of onsen baths and resorts that are easy day trips from Tokyo. Hakone, Nikko and Nasu are popular areas for onsen. For the ultimate onsen experience, spend a night or two at an onsen inn where you can soak in the soothing water as often as you like.

Hakone is easily reached from Tokyo in less than an hour by bullet train and boasts a number of hot springs in beautiful settings along the forested valley and the shores of Lake Ashi. Some baths have majestic views of Mount Fuji.

Nikko hosts several onsen that are located at the foot of Mount Nantai, a sacred, extinct volcano in Nikko National Park. Among them are Chuzenji Onsen at the shores of Lake Chuzenji and Yumoto Onsen. It is about 2 hours by bullet train from Tokyo Station.

Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma prefecture is considered to have the best and most effective hot spring water. Much of the resort's water bubbles up in the yubatake (hot water field) in the town centre. It can be reached in less than an hour by bullet train from Tokyo.

Tennis
Tennis is one of the most popular weekend sports for young people. Yet, if you're a recreational tennis player, one of the frustrations of playing tennis in Tokyo can be getting court time. Due to its great popularity, advanced bookings are strongly recommended. Tennis courts tend to be less crowded during the week in daytime and most crowded on the weekends.

There are over 100 tennis courts within 30 minutes of the Roppongi intersection.

Fees for tennis range from low to high. The difference being in how much money you're willing to spend.

Public courts offer low end tennis costs. Many public courts use a lottery system to make bookings. Getting use of these courts takes time but they are quite cheap.

Midrange possibilities include courts at the Shinjuku Hilton, Shinagawa Prince, Meguro Tennis Club, and the indoor courts of the Meiji Jingu Tennis Club. These courts do not use a lottery system, but do require advanced bookings.

On the high end is membership at the Tokyo Lawn Tennis Club. The Meiji Jingu Tennis Club is in a very convenient location but takes membership applications infrequently, and likewise a club at the Hotel New Otani has membership by invitation only.

Court availability opens up considerably if you are willing to travel 60 to 90 minutes by train or car out of central Tokyo. For a full listing of tennis court venues, you can visit the following web-site: http://www.tokyotennis.com/mainindex.htm
 

Winter Sports
The popularity of winter sports in Japan is supported by the distinction of being the first Asian country to host the 1972 Winter Olympics. Further proof was its role as host to both the First and Second Winter Asian Games in 1986 and 1990 and of course, the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano.

Japan's climate, above all, permits a thriving winter sports season. Winters are governed by the coldest air mass in the world, the Siberian air mass. Tokyo has an average January temperature of 4.7°C.

Skiing is by far the most popular of winter sports. Most of the major ski areas on the main island of Honshu are easily accessible by train from Tokyo and are outfitted with chair-lifts and night illumination. A large number of ski grounds are located along the Joetsu line, which terminates in Tokyo. These include Tsuchitaru, Nakazato, Iwappara, Yuzawa, Ishiuchi, Shiozawa, Urasa, Koide, and Ojiya. Also notable ski areas around Tokyo are Hakuba, Kusatsu, Shiga, Yuzawa, Nozawa, and Fuji. Sugadaira Ski Grounds is a ski resort located along the Shinetsu line, between Mt. Azumaya and Mount Nikko.

Of course if ski conditions are not in your favour, you can always ski indoors at the Tokyo Ski Dome! A massive place near Disneyland complete with a ski jump, separated slopes for various levels of skiers, several restaurants, tatami rooms (straw matted floors) for sleeping if you get tired, and even a ski lodge equipped with everything you need to go skiing. It is kept at an appropriate -2°C no matter the weather outside.

Ice-skating is also popular and can be enjoyed at many outdoor and indoor rinks as well as numerous lakes outside Tokyo. Hakone offers good skating facilities and can easily be reached from Tokyo by bullet train in less than 1 hour. Figure-skating is extremely popular as a spectator sport. Citizen indoor ice-skating rink in Shinjuku is open from 12:00-19:45 on weekdays (includes Saturdays) and 10:00-19:45 on holidays. It’s less than 10 minutes walk, or a quick taxi ride from JR Takadanobaba Station on the Yamanote line.