You know what they say: when in Rome, do as the Romans do . . . and we all know what the Romans do (they wear togas and watch gladiator battles, right?). But what if you are in Tokyo, and for the New Year, of all things? It seems safe to say that the bright lights and bustle of downtown Tokyo easily match the atmosphere in New York City, so there has to be some major excitement in Tokyo come the New Year. That’s exactly right. To spend New Years in Tokyo is to close one year and begin a new year with a really big – huge () – bang. If you plan on being in Tokyo around that time, then you are in for a real treat. Here is a guide to celebrating the New Year in Tokyo:
Japanese New Year
Continue reading »
Posted November 17th, 2011 by Wayne Ernest | Comment (0)
Tokyo is a place that meshes the most modern of experiences and amenities with ancient, sacred sites. If you are planning a trip to Tokyo, then you will be pleased to find that there is a wide array of interesting, entertaining and unforgettable sights and sounds to take in for each and every type and age of person. Here are five stunning sites to see in Tokyo:
Kyokyo (The Imperial Palace). This is the actual home of Japan’s Emperor and the Imperial family – a modern reconstruction of the Meiji Imperial Palace, which was destroyed by bombers in WWII. It was also once the site of Edo Castle – the largest castle in the world – and, although the castle is gone, the impressive moats, defense walls, armories and watch towers still remain. Take a guided tour of the palace, itself, and then explore the on-site art museum and the opulent East Garden. And, yes, Aurelio did mention The Imperial Palace in his post 5 Free Attractions to Visit in Tokyo the other day – but this is one site worth mentioning again! Continue reading »
Posted November 13th, 2011 by Wayne Ernest | Comment (0)
Japan can a wonderful cultural experience for any traveler. The shrines, temples and customs of Japan can also offer a interesting learning experience. However, before you visit Japan, there are some things you should know about how to conduct yourself. Here are just five etiquette tips to follow while visiting this Japan.
Use a Proper Greeting
Continue reading »
Posted November 10th, 2011 by Wayne Ernest | Comment (0)
Tokyo, Japan is a senses-stimulating experience of lights and colors – so much so that it can be a whirlwind for travelers who aren’t prepared with a targeted vision of exactly what they want to see while they are there. What’s more, it can be hard to separate all that glitters from the actual gold . . . and all that sight-seeing can add up. Fortunately, many of Tokyo’s most worthwhile attractions won’t bust your bank account. Here are five free attractions to visit in Tokyo:
Imperial Palace. This is the residence of Japan’s imperial family, and is in a picturesque park-like setting and surrounded by awe-inspiring moats, bridges, and massive walls. Take a guided tour through the palace, take in Emperor Showa’s art collection at the on-site museum, and walk through the majestic East Garden area for a taste of ancient Asia that you will never forget. Continue reading »
Posted November 9th, 2011 by Wayne Ernest | Comment (0)
Tokyo summers are sweltering, and one of the most popular ways to escape the Tokyo summer heat is to visit the Tokyo beer gardens. What are the beer gardens? Well, they’re not exactly what they sound like (if you are picturing a Willy Wonka-esque scene with rivers of beer . . . or is that just me?). Tokyo’s beer “gardens” are actually the rooftops of busy city retailers that want to offer their customers a little something extra when it comes to getting out of the summer sun. If you visit Tokyo in the summer, then you really should make it a point to tour the beer gardens. Here are some helpful pointers for visiting Tokyo’s beer gardens:
Variety. Each of Tokyo’s beer gardens has a little something different to offer. Most of them don’t have an actual garden, but some of them do – koi pond and all. What’s more is that some beer gardens require a bit of a hike, if you want to take in a bird’s eye view of Tokyo while you sip your malt beverage. You should definitely do your research before you trek out for your bar hop, and make sure you plan your trek through beer garden land.
Where to go. As I’ve already hinted, not all beer gardens are created equal. Imagine visiting your friendly, neighborhood bar, where “everybody knows your name,” and now imagine how each and every neighborhood bar has its own atmosphere and flavor. Most people who frequent Tokyo’s beer gardens have their favorite stoops, so you will want to visit several in order to find the beer gardens that are right for you.
Popular beer gardens. Of course, some beer gardens are more popular than others. Some of the most highly celebrated beer gardens include Mr. Takao’s Beer Garden (also called Beer Mount, because of the hike you must take to get to the amazing view), Hanezawa Beer Garden (which actually has a real garden), and Ginza Matsuya Rooftop Beer Garden (where you can have lamb grilled right at your table).
How to find the beer gardens for you. Do a search online for Tokyo beer gardens and you will find a lot of information about the variety of beer gardens available to you. Read the testimonials to plot out the course of your beer garden tour. You can also use Google maps if you have a smartphone in very worst case do a research and make sure it is a smartphone and you can then use the Google Maps.
A visit to Tokyo just wouldn’t be complete without a visit (or more) to the Tokyo beer gardens. Do your research and choose which beer gardens you most want to visit, because once you are there you will want to stay a while.
Posted November 1st, 2011 by Wayne Ernest | Comment (0)
