NEWS
2012/01/25 Tokyo Artisan's Week II: 4-day workshop with demonstration by artisans and hands-on experience
Tokyo Artisan's Week II, the second artisan demonstration and workshop event, will be held from February 2 (Thu) to 5 (Sun) at YES!TOKYO Festa, an event to promote Tokyo tourism to foreigners, which is being held until February 26 (Sun) at 2k540 AKI-OKA Artisan.
New to the event this year is a demonstration and hands-on experience course of "food replicas." You will likely have seen the food replicas that are displayed outside restaurants and cafes, but how about actually trying to make some yourself? You can attempt to make your own tart and cupcake replicas during this event (*fees apply), and you will also be able to enjoy watching skilled artisans demonstrate the production of tempura and lettuce replicas.
There are many other interesting hands-on experience courses, including umbrella making, bamboo coaster making, and rare 18-carat purple gold polishing. Please visit 2k540 AKI-OKA Artisan for this special event and try out Japanese traditional artisan craftworks (please see below for descriptions of courses and fees).
TOKYO Artisan's Week II: February 2nd (Thu) to 5th (Sun), 2012
Demonstration/Workshop Participants
- - Yamato Sample Factory (food replica making: 1,575 yen)
- - Tokyo Noble (original umbrella making: 5,250 yen to 7,350 yen)
- - Takumi no Hako (bamboo coaster making: 1,500 yen)
- - TD Factory (jewelry polishing; 9,800 yen plus shipping cost)
- *These participant and course descriptions are tentative, and are subject to change.
| Venue (contact) | 2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN 5-9 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo (underneath the elevated railway tracks between Akihabara Station and Okachimachi Station on the JR Yamanote Line) http://www.jrtk.jp/2k540/ TEL 03-6806-0254 |
|---|---|
| Access | 6-minute walk from Akihabara Station on the JR Yamanote Line, 4-minute walk from Okachimachi Station on the JR Yamanote Line, or 3 minute-walk from Suehirocho Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line |
2011/07/11 Cool Summer Tour in Yukata and Geta
Ryogoku is an old riverside town that recalls the flavor of the Edo period. Enjoy the cool of a summer evening and something of traditional Japanese culture in Ryogoku with the fabulous tour hosted by Sumidagawa Edo Cultural Sightseeing Promotion Association. Reservation required and an application must be sent by July 30. For further information, please contact: sumidagawa-edo@kanko-sumida.com
Date: 2011.8.6 (Sat) 17:00 - 21:00
Donation: ¥4,000
2011/07/08 New Attractions Debut at Tokyo Disney Resort on July 8, 2011
© Disney
At Tokyo Disneyland, "Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights" will be enhanced from July 8. At Tokyo DisneySea, besides new nighttime spectacular "Fantasmic!" which already started from April 28, 2011, new character greeting facility "Village Greeting Place" and new attraction "Jasmine's Flying Carpets" start operation this summer. Don't miss!
2011/07/08 Tokyo's First World Heritage Site, Ogasawara Islands
The Ogasawara islands belong to Tokyo Metropolitan Prefecture and are located in a subtropical area 1,000 kilometers south of central Tokyo.
These remote islands won World Heritage recognition on June 24, 2011, Tokyo's first World Heritage site and the fourth World Natural Heritage site in Japan. The registered area covers 6,360 hectares of land, including parts of Chichijima and Hahajima, and 1,580 hectares of the surrounding sea.
The Ogasawara Islands, consisting of more than 30 islands, have an oceanic climate with an average temperature of 23.2 degrees Celsius. The beautiful nature of the land amongst the cobalt blue ocean is indeed a paradise. Because they are far from other lands and thus home to many endemic flora and fauna, they are called "The Galapagos Islands of the East."
There are many marine activities to enjoy: swimming with wild dolphins, whale-watching, diving and snorkeling in the coral reefs with hordes of tropical fish, sea kayaking, and fishing. Other activities, including forest and mountain nature hikes, sunset and night tours and bird watching, are also available.
The only way to visit the Ogasawara is a 25-hour journey by ship from Tokyo but they are sure to be worth the visit.
Access
On scheduled days, the "Ogasawara-maru" liner departs from Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo at 10 a.m. and arrives at Chichijima at 11:30 a.m. next day (a 25.5-hour trip). From Chichijima to Hahajima by the "Hahajima-maru" ferry is another 2 hours.
Ogasawara Village Tourist Association
2011/07/05 Opening Day of TOKYO SKYTREE® decided
© TOBU Railway CO., LTD and TOBU TOWER SKYTREE Co., Ltd
May 22, 2012 was decided on as the opening day of TOKYO SKYTREE, a tower under construction as a new symbol of Tokyo, and TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN ®, a facility complex around the tower. Admission for adults of the First Observatory (at 350 meters above the ground) is 2,000 yen (18 and over), and an additional 1,000 yen is needed for the Second Observatory (at 450 meters above the ground). Open hours of the tower will be 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for the first year following the opening. Commercial complex "TOKYO Solamachi ®" houses 310 shops and includes fashion stores and restaurants.
2011/07/04 Sumida River Fireworks Festival decided to be held, changing date to the end of August
Keeping the tradition of the fireworks event held at the Ryogoku River, this festival is held at two venues from which fireworks are set off to shine vividly in the Tokyo night sky.
This event is held in late July every year, but this year it will be held on August 27 to avoid the peak time of demand for electricity. This is one of the major events in Tokyo during the summertime, and this time especially it will takes place with high hopes for early reconstruction from the disaster earlier this year.
2011/06/11 Miraikan resumed on June 11
Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) resumed its operation after a three- month temporary closing due to the Great East Japan Earthquake in March. On this occasion, it renewed its symbol, a spherical display "Geo-Cosmos," to an organic EL display. This displays the unceasing, multifaceted activities of the Earth. Special exhibition "Making of Tokyo Sky Tree – Welcome to the Construction Site in the Sky" is held until October 2, and the latest scientific technology that enabled building of the world's tallest freestanding broadcasting tower is explained.
2011/05/27 K THEATER TOKYO, capital of K-Pop, opened in Ebisu on May 27
K Theater Tokyo, a special theater of K-Pop (Korean pop music), opened in Yebisu Garden Place, the first of its kind in Japan. With 198 seats, it is expected to attract some 120,000 fans in its first year. Currently, "Apeace," a group of 21 boys whose average height is 185 cm and whose average age is 19.8 years old, is performing a long-running concert. After concerts, fans can enjoy time in which they can shake hands of members of the group. Enjoy Korean pop culture in Japan!
2011/05/22 Three running courses set in Odaiba on May 22
Amidst the growing popularity of marathon races, three running courses - a 5 km, 7 km, and straight 300 meter course - that start and finish at Odaiba Kaihin Park have been set up. Because the courses are laid out on flat land along the coast without traffic lights, runners will enjoy running in an easy manner. Distance markers stand every 1 km on the two longer courses. Runners can use a locker, a shower room and other facilities at nearby hotels (charged). Why not enjoy a run while feeling cool sea breezes and seeing beautiful greenery and views along the coast?
http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/INET/OSHIRASE/2011/05/20l5g500.htm
2011/04/28 Keisei Skyliner + Tokyo Metro discount ticket for foreigners was launched
Visit Tokyo from Narita Airport easily and cheaply to enjoy sightseeing in Tokyo! "KEISEI SKYLINER & METRO PASS," a special combination of open tickets of Keisei Skyliner and Tokyo Metro (subway), was launched on April 28. Keisei Skyliner, which connects Narita and central Tokyo, offers tickets including limited express tickets, and Tokyo Metro offers one-day or two-day open tickets that enable you to travel by subway anywhere in central Tokyo.
*Available for adult foreign tourists only. (Please show your passports when buying a ticket. Special tickets for children not available)
Prices
- Skyliner (one way) + Tokyo Metro (1-day): 2,600 yen
- Skyliner (one way) + Tokyo Metro (2-day): 2,980 yen
- Skyliner (round trip) + Tokyo Metro (1-day): 4,500 yen
- Skyliner (round trip) + Tokyo Metro (2-day): 4,880 yen
Sales places
Skyliner ticket counters in Narita Airport Station and Narita Airport Terminal 2 Station on the Keisei Line
http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/index.html
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/index.html
2011/04/15 Cruise liner "Atakemaru," reproduced boats used by the Tokugawa Shogunate, launched on April 15
Tokyo Cruise Ship launched the new cruise liner "Atakemaru," a luxury leisure boat (gozabune), on Tokyo Bay on April 15. This boat is designed after the boats used by the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo period (1603-1867). The "Atakemaru" offers three tours a day between Hinode and Aomi (40 min each way).
Some passenger cabins can be reserved for private use for a variety of events.
Capacity: 500 people (maximum seating capacity: 250)
Contact: Tokyo Cruise Ship Co., Ltd. 0120-977311 (free within Japan)
2011/04/01 Pandas debut in Ueno Zoo on April 1
On April 1, people finally got to meet the two giant pandas from China, the powerful male Li-Li and the good-looking female Shin-Shin. These lovely pandas have created a new panda boom.
2011/02/07 Hinomaru Limousine's "LIMO TOUR" for Foreigners
Hinomaru Limousine has launched "LIMO TOUR," sightseeing tours in a limousine for foreigners who can afford the luxury of a private tour. The "LIMO TOUR" offers many choices depending on the time available to the tourist(s): for example, a 2-hour compact tour, a 6-hour tour mainly to experience Japanese traditional cultures such as Edo kiriko cut glass and shamisen, and a 1-day tour to Kamakura or Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture. Interpreters in eight languages are available for an extra fee.
"2011/02/01 Suica & Monorail" discount passenger ticket for foreigners, on sale from February 1
"Suica & Monorail" is a discount train pass for travel from Haneda Airport, and is on sale from February 1. The pass can be used for "Suica," a prepaid e-money card that enables passengers to ride JR/Private railway trains, subways, and busses in the Tokyo area, plus for discounted ticket(s) of Tokyo Monorail. This convenient and money-saving pass is exclusively for use of foreign guests arriving at Haneda Airport to help them to fully enjoy their stay in Tokyo.
- * On purchase, show your passport at the ticket counter as the offer is available only to holders of valid overseas passports.
- Price: round-trip ticket 2,700 yen (monorail ticket is valid for 10 days), one-way ticket 2,400 yen
- Purchasing place: JR East Travel Service Center in the Tokyo Monorail's Haneda Airport International Terminal Station
- Validity: Suica + a round-trip or one-way ticket of Tokyo Monorail (Haneda Airport International Terminal Station to Hamamatsucho Station)
- *The Suica includes e-money of 1,500 yen and the deposit of 500 yen.
2011/02/01 Shuttle Bus Service for Users of SQ Haneda Flights
"TOKYO Touch & Feel Liner," shuttle bus service from Haneda Airport to hotels in Tokyo is operated in time for flight arrivals of Singapore Airlines, which newly began service from Haneda Airport in 2010. If you make reservations in Singapore before the flight, the shuttle bus services are available to Shinagawa Prince Hotel, Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa, Shinjuku Washington Hotel, and Prince Hotel Sunshine City in Ikebukuro. The price is between JPY 1,000 and JPY 2,300. Website booking is available.
2011/01/23 Pedestrians' Paradise in Akihabara Resurged!
The Akihabara pedestrians' paradise, suspended since the summer of 2008, has returned. Between January 23 and June 26, a trial run takes place every Sunday and will possibly continue after that. The Akihabara Tourist Information Center has launched services in English, Chinese, and Korean, and many other services and activities for foreign tourists are either launched or planned to revitalize an important area. Don't miss the latest developments!
2010/12/10 "2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN" Opened
Underneath the old elevated railway tracks between Akihabara and Okachimachi stations, a unique sparkling white mall has appeared! " 2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN," which focuses on Japanese artisans and production, was opened by the JR East Urban Development Corporation. Works by Japanese artisans are sold in the old craftsmen town. The shop was integrated into the old craft center but has a brand-new atmosphere in which you can enjoy talking with the artists and can also create your own original works.
2010/12/06 Completion of "Great Heisei Maintenance of Main Hall" of Senso-ji
The two-year-long great Heisei maintenance of Kannondo Hall of Senso-ji Temple has finally ended. The national treasure Kannondo, built in the Edo era (1603-1867) and 52 years have passed since it was rebuilt after being burned down during World War II. Mainly the big roof was redone this time with titanium roof tiles but the original style of the roof seen from Nakamise-dori was maintained. Kannondo Hall will welcome New Year's worshippers in a condition as good as new under the clear blue sky of January.
2010/11/25 Temporary Closing of the Visitors Area in Tsukiji Market during the Year-end and New Year Holiday
The visitors area of the Tuna Auction Area of Tsukiji Market, a very popular tourist attraction, will be temporarily closed during the Year-end and New Year holiday because it is the busiest season for the auctions. Other areas such as the middleman's market (open to the public from 9 a.m.) and eating places will be open to the public.
Period of the temporary closing: December 1 (Wed), 2010-January 22 (Sat), 2011
(Tours will be resumed on January 24 (Mon), 2011)
2010/11/04 Lighting of Omotesando Hills Christmas 2010 with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS
The entire large Christmas tree of Omotesando is decorated with Swarovski's elements and features the theme of "Sweet & Happy" this year, which creates a heartwarming Christmas mood even as cold winter approaches.
2010/10/22 Opening of "Hello Kitty's Kawaii Paradise" at VenusFort
The Odaiba area is expected to attract more tourists from overseas after the opening of the international terminal of Haneda Airport, and an enclosed mini theme park has now opened there under the concept of "entertainment of kawaii experience." "Hello Egg" is a multi-dome "theater" and 360-degree images are screened in several languages. Certain types of sweets are sold here that you can not buy elsewhere. Enjoy meeting Hello Kitty and My Melody, both of which are dressed in original costumes to welcome you to this new fun spot in Tokyo.
2010/10/21 Opening of New International Passenger Terminal of Haneda Airport
A new International Passenger Terminal was opened in October, making it more convenient to go to areas around Tokyo and transit to other areas in Japan. The terminal building is directly connected to both new stations of Tokyo Monorail and Keikyu Railway. In addition to the convenient location, another focal point of the terminal is "Edo Koji" on the fourth floor, which is a town reproducing streets of Edo (old Tokyo) under the concept of "Made in Japan and Haneda - Only One." Visiting fine shops representative of Japan in a new gateway to Japan is sure to be interesting and fun.