Sightseeing in Japan SIGHTSEEING IN TOKYO Imperial Palace Formerly Edo Castle, it is surrounded by an inner moat. Nijubashi Bridge is located here as well. Marunouchi Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo TIC: . (03)35021461 Permission is required to visit the palace. It is recommended that you apply as far in advance as possible and pick up your permit at least one day before your visit. For permission and permits, contact the Imperial Household Agency: . (03)32131111 Meiji Shrine This shrine was dedicated to the Emperor Meiji (1853-1912), who is often referred to as the "Father of Modern Japan." Shibuya-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 Nakamise Street This lively street, leading to Sensoji Temple, offers shops for the entire family that sell wondrous goods and foods. It will give you a good idea of old Tokyo. Nakamise dori Asakusa, Tokyo TIC: . (03)35021461 National Space Tokyo Ginza Axess This showroom offers a look at the latest in appliances and fixtures for the home. There is also a section for the latest in audiovisual equipment. Ginza TIC: . (03)35021461 Sengakuji Temple This small honorable temple, highly representative of its era, was dedicated to the wronged Lord Asano and his 47 Samurai who committed ritual suicide in 1702. You will find on display the armor and possessions of the Samurai. Incense is still burned in their memory. Located near Sangakuji Subway Station Minato-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 Tokyo Disneyland This theme park offers the same type of setting as the U.S. original, including theme "lands" as well as a number of rides. Buses run directly from Tokyo and Ueno stations as well as Narita Airport. Chiba TIC: . (03)35021461 Tokyo Tower This tower stands 333 meters (1,092ft) tall and is a slightly enlarged copy of the Eiffel Tower. There is an observation lounge at the top, as well as a wax museum and restaurants. Menato-ku Tokyo TIC: . (03)35021461 Toshogu Shrine This is a memorial shrine to the first Tokugawa Shogun 2, Ieyasu. The shrine dates back to 1627. Ueno Park Taito-ku, Tokyo TIC: . (03)35021461 Ueno Zoo This zoo is popular for its giant panda bears. Ueno Park, Taito-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 Yasukuni Shrine This shrine is a perfect representation of Shinto architecture. It has been dedicated to the war dead of the nation. Chiyoda-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 Zojoji Temple This temple offers many important artifacts, but most outstanding is the rare black Buddha that was once owned by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Located in Shiba Park, Menato-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 PARKS Hama Rikyu Garden This park is known for its tidal pond spanned by wisteria-covered trellised bridges. Chuo-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 Hibiya Park This park, located across from the Imperial Hotel, offers a combination of Western and Japanese styles. Chiyoda-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 Imperial Palace East Garden Its history goes back 300 years, and it garden receives many visitors every year. The garden is only a small section of the Imperial Palace compound. Marunouchi Chiyoda-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 Koishikawa Botanical Gardens This park features a half-moon-shaped bridge, designed to take on the shape of the full moon when spectators looked at its reflection in the pond. Bunkyo-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 Rikugien A restful garden with landscaped art enclosed by a high brick wall. Bunkyo-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden This garden, donated to the city by the Imperial family, is famous for quiet walks in which you can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms in spring. Shinjuku-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 Ueno Park Museums, theaters, restaurants, a zoo, the Toshogu Shrine and gardens are all contained in its 210 acres. Ueno Taito-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 Yoyogi Park Once the site of the Olympic Village, this park attracts active visitors, particularly the younger crowd. Shibuya-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 MUSEUMS Bridgestone Museum of Art This private museum concentrates mainly on French art and Japanese painting in the Western manner. 2nd Floor, Bridgestone Building 1-10-1, Kyobashi Chuo-ku . (03)35630241 Gallery of Horyuji Treasures This museum contains a rare collection from the ancient Asuka and Nara periods. Located next to the National Museum In Ueno Park Ueno TIC: . (03)35021461 The Japanese Sword Museum This museum displays a collection of more than 6,000 sword blades, 30 of which are National Treasures. 4-25-10 Yoyogi Shibuya-ku . (03)33791386 The National Museum of Modern Art This museum houses Japanese art since the Meiji period. 3 Kitanomaru-koen (In Kitanomaru Park) Chiyoda-ku . (03)32142561 The National Museum of Western Art This museum offers an impressive collection of Western art from the Renaissance to the present. 7-7, Ueno-koen (In Ueno Park) Taito-ku . (03)38285131 National Science Museum This museum explores both international and Japanese achievements in archeology, botany, oceanography and zoology. 7-20, Ueno-koen (In Ueno Park) Taito-ku Tokyo . (03)38220111 Nezu Institute of Fine Arts This museum features a superb collection of well-known Japanese art, plus some Chinese art. 6-5-1 Minami-Aoyama Minato-ku . (03)34002536 Riccar Art Museum This museum offers an excellent woodblock print collection, one of the best in Japan. 7th Floor, Riccar Building 6-2-3 Ginza Chuo-ku . (03)35713254 Sumo Museum You will find records and documents related to the history of Sumo since the 18th century. 1-3-28 Yokoami Sumida-ku . (06)36220366 The Tokyo National Museum This is the largest museum in Japan, with the most spectacular collection of Japanese art in the world. 13-9 Ueno-koen (In Ueno Park) Taito-ku . (03)38221111 TOURS & CHARTERS There are quite a number of tours available, with many agents specializing in ground travel. The concierge at your hotel should have details, or contact the TIC for more information. Licensed interpreter tour guides are available. Contact the Japan Guide Association: . (03)32132706 JTB (Japan Travel Bureau) has a variety of high-tech tours within Tokyo. Some high-tech manufacturers open their showrooms to visitors, for a look into the latest computer, video audio equipment and home appliances. Automobile manufacturers such as Toyota and Nissan offer tours of their plants. Both JTB and the Gray Line have night tours. Take in a traditional dinner, Kabuki theater or perhaps enjoy being entertained by the Geisha. SHOPPING To shop in Tokyo is to discover everything from the traditional arts and crafts to the latest in high-tech consumer products. The best shopping areas are in the Ginza, Shinjuku and Shibuya districts; the electronics district is Akihabara. As well as smaller shops, Tokyo, of course, has a large number of department stores. Popular purchases include pearls, electronic goods, cameras and traditional craft items such as fans, lanterns, silk items, lacquerware and woodblock prints. One of the most unusual souvenirs you may pick up is a plastic replica of food (the type you see in restaurant windows). As you will see, there are many of these replicas around Japan. Their manufacture has become somewhat of an "art form." If you want to buy a kimono, look for a secondhand wedding kimono. These items will be lasting, beautiful mementos of your trip. SPORTS The most popular spectator sport in Tokyo is Sumo wrestling, with tournaments in January, May and September. Sumo wrestlers, as you probably are aware, are huge men. The battle is fought in a dirt ring, and the loser is the wrestler first forced outside the ring or to the ground. Tickets must be purchased in advance, as Sumo is popular. For tickets to sports stadiums (as well as concerts and the theater), contact: Play Guide Honten 2-6-4 Ginza, Chuo-ku Tokyo . (03)35618821 or Kyukyodo Ticket Service 5-7-4 Ginza Tokyo . (03)35710401 There are a number of other ticket agencies in Tokyo. Baseball is next in line in terms of popularity, and when in Tokyo visit the Korakuen "Big-dome" stadium to watch a game. Other sports that are widely enjoyed are the martial arts such as Judo, Kendo, Karate, Kyudo and Aikido. Golfing enjoys a healthy following in Japan, particularly among business executives. Companies often purchase memberships for their top staff, as business associates often get to know each other on the green. Because of the shortage of space for golf memberships, they are very expensive. SIGHTSEEING IN OSAKA Kita This area has large-scale underground shopping centers; Kita is said to represent the modern face of Osaka. Kita-ku Osaka TIC: . (06)3053311 Ohatsu Tenjin Shrine This shrine is noted as the setting of the famous story "Sonezaki Shinju" (Lover's Suicide at Sonezaki). It is surrounded by places where visitors can eat and drink. Located near Umeda Station Osaka TIC: . (06)3053311 Osaka Aquarium One of the world's largest aquariums, this complex opened in 1990. The aquarium features marine life from the Pacific Ocean. Osaka . (06)5765533 Osaka Castle This is one of Japan's finest castles. It offers a spectacular view of the city - if you are up to climbing to the top of the castle tower. The castle's gardens are quite beautiful. 1-1 Osaka-jo, Higashi-ku . (06)9413044 Sakuya Konohana Kan This is a greenhouse - one of the largest in the world - exhibiting 15,000 plants from regions throughout the world. Osaka . (06)9120055 Shitennoji Temple Founded in 593, this is considered the oldest temple in Japan. Although damaged by significant natural and man-made disasters, the temple today is completely restored to its original state. 1-1-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji-ku . (06)7710066 Sumiyoshi-taisha Shrine This shrine was the only historic structure to survive the Second World War. It is said to date back to 202 A.D., though today's four main buildings were constructed in 1810. "i" Information Center: . (06)3452189. Temmangu Shrine This shrine is known nationally for its "Tenjin Matsuri" Festival and is often visited by students, as the "God of Academics," Michizane Sugawara, was enshrined here in the 9th century. Osaka TIC: . (06)3053311 PARKS Expo Memorial Park As the site of many of Osaka's museums, this park also offers several sport facilities and a classic Japanese garden with two tea houses. Senri, Suita-shi . (06)8762151 Hattori Ruokuchi Park This park offers horseback riding, tennis, and a Farmhouse Museum. There are old farmhouses on the premises that evoke images of Japan's past. Please call to obtain the address and directions to get there. . (06)3456020 Nakanoshima Park This park is on the Nakanoshima Island; it has a beautiful rose garden and is a pleasant area for taking a walk. 1-1 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku . (06)2230055 Other popular parks in Osaka are Tennoji Park and Utsubo Park. Consult the Osaka Tourist Information Center for addresses and phone numbers of these parks. MUSEUMS City Museum This museum bases its nine rooms on diverse themes, all illustrating the history and culture of the city. Located next to Osaka Castle, a 15-minute walk northwest from Morinomiya Station (JR Loop Line) Osaka . (06)9417177 Osaka Japan Folk Crafts Museum This museum has a collection of traditional Japanese craft objects. 10-5 Senri-Banpaku-Koen Suita . (06)8771971 The Mint Museum This museum, which has a spectacular garden, is filled with prehistoric money, Olympic medals, and domestic and foreign currencies. 1 Temma, Kita-ku . (06)3518509 Museum of Oriental Ceramics This is a creative museum in which priceless antique Chinese and Korean ceramics are on display. Behind City Hall, a 5-minute walk north from Kitahama Station (Keihan Railway and Sakai-suji Line). Osaka . (06)2230055 Osaka Municipal Museum of Art This museum has two wings. One offers the ancient arts, and the other examples of modern art. 1-82 Chausuyamacho Located in Tennoji Park, Tennoji-ku Osaka . (06)7714874 Panasonic Square This is a hands on, high-tech museum featuring many types of computerized sports equipment and modern technical developments. Twin 21 National Tower Building 2nd Floor, 2-1-61 shiromi, Higashi-ku . (06)9492122 The Science Museum Exhibits relate to space travel, energy, perpetual motion and general science. An 8-minute walk south of Higobashi Station (Yotsubashi Line) . (06)4445656 TOURS & CHARTERS You can take a tour of the sights in northern Osaka on the Aua-Liner. It brings you to the waterways near Osaka Castle, the Mint Museum and Nakanoshima Island. Contact Osaka Qua-bus Co., Ltd: . (06)4445000 The City Transportation Bureau offers eight different half-day tours around the city. For further details, call: Umeda Sightseeing Bus Information Center: . (06)3112995 For futher information on specific tours or charters, please contact: Osaka Tourist Information Center JR Shin-Osaka Station . (06)3053311 Osaka City Tourist Information Office JR Osaka Station . (06)3452189 SHOPPING There is lots of shopping to be done in Osaka. Major department stores offer a fine selection of local crafts such as pottery, textiles, basketry, lacquerware, paper goods, and delicate cloisonné? and porcelains. Other items to buy are cameras, electronic goods, pearls and watches. Some purchases may be more expensive here, so check prices in your hometown before purchasing any high-priced merchandise. Some of the many shopping complexes are: Namba City This complex has over 360 shops, many of which are clothing boutiques. 5-1-60 Namba, Minami-ku . (06)6442500 Whity Umeda This is Japan's largest underground mall; it has 560 boutiques, specialty shops and restaurants. 4-2 Umeda Chikagai Komatsubaracho, Kita-ku . (06)3122187 Some department stores are: Daimaru 1-118 Shinsaibashi-suji, Minami-ku . (06)2711231 Hankyu 8-7 Kabutacho, Kita-ku . (06)3611381 Hanshin 1-13-13 Umeda, Kita-ku Closed on Wednesday. . (06)3451201 International Market Place 1-3-7 Shiromi, Chuo-ku . (06)9451313 Takashimaya 5-1-5 Namba, Minami-ku . (06)6311101 Tax-free shops include: Japan Osaka Shop 3-5-21 Minami-senba, Chuo-ku . (06)2458800 Mikimoto Shin Hankyu Building 1-12-39 Umeda, Kita-ku Naniwa Camera Shinsaibashi-suji, Minami-ku . (06)2814111 Okubo Brothers Royal Hotel . (06)4433438 Panasonic Echo Royal Hotel, 5-3-68 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku . (06)4481008 Sony Tourist Shop Osaka Avic Royal Hotel . (06)4432438 Yakamatsu Pearls 1-4 Sinsaibashi-suji, Minami-ku . 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