MUST TO VISIT #2: THE RAINBOW BRIDGE & TOKYO TOWER

Must to See: The Rainbow Bride & Tokyo Tower


This is one of great night scenery in Tokyo, having both the Rainbow Bridge and  Tokyo Tower on the same picture. 


The Rainbow Bridge is a suspension bridge crossing northern Tokyo Bay between Shibaura Pier and the Odaiba waterfront development in Minato, Tokyo.


Tokyo Tower is a communications and observation tower located in Shiba Park, Minato, Tokyo.


This picture was taken in Odaiba. 
To get to Odaiba, take Yurikamome Line and get off at Daiba Station.
(or take Rinkai Line and get off at Tokyo Teleport Station)


Odaiba is also known as one of popular shopping spots by having a number of malls.
You will be able to buy stylish clothes in Tokyo at reduced price.
Especially, Venus Fort is one of biggest shopping malls in Odaiba.
http://www.venusfort.co.jp/multi/index_e.html
　
There are also a wide variety of restaurants, from Japanese, Chinese, Italian and etc.


You can almost spend whole day in Odaiba.
It guarantees a pleasant time! ;)

TRANSPORTATION: #1 Jinrikisya

"Jinrikisya"

Jinrikisya is a human powered old style taxi.
Japanese used jinrikisya until 100 years ago.

You can enjoy a little city tour on a jinrikisya in some historical places like Kyoto, Asakusa (Tokyo), and Kamakura (Kanagawa).

Prices vary, but it usually sits around 1500 to 3000 yen per 15 minutes.

MUST TO VISIT: #1 Kyoto

KYOTO

Kyoto is the most standing historical city in Japan, and is a big honeypot.

From Tokyo, you can access Kyoto by Shinkansen that takes about 3 hours.

Among four seasons, autumn may be the best season to visit Kyoto since leaves change their colors red, orange, or yellow, that creates a breath-taking scenery which you can never imagine.

"Stunning!"

Kyoto has almost different colors from Tokyo, culturewise, buildingswise, foodwise, and peoplewise.
While Tokyo is recognized as a modern city filled with hundreds of skyscrapers, covered with a far too complicated transportation network, Kyoto still displays traditional housing from Nara and Heian Era. (More than 1200 years ago)

"Kinkaku Temple"

There are a number of  famous temples in Kyoto, including Kiyomizu temple, Kinkaku temple, and Tosho temple. They are absolutely stunning and temples usually have a beautiful Japanese garden which we call "teien".

"teien"

Also, in Kyoto, it may be a good idea to stay at a "ryokan" (Traditional Japanese Inn). There are hundreds of ryokans in Kyoto. 

Stay at a ryokan and experience Japan's rich cultural heritage!
You can find a ryokan in Kyoto (and also in other parts of Japan) by accesssing the link below.
http://www.ryokan.or.jp/index_en.html

Food in Japan: #2 Udon

"Udon"
Udon is commonly known Japanese dish.
They are a thick-ish pasta with a chewy sort of texture to it.

Udon is most often eaten hot with a mild soup, but can be eaten cold in the summer time.

You can eat Udon almost anywhere in Japan, but the ingredients of  a soup vary from place to place.
For example, in Kansai area, a soup tends to be milder. In some parts of Japan, Udon is eaten with a curry or with a miso (soy-bean paste) soup.

One of my favourite Udon restaurants is "Tsurutontan". They are often recognized by their big noodle bowls.
http://www.tsurutontan.co.jp/ (Japanese Only)

They have restaurants in central Tokyo including Roppongi and Shinjuku etc.
and these close at 8am! (NICE)
However, there is always a long line so I suggest you to avoid weekends.

Food in Japan: #1 "Gyu-tan" dish

"Gyu-tan"

If you are in Sendai (in Tohoku region) be sure to try gyu-tan (grilled thinly sliced beef tongue). Especially gyutan dish at "Rikyu" is one of the best!

Below is the link to their website:
http://www.gnavi.co.jp/rikyu/ (Japanese only)

Although gyu-tan originates in Sendai,  you can also try gyu-tan in Tokyo.
Rikyu has their restaurants in Tokyo, including Akasaka, Ikebukuro, and Kichijyoji.

TOCHIGI CITY AUTUMN FEESTIVAL

This is one of annual festivals in Tochigi city, held on the 13th and 14th of November. The festival features over 10 meter tall festival floats.

Tochigi city can be easily accessed from Tokyo by Tobu Line.