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Tokyo Sky Tree
The pork cutlets - note the presentation
A floral covered path
The west side of Tokyo Harbor
Can anyone tell me what the current status of the Kabuki-za Theater is? I know there are no longer performances, but is the facade in tact, or has it been demolished?
I doubt it's up now. It's probably behind a temporary wall to protect the surrounding buildings, but if I have a chance, I'll check it out and let you know, unless someone else knows.
Last time I remember noticing (June maybe), the site was covered with the usual blue construction hoarding, as is common in Japan. Nothing to see.
The plan is to refinish the facade and build a new structure behind it. Reopening in 2013, or 14?
I can now confirm that the kabukiza is gone. Covered, as mentioned by construction boarding.
Pity, was hoping to see the facade :-(
Where would be the best place to see a kabuki play in December?
From what I can figure out, there is only one place in Tokyo to see Kabuki.
http://www.kabuki-bito.jp/eng/contents/theatre/shimbashi_enbujo.html
It says Shinbashi, but it's closer to Higashi Ginza or Tsukiji. Ginza, Shinbashi, and Shiodome are all within walking distance, but not really close.
I doubt you'll be able to book tickets online until November. October seats aren't being sold till the 12th.
If you are planning to go to Kyoto, I'd consider going there instead, as they still have a nice Kabuki Theatre there. Navigate to the homepage and you'll find it there.
Kabuki is just one Japanese theatrical form, the other is NOH.
http://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/unesco/noh/en/
The National Noh Theatre is close to Shinjuku (Yoyogi):
http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&q=NOH+theatre+in+Tokyo&fb=1&gl=ca&hq=NOH+theatre&hnear=Tokyo,+Japan&cid=0,0,10887612973908496313&ei=7FuKTPq7HJD4sAOi8KHSBA&ved=0CBwQnwIwAQ&z=16&iwloc=A
Schedule:
http://www.ntj.jac.go.jp/cgi-bin/pre/search_e.cgi?yy=2010&mm=12
Oh, yeah... and how to buy a ticket:
http://www.ntj.jac.go.jp/english/ticket/index.html
There are few restrooms with changing tables when you go to a local restaurant or shop. Usually you will have to find a place like in the corner on a tatami or inconspicuos place
Also according to my husband, not many men's restrooms have changing tables....what a surprise...
Sometimes, the handicapped restroom allows for Diaper changing, and that is a relief for any parent.
Japanese people are outrageously kind. They will go out of your way to help you, even if you don't speak a word of Japanese, and they don't speak a word of English. A couple years back I went to visit my ex-boyfriend in Sasebo, and we were driving somewhere, and this guy came up on his motor scooter and spent about ten minutes trying to make us understand that one of my friend's tail lights were out. Most places you go, people won't tell you that, and if they do and realize you have no idea what they're saying, they'll quit trying to help. I am undeniably impressed with how kind and generous the Japanese are. Except the chick who's sleeping with my ex-boyfriend. She's a little too kind and generous. I'd be happy if she fell off the face of the planet. Or accidentally lost her chin. What guy wants to kiss a girl with no chin, anyway?
At the end of the Ebisu main square, you can easily see a lovely European style building. I though this is preserved old buildings, but in fact, it is a classy French restaurant. Newly built imitation of European architecture.
one of the main travel agencies and tour groups in tokyo and japan, it is a very popular tour company. the prices vary per off course and also vary if you have lunch included or not with the tours. the tours are the following:
Tokyo Old Downtown "Yanaka" Walking
Take a pleasant, half-day afternoon stroll through the streets
JPY 3,500
Tokyo Seaside Afternoon
On an afternoon tour of Tokyo Metropolitan you enjoy the very new spot "Odaiba"
JPY 3,500
Cityrama Tokyo Morning
This is another morning bus tour if you have already been to Tokyo Tower.
JPY 4,000
Cityrama Tokyo Afternoon
This is another afternoon bus tour if you have NOT been to Tokyo Tower before.
JPY 4,500
Akihabara Walking tour
Spend the afternoon strolling the streets of Akihabara, traditional Mecca
JPY 4,500
Tokyo Morning
This is a very basic morning bus tour of Tokyo Metropolitan.
JPY 5,000
Tokyo Afternoon
This is a very basic afternoon bus tour of Tokyo Metropolitan.
JPY 5,000
Bonsai Museum and Japanese Garden
See some of the finest, centuries-old examples of world-renowned bonsai
JPY 5,000
Ghibli Museum Afternoon -Hayao Miyazaki's Animation World-
Your chance to visit the popular Ghibli Museum in the Tokyo suburbs.
JPY 6,000
Full Day Edo Tokyo
Time-slip into old Tokyo--the Edo era.
JPY 6,000
Tokyo Nightlife
This is an evening tour including dinner. You can take authentic Japanese dishes choosing from Tempra, Sashimi, Sukiyaki or vegetarian.
JPY 6,500
Sunrise Sumo Tour -Tokyo Tournament
Sep.13-27, The Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament will be taking place!
JPY 9,800
Panoramic Tokyo
Combines a basic morning sightseeing tour with lunch,
JPY 9,800
Experience Japanese Calligraphy
Experience not only the feel of writing with brush and paper, but also the spiritual realm of Japanese calligraphy.
JPY 9,800
Tokyo Horseracing Tour
Why not enjoy a day at the races? Your horse lost?
JPY 9,800
Dynamic Tokyo
One of the most popular day tours of Tokyo.
JPY 12,000
Mukojima Geisha Tour
Enjoy dinner while Geisha of the famous Mukojima district entertain you with traditional dance and songs.
JPY 12,000
Japanese Incense Experience and Shabu-shabu lunch
Give your senses a treat. In Japan, incense is enjoyed much like tea ceremony, using all five senses not just the sense of smell.
JPY 13,000
Asakusa in Kimono
Imagine yourself as a true-born Edoite and take a morning stroll
JPY 13,000
Sunrise Sumo Tour & Chanko Dinner -Tokyo Tournament
After watching the sumo tournament, why not enjoy a "Chanko"
JPY 13,800
Ninja and Samurai tour
Learn the fighting techniques of ninja and samurai,
JPY 13,900
Yakatabune Dinner Cruise
Board a traditional party boat for dinner, including tempura and sashimi,
JPY 14,000
Sushi Making Experience and Tsukiji Fish Market Tour
Visit the Tsukiji Fish Market, then try your hand at making sushi guided by a master teacher of sushi chefs!
JPY 14,500
Tea ceremony and Harajuku walking in kimono
Experience traditional and modern Tokyo culture!
JPY 15,000
Bonsai Museum, Japanese Garden, and Dinner on a Yakatabune
See some of the finest, centuries-old examples of world-renowned bonsai
JPY 17,000
Japanese Culture Experience at Sogetsu Kaikan
A wonderful, half-day, hands-on experience in traditional Japanese culture.
JPY 19,000
Photographing-at-studio Plan their website is: www.jtb-sunrisetours.jp/
just visit their website or ask from the concierge of your hotel on how to book the tours via the JTB sunrise tours.
Cosplay or Kosupure, as the Japanese call it, is a Japanese invention that derives from the English words costume and play. It could basically be called Japanese carnival, with the slight difference that it happens throughout the year and partly involves a kind of semi-professionalism of the people in disguise.
Cosplayers can be found everywhere in Japan but the most famous spot is Yoyogi Koen. Mainly girls flock from all parts of Tokyo into the city with suitcases and change at the next McDonald's toilet or elsewhere. Lots of the costumes are handmade, although shops selling those costumes have increased as well. From seeing all this one has to guess that a lot of time is spent for make-up and hair.
The charactes vary from Goths to the famous protagonists of Anime, Manga, Video Games and other Pop Culture. This dress up is mainly regarded as an escape from the strict school life, but simply also as fun that is rewarded by the many photographers who wish to get a photo of the best cosplayers..
This phenomenon that is based on the tolerance for found in Japan is not unique anymore, as some kids in America and Europe have started to copy it, although they dress up on special conventions.
Where it is: The busiest spot is in front of Harajuku station at the the entrance to Yoyogi-Koen/Meiji Shrine.
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