Unique Places in Tokyo

In the pleasant park that is adjacent to Tokyo Midtown, I caught sight of a spire of a church, so I decided to investigate. I found the structure, all right, but I'm not sure it is a church even though it is built with a nave and steeple, and seems to have stained glass windows. It's like a miniature cathedral. But there was no notice board indicating service times, and there was no entrance -- there was a rather grand stairway leading to a door on the Gospel side of the altar, but it was closed off by an ornamental chain. Curious. I took a picture of it, reflected in the mirrored glass of the modern building across the street. A walled garden extended from one side of the structure, and I could see a tree laden with oranges and some sakura just coming into bloom. Intrigued, I asked my son to explain. He informed me that this is basically a rental facility for brides who want a church wedding -- more and more in Japan, people want a "Christian" wedding, a Shinto dedication ceremony for their children, and a Buddhist funeral!

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Our Nikko Tour included this amazing waterfall - so if you are near Nikko, you might consider going to see this during your trip!

The Kegon Waterfall cascades down the soaring vertical cliffs, and I though it would be a bit frozen because went to Japan sometime in winter and still snow was around. But, just as Niagara Falls in the winter, the water smashes down the tall cliff.

There is a viewing platform where you can get good vies of the waterfall, but if you go to the side of the souvenir stores, you will get even better and closer views.

It goes spilling downward over 330 feet (100 m) and the falls are not only one of the largest in Japan, but considered by many to be one of the three finest in the country.

It is at the foot of the revered volcano Mount Nantaj, where you can also see the forested shores of Lake Chuzenji. Created by lava flows thousands of years ago, Lake Chuzenji deepest point measures 528 feet (161 m).

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We chose to book a walking tour with Sunrise Tours for the significant temples in Kamakura which was once the political center of Japan, established as the seat of military government in 1192 and continuing its rule for over 100 years. Kamakura is also sometimes known as the Kyoto of eastern Japan and this is where you find the 43-foot (13-m) Great Buddha statue, the second largest Buddha statue in Japan.

Of course, you can always take this tour on your own by just riding the trains. I think it is easy but since we had limited time, I wanted everything to work like clockwork so we bought the tour for only about US$120 per person (booked through Expedia). But this tip will give you an overview of what we saw during the walking tour.

I have seen pictures before of the large Buddah because my grandfather had pictures beside it – so it was nice for me to see what he saw. Not to mentioned the fact that I played with a metal paperweight replica of it which my grandfather had. The Big Biuudha was actually cast in 1252 and once housed within Kotokuin Temple, the large original buildings were swept away in a tsunami toward the end of the 15th century. Since then, it has been standing in the open air for centuries – exposed to the elements. You can also go inside the belly for only 20 yen (a mere 25 cents I think in US$).

We also saw the Hase Kannon Temple. Inside this beautiful structure is the tallest wooden statue in Japan. This 11-headed statue of Kannon—the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy—stands a stately 62 feet (9 m) tall, and is brightly gilded from head to toe. It was not supposed to be photographed but it was too late before I saw the sign – lol – so I do have pictures!

Then we went to the grand red torii gate of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Founded in 1063, this is Kamakura’s most important shrine—dedicated to Hachiman, the patron god of the samurai, and the divine protector of Japan and the Japanese people. Inside the complex, find the treasure house, a museum displaying the valuables owned by the shrine.

The last part of the tour before we got back home was the Komachi shopping street which was lined with both modern and traditional shops side by side.

Asakusa is pretty much a spot where tourists are dumped off. The Sensoji temple is frequented by the locals, and because of the pagoda the promenade leading to it is filled with shops selling knickknacks and stuff

wander into the sidestreets and discover some quaint little shops. i stumbled upon a tofu shop thats all made in the house. There are a couple of sushi places as well, some interesting bakeries and even a mobile bakery!

If you go straight ahead when u exit Asakusa station to intersection, its the street that's famous for selling all types of kitcheware. You cross the road, at the corner is a drum museum. The small street beside it will lead you to Ueno, 20mins by foot.

The walk to Ueno I had was very relaxing. Quiet neighborhoods, a couple of Japanese temples, a school, a hospital etc...take this walk if you dont mind walking.

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Surprisingly, one benefit of getting lost in Tokyo is the opportunity for finding places of interest not really popular with tourists. Yet, they are equally enchanting like our stop at TENNOZ ISLE which we chanced upon on our search for ODAIBA. This place turned out to be just that - a scenic area of Tokyo Bay without the crowds!

As we know Odaiba is in the Tokyo bay area when we saw the ocean we thought that was it! But then no giant ferris wheel which is supposed to be at Odaiba. However, upon crossing the road from the Tennoz Isle station after getting off the Monorail, we saw a most amazing site- tranquil yet just overlooking the lovely ocean!

This is the boarded PROMENADE which later on we learned is really for relaxation for people in this area. Apparently is it being developed as an urban resort with great views of the ocean. At first sight from the monorail you'd think it is an old port. Exploring it further you will find huge hotels like the Dai-ichi in what we may describe as a more quiet part of Tokyo Bay!

The bonus? The views without entry fees to worry about!

You can get to it through the Tennoz Isle Station using the Monorail or Rinkai Line or Toei Bus from JR Keihin-Kyuko line on Shinagawa Station.

There is a purpose behind this photograph.

Japan has a very low crime rate.
Tokyo is a city with a population of 12,000,000.

One thing you notice in Tokyo is that people leave their bikes outside unlocked.

After you see the unlocked bikes you start lookng more closely and you do find bikes that are locked. But the point is.

Scooters and motorcycles are locked of course.

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A nice Hot spring facility next to the Toshimaen amusement park in Nerima.

Not touristy at all, and located in a nice suburb area which seems so romantic when it was drizzling.
If you want to try Onsen for the first time, try this place!
It's not crowded, there are english speaking staff, and it's a really nice place to relax.

There are 2 main sections for the hot springs. The Bade Zone (or the "swimsuit area") and the Bath/Sauna Zone.
In the Bath/Sauna Zone, it's all clothes off... not even the swimsuit! But seriously not one will bother looking at you so the awkwardness wears off quickly. The baths in the open air zone are really nice. In the Bath/Sauna Zone there are about 6 onsen baths and 1 cold water bath. There is also a large rest area, steam room, sauna and shower. The Bade Zone has a HUGE whirlpool with regular free aerobics lessons. There are also 2 outdoor baths and a huge sauna.
After soaking you can head to the 2nd floor for a nap in the resting areas, or have a nice massage. You can end off with a nice meal (not too expensive, you can get a decent set meal at 2000yen) and a hot sake.
The perfect way to pamper yourself!
Entrance fee is 2250yen and 1260yen after 9pm
Opening hours are 10am to 11pm

To get there, just take the Seibu Ikebukuro line to Toshimaen Station. (you may need to transfer to the Seibu Toshima line from Nerima)

If your looking for souvenirs for everybody back home and your just want a one-stop CHEAP shopping place...here it is. It may be a bit far for those of you who are staying in central/downtown Tokyo. But if you're staying or passing through Machida, then I totally recommend going to The Daiso. It's a 5-storey 100-yen shop with everything under the sun. Want chopsticks for your sister who's into sushi? CHECK! Want wacky yummy snacks for your younger brother? CHECK? Want Japanese fans for your mom? CHECK!! You get the point!
You'll often bump into US military folk there too. There are a few miitary bases around Machida, by the way.
DIRECTIONS: from Shinjuku station take the ODAKYU express to Machida station. It's about 30 minutes. Or from Yokohama take the JR Yokohama line to Machida station.