Theatres and Museums, Tokyo

Kokugikan (Or as Americans know it Budokahn) is the major home for Sumo Wrestling and "Cheap Trick" Concert albums. Sumo is a very cool sport that is misunderstood by those who don't understand it. It can be difficult because of the many weight classes and traditions (such as throwing salt into the ring.) But it is the fastest and most intense sport I have ever seen in my life!

Ryogoku, the area around the Kokugikan and the Tokyo Edo Museum is home to many Sumo Stables. One of the coolest things is watching some of these Giant Sumo Wrestlers riding to their stable on a bike, or being fortunate enough to catch practice through an open door. I was there around dinner time and got to see what just one of these guys eats, impressive!

The Sumo Wrestlers are major celebrities in Japan who appear on commercials and cooking shows and everything in between. Plus, my gut looks small in comparison.

Take the JR Sobu Line or Subway Oedo Line to Ryogoku Station.

The museum is exactly what it says it is. It is home to alot of western art. And I mean a lot! The good thing about it is, there is no shortage of breathtaking works of art. Included in the exhibit are Kdoc favorites Reubens, Manet, Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Pollack.

This museum features nothing but PARASITES! Admission is FREE. Tapeworms, lice, leeches along with dozens other types and photos of these lovely pets in action. Lots of glass jars full of floating things that'll make you squirmy. Not a big museum at all - only takes a half-hour or so to walk through and buy yourself a parasite-loving t-shirt. Can't be missed.

Located at:
4-1-1 Shino Meguro
Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0064

From the west exit Meguro Station on the JR Yamanote Line, take the #1,2,6 or 7 Tokyu bus. Get off at the second stop (Otori Jinja-mae) and continue walking in the same direction until you come to the museum, a pinkish brown building on the next corner.

The Japanese Sword Museum.

It's hidden away in a residential street just south of the Shinjuku skyscraper area, and is maybe worth a look, although I thought it was a little disappointing.

My guide book promised displays of not only swords, but various kinds of armour, which turned out to be missing. Perhaps they were refurbishing the place. And, well, unless you are really into this kind of thing, one sword looks pretty much like another.

You probably won't spend more than 20 minutes inside, at the most, although at only about 500 yen it's not that expensive. Unfortunately, photography of any kind of forbidden.

If you do decide to go, this picture shows you what to look out for at street level.

The Tokyo Opera House.
I don't recall why I was led to it, as I don't care for opera, but I was there during the day for some reason, and unfortunately, it was a Sunday - all was closed.
However, I thought this photo made a good shot!

You'll know it if you're a Japanese comic manic................