Our list of interesting things to do

In and around Tokyo

An English language train jouney search engine with full timetables, and maps of the stations areas:
http://www.hyperdia.com/cgi-english/hyperWeb.cgi

JR line - Tokyo station maps

Gardens

Imperial Palace
Website http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/regional/tokyo/imperial.html
Info: Free tour every Saturday, 13.00-15.00. Meeting point: Outside the gate of the Marunouchi Central Entrance in the Tokyo Station.
Nearest Station: A 15-minute walk from Tokyo Station, or a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Otemachi Station.

Hama-rikyu Gardens
Website http://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/english/park/detail_04.html#hamarikyu
Nearest Station: 12 minutes walk from Shinbashi Sta.of JR Yamanote Line

Todoroki Valley
Website http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3034_005.html or http://www.att-japan.net/modules/tinyd0/rewrite/tc_115.html
Info: A nature trail in Tokyo - Free entry
Nearest Station: Todoroki (on the Tokyu/Oimatchi line)

Great views

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Website http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/ENGLISH/TMG/observat.htm
Info: 45^th floor, choose North or South tower - Free entry
Nearest Station: Shinjiku, then a 15 minute walk

Sunshine city
Website http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english/tourists/spot/foreigner/english/timely_eng9.html
Info: Visit the 60^th floor at night!
Address: The Starlight Dome, Aquarium, 10f, 3-1-3 Hagashi Ikebukuro, ttoshima-ku
Phone: +81 3-3989-3546
Nearest Station: East exit of Ikebukuro

Tokyo City View/Sky Deck
Website http://www.roppongihills.com/tcv/en/
Nearest Station: Tokyo Metro H Hibiya Line H04 Roppongi Station

Tokyo Tower
Website http://www.tokyotower.co.jp/english/
Info: Cost: Yen 820
Nearest Station: 5 min walk from Akabanebashi St: Akabanebashi Gate Metropolitan Subway Oedo Line. or 15 minute walk from Hamamatsucho St.North Exit: JR Yamate Line

Rest and relax

Oedo-Onsen Monogatari
Website http://www.ooedoonsen.jp/english/
Info: Cost: Yen 2,900
Nearest Station: Tokyo Teleport, Tokyo Bay (Free shuttle bus from Station)

History

Edo-Tokyo Museum
Website http://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/english/index.html
Info: Open Tuesday to Saturday
Nearest Station: Ryogoku

Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum
Website http://www.tatemonoen.jp/
Website http://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/english/park/detail_02.html#koganei
Info: Closed Mondays, Situated within Koganei Park
Nearest Station: Musashi-Koganei

Asakusa Kannon Temple (Senso-ji)
Website http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/regional/tokyo/asakusa.html
Website http://sumidagawa-edo.com/english/as_see.html
Info: Tokyo’s oldest temple sight. Nakamise-dori, an alleyway packed with small shops, a great place for souvenirs. Cost: Free
Nearest Station: Asakusa Station by Tokyo Metro Ginza Line

Science and Technology

Sony Building
Website http://www.sonybuilding.jp/e/access/index.html
Nearest Station: A 1-minute walk from Exit B9 of Ginza Station

Advanced Technology Exhibition Hall @ Tepia
Website http://www.tepia.jp/english/index.html
Nearest Station: 4 minute walk (next to Jingu Stadium) from Gaiemmae Station on the Ginza Line (Subway).

National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
Website http://www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/en/
Nearest Station: 15 minutes walk from Tokyo Teleport station: Odaiba, Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit Rinkai line

Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography
Info: Closed Mondays
Website http://www.syabi.com/index_eng.shtml
Nearest Station: Ebisu

Shopping

Nakamise-dori
Website http://sumidagawa-edo.com/english/as_see.html
Info: An alleyway packed with small shops, a great place for souvenirs.
Nearest Station: Asakusa Station by Tokyo Metro Ginza Line

Oriental Bizaar
Website http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/japan/tokyo/things-to-do-in-tokyo/where-to-shop-in-tokyo/oriental-bazaar.html
Nearest Station: Harajuku

Jiyugaoka
Website http://www.att-japan.net/modules/tinyd0/rewrite/tc_115.html
Info: North/main exit: Long narrow indoor shopping markets, selling everyday clothes to todays stylish designer clothes. Antiques, jewellery and acsessories. South exit has many small boutiques selling gorgous home wear and clothes.
Nearest Station: Jiyugaoka (on the Tokyu/Oimatchi line)

Shibuya
Website http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3007.html
Nearest Station: Shibuya

Shinjuku
Website http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3011.html
Info: Famous department store: Takashimaya Times Square
Nearest Station: Shinjuku

Bus trips

Tokyo Shitamachi Bus
Info: Runs everyday, every 30mins. / Cost: Yen 200 or 1 day pass Yen 500, there are special discounts on selected stores when you produce this card.
Nearest Station: Tokyo Station Marunouchi North exit

Boat trips

Tokyo Bay Cruise
Website http://www.symphony-cruise.co.jp/english/
Nearest Station: 1 minute walk from Hinode station of Yurikamome

Sumida River Cruise
Website http://www.suijobus.co.jp/english/
Info: 40 Minute cruise
Nearest Station: Asakusa Station by Tokyo Metro Ginza Line

Jicoo Floating bar
Website http://www.jicoofloatingbar.com/main.html
Info: From Hinode Pier to Odaiba, on Thursday, Friday and Sundays
Nearest Station: Hinode, Sambashi

Water Bus
Website http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Cruise_Ship

Day Trips

Yokohama
Website http://www.city.yokohama.jp/en/
Info: Hilights include the Landmark Tower, China Town, and the Park/Port area

Kamakura
Website http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/attractions/g_route/golden_tokyo_02.html
Info: 13^th Century temple town Great Budda
Nearest Station: Kamakura Station

Fuji Hakone
Info: Unlimited boarding of bus, train and ship within Fuji Hakone, valid for 3 days, from Odakyu Sightseeing Service Centre, Shinjiku. 03-5321-7887
Nearest Station: Shinjiku

Izu Peninsula:
Website http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Izu_Peninsula
Website http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6310.html
Info: Including the MOA Art Museum and onsen delights

Overnight

Note: JR East/West trains run to many famous locations.
Website http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/trips/index.html
Website http://www.westjr.co.jp/english/global.html

Nikko National park
Website http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/attractions/g_route/golden_tokyo2.html
Info: exotic Tokugawa mausoleum and Kegon Falls

Kyoto
Website http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto
Website http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2158.html

Himeji Castle
Website http://www.himeji-castle.gr.jp/index/English/
Info: By shinkansen from Tokyo, it takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes, or from Kyoto, it takes 55 minutes. By JR express train (Sanyo Line)