Tag: Tokyo

Travelling to Tokyo – A Few Things to Know

Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, offers a blend of traditional culture and modern innovation that captivates travelers from around the world. Navigating this vast metropolis can be exhilarating yet overwhelming, so knowing a few tips and tricks can greatly enhance your experience.

Getting Started

Tokyo is a sprawling city, with each distinct neighbourhood offering its own unique attractions that appeal to visitors. It’s advisable to research the various districts before planning your trip to ensure you find the neighbourhoods that best match your interests.

Train Tips

The Shinkansen is a high-speed train network that swiftly transports passengers between cities. Tokyo Station serves as a central hub connecting travelers to major destinations, with tickets available for purchase online in advance. Due to limited storage space, especially during peak tourist seasons, it’s advisable to purchase food and beverages before boarding. If you’re staying in a apart hotel in Tokyo such as the likes of Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo, make sure to look up the train system before you go.

MaedaAkihiko, Series-N700S-J2, CC BY-SA 4.0

Hot Spring Culture

There are specific guidelines to adhere to, which may differ from those acceptable at spas in North America or Europe. Remember to bring your towel with you throughout the experience — it’s essential for drying off and can be used for modesty while walking around. Just be sure to follow etiquette and keep the towel out of the water.

Sampling the Food​​​​​​​

Tokyo boasts more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world. Be prepared to wait in long lines for a good meal, so make sure to pack your patience. For those wanting to focus on Japanese cuisine, there are dishes that were perfected in Tokyo, like tempura, nigiri and monjayaki, plus regional specialities.

Tower of Terror, an amazing attraction

The sensational Tower of Terror is an exciting thrill ride which is found in a number of Disney theme parks around the world. Although these attractions show many similarities, the storyline of the ride found at Tokyo DisneySea is slightly different from the others. The Tower of Terror at Tokyo is not based on The Twilight Zone television series like its counterparts in other countries, which sets it apart from the others. However, all of these attractions position riders within a vehicle, which, according to the storyline, is an elevator in an old hotel.

At Tokyo DisneySea, the building that houses the ride is called the Hotel Hightower, and is situated at the American Waterfront section of the park. The facade of this intriguing building is constructed in the Moorish Revival style of architecture, giving it a mysterious appearance. The fictional storyline goes that the tower was constructed by the well-known millionaire Harrison Hightower. He is a rather eccentric person, an avid traveller, and collector who travels the globe in search of antiques and curiosities.

Hightower has acquired a collection of thousands of items through dubious means and kept them inside his hotel. After an excursion to Africa, Hightower has brought back a mysterious idol known as Shiriki Utundu. He claims that the native tribesmen were very unwilling to give up their prized idol and had told him that it was cursed. The millionaire throws a lavish party, mocks the idol, and retires at a very late hour. It is on his elevator ride that the idol awakens and takes its revenge.

This intriguing storyline is supported by amazing special effects and a state-of-the-art ride mechanism. The attraction employs tremendously powerful motors and sophisticated technology to provide spine-tingling freefall sensations. In order to achieve the sensation of weightlessness the mechanism must pull the elevator down at a speed greater than the speed of free-fall. These amazing modern technologies combine to create a thrill ride like no other, an experience that will delight any rider.

Well-informed visitors desiring a Tokyo serviced apartment will find an excellent choice in the Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo. This outstanding service apartment in Tokyo offers well-appointed interiors and welcoming hospitality.

 

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.

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Tokyo DisneySea- For endless fun in Tokyo

When you visit the Central Business District of Tokyo, there are endless business and entertainment activities lines up for you. Travellers looking for centrally located serviced apartments in Tokyo can head down to Somerset Azabu East Tokyo, known to be one of the best in the city. This serviced apartment Tokyo would let you make the most of your journey as it offers luxury accommodation accompanied by all the contemporary amenities. Among the many tourist attractions in the city, Tokyo DisneySea is one of the top family attractions located in Urayasu in Japan. Known to be a popular theme park, Tokyo DisneySea attracts more than million visitors every year. There are numerous adventure rides, themed areas, aqua parks followed by many other fun and thrilling activities lined up for the visitors.

Tokyo Imperial Palace, a splendid edifice

The Imperial Palace in Tokyo is without a doubt one of the most resplendent sights in the Japanese capital. This handsome edifice is situated on expansive grounds on the previous location of Edo Castle in the heart of Tokyo. This vast area of parkland which is encircled by immense stone walls and moats is the permanent residence of the Imperial Family of Japan.

The palace inherits an eventful historical legacy. Edo Castle was once the seat of power of the shoguns of Tokugawa who ruled this part of the country from 1603 to 1867. In the year 1868 this system of governance was overthrown with the nation’s capital as well as the royal residence being moved to Tokyo. In the year 1888 the construction of the new palace was finished. This royal residence was destroyed in the bombings of World War II but was rebuilt later following the same stylistic principles.

Today the verdant tree-covered gardens and parkland of the imperial residence are open to members of the public. They function as a welcome respite from the bustle of the busy city and are a popular visitor attraction.

Amongst the most picturesque of the locations in these gardens is the lovely Nijubashi Bridge which extends over the tranquil moat. On the other hand in the expansive East Garden you will see a historically important stone wall which has existed since the Edo Castle stood on these grounds. Another popular attraction is the lovely flowers including hydrangeas and azaleas which come into bloom in season. Not to be missed is the actual moat itself from where you will see luxuriant cherry blossoms in the springtime. A museum located in the gardens displays the art collection of Emperor Hirohito, which includes Japanese paintings and lovely kimonos.

If you would like to see authentic Japanese cultural presentations such as the Noh and Kabuki plays, the National Theatre is within walking distance of the Imperial Gardens. With so much to see and admire in this part of the city the visitor will never be left unmoved.

The well-informed traveller who desires Serviced Apartments in Tokyo will find an excellent choice in Somerset Azabu East Tokyo. This convenient serviced apartment Tokyo offers provides comfortable accommodations and courteous hospitality.

Tokyo Disneyland, a splendid attraction

The hugely popular Tokyo Disneyland like other Disney amusement parks is an elaborate theme park which is based on the iconic movies created by the Walt Disney Company. At the time of its opening in 1983 it had the distinction of being the initial Disney park to be located outside the USA. Tokyo Disneyland follows the thematic design of its precursors, California’s Disneyland and Florida’s Magic Kingdom, featuring no less than seven theme lands as well as seasonal parades and other attractions.

The World Bazaar situated at the park’s main entranceway is a quaint shopping arcade which resembles an American town in the early years of the 20th century. Here you will find a number of restaurants and shops which many visitors frequent as they leave the park.
Kids will be enthralled by the charming Toontown, which resembles a suburban neighbourhood where the iconic Disney favourites carry on their much loved lives. The small fry can explore Donald Duck’s sailing boat, visit Mickey at his home, take a peek inside Chip n’ Dale’s treehouse or take an exhilarating ride on a special rollercoaster just for the kids.

On the other hand Tomorrowland provides an intriguing vision of the future with its outer space themed attractions and futuristic technologies. Popular features here include Star Tours and Space Mountain as well as Buzz Lightyear.

Naturally no visitor should miss out on Fantasyland with its myriad of attractions based on the popular Disney films. Cinderella’s Castle takes centre stage and you will also enjoy Snow White, Peter Pan, and Pooh’s Hunny Hunt, the latter being exclusive to the Tokyo park.

Make sure you experience Adventureland with its unique attractions such as the jungle cruise, Western River Railroad, Swiss Family Treehouse and the Pirates of the Caribbean.

Another key attraction is Westernland where you will see a nostalgic glimpse of the Old West, with highlights like Tom Sawyer Island and the Big Thunder Mountain rollercoaster. With so much to see and enjoy, Tokyo Disneyland will never disappoint its innumerable guests.

Selective travellers desiring a convenient Tokyo serviced apartment will be pleased by the Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo. These fine service apartments Tokyo offers provide comfortable accommodations and courteous hospitality.

Tokyo Amusement Parks

If its theme park thrills and family entrainment you are after, then a visit to Tokyo will not disappoint! There are many theme parks in and around this lively metropolis and if you are in search of a short term apartment Tokyo has to offer that can be used as a base for your travels, then Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo is an option worth considering. This well equipped Tokyo serviced apartment can be found right near the Shinjuku East area and is walking distance from subway stations that can be used as you tour the local theme parks. It goes without saying that the city’s most famous theme park is Tokyo Disneyland where Mickey and the gang await to offer you and the kids an unforgettable holiday experience. Divided into a variety of themed sections such as Fantasyland, Adventureland and Tomorrowland, this famous site will spoil you for choice when it comes to rides. Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain and the Haunted Mansion are among the attractions here worth visiting. However, there are many more theme parks in Tokyo worth visiting. Toshima-en which can be found in the north-western part of the city has some thrilling rides as well as an authentic Coney Island carousel, while Tokyo Dome City is where you will find the LaQua Amusement Park with its pulse-pounding roller coaster. Celebrating what has now become a sort of pop-culture icon of Japan, Sanrio Puroland is dedicated to “Hello Kitty” and is sure to be a favourite amongst kids!

Roppongi Hills

Development in Tokyo has moved forward in leaps and bounds, and today the capital city of Japan is definitely one of the greatest cities in the world. While life moves on the fast lane in this busy city the locals are always able to make time for style, and maintain it in their lifestyles. As the country heads towards becoming one recognized for this trait, the numbers that visit the nation in seek of exciting vacations too increases. Most of these visitors opt to stay in and explore Tokyo and in the city the Roppongi area is popular among visitors. Roppongi Hills is a mix use development that has arisen in the area and for many reasons it is a site fun seeking visitors should head to.

This development was opened in 2003, and since then has changed the face of Roppongi, helping to transform it into one of the most stylish areas to visit. Made up of several skilfully architected buildings, there is a host of ways to spend time in the area. It is a place to visit that will have almost anything that visitors are looking for. Those with an interest in modern culture will enjoy a visit to the Mori Art Museum in the iconic Mori Tower, and from this same tower which is one of the tallest in the area, you can enjoy the views from the observation deck.

Roppongi Hills is one of the best places for world class shopping, with most of the best renowned brands available here. Visitors will not only find trendy apparel here but a range of other products as well. When looking for a way to treat the taste buds too Roppongi Hills is the place to head over to, as there are a wide variety of restaurants, cafes and bars that serve up delicious dishes from many cuisines. The area is made pleasant by the presence of greenery in beautifully kept gardens, including an exciting rooftop garden. The cinema on site shows both Japanese and English movies for visitors’ enjoyment. It is definitely an ideal place to head over to when looking for some excitement in Tokyo.

When visitors to this city are selecting a hotel Tokyo, one that will meet all their needs is The Peninsula Tokyo. The beauty and opulence of this luxury hotel Tokyo, along with the lavish comforts and experiences available, have made it a popular choice of accommodation.