Japanistry

975 posts
This website started as a hobby to explain photography (posts listed here), but over time expanded to provide (hopefully) useful information about Japan and the Japanese language. I also run edonoyu.com with a friend—a site that covers onsen in the Tokyo region.

Namja Town

An indoor amusement park that is a good choice for those with children. There are 13 attractions in total, a Showa era street replicating 1950s Tokyo, Namja Gyoza Stadium which serves the different types of gyoza found throughout Japan, and Ice Cream City which sells just about any variety of the stuff you can imagine.

Daikanyama Hillside Terrace

One of Daikanyama’s most well known residents is home to shops, restaurants, and art exhibitions. It is spread…

Daikanyama T-Site

Opened in December 2011, T-Site aims to be the next trendsetter in Daikanyama. Designed by Tsutaya, the book…

Ueno Zoo

Japan’s oldest zoo is home to over 400 species, but it is most famous for its giant pandas.

Kyu Iwasaki-tei Gardens

The former home of the Iwasaki Family, the founders of the Mitsubishi group. The grounds passed into government possession after the war and the structures are today recognized as Important Cultural Assets.

Ameyoko / Candy Alley

Ameyoko runs along and under the rail tracks between Ueno Station and Okachimachi Station to the south. One of the capital’s most famous night markets with enough souvenirs to keep any traveller entertained.

Ueno Park

Famous park which is home to five museums, two concert halls, and Ueno Zoo. Especially popular during the cherry blossom season.

Don Quijote

24/7 popular bazaar-style store that sells just about anything and everything. There are also cheap restaurants on the 5th floor and Amuse Cafe & Theatre on the 7th floor which offers show and dance performances.

Hanayashiki Amusement Park

Amusement park that has been entertaining visitors since 1872. Today it has about 20 rides and attractions (including a “Ninja Challenge”), but for adults the appeal is nostalgic, as the amusement park seems stuck in another era.

Hoppy Street

A popular night street in Asakusa. The izakaya and yakitori restaurants on either side of the road extend themselves in the evening with plastic tables and chair, making for a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.

Asakusa Engei Hall

Asakusa Engei Hall is famous for rakugo (“fallen words”), a comical form of one-man storytelling through a dialogue of two characters. While the cultural references involved in the storytelling mean that near-native Japanese language skills are a must, Engei Hall does offer other performances that tourists can enjoy (e.g. magic shows).

Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center

An excellent tourist information center for the Asakusa area. The top floor is also an observation deck which provides superb views of Nakamise and Sensoji Temple. On the ground floor near the information desk you can also find all of Taito Ward excellent tourist maps for Asakusa and other areas of the ward such as Ueno and Yanaka.