Tokyo Imperial Palace
The Tokyo Imperial Palace was built on the grounds of the former Edo Castle. The Fushimi Yagura of the castle dates back to 1659 and the famous Nijubashi area dates back to the same century. There is also a large area of imperial pines. You can see all of these from the outside, but to enter the actual Imperial Palace grounds, you must reserve a spot on one of their tours which can be done on their website.
Ueno Park
Ueno Park is built on the remains of the Kan’eiji Temple. Althogh many great structures were burned down when Meiji Government formed a new regine as the Empreor the supreme god-like being. There are a number of statues and monuments such as Takamori Saigo, Hideyo Noguchi and surprising presence of General Grant who planted trees there and even colossal blue whale sculpture in front of the science museum. Also Ueno park is surrounded by a number of popular museums including National Museum and National Science Museum. Museum hopping is one of the most popular Tokyoites pastimes
Odaiba
The famous japanese island off tokyo bay. Daiba, literally meaning “fort”, refers to some of the man made islands in the Bay of Tokyo, which were constructed in the end of the Edo Period (1603-1868) for the city’s protection against attacks from the sea. The center of Odaiba is Aquacity Odaiba. It includes a shopping mall with a 300-meter-long boutique street, a multi-flex cinema that employs the latest acoustic and screen technologies, and a gourmet zone that stretches over 15,000 square meters, which is obviously the largest such zone in Japan.
Kabuki Theater Tokyo
Another great insight into Japanese culture is the traditional Kabuki Theater. There is one situated in Ginza,Tokyo.Its male-only cast has been capturing the hearts and minds of audiences since its 17th century beginnings. With a five-hour running time, I suggest purchasing a single act Makumi ticket available for USD20 per person – a fraction of what you would pay to watch the entire show (USD40 to USD230).Be warned; you will have to line up at least two to three hours before show time in order to nab one of the 250 seats.
Akita Kanto Festival
This festival is from Aug 3rd for 3 days. During this unique festival, men take turns to hoist eight-meter high bamboo poles called kanto using their hands, foreheads and shoulders while chanting “dokkoisho” meaning “heave” through the streets of Akita City. The festival is a traditional ceremony to pray for a bountiful harvest as well as protection from evil spirits.
