Leisure spot

Nezu Shrine is one of the ten most important shrines in Tokyo. According to Japanese mythology, the shrine was founded by Yamato Takeru about 1900 years ago. During the Bunmei era (1469–1486), the main building of the shrine was built by military commander Ota Dokan. In 1705, a large construction project known as “Tenka Bushin” was carried out by Tokugawa Tsunayoshi. The seven structures of the project, which included the main building of the shrine, were completed the following year. They have since been designated as national Important Cultural Properties. The premises also include Otome Inari Shrine, which is renowned among people seeking good fortune in love, and the Sakura-mon Gate, an impressive and magnificent vermilion structure. Nezu Shrine is an important shrine that has been highly respected by the many worshipers who have come to visit it since ancient times.

The National Art Center is located in Roppongi, Minato Ward. Rather than specializing in any one area, Japan’s largest exhibition space offers a wide range of exhibition genres. Apart from 12 exhibition halls, an art library, a lecture hall, and training rooms, the center features a restaurant, three cafés, a museum shop, and more. The National Art Center was designed by Kisho Kurokawa, one of Japan’s leading architects. Its facade consists of a wavy glass curtain wall that boasts beautiful curvaceous lines and lets the visitors observe the slightest change of the passing seasons. Come quench your thirst for art and soak in the abundant greenery that surrounds the center.

Main gateway to Tokyo, the station boasts the greatest number of platforms in Japan. All services were fully restored following the completion of the restoration in 2012. The red-brick Marunouchi Station Building, designed by architect Kingo Tatsuno et al., was designated as a national Important Cultural Property. As you visit the location, take some time to casually stroll around the Ekinaka (inside the station) area of Tokyo Station City. You’ll find an unlimited choice of Japanese and Western restaurants as well as sweets, ekiben (station box lunch), and gourmet specialties that can only be found at Tokyo Station. Come visit Tokyo Station Gallery where various exhibitions are held and where you’ll find the well-known brick wall that embodies the history of Marunouchi Station Building.

The Fire Museum is a facility in Yotsuya, Shinjuku Ward, that exhibits materials about the history and activities of the Tokyo Fire Department. You can learn about fire protection and disaster prevention while looking back at the history of firefighting from the Edo period to the present age. Successive generations of fire engines are on display, and enjoyable dioramas and Japanese puppet theatre plays introduce firefighting equipment and techniques from the Edo period. Moreover, you can take a seat in fire engines and helicopters that were actually once in service. You’re welcome to bring your own meal and enjoy it in the panoramic lounge on the 10th floor. Come visit the Fire Museum for a fun outing or to deepen your knowledge in case you ever need to deal with a fire emergency.

The entertainment hall located in Shinjuku. The daytime and nighttime shows mostly feature rakugo performances, but also include a variety of other programs such as manzai, magic shows, acrobatics, etc. The different performances are given by the best of veterans and rookies. Shinjuku Suehirotei Hall is the only wooden construction among the four regular rakugo halls of the metropolitan area. Wrapped in the old atmosphere of Edo, even the first-time spectator can easily enjoy Tokyo’s typical sense of humor. Come revel in the unique and numerous performances that can only be truly enjoyed live.

Tokyo Opera City is a cultural complex consisting New National Theatre Tokyo, a concert hall, an art gallery, and shopping and restaurant areas located in Nishi-Shinjuku. There are many cultural events, performing arts, classical and jazz music concerts held every day so it is a must to check the schedule beforehand. You can get a great night view from the high rise restaurants as well.

“Hanayashiki” in Taito-ku is the oldest amusement park ever in Japan which was opened in 1853. The amusement park is also famous for Japan’s oldest surviving roller coaster built in 1953. This rare amusement park with the atmosphere with retro twist is featured in many films and dramas. How about a unique amusement park experience while your filming location tour in Asakusa?

A park commonly known as “Ueno Park” in Taito-ku. The park is a home to various cultural facilities, including museums, art museums, and the zoo. It is also famous for the statue of Takamori Saigo, one of the most famous last samurais, created by renowned sculptor, Koun Takamura. The park is featured as filming location for various movies and TV dramas, including NHK’s asadora Amachan. The park surely is one of the most popular parks in Tokyo, where its visitors can enjoy various appearances that change season to season, and its Shinobigaoka situated on the hill being designated as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites.

The museum is a public musesum located next to Ryogoku Sumo Hall in Sumida. The museum houses materials that passes on the history and culture of Edo-Tokyo to today. There are varieties of displays which you can learn about the changes of Edo (old Tokyo until 1869) to modern Tokyo and experience a life in Edo by riding a palanquin and holding the firefighter's banner. There are special exhibitions held as well. It is highly recommended to visit along with the film shooting sites of "Onihei's Detective Note".

The tallest free-standing broadcasting tower in the world which opened on May 2012 (634m/2,080 ft-tall) The panoramic views from Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria are just spectacular! You will not want to miss the 360 degree panoramic views on the sunny day. Tokyo Soramachi, situated on the foot of the tower, is also the popular tourist attraction which provides a wide range of shopping and entertainment. When you go on a tour of filming locations in shitamachi, the traditional district, Sumida-ku is a perfect place to let you enjoy the new and old attractions offered by Tokyo.

Takeshita Street is a shopping street that spans the 350 or so meters that separate JR Harajuku station and Meiji Street in Harajuku. It goes gently downhill from the station and features various fashion stores and sweets shops. The town is widely known for its distinctive fashion. In the 80s, the area saw the rise in popularity of the ‘Takenoko-zoku,’ youngsters who would dress in unique costumes and move to the beats of step dance. From the 90s and on, more and more famous international brands chose to set up shop on Takeshita Street. A part of the town commonly referred to as ‘Urahara’ eventually developed to become a sophisticated cultural spot. Currently, the area is a thriving hub for the latest fashion and culture trends among young people. It is also a popular tourist destination for travelers both from Japan and overseas.

Shibuya Ward shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Year after year, Meiji Shrine welcomes more worshipers than any other shrines for their first shrine visit of the New Year. Throughout the year, many people come to relax at the shrine which is one of the leading sightseeing destinations in Tokyo. The vast (approximately 700,000 square meters) precincts feature the famous Kiyomasa Well power spot, the beautiful Japanese irises of the Imperial Garden (best viewed in June), the two camphor trees named the ‘Kusunoki Couple’ and said to bring luck to people seeking matchmaking or matrimonial happiness, and many other places of interest. Come feel the holiness and serenity of the place, surrounded by the lush woods that will make you forget that you’re in Tokyo.

A crossing boat on the Edo River between Shibamata, Tokyo and Chiba prefecture on the other side. The Yagiri-no-Watashi boat, which the name appears in songs and novels, is the only remaining crossing boat in Tokyo and it is used to film many scenes of the "It's Though Being a Man" movie series. You may feel a comfort of gliding on the calm surface of the Edo River.

The aquarium is in Tokyo Sea Life Park located on the seaside of Tokyo Bay. The building of the aquarium is a 30.7m (100 feet) tall eye-catching glass dome. There are blue fin tuna swimming inside a 2,200t huge donut shaped tank, one of the biggest exhibitons of penguins in Japan, and more than 600 different species of sea life from the seas of the world. They also offer unique exhibitions dedicated to sea life in Tokyo Bay. After visiting the aquarium, you can also ride the big ferris wheel and get a view of Tokyo Bay or walk through the park with a comforting sea breeze.

Step into the world of the movie series “Otoko wa Tsurai yo ("It's Tough Being a Man")” as soon as you enter the Katsushika Shibamata Tora-san Museum. The Kurumaya sweets shop replica set, costumes, utensils, and Yoji Yamada’s megaphone, all actually used in the movie series, as well as many precious documents are exhibited. So is the contents of Tora-san’s suitcase too! In addition, videos showing the making of the movies, corners that bring recollections of famous scenes as well as the successive potential female love interests, commemorative photo booths, and so much more will let you immerse yourself into the world of Tora-san. Whether a fan or not, come experience the kindness found in Katsushika Shimabata, Tora-san’s beloved hometown. During your exploration of the Shimabata area, make sure to stop by the memorial hall to add to your experience.

Kiyosumi Garden is a stroll garden whose main features consist of a central pond, artificial hills, and a Japanese rock garden. Three islands dot the large pond at the center of the garden which includes many places of interest and is known as one of the scenic spots designated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. A walk across the stepping-stone bridge near the edge of the pond offers different views of the scenery, among which, the highest point of the garden: the artificial hill that represents Mt. Fuji. A pavilion that overhangs the pond also serves as a tea-ceremony arbor. The garden is also a famous bird watching spot as a variety of wild birds can be seen gathering at the pond because of the proximity of Sumida River and Tokyo Bay.

Tokyo Polytechnic University Suginami Animation Museum is the first facility in Japan that presents animation in a systematic manner so that visitors can learn about, experience, and understand Japanese animation. In addition to offering interactive workshops and exhibitions about post-recording and animation production processes, the museum has special exhibitions that present information about the latest animations. Everyone is sure to find a host of opportunities to enjoy the various aspects of Japanese animation. The museum features a library replete with books related to animation and video interviews with creators as well as a theater that shows animation works. Suginami Animation Museum is the perfect place to learn more about animation while having fun.

The metropolitan zoo is located in Musashino City, Tokyo. More than 200 animals are kept in an area of Inokashira Park which is surrounded by an ancient grove of mixed trees reminiscent of Musashino’s old days. Points of interest include squirrels innocently approaching visitors on the Squirrel Lane, the close-range observation of dear at Musashino Habitat, and holding cute guinea pigs at the Guinea Pig Petting Corner. The leopard cats also are a highlight as their breeding through artificial insemination was successfully achieved for the first time in Japan. Come relax and soothe your soul among the lush greenery filled with lovely animals.

MoriTown is located just outside Akishima Station in surroundings brimming with greenery. A myriad of events are held at the shopping center that features, among other facilities, 150 specialty stores and a movie theater. From shopping to entertainment, you’ll be spoiled for choice. In the Showa-No-Mori area near Moritown, you’ll also find the mall-like commercial facility complex Mori Park Outdoor Village, which specializes in outdoor goods, and a barbecue site.

“Tonogayato Garden” situated in Kokubnji is a circuit style garden with woods and ponds that took advantage of the natural terrain of Musashino as it is. The gardening techniques applied in this garden to change the atmosphere of each area is so exquisite. The garden is created by skillfully utilizing the valley by the cliffs: lawn on top of the cliff, natural spring on the bottom of the cliff, and there is a forest. Just a few-minute walk from the Kokubunji Station! This is another spot that you will not want to miss when you are on the filming location tour.