Leisure Spot

“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 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.

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.