Category Archives: East Tokyo

Exploring Yanaka

Yanaka is a peaceful neighborhood that is perfect for a morning stroll and that rewards exploration. A straightforward walk from Ueno to Nippori will take you along quiet streets of undamaged pre-war buildings, quiet temples and an eclectic selection of contemporary artist’s studios and galleries. Most notable among them is the Asakura Museum of SculptureContinue reading “Exploring Yanaka”

Arashio Stable

Watching sumo (相撲) is a special and deeply rewarding cultural experience. Many watch it in the big stadiums, but seeing the sumo wrestlers train and prepare gives a fascinating insight into Japan’s national sport. Watching Keiko (morning practice) can be done for free in Tokyo at Arashio Stable. Note that viewers do not actually goContinue reading “Arashio Stable”

Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower (東京タワー) is an icon of Tokyo, helping to boost spirits and symbolising the renewal of the mega city after the war. While the free Metropolitan building and the Skytree beat it in the height game, Tokyo Tower definitely the most iconic and special in the hearts of Tokyo people. Budget travel tips FreeContinue reading “Tokyo Tower”

Advertising Museum Tokyo

The Advertising Museum Tokyo (広告とマーケティングの資料館「アド・ミュージアム東京」) is a surprisingly interesting (and free!) museum, showcasing Japanese advertising over the centuries. From Kimono ladies selling beer to retro packaging, the museum is a fascinating change from the usual museums in Tokyo. Information Cost: Free Open: Tuesday to Friday 11:00 to 18:30, Saturdays and holidays 11:00 to 16:30  Closed:Continue reading “Advertising Museum Tokyo”

Former Yasuda Garden

The Former Yasuda Garden (旧安田庭園) is a medium sized traditional Japanese garden night next to the Edo-Tokyo Museum. While not the biggest, it is a very beautiful garden and most importantly it’s free! Budget travel tips It’s only a minute or two from Edo-Tokyo Museum, so it’s an easy walk. Former Yasuda Garden is a nice place toContinue reading “Former Yasuda Garden”

Edo-Tokyo Museum

Edo-Tokyo Museum is a massive museum about the history of Tokyo.  Features replicas and originals from the Edo era (between 1603 and 1868) up to now, a detailed timeline of the city and art from different periods.  Excellent English descriptions available. Budget travel tips Sumo Arena is right next to Edo-Tokyo Museum, so it’s worth havingContinue reading “Edo-Tokyo Museum”

Kiyosumi Garden

Kiyosumi Garden is a compact but beautiful traditional Japanese garden, featuring a real Japanese tea house.  Well worth a visit if you are in the area. Budget travel tips Kiyosumi Garden is a short walk from Fukagawa Edo Museum.  See the map below for details. The free park next door is a nice place to eatContinue reading “Kiyosumi Garden”

Fukagawa Edo Museum

Fukagawa Edo museum contains a recreated Edo town, looking just like Tokyo hundreds of years ago.  The buildings were built using the old techniques and provide for an interesting afternoon or morning. Budget travel tips Walk to the nearby Kiyosumi park after to get your fix of Japanese gardens and save on train costs CheckContinue reading “Fukagawa Edo Museum”