infomapJAPAN Free Travel Guide. Maps, Sightseeing, Access Guide, Accommodation, Events, Japanese Trends, Gifts

A new emerging multipurpose community centering around the former Shiodome Station for government-owned freight station lies between JR Shinbashi Station and JR Hamamatsu-cho Station is the Shiodome Shiosite. Developing a total of 11 town blocks as one district is the largest urban development project taking place in Tokyo. The area is still under development; however, several high-rise buildings housing offices, shops, cafes, restaurants, theaters, and hotels, have already been built and attracting visitors. One of the features of this area is that many of Japan's large corporations are building their headquarters and are presenting their works in the buildings. To name a few, Nippon Television Tower as the headquarters of Nippon Television, Caretta Shiodome as the headquarters of Dentsu, the headquarters of Matsushita Electronics, the headquarters of Nippon Express, and the Shiodome City Center. Having much to offer, Shiodome Shiosite has been a hot place to visit, especially for young couples.

Tokyo International Forum designed by an architect, Rafael Vinoly opened in 1996. Vinoly attempted to capture and incorporate venerable traditions seen in Japanese forms and interiors into his western design by using glass and stone. You will see the best part of the design when you come closer to the building and when you enter the atrium - beautiful curves of the roof with a high sealing providing open space and narrow walkways reaching the other side of the building. The four venue halls in various sizes and event rooms comprise this forum to host concerts, conferences, performing arts, cinemas, exhibitions, and conventions. The largest hall can accommodate more than 5,000 people. Cafes, a gallery, gift shops, and a variety of restaurants are also available inside of the building. The Tokyo International Forum is located just a few minutes walk from the Tokyo Station.

Kabuki is one of the most famous Japanese traditional performing arts and is known for a quite unique performance that integrates songs ("ka"), dancing ("bu"), and distinctive techniques ("ki") on the rotating stage. Kabuki is said to originate from a distinctive way of dancing that became popular in 1603 and the name came from the postural sway when they danced. The grand theater is a beautiful architecture designed in Japanese traditional style but is made with modern materials. The Kabuki-za was first opened in 1889; however, it was destroyed for a few times. The current grand theater in Ginza dates back to 1951, in which various improvements have been made to enhance the performance since then. With its traditional looks preserved, Kabuki-za has been registered as a tangible cultural property in February 2002 after 50 years passed since the opening. You cannot only enjoy the colorful and exciting stage, but also interiors decorated for each season.

Hama-Rikyu Garden is situated not to far from Ginza where all the commercial facilities are attracting a number of people everyday and close to the bay area next to Shiodome where new developments have been taking place. The garden belonging to one of the feudal lord in the Edo Period was first built in 1704. There are two ponds filled with sea water from the bay changes the water levels according to the tides, and a pond like these two was a usual way of building a pond in the garden by the sea. Many of the structures including a teahouse and trees were once destroyed by air raids and earthquakes; however, the reconstruction took place during the post-war period. The garden contains tees trimmed in a nice shape, a tea house, flowers, and paths to stroll around the garden. The nicely recovered park was designated as a special historic spot in 1952.

Best known as one of the world's largest fish markets, the Tsukiji Fish Market is also one of the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Markets and the largest wholesale market in Japan. A highlight for foreign tourists in Tokyo is observing the early morning tuna auctions and a guided tours is available for a fee. When visiting the market early in the morning, be careful not to distract market workers as it is very busy. In the inner market (Jonai-shijo) and outer market (Jogai-shijo) there are hundreds of small shops offering sushi and various other seafood dishes. This a great place to have fresh seafood for a reasonable price.

This institution is a member of the Federation Internationale des Archives du Film(FIAF) and is committed to preserving and researching cinema. The National Film Center (NFC) gathers, preserves and restores both Japanese and foreign films, as well as non-film materials. Visitors can see different film screenings in the theatre, enjoy books and periodicals on cinema at the library or view non-film materials related to cinema in the gallery. The NFC also works closely with the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Together, they select top films to be promoted and screened in halls across Japan. Additionally, the Center shares information with other FIAF institutions all over the world.

This Buddhist temple was established in 1617 as a branch of Nishi Honganki Temple, the Jodo Shinshu mother temple in Kyoto. The present temple was rebuilt with stone in an Indian architectural style after the original was destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. The followers fierce devotion was evident in the reconstruction as it only took three years to rebuild the temple. Construction began in 1931 and was completed in 1934. Additionally, the pipe organ, which is very rare for Buddhist temples, was donated by the Society for the Promotion of Buddhism and placed at the back side of the main hall.