As the popularity of Japanese cuisine has grown, so has the number of visitors to Tsukiji market. Previously, no rules had been established for visitors but as of April 01, 2008, the Tsukiji Market will introduce new visiting regulations to ensure the safety of both visitors and workers alike. There will be limits to the number of visitors who can visit particular areas of the market. For details regarding the new regulations, please visit the sites below which both will be available from April 01, 2008:
http://www.tsukiji-market.or.jp/tukiji_e.htm (available from April 01, 2008)
http://www.shijou.metro.tokyo.jp/english/ (available from April 01, 2008)

Last year a record number of foreigners visited Japan. Perhaps drawn by the weak yen, the number of visitors hit a high of 8.4 million.
http://features.us.reuters.com/destinations/news/L29120974.html

La Folle Journee au Japon
Originating from France, this classical music festival has transformed Tokyo into a musical hall for all ages to enjoy. A different composer is featured each year and around 300 concerts in total include world-class presentations of the great masterpieces. Previous attendance records have overshadowed any other classical music event attendance figures. This year will showcase Schubert A Vienne (Schubert's Vienna) as well as 400 programs featuring more than 1,700 musicians.

Access:
http://www.t-i-forum.co.jp/lfj_2008/ (Japanese)
http://www.t-i-forum.co.jp/english/index.html (English site coming soon)

Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (MOT), (Kiba Park)
Selections from some 3,800 works in the museum's collection are shown in the "Flow of Modern Art". The museum's permanent exhibit collection presents a chronological study of 50 years of contemporary art. Included are works by Andy Warhol, Gerhard Richter, Roy Lichtenstein, David Hockney, Frank Stella, Sandro Chia, and Julian Schnabel which are shown in a continuing series of exhibitions.

Access: 15 minutes from Kiba Station on the Tozai Line or 9 minutes from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station on the Hanzomon Line.
http://www.mot-art-museum.jp/english/
http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides/asia/japan/tokyo/

Mitsuo Aida Museum (Tokyo International Forum, Yurakucho)
The permanent exhibits of this museum include 100 original works by calligrapher and poet Mitsuo Aida, who journeyed on a constant quest for individual self-expression. Experience his legacy of works in this leisurely and relaxed space.

Access: 3-minute walk from Yurakucho Station [Exit International Forum]
5-minute walk from Tokyo Station [Exit Marunouchi South]
http://www.mitsuo.co.jp/museum/foreign/index.html

With the recent boom of five-star hotels in Tokyo’s city center, it’s important to keep in mind that the city also offers a variety of budget accommodation options, from traditional Japanese Ryokans, to simple Business Hotels, Hostels and the very uniquely Japanese Capsule Hotels.

Ryokans (Japanese-style Inns)
Sadachiyo (Asakusa Station or Tawaramachi Station)
This ryokan allows visitors to experience the traditional Edo period from antique fittings to an Edo town meal and even cultural entertainment courses. Double rooms start at 9,500 yen.
http://www.sadachiyo.co.jp/e/eindex.html

Suigetsu Hotel Ohgaisou (Ueno or Nezu Station)
This hotel boasts luxurious marble and ancient cypress hot spring baths, as well as the original house of Ohgai Mori - an acclaimed writer of the 1800's. Both Japanese and western-style rooms are available from 5,775 yen per night.
http://www.ohgai.co.jp/e/index.html

Business Hotels
Kadoya Hotel (Shinjuku Station)
Located right by Shinjuku Station's West exit, this hotel is in the heart of Tokyo's business district, with packages and online booking available. Single rooms from 7,560 yen per night.
http://www.kadoya-hotel.co.jp/eng/index.html

Washington Hotel (Akihabara Station/Various Locations)
The Washington Hotel has several locations across Tokyo and the chain prides itself in comfort and convenience. The Akihabara location offers single rooms for 7,350 yen per night.
http://www.wh-rsv.com/english/index.html

Hostels
Tokyo International Youth Hostel (Iidabashi Station) Located in a high-rise building this hostel offers men's and women's rooms with a view, friendly staff, and a central location. Shared rooms from 3,860 yen per night.
http://www.tokyo-ih.jp/en/index.html

Japan Youth Hostels, Inc. This network includes around 350 facilities across Japan which are typically dormitory-style accommodation. Users all hold Youth Hostel Membership Cards, which are valid throughout the world.
http://www.jyh.or.jp/english/index.html

Capsule Hotels
Capsule Inn Akihabara (Akihabara Station)
This unique style of hotel provides all sleeping amenities to go with your own private sleeping pod. 4,000 yen per night.
http://www.capsuleinn.com/

Ooedo Onsen - Kurofune Cabin (Odaiba)
After enjoying the relaxing onsen, male visitors can reserve the Kurofune Cabins similar to a capusle for 3,555 yen per night.
http://www.ooedoonsen.jp/stay/kurofune.html

Torigoe Jinja Shrine Grand Festival
June 06 - 07, 2008 (Torigoe Jinja Shrine, Tokyo Station)
Best viewed in the evening with its huge portable shrine (3.75 tons), which is said to be the heaviest in Tokyo.
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/topics/tokyo/jnto/83dn3a000000dte5.html

Hozuki-Ichi (Lantern Plant Fair)
July 09 - 10, 2008 (Sensoji Temple, Asakusa)
200-year-old festival with 450 stalls selling Hozuki (Lantern Plants), which have been grown in the Edogawa area of Tokyo. 350 other stalls sell traditional festival snacks and gifts.
http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english/topics/070719/4.html (2007)

Antique Jamboree
July 25 – 27, 2008 (Tokyo Big Sight, Odaiba)
Over 500 dealers sell a range of Japanese and foreign antiques at one of the biggest antique shows in Japan.
http://home.att.ne.jp/sun/jambokun/antique/e.html

Sumida River Fireworks
July 26, 2008 (Sumida-gawa River, Asakusa)
This year marks the 30th anniversary of one of Japan's most famous fireworks festivals. Enjoy the setting off of more than 22,000 fireworks.
http://www.kanko-sumida.com/english/event.html

Tokyo Bay Fireworks Festival
August 09, 2008 (Harumi Futo Pier, Chuoh-ku)
More than 12,000 fireworks are launched above Tokyo Bay.
http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english/event/0708.html (2007)

Asakusa Samba Carnival
August 30, 2008 (Asakusa)
The carnival is a daylong festival that parades through one of Tokyo’s most scenic neighborhoods.
http://www.asakusa-samba.jp/index.htm (Japanese)

Enjoy the Early Summer!
To start off the summer season Tokyo offers some fantastic festivals for the entire family. Two of the more popular early summer festivals are featured below.

(1) Tanabata (Star Festival)
URL: http://special.enjoytokyo.jp/TK/070621tanabata.html (Japanese)
On the day of the festival, participants write their wishes on strips of colorful paper and hang them on bamboo branches. A great festival for parents and kids alike who would like to wish for health and happiness. The festival is held at various locations throughout Tokyo. For more on the history of Tanabata, please visit:
http://web-jpn.org/kidsweb/explore/calendar/july/tanabata.html

Meiji Shrine (Harajuku Station)
July 1, 2008
The festivities at Meiji Shrine feature a variety of activities for children.
http://www.meijijingu.or.jp/english/intro/index.htm

Kanda Myoujin Shrine (Ochanomizu Station)
July 7, 2008 from 4:00 pm
The shrine will provide visitors with the strips of paper to write wishes on.
http://www.kandamyoujin.or.jp/english/top.html

Kappabashi Street (Tawaramachi Station)
July 6 to 10, 2008 Parades, Japanese dancing, drum performances and more can be experienced at the Kappabashi Tanabata Festival.
http://www.tcvb.or.jp/en/hot/sizzling/0607/news0607_2.htm

Kappabashi Parade Dates:
July 7th from 14:00
Drum and fife band (local primary students) and children’s costume parade

July 8th from 12:00
Police marching band, Harley-Davidson motorcade, and Japanese-style dancing.
Other Dates:
July 7　Asakusa Ladder Performance
July 8　Street Performances, Taiko Drum Performance and a Flea Market

(2) Ajisai Festival (Hydrangea Festival)
URL: http://special.enjoytokyo.jp/TK/070524ajisai.html (Japanese)
Tokyo celebrates the arrival of the Hydrangea throughout the month of June. The beautiful pink, blue and pale purple flowers can be viewed at the following locations:

Tokyo Summer Land (Akikawa Station)
June 9 to July 8
60 varieties and more than 15,000 Hydrangeas in total are on display in the Tokyo Summer Land Park.
http://www.summerland.co.jp/english/index.html

Hakusan Shrine (Hakusan Station)
June 9 to 17
The shrine is home to more than 3,000 Hydrangeas.
http://www.tokyo-jinjacho.or.jp/syoukai/03_bunkyo/3007.html (Japanese)

Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden (Higashimukojima Station)
June 3 to 24
For 150 yen (Over 65 years 70 yen), visitors can enjoy rare and large varieties of the Hydrangea.
http://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/english/park/detail_07.html#mukojimahyakkaen

Tokyo Accommodation
Tokyo Hotel Ryokan Association:
http://www.tokyo-hotel-ryokan.or.jp/english/index_new.html

Tokyo Tourism Accommodation Search: http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english/s_hotel/search.php

Japan Guest Houses:
http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/db/tokyo/index.htm

Japan Ryokan & Hotel Association:
http://www.nikkanren.or.jp/english/

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Issued by: Tourism Division, Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs, Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Planning / Editing: Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau
E-mail: news@tcvb.or.jp Tel: +81-3-5840-8892 Fax: +81-3-5840-8895.