November is always a beautiful month in Tokyo. The weather finally cools down, the autumn leaves come out to play, and illuminations light up the city. This November is expected to be particularly festive as Japan and the rest of the world counts down for the Rugby World Cup 2019™ final.

The streets of Tokyo come to life in November as the autumn leaves paint the city red, orange, and yellow – making it the perfect season for picnics and strolls. Meiji Jingu Gaien Park’s breathtaking Ginkgo Avenue is the most popular spot to visit during this time and has become the symbol of Autumn in Tokyo. While autumn leaves decorate the daytime, November’s nights are lit up by intricate illuminations. There are spots all over the city, with many taking on a new theme each year. Particularly impressive illuminations include the Marunouchi Naka-Dori Street, the surreal Blue Cave Shibuya, and the classic YEBISU GARDEN PLACE illumination.

Finally, November 2019 will bring the count down to the Rugby World Cup 2019™ finals to Tokyo. The Bronze Final will be held on November 1 at Tokyo Stadium (Ajinomoto Stadium), and live viewings of the final will be held in many locations across the city. A rumor also has it that a celebration at Shibuya Scramble is in the works.

As the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 are quickly approaching, Tokyo is hard at work ― making sure it will be the most unforgettable sporting event in history. Its premier venue, The Japan National Stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the Tokyo 2020 Games and will be celebrating all of the hard work put into its creation on December 21.

The stadium is on track to be finished on schedule, and the people of Tokyo couldn’t be more excited. All of its 60,000 seats are expected to be filled with passionate spectators later this year for the arena’s opening event titled “HELLO, OUR STADIUM.”
Drawing in the crowds will be some of Japan’s top athletes and artists who will appear at the stadium during the ceremony. Musical and athletic performances by some of the country’s most iconic personalities will christen the new stadium and showcase Japan’s incredible talent.

The construction of the stadium also serves as tribute to Japanese culture and craftsmanship. Natural materials collected from all around Japan are used in the Japanese―inspired architecture of the stadium, making it eco-friendly and a unique reflection of Japanese tradition. After the Tokyo 2020 Games, the stadium and its surrounding green space will be open to the public to enjoy for a variety of events, sports, and other leisure activities. With a modern yet traditional design that respects nature and culture, the new Japan National Stadium shall stand to be a shining symbol of Japan’s past, present, and future.

Travelling in Tokyo can be overwhelming at the best of times, and Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 brings the biggest challenge to locals, visitors and the city itself – navigating Tokyo among the crowds. Luckily, we have some tips and information for you.

Two of the easiest ways to get around Tokyo includes using the Tokyo Metro or boarding the JR line. Tokyo Metro has announced that they will be increasing the number of trains running from July 24 – August 9, 2020, and postponing the time of the last trains each day until roughly 01:30 to 02:30 am. Stations are expected to be particularly crowded, especially Kayabacho, Nihonbashi, Ginza, Shinbashi, Kitasando, Roppongi, Kudanshita, Takebashi, Gaienmae, Nagatacho, Akasaka Mitsuke, Aoyama 1-Chome, Meiji Jingumae, Otemachi, Yurakucho, Hibiya, Nijūbashimae, Shinkiba, Tsukishima, Toyosu and Tatsumi. As such, they are currently increasing the number of ticket gates, and will employ extra staff to assist physically handicapped travellers.
JR East will be adding extra early morning trains on their Yamanote and Sobu lines, and will be improving the air conditioning facilities throughout some stations to prevent heatstroke. On a lighter note, JR East also announced that many of their trains will be redecorated with the Olympic mascots, and a special train called the “Tokyo Sports Station” will be running on the Yamanote Line.

For those new to Tokyo, all this may seem a little daunting, but rest assured that these improvements will make Tokyo 2020 experience all the more convenient and, ultimately, enjoyable.

Tokyo Metro https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/index.html
JR-EAST https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/

Many are familiar with the spectacular views of Japan’s pristine temples and shrines or the breathtaking nature around the country, but there is a whole world of excitement that sometimes goes unvisited by tourists: Tokyo’s nightlife. When the sun goes down, and the neon lights illuminate the streets, izakaya is one of the most popular places for Japanese people to let loose.　

Izakaya are unique establishments where patrons can find a wide variety of traditional Japanese dishes and drinks. These are also fantastic places to fill up on Japanese culture. This makes an izakaya one of the best places to get to know the Japanese on a more intimate level. Not to mention, izakaya proudly display the traditional Japanese aesthetic throughout with rice straw tatami floors, sliding shoji paper doors, and noren curtain doors.

Getting the right food to the table at a Japanese izakaya can be a tall order if you are new to Japan, plus, these lively establishments are best enjoyed when celebrating with groups. Luckily, there are tour guides ready to raise their glasses along with eager travelers hungry to experience Tokyo’s thriving nightlife. You’ll be led through the narrow alleys of the city to grab a drink at some lesser-known bars and izakaya as you explore Japan like never before and thus, have an unforgettable experience trying exciting food with new friends.

Hang Out Japan https://hangoutjapan.com/
Contact: contact@jnnovations.com

MagicalTrip https://www.magical-trip.com/

The Sendagaya area is widely known for its long-running history of sports, but its track record for supporting the arts and Japanese culture also knocks it out of the ball park. With massive stadiums and impressive cultural hot spots, the Sendagaya area offers visitors the best of both worlds.

Like a sprinter barreling down the last few meters of a long race, the completion of the new Japan National Stadium is now heading towards its finish line. The venue of the highly anticipated Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 opening and closing ceremonies, as well the games themselves, is sure to attract plenty of visitors to the area.

Besides the stadium, Sendagaya and the luxurious Kitasando district offer many other exciting places to visit. For example, there is the Shogi Kaikan Hall, the center of Japanese chess game shogi, a place where the clash of minds in this strategic game occurs. You can also pick up some interesting shogi souvenirs here. Other features of traditional Japanese culture can be found in the city, like Hatomori Hachiman Shrine and many other awe-inspiring shrines. There is also the National Noh Theatre where Japanese Traditional performing arts called Nohgaku is performed and preserved for coming generations. For a taste of the more modern side of Japan, the area is also known for delicious restaurants and glamorous shopping.

If you’re looking for craft beer in Japan, Tokyo is the place to be. In the mid-90s brewing regulations in Japan began to permit smaller batches of beer to be produced. Allowing for more personal care and experimentation these small batch brewers are regarded as the first craft beer brewers. With limited space, Tokyo has provided a great environment for smaller brewers to thrive and many brewpubs have opened around the city. It’s at these establishments where exclusive craft beers are brewed and served on site, such as the German-style Rauchbier (smoked beer) at Smoke Beer Factory NAMACHA ん Brewing.

Smoke Beer Factory " NAMACHA ん Brewing” https://smokebeerfactory.com/otsuka/