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- News & Announcements
- Theme 1: Toys & Collectibles in Tokyo - Hobby Heaven
- Theme 2: History & Tradition
- Event Information
- Did you know? Fun Facts About Tokyo
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Improved Narita Airport Access Venus Fort Reborn! Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum closing for renovations Tokyu Stay Nishi-Shinjuku & Ikebukuro Akihabara Washington Hotel Important Notice Regarding ATM Withdrawals
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While Tokyo is well-known as a center of animation and manga there is a long tradition of hobby pursuits in Japan that extends beyond pop-culture for hobbyists of all ages! 1. Character Collectibles Nakano Broadway Tokyo model shops carry incredibly realistic scale models ranging from F1 cars to Japanese castles! Start with the Tamiya Plastic Model Factory in Shimbashi and check-out over 4,000 different model kits and designs! Arguably Japan's most famous animation character both at home and overseas, Sanrio's Hello Kitty has occupied top spot for over 30 years! Visit Sanrio World Ginza or toy stores and be astonished by the sheer variety of Hello Kitty collectibles available! The long running animation series Gundam has inspired a host of collectible products eagerly snapped up by devotees. Visit the 7th floor of LABI 1 Ikebukuro "Mobile Dream Kan" and find its entire floor devoted to all things Gundam including models, video games, event spaces and even unique, only-in-Japan Gundam souvenirs! Walkerplus article 2. Model Food Collectibles Not to be outdone, the increasingly popular SushiDisk (show picture) has been becoming a much sought after souvenir. Most major electronics shops now carry these USBs and other computer goods cleverly designed to look like different kinds of food. A guaranteed hit gift for friends and family! Solid Alliance gadgets In such a food-obsessed nation, it is probably not surprising that a recent trend is jewelry based on designs inspired by food dishes, desserts and candies. Check-out Q-Pot for a great selection of these fashionable food accessories. 3. Accessorizing Everything Japan Deco Creator Association Yuzawaya Loft Tokyu Hands 4. Newest Toys ranKing ranQueen Hakuhinkan Fresh Caramel Maker You-Tube Video Tokyo Toy Show
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It can sometimes be easy to forget that Tokyo, and Edo before it, has a history that stretches back centuries. However, glimpses of Tokyo’s past are all around...if you know where to look. Kites originally served a spiritual purpose and were flown to thwart evil spirits and ensure bountiful harvests. However, during the Edo Period, the activity spread to the common people and became extremely popular. Enjoy a visit to the Japan Kite Museum and view the extensive collection while learning more about the careful craftsmanship that went into these intricate kites. You may also view them in action at the Takoage Taikai Kite Flying festival every January. Nagashibina is held every Spring and forms a part of the Hina Matsuri, or Doll’s festival. Dating back to the Heian Period, the ritual consists of young girls in their kimonos placing dolls made of paper or plants into boats, which then float away on the currents. Nagashibina is an important rite meant to dispell misfortune and evil sprits. Come view one of the most famous of these annual ceremonies at Asakusa Bridge, which is also famous for its numerous stores selling traditional Japanese dolls. More about Nagashibina Edo Nagashibina links in Japanese Origami may be one of Japan’s most well-known traditional art forms. Participate in a unique origami experience at Origami Kaikan in Ochanomizu. Contrasting the futuristic surrounds of Tokyo’s gleaming Odaiba lies the Daiba Ichome Shopping Arcade. An amazingly detailed reproduction of Old Tokyo, stroll through elaborate and painstakingly re-created city streets, cafes, and neighborhoods and experience a special step back in time to 1960’s Show Japan. Getting a feel of Tokyo’s history doesn’t necessarily mean festivals and museums. Several areas still evoke the atmosphere of Tokyo’s recent or more distant past such as Tsukishima, Jingumae, Aoyama, and Ginza. Ningyocho in Tokyo’s Chuo-ku Ward still retains a feeling of Old Tokyo. Stroll through the Amazake Yokocho Street after a visit to the area’s famous Suitengu Shrine. Then wind your way through the traditional shops on your way to the historic Meijiza Theater and scenic Kiyosu Bridge. Chuo City Tourism Association
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Tokyo Bay Grand Fireworks Festival For information on other events:
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Did you know... Ebisu Station - The Third Man Theme (Yebisu Beer Commercial Theme) Takadanobaba Station - The Astroboy Theme |
To access the previous edition of e-Tokyo Today and our printed newsletter, Tokyo Today, Issued by: Tourism Division, Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs, Tokyo Metropolitan Government |