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News & Announcements
Tokyo 2020 has received the honour to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games!
Thank you very much for your support for the Tokyo 2020 Bid throughout the campaign. We are confident that 2020 will be a memorable and exciting year for Japan, and also that the Tokyo 2020 will inspire children worldwide. Japan is united as one, and let's continue to work hard together to ensure the best possible 2020 Games. Thank you very much all for your support once again.
Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Bid Committee
http://tokyo2020.jp/en/

"Safety Tips for Travelers" Opened on JNTO Website
JNTO

Safety tips for travelers, a useful website for travelers from abroad, opened in May 2013. Information that is necessary for travelers from overseas in an emergency or natural disaster, such as weather information and traffic information, is available in English.

PC version: http://www.jnto.go.jp/safety-tips/pc/
Smartphone version: http://www.jnto.go.jp/safety-tips/mobile/
You can also jump to the page from a banner on the top page of JNTO, http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/

A New Sightseeing Spot in Tokyo, World's 20th-ranked Bookstore
When you visit somewhere overseas, visiting bookstores is something new and a kind of exciting experience. Don't you think so? Tokyo is dotted with very nice bookstores and Daikanyama Tsutaya Books in Daikanyama T-Site is one of such places. This slick, super-modern store opened in sophisticated residential area Daikanyama in December, 2011, and ranked 20th in "The 20 Most Beautiful Bookstores in the World" by Flavorwire.com, a website on pop culture in the U.S, in February 2012. Browsing magazines and books while sipping coffee in the store is available. In addition to the bookstore, this large, quiet district surrounded by trees has attractive shops, restaurants, and cafes. They are also worth visiting.
The 20 Most Beautiful Bookstores in the World – Flavorwire

New Commercial Facility, mAAch ecute Kanda Manseibashi
mAAch ecute Kanda Manseibashi
In the past from 1912 to 1943, there was a station between Ochanomizu and Kanda stations on the JR Chuo Line. The Manseibashi Station was built in 1912, two years before Tokyo Station's opening. It was a luxurious red-brick building designed by Kingo Tatsuno, the same designer of the Tokyo Station that was set up in 1914. Utilizing remaining structures of the old Manseibashi Station, a new commercial facility just opened on September 14, 2013. From a café on the remaining old platform, enjoy seeing trains running on the Chuo Line while drinking and eating. Under the elevated tracks, there are also restaurants and shops. Railroad fans must go!
mAAch ecute Kanda Manseibashi (Japanese Only)
Map


Strolling Around Tokyo
As you know, Tokyo is a metropolitan city with a huge size and population. So, you may have doubts that you can tour interesting sightseeing places on your own two feet. But it is possible and also more enjoyable in the case, as you will find things you may miss when traveling by car or train. Let's have a walk in a relaxed manner and discover another aspect of Tokyo!

1. "Visit the Future" Route
One of remarkable distinctions of Tokyo is that it is home to advanced science and technology. Visit this route, and you, too, could be a "futuristic person."

Asakusa: Senso-ji Temple (10:00-11:00) -> (10-min walk) -> Water Bus Cruise (12:30-13:30) -> Odaiba: Odaiba Seaside Park -> (10-min walk) -> (Lunch 13:40-14:30) -> DiverCity Tokyo Plaza (14:40-15:20) -> (10-min walk) -> National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) (15:30-17:00) -> (10-min walk) -> Fune no Kagakukan Sta. on Yurikamome Line
Route Map

Must-see Places
Senso-ji Temple
Senso-ji Temple
 
Himiko
Himiko
 
Gundam
Gundam ©SOTSU・SUNRISE
 
ASIMO
ASIMO
Senso-ji Temple
After praying for a safe trip to the "Future," start the trip from the temple ranked 12th on a list of the most impressive sightseeing spots chosen by foreign tourists for the year to date on the popular travel site TripAdvisor. Although it may seem weird to start the futuristic trip from this traditional place, TOKYO SKYTREE®, an ultra-modern building, is in the vicinity.
Senso-ji

Water Bus
Aboard "Himiko," a spaceship-like boat designed under the theme of "teardrop" by Leiji Matsumoto, a renowned Japanese cartoonist, go to Odaiba, which is a hub of leading-edge technology.
Tokyo Cruise (Japanese Only)

Lunch (Several Plans)
(1) Take out some food and eat in Odaiba Seaside Park while enjoying a nice view of Tokyo Rainbow Bridge and the cityscape on the opposite side, feeling a refreshing sea breeze.

(2) Sushi at PREMIUM Kaio, a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant where mini Shinkansen-like-trains carry sushi, on the 6th floor of Tokyo DiverCity.

(3) Have a "moe" lunch at "maid café" Maidreamin on the 6th floor of Tokyo DiverCity, chanting a spell "Oishikunaare, moe-moe kyun" (Be more delicious, lovely and cute!) together with a "maid."

DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
At DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, explore Japanese pop culture such as a "maid café" and Gundam Front Tokyo. The full-sized Gundam statue stands awesomely in Festival Plaza.
DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan)
You can experience leading-edge science at Miraikan. ASIMO, a humanoid robot, which is world-first full-fledged two-legged walking robot, is a must-see.
National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation

2. "Feel Nostalgic" Route
Tokyo also retains many traditional and nostalgic-feel things. Go through a bustling shopping street, nostalgic alleys, and traditional buildings to experience a time travel to the past!

JR Nishi-Nippori Sta. (10:00) -> (10-min walk) -> Yuyake Dandan (Sunset Stairs) -> Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street (10:10-11:30) -> (15-min walk) -> Yanaka Reien (11:45-12:15) -> Walking Around, Shopping, and Tea Break (12:15-14:00) -> (30-min walk) -> Nedu Shrine (14:30-16:00) -> (10-min walk) -> Nezu Sta. on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line

Route Map

Yuyake Dandan
Yuyake Dandan
 
Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street
Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street
 
Yanaka Reien
Yanaka Reien
 
Nedu Shrine
Nedu Shrine
Yuyake Dandan (Sunset Stairs)
The entrance to the shopping street. It is famous for the sunset view from the top of the steps.

Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street
The 150-meter shopping street in eastern Tokyo has an atmosphere of the bygone days of Japan. Eating korokke (Japanese croquette), menchi-katsu (deep-fried minced meat), yakitori (grilled chicken on a skewer), and tempura while walking will seem quite natural. This shopping street ranks at 29th on the list by TripAdvisor of places in Japan that made an impact on foreign visitors.
Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street (Japanese Only)

Lunch
In addition to enjoying korokkeand other snacks, there are many nice places to have lunch in the shopping street and surrounding areas. Retro restaurants and cafes using old wooden buildings, such as Jinenjo (yakuzen curry), Hantei (kushiage, or skewered and deep-fried food), and Nezu Kamachiku (udon noodles), are to name a few.

Japanese Craft Works Shops
Beautiful chiyogami (paper with colored figures), traditional small goods, tableware, tenugui (wathcloth), and various cute goods can be found there.

Yanaka Reien
This cemetery is dotted with famous figures' graves, including the 15th and last shogun of the Tokugawa Family, which governed the Edo shogunate. Cherry blossoms beautifully bloom and form a "pink tunnel" in spring.
Yanaka Reien (Japanese Only)

Nedu Shrine
An old shrine that was allegedly built by Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, a legendary warrior hero. The main building is designated a national cultural property. Azaleas from mid-April to late April are worth seeing.
Nedu Shrine (Japanese Only)

Shitamachi Fuzoku Shiryokan Annex
A building of brewery Yoshidaya, which was built in 1910, is moved to the current place and displayed. Traditional materials that were actually used in former days are on display.
Shitamachi Fuzoku Shiryokan Annex

3. "Secret Spiritual Places" Route
Do you know that Tokyo is replete with places where you feel a sacred atmosphere or get a kind of spiritual energy? After visiting and getting power form "sacred" places, explore another aspect of Tokyo!

Shinjuku Gyoen (10:00-Lunch-14:00) -> (20-min walk) -> (Teatime, 14:20-15:20) -> (20-min walk) -> Hanazono Shrine (15:40-16:10) -> (5-min walk) -> Shinjuku Golden-gai District -> (10-minute walk) -> Shinjuku Ni-chome / Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho
Route Map

Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen
 
Teatime
Teatime
 
Hanazono Shrine
Hanazono Shrine
 
Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho
Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
This is one of the largest gardens in Tokyo, with a French Formal Garden, an English Landscape Garden, and a Japanese Traditional Garden. Ume plum blossoms bloom in February and cherry blossoms are at their best from late March to April. Bring something to eat and enjoy a picnic in this spacious garden. The surrounding areas, Shinjuku and Shinjuku San-chome, are home to department stores and shops where you can buy delicious boxed lunchs (bento), delicatessen dishes, a variety of breads, etc., so you won’t have difficulties to supply your picnic. It is 8th on the list of TripAdvisor.
Shinjuku Gyoen

Teatime
The adjacent area has cozy cafes and sweets shops here and there. Have a rest at a quiet cafe or enjoy traditional sweets.

Hanazono Shrine
A spiritual spot in the center of the megalopolis. This has been a grand guardian shrine of Shinjuku even from before Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder and the first shogun of Edo shogunate, established the government in 1603. It enshrines deities of success in business, marriage and entertainment. It attracts about 600,000 people in Tori no Ichi, a fair held here on Day of the Rooster in November every year. People visit and get a gorgeously decorated kumade (rake), which is a lucky charm for prosperous business.
Hanazono Shrine (Japanese Only)

Shinjuku Golden-gai District
For "deep" nightlife of Tokyo, visit Shinjuku Golden-gai. Its narrow alleys with old, wooden buildings are packed with more than 200 small bars, clubs and eateries.
Shinjuku Golden-gai (Japanese Only)

Shinjuku Ni-chome / Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho
If you want to know still more about Tokyo's nightlife, Shinjuku Ni-chome (2-chome) and Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are places to visit. Both of them are a stamping ground of various types of people.


Did you Know? Fun Facts About Tokyo: Future-generation Vending Machine
Vending Machine
As touched upon in this issue's feature, Tokyo is chock-full of futuristic, hi-tech things. For example, you may find a somewhat strange, large TV-monitor-like object at major JR stations around Tokyo. Is it a TV screen? As you approach while wondering, a lot of images of drink bottles get shown on the screen. Yes, this is a new-type vending machine! It was first installed in 2010 and now about 500 machines are placed in major stations of JR East.
This, next-generation vending machine has a surprising function; it shows recommended beverages that likely suit your taste, estimating your gender and age through analyzing your appearance via a sensor set at the upper part of the machine, and also considering the time of day and temperature. In addition, by recording data of what products consumers – which gender, which age – bought, it is expected to collect more precise, detailed marketing data.
Japan is a country where many types of vending machines are ubiquitous, thanks to relatively safe environments. In addition to "normal" vending machines, using such an advanced machine is sure to be fun. Are you curious what products will be recommended to you? Don't miss it!


Event Information
Hours Extension and Lit-up Japanese Gardens for Cherry Blossoms
Rikugien
Among the nine Tokyo Metropolitan gardens, Rikugien Gardens, Hama-rikyu Gardens, and Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens will extend their opening hours during the cherry blossom viewing season.
Rikugien is famous for its stunning weeping cherry trees, which look like a dynamic waterfall. Hours will be extended to 9 p.m. (admission: until 8:30 p.m.) and the garden is lit-up from sunset to 9 p.m. usually from late March to early April depending on the cherry blossoms’ condition.
In Hama-rikyu, someiyoshino, the most popular variety in Japan with pale pink blossoms, is at their best in early April and yaezakura, a double blossom variety, beautifully bloom in mid April. From late March to early May, the garden will open until 6 p.m. (admission: until 5:30 p.m.).
Five weeping cherry trees in Koishikawa Korakuen bloom about one week earlier than someiyoshino. Usually between late March and early April depending on the blossoms’ condition, the garden will open until 6 p.m. (admission: 5:30 p.m.), by 30 minutes extended, too.

Inquiry: Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association
http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/rikugien/
http://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/english/

Art Fair Tokyo 2014
Art Fair Tokyo 2014
Art Fair Tokyo is one of the largest art fairs in Japan, involving more than 130 art galleries whose range includes antiques, craftwork, Japanese paintings, Western paintings, and contemporary art. Along with galleries in Japan, many overseas galleries, such as ones in Asian major cities, also expect to participate as in previous years.
In the "PROJECTS" section, contemporary artists are to exhibit their works under particular themes either as an individual artist or as a group. Programs featuring collaboration with other genres, such as craft and fashion, or contemporary jewelry, are also planned.
This is a good opportunity to experience various types of art at the same time. Come, see, and enjoy buying at Art Fair Tokyo!

Art Fair Tokyo 2014
Date: March 7 (Fri)-9 (Sun), 2014
Venue: Tokyo International Forum
Map


No Negative Impact on Our Health: Updated Radiation-related Information in Tokyo
Radiation dose after touring Tokyo for one day (July 9, 2012) Report on field measurements (Japan Tourism Agency)
According to the survey on radioactivity in Tokyo conducted by the Japanese Tourism Agency, the measured air dose was below the global average.
Radiation dose after touring Tokyo for one day (July 9, 2012) Report on field measurements

Radiation Level in the Air (Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health)
Environmental radiation levels in Tokyo

Radiation Level in Tap Water (Bureau of Waterworks Tokyo Metropolitan Government)
No radioactive substances have been detected either from raw water or at the water purification plants of Tokyo since April 2011.
Latest information related to the effect on purified water by radioactivity

List of banned foods and shipping restrictions
Food products are monitored every day for radioactive materials. The Japanese government restricts distribution and consumption of food products containing any level of radiation that exceeds the regulatory standards.
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: Information on the Great East Japan Earthquake

Q&A on Foods and Fishery products
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries: Questions and answers on rice, meat and eggs, milk, dairy products, mushrooms, and edible wild plants (as of December 19, 2012)
Fisheries Agency: Questions and answers on fishery products

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