Rise's Reviews Page 2/6

Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum

Here on this 7-hectare site bursting with seasonal flora you’ll find 30 Tokyo buildings from the early Edo period through the postwar period that have been relocated and restored for display. The lifestyles and businesses of each associated time period are reproduced inside of the buildings.

• Kichijoji, Mitaka
• Museums

I especially love traditional Japanese architecture, so I had to visit the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum with its 30 historic buildings. It truly lives up to its reputation—each building feels like it transports you back to the Edo or early Showa periods. The taverns, stationery shops, bathhouses, and warehouses all look just as they did back then. I was really moved by how much the Japanese value their traditional architectural culture. I also heard that many of Hayao Miyazaki's works were inspired by this place.

GRANSTA TOKYO

GRANSTA TOKYO is JR East’s largest train station mall. The huge open space with the sign “SQUARE ZERO” hosts select sweets shops, cafes, restaurants and general stores, which looks like a town itself.

• Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi, Marunouchi
• Commercial Buildings

It's honestly amazing how massive this shopping mall inside the station is. You can shop, eat, and stroll around without even leaving the station. The high ceilings and stylish, bright decor make it feel really comfortable and even a bit luxurious. There are all kinds of restaurants here, so I especially recommend stopping by for a meal when you're tired from walking around.

TOKYO GIFT PALETTE

The "Tokyo Gift Palette" is located just outside the "Yaesu North Exit ticket gate" of Tokyo Station. This area, which occupies a corner of "First Avenue Tokyo Station", features a total of 39 brands, including exclusive Japanese and Western confectioneries as ideal as gifts for loved ones and souvenirs of Tokyo, limited edition sweets available only here, special bento boxes and side dishes, and cafes where you can spend time in comfort. Of these, 24 are new brands, new business categories, or brands that are opening at Tokyo Station for the first time, attracting much attention.

• Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi, Marunouchi
• Commercial Buildings

I often bring relatives or friends here to shop. There are 33 famous specialty stores to choose from, so you can pick up all your gifts for people back home in one go. Plus, there are so many amazing dessert shops—honestly, trying all the sweets might be the real reason I bring everyone here! (*^_^*) All in all, it's definitely worth a visit.

Alinamin EX Plus

Alinamin EX Plus is great for sleep-deprived, modern go-getters who face eye fatigue, stiff shoulders, and lower back pain. Alinamin is a trusted brand in play for 65 years.

• Medicine

Last year, I had severe leg pain and didn't get much relief after visiting the hospital. But after a friend's recommendation, I started taking Alinamin EX PLUS. It was amazing—halfway through the bottle, my pain had already eased up a lot! As expected from a long-standing Japanese pharmaceutical company like Takeda. Not only does it help with back and leg pain, but it also relieves fatigue, so I'm still taking it now. I've recommended it to my family and friends too. Definitely worth a try.

Yagiri-no-Watashi

Starting from the 1600s, this historical ferry has linked Shibamata in Tokyo’s Katsushika Ward with the shore on the other side in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture.

• Kita-Senju, Katsushika
• Experiences Facilities

Yagiri-no-Watashi is a ferry terminal that's been around since the Edo period. It's also the setting for the song 'Yagiri no Watashi,' with lyrics by Miyuji Ishimoto and music by Toru Funamura. I really love this somewhat melancholic love song, so I always wanted to visit. The quiet river and the view across the water are so evocative. It's amazing to find a place in busy Tokyo that still has the atmosphere of the Edo era. Maybe because I kept thinking of that gentle, bittersweet song, everything here felt like a poetic movie scene. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to actually ride the ferry, but I'll definitely do it next time.

NINJA TRICK HOUSE IN TOKYO

This is a ninja house, made by a ninja-loving owner who wanted to show the world the appeal of ninjas. Here you can enjoy a variety of activities, including shuriken throwing, swordplay, and searching for the secrets of the ninja house.

• Shinjuku, Okubo, Yoyogi, Yotsuya
• Experiences Facilities

Even before coming to Japan, I was really interested in ninjas and would always imagine them as the heroes from legendary stories. About two years ago, I visited with some friends, and it felt so real—like I was playing a small role in a mysterious martial arts drama! It was a lot of fun. If I get the chance, I'd love to go again.

Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery

Located in the middle of Meijijiugu gaien, Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery is an art museum displaying pictures depicting the achievements of Japanese Emperor Meiji.

• Shinjuku, Okubo, Yoyogi, Yotsuya
• Museums

I visited during late autumn. The Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, seen from the long ginkgo tree avenue, looked truly unique—like a beautiful oil painting. I only learned from this article that the gallery is also illuminated at night. Next time, I definitely want to check that out.

Yamada Yoji Museum

The Yamada Yoji Museum revolves around film director Yamada Yoji, who directed numerous films, including the famous “The Otoko wa tsurai yo (It’s Tough Being a Man)” that was set in Katsushika Shibamata.

• Kita-Senju, Katsushika
• Museums

Yoji Yamada is one of my most respected Japanese directors. I once heard from a Japanese friend who got his autograph at a film event. According to my friend, Yamada was incredibly humble and didn’t act like a big-shot artist at all, which made me feel even more fond of him. I felt truly honored to visit the Yamada Yoji Museum this time—it felt like I got a little closer to the director I’ve admired for so long o(*￣▽￣*)o
The exhibits inside are really impressive. They make you appreciate his tireless dedication and passion even more. You can almost feel his presence through all the displays. It’s a truly memorable museum.

Shibamata Park

Shibamata Park is located southeast of Taishakuten, whicn you can reach after taking the Shibamata Taishakuten Sando from the Keisei Kanamachi Line’s Shibamata Station.

• Kita-Senju, Katsushika
• Parks & Gardens

This is one of the spots that appears often in the movie 'It's Tough Being a Man.' I always dreamed of one day lying on the riverbank in the sun, just like Tora-san and Aya in the film (*^_^*)
Shibamata Park is really spacious and full of greenery. It’s a great place for a relaxing walk. Plus, the view of the Edogawa River is beautiful.

Yamamoto-tei

Yamamoto-tei is a stately residence blending modern Japanese architecture and a pure Japanese garden. While the residence is a classic modern Japanese house, its formal Japanese drawing room (Zashiki) draws inspiration from traditional styles of architecture, such as Shoin-zukuri or Sukiya-zukuri.

• Kita-Senju, Katsushika
• Museums

I bought a combo ticket for the Tora-san Museum and the Yamada Yoji Museum, so I decided to check this place out too. I didn’t expect to find such a beautiful Japanese garden in this old downtown area. The Japanese-style architecture is cleverly mixed with Western features, giving it a stylish vibe. My favorite part of the garden is the contrast between the classic deep red and the lush green—the red carpet in the corridor against the greenery outside looks stunning.