Aitas Japanese Language School

Japan: things to know, places to see

Vol. 01 Roppongi Hills Tokyo City View

Huge observation deck with 360 panoramic views and 250 M above sea level! Of course, you can view Tokyo tower and even Mt. Fuji if sky is clear! I suggest you to visit there especially at dusk! It‘s more beautiful and less people during time!!
>> Website: http://www.roppongihills.com/en/

Vol. 2 - The GHIBLI MUSEUM

Miyazaki is one of the greatest animators and directors in Japan. the entertaining plots, compelling characters and breathtaking animation in his films have earned him international renown from critics as well as public recognition within Japan. If you go to Tokyo, visit his museum "GHIBLI MUSEUM"
>> Website: http://www.nausicaa.net/miyazaki/

Vol. 3 - Ninja Akasaka

Ninja were spies in Medieval Times in Japan. Ninja Akasaka is a theme restaurant located in Akasaka, Tokyo. The restaurant is designed as a ninja house, and there are some tricks in the building!! Food are served by "ninja" who also perform magics for guests. The food are based on Japanese cuisine but are creative.
>> Website: http://www.ninjaakasaka.com/

Vol. 4 - Tokyo Disney Sea

The first Disney Park to be themed to the myths and legends of the sea. Tokyo Disney Sea is a unique combination of atmosphere, live entertainment and state of the art attractions like no other Disney Park in the world!
>> Website: http://www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp/en/index.html

Vol. 5 - Oedo-Onsen Monogatari (hotspring)

If Tokyo Disneyland had a'Onsen-Land' section this is what it might look like. More than 20 different types of indoor and open-air baths are on offer, all filled with natural spring water that originates 1,400 meters below ground. A stylish spa and Japan's largest hot spring theme park, the complex opened in 2003 as part of the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the establishment of the Edo Shogunate in 1603.
>> Website: http://www.ooedoonsen.jp/

Vol. 6 - The Tsukiji Market

The Tsukiji Market established by local governments under the Whole-sale Market Law, sell fresh foods indispensable to out daily life such as fish, vegetables, fruit, meat and flowers. At 5:30 a.m. in Tsukiji market auction of tuna which have been numbered in food color starts.
>> Website: http://www.tsukiji-market.or.jp/tukiji_e.htm

Vol. 7 - Monjayaki -Tokyo Food

The cradle of Monja-yaki is said to be Tsukishima district of downtown Tokyo. Monja-yaki is similar to Okonomi-yaki, except the batter is more watery and does not use egg. Monja-yaki was born in Tokyo, while Okonomi-yaki in Western Japan. Okonomi-yaki is a Japanese pizza, or a pancake, made out of wheat flour and egg. " Okoonmi" means "as you like". Meats, vegetables, seafoods...any kind of ingredients would match, which makes both eating and cooking fun.
>> Website: http://www.sakuratei.co.jp/en/monja-yaki.html

Vol. 8 - Food Theme parks

Food Theme Parks are a popular new theme park concept in Japan. A food theme park specializes in one type of food or dish and gives the visitors the opportunity to taste various versions of that dish in one place. Unlike conventional theme parks, food theme parks are located indoors. Many are atmospherically decorated according to a specific epoch or fantasy theme.
>> Website: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3035.html

Vol. 9 - Maid Kissa

Maid Kissa are a new phenomenon in Toyo. "Kissa" is short for kissaten" in Japanese which means Japanese coffee shops. They are mostly found in the Akihabara area of Tokyo. Maid-kissa are coffee shops where the waitresses wear fantasy like maid costumes. They dress up to look like characters from famous anime or japanese comics.
>> Website: http://www.akibaangels.com/articles/09_2005/maid_cafe.php

Vol. 10 - MOS Burger -Fast food

MOS Burger, from initial letters of "Mountain Ocean Sun" is a fast-food restaurant chain that originated in japan. It is now the second largest fast-food franchise in Japan after McDonalds's. I strongly recommend you to try the MOS Rice Burger. It uses a bun made of rice mixed with barley and millet. "buta shoga yaki rice burger"(-grilled pork and ginger).
>> Website: http://www.mos.co.jp/index.html

Vol. 11 - Matsumoto Kiyoshi -Drugstore

Matsu-Kiyo is one of the most famous drugstore chains in central metropolitan areas. This company's goods are not only inexpensive but also of high quality. Every store is established in front of a station on first class land. High school girls and female workers are Matsumoto Kiyoshi's main customers. Matsumoto Kiyoshi drug store takes its name from its founder Mr. Matsumoto Kiyoshi, who served two terms as Mayor of Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture.
>> Website: http://www.matsukiyo.co.jp/

Vol. 12 - Hanabi -Fireworks display

Hanabi constitute a typical summer scene. They originated in the Edo period (1603-1867) with the exhibition of fireworks held competitively between Tamaya and Kagiya, which were firework factories.(Edo is now called as Tokyo.) In summer, fireworks displays occur throughout Japan. One of the biggest and most spectacular is the Sumida River (Tokyo) Fireworks Festival in the end of July. The 20,000 fireworks launched during the 90 - minute display.

Vol. 13 - Tokyo Anime Center

Tokyo Anime Center aims to become a world-leading information source on Japanese animation, catering for Japanese and foreign devotees in English, Mandarin and Korean, turning Akihabara's Electric Town into a hub of anime culture. As well as anime information, the Center will provide anime-related merchandise, produce its own radio programs featuring anime voice actors, and screen new anime releases in its own 3D cinema.
>> Website: http://www.animecenter.jp/

Vol. 14- Edo-Tokyo Museum

The Edo-Tokyo Museum was founded on March 28,1993, as the place, where visitors come to learn more about Tokyo’s history and culture, and which also serves as a projection onto the city and the living of the future. In the Permanent Exhibition area, there can be found original and replicated exhibits, as well as large-scale models, faithful representations of their originals, which have been reproduced after painstaking investigations and research.
>> Website: http://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/english/index.html

Vol. 15- Konbini (Convenience stores)

It is a local convenience store like a small supermarket. Most convenience stores are open 24 hours everyday. You can find Konbini everywhere in Tokyo like you can't go a couple of blocks without running into one of Japan's major convenience store chains. Seven-Eleven is the largest convenience store chain in Japan followed by Lawson's, Family Mart and Sunkus.
>> Website:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convenience_store

Vol. 16- Kiddy Land (Toy store)

Enrich your heart and experience the fun and dreamy atmosphere. Though Kiddy Land has a lot of branches here and there, the Harajuku shop I think is biggest and attracts crowds of both children and grownups. Its 6 floors are separated into themes, from general toys and holiday themed items on the ground floor to video games and merchandise, character goods, girls’ toys. It truly is a paradise of play for every member of your family.
>> Website: http://www.kiddyland.co.jp/en/index.html

Vol. 17- Ekiben (Station Bento)

In Japan, people who travel using the Shinkansen often buy a special bento meal to enjoy on the ride. This special bento is called Ekiben (Eki - Station, Ben - Bento). You can buy Ekiben at any major station in Japan. We would like to introduce to you a special shop in Tokyo where you can find famous Ekiben from all over Japan. It's called Ekibenya Matsuri. Check it out the next time you are catching the Shinkansen around Tokyo!
>> Website: http://www.nre.co.jp/ekiben/tabid/231/stoid/609/brnid/66/Default.aspx

Vol. 18- Arakurayama Sengen Park

Cherry Blossom viewing or Hanami (はなみ) season is almost upon us! If you are looking for a beautiful location to see this wonderful event this spring consider Arakurayama Sengen Park. Located in Fujiyoshida city of Yamanashi prefecture, it's situated near Mt.Fuji allowing visitors to not only view the Sakura but also the magnificence of Japan's famous mountain. Click here to learn how to spend a full day enjoying cherry blossoms and some attractive spots in the vicinity.
>> Website: http://mtfuji-jp.com/flower/march/

Vol. 19- COOL Trains

The Japanese Shinkansen, or High Speed Rail, are known throughout the world for their innovative technology. There are also several specially designed trains that model different aspects of Japanese culture and style. The "moving museum", formally known as the Genbi Shinkansen, features works throughout the train by six different artists while the Hanayome Noren reflects the traditional beauty of Ishikawa. A train that stands out is the POKEMON with YOU train featuring all of your childhood favourite characters in and outside the train.
>> Website: https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/joyful/pokemon.html