Tokyo Yakatabune Pleasure Boat Company Resumes Service

Above, a yakatabune pleasure boat docked on the Sumida River in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Taking a yakatabune pleasure dinner boat cruise in Tokyo is one thing that I haven't done yet. I have seen several boats docked along the Sumida River over the years. Maybe I'll do so the next time I go to Japan

Fortunately, others can do so now that coronavirus restrictions are being lifted in Japan.

The Japan Times reported:

A Tokyo yakatabune pleasure boat operator has resumed service after halting operations in mid-January due to a coronavirus outbreak among customers and employees. 

Funasei Ltd. had been hit by negative rumors and comments, as well as numerous reservation cancellations, because it was seen as a spreader of the then largely unknown disease. 

“Now we’ll look ahead to keep the torch of tradition burning,” said manager Yoko Ito, 67. 

On Thursday evening, Ito, clad in a yellowish green kimono, and other Funasei employees were busy cleaning and sanitizing a roofed pleasure boat reserved for about 10 customers ahead of their arrival. 

Social distancing measures were fully in place, with up to four customers accepted for each table for eight. Ventilation and disinfection were conducted frequently. 

That day, the boat sailed alone on the Sumida River and near the Odaiba waterfront area in Tokyo Bay.

To read more, go here.

Odaiba's Spectacular Views

Above, a view outside of Odaiba's Aqua City shopping mall. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In 2000, Godzilla fans became aware of Odaiba, Tokyo's artificial island at Tokyo Bay through the feature film, Godzilla x Megaguirus. Since then, many of them visited Odaiba, including 2004's G-TOUR.

Live Japan has an article on the best photo viewing spots in Odaiba, particularly at night.

They begin it with:

Boasting excellent access from central Tokyo (just half an hour from Tokyo Station), the artificial island of Odaiba offers a variety of exciting spots such as a theme park, museums, shopping malls, and hot springs. Especially famous is Odaiba’s stunning night view of Tokyo Bay, with the illuminated Rainbow Bridge and both Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower twinkling in the distance. It’s a breathtaking panorama of city lights, best enjoyed after spending a fun day of sightseeing on Odaiba! We’ll take you to the island’s very best night view spots to make the most out of your Tokyo evening!

Above, Odaiba and the Rainbow Bridge from Tokyo Bay. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To see more, go here. 

Tokyo and Kagoshima

Above, a view of Odaiba and the Rainbow Bridge from a Tokyo Bay tour boat. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo is naturally the big stop for most visitors to Japan since it is the primary "gateway" into the country with its two airports: Narita Airport and Haneda Airport.

There is much to see and do in Tokyo. But visitors should also look into other places in Japan.

That is the subject of an article in The Japan Times, which features both Tokyo and Kagoshima (which is two hours away in Kyushu by plane).

They begin with Tokyo:

One of the most vibrant cities in the world, Tokyo is typically the first stop for most travelers in Japan. However, with so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. 

A great way to get a glimpse of the main landmarks, especially if pushed for time, is to take the two-story open-deck Sky Bus Tokyo. The Odaiba night course, leaving from the Marunouchi South Gate of Tokyo Station, is particularly popular. It travels past Tokyo Tower and several iconic buildings before arriving in the ultramodern entertainment district of Odaiba. 

Going beyond the bright lights and skyscrapers, Tokyo also has a variety of small yet intriguing neighborhoods with colorful shotengai (traditional shopping arcades). A great example is Jizo shopping street in Sugamo, an area known as “Grandma’s Harajuku.” While there, a visit to Soba Ohashiya, a restaurant known for its nutritious buckwheat noodles, is recommended. Another highlight is Koganji Temple which has the Togenuki Jizo statue, said to heal ailments when washed.

And, on Kagoshima, they begin with:

Following a hectic schedule taking in the sights of the capital, it’s then nice to escape from the hustle-and-bustle of city life to somewhere with a more serene atmosphere. That’s something Kagoshima provides. A two-hour flight from Tokyo, the prefecture is famed for Sakurajima, a composite active volcano located near an inhabited town.

To read more, go here. 

April's Foreign Visitors To Japan Hit Monthly Record

Above, Tokyo Bay, Odaiba and the Rainbow Bridge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The number of foreign visitors to Japan hit a monthly record in April.

According to NHK World:

The number of foreign visitors to Japan hit a monthly record in April. But year-on-year growth was moderate. 

The Japan National Tourism Organization estimates that more than 2.92 million travelers came to the country last month. That's up 0.9 percent from a year earlier. 

The number of visitors from mainland China, which accounts for the largest share, increased 6.3 percent. The number from the United States rose 15.8 percent as this year's Easter holiday fell in April.

To read more, go here.

Tokyo's Statue of Liberty

Above, a view of the Statue of Liberty and the Rainbow Bridge from Aqua City. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I've never been to New York, the only Statue of Liberty I've ever seen was the one erected at Tokyo's Odaiba.

Back in 2004, G-TOUR made a stop in Odaiba for some shopping at Aqua City. Aqua City and Odaiba, as Godzilla fans recall, was a battleground for Godzilla and Megaguirus in 2000. So a stop there by G-TOUR was, as Mr. Spock would say, logical.

While there with G-TOUR, I noticed a replica, albeit a small one, of the Statue of Liberty.

Here's a little about it from Time Out Tokyo:

Shocking to most Americans, Tokyo’s small Statue of Liberty has little to do with the U S of A. NYC’s Lady Liberty was given to the city by France way back in 1886, while Tokyo’s own version was temporarily moved from its home at Paris’ Île aux Cygnes to Odaiba in 1998 to commemorate Franco-Japanese ties for a year. 

It turned out to be so popular that they decided to erect a new replica on Odaiba in 2000. Combined with the backdrop of the Rainbow Bridge, it has been the ultimate photo spot ever since.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo Cruise

Above, the Hotaluna cruise boat. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the more relaxing things to do in Tokyo is to take a ride on one of the boats Tokyo Cruise has to offer.

According to City-Cost:

As part of our long break from stressful work we decided to explore some parts of Tokyo. We went to Akihabara to look for some cheap deals on gadgets, then to Asakusa and Odaiba. We traveled from Asakusa to Odaiba via Tokyo Cruise. There are five lines to choose from. The first one is the Himiko Line which travels from Asakusa to Odaiba Seaside Park and vice versa which will then pass through Toyosu. This trip will take about 50 minutes. It is 20 minutes from Odaiba Seaside Park to Toyosu and another 40 minutes from Toyosu to Asakusa. The second one is the Sumida River Line from Asakusa to Hamarikyu to Hinode Pier which will take 40 minutes for the total journey. Third is the Odaiba Line. From Hinode Pier to Odaiba Seaside Park this cruise will take 20 minutes. Fourth is Tokyo Big Sight, Pallete Town Line. This line has two options - one is from Hinode Pier to Tokyo Big Sight (Ariake) and the other from Hinode to Pallete Town to Tokyo Big Sight (Ariake). And of course our trip takes the Hotaluna Line which will pass through Hinode Pier and has a travel time of 40 minutes and, from Hinode Pier to Odaiba Seaside Park, another 20 minutes. For more information about the route and payments please go to their website at http://www.suijobus.co.jp.

Above, the Tokyo Cruise terminal at Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Odaiba, Tokyo's Entertainment Island

Above, Odaiba and the Rainbow Bridge from Tokyo Bay. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Maybe you're not going to Tokyo for Memorial Day weekend, but if you happen to find yourself in Tokyo at any time soon, there's plenty to do there.

For starters, there's Odaiba (made "famous" to Godzilla fans through Godzilla x Megaguirus in 2000). Odaiba is the "entertainment island of Tokyo".

What's there to do in Odaiba?

Japan Info has 11 suggestions for things to do in Odaiba.

They begin with:

Odaiba is a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay, separated from central Tokyo by the famous Rainbow Bridge and accessible by monorail, subway and even boat. It is home to various small theme parks, museums, shopping malls, and boasts beautiful views of the sea and the city. It is a must-visit for families, friends, and couples for its ultra-modern American-style town, entertainment, and breathtaking night views. If you’re looking for an excellent day out to enjoy one of Tokyo’s most exciting and unique areas, check out these 11 things to do in Odaiba!

Above, the Rainbow Bridge and the Statue of Liberty from Aqua City in Odaiba. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To see what they are, go here. 

Escape To Odaiba

Above, Odaiba's Statue of Liberty and the Rainbow Bridge from Aqua City. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are planning a trip to Japan in late-summer or early-autumn, if one is looking for a relaxing place to unwind or enjoy some amusements, Odaiba is a place in Tokyo they should look in to.

Japan Today posted an article on things to see and do in Odaiba.

They begin with:

TOKYO —You can feel it in the air. Summer is winding down. For people in and around Tokyo, you may be ready for the heat and stickiness to be over, so you’re just looking for somewhere that’s cool to spend some time. Or maybe you still want a little more beach time, but don’t have time to travel too far from the city. 

Odaiba, the island just across the Rainbow Bridge from Tokyo, is a great place to spend a late summer day. There are outdoor activities and attractions for those who want them, as well as comfortably air-conditioned shopping, museums, amusements and more.

Of course, Odaiba is a familiar spot to Godzilla fans as it was showcased in Godzilla x Megaguirus (2000).

To read more, go here.

Odaiba and The Rainbow Bridge

Above, the Rainbow Bridge from Tokyo Bay. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba caught the attention of Godzilla fans through Godzilla x Megaguirus in 2000.

In the movie, Godzilla battles the giant dragonfly Megaguirus in Odaiba. Aqua City, the Fuji TV Building and the Rainbow Bridge were prominently featured.

Above, a view of the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba from Tokyo City View at Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Savvy Tokyo has an article on the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba that should be useful if one decides to pay a visit there while in Tokyo.

They begin with:

Tokyo is a city of bridges, with the Sumida River alone being home to 26 bridges along its 27-kilometer course. But perhaps the most dramatic of the city’s bridges is the Rainbow Bridge, a conduit into and out of the city, especially for those headed to Narita and beyond by bus or car and for day trippers to the island of Odaiba. 

At only 798 meters in length, the Rainbow Bridge is not a great workout for the dedicated walker. However, it is an interesting and accessible wander for both locals and tourists alike.

 To read more, go here.

An Otaku Journalist Visits Tokyo

Above, the article writer's hotel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Lauren Orsini recently visited Japan. She has a two-part article on "Japan: What I Expected, What I Got" at Forbes.com.

She covers fandom and journalism at Otaku Journalist.

In her latest article, Orsini stayed at the Hotel Gracery in Shinjuku, Tokyo and visited a number of places that otaku would be very much interested in, including Odaiba and Diver City.

I found this comment about Japan interesting:

Japan is not the Bizarro World I might have expected as a foreigner, but neither is it anything like what I’m used to.

To read the article, go here.

Rainbow Bridge Offers Vistas of Old and New Tokyo

Above, the Rainbow Bridge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo's Rainbow Bridge is best-known to kaiju fans when it was featured in Godzilla x Megaguirus (2001). It spans across Tokyo Bay to Odaiba.

There is another aspect to the bridge: its walkways.

According to Kyodo News:

The Rainbow Bridge in Tokyo Bay is a symbol of the Japanese capital, but it is less known that the walkways of the suspension bridge offer a great view of the bay fringed by skyscrapers, including an island fortress built in the 19th century to counter Americans forcing Japan to open up. 

The bridge has a two-deck structure and the walkways are on the lower deck, along with the Yurikamome unmanned train system. The upper deck carries a portion of the Shuto Expressway. 

Shibaura Anchorage, about five minutes' walk from Shibaura Futo Station on Yurikamome, is the entrance to the walkways, which are free of charge and open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. between April and October and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. between November and March.

To read more, go here. 

Odaiba's Hidden Oddities

Above, a view of Odaiba from a Sumida River cruise boat. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Odaiba section of Tokyo is best-known to monster fans as the battleground of Godzilla and Megaguirus in Godzilla x Megaguirus (2000).

But Odaiba is also known for its shopping and amusement centers.

Japanista has an article on Odaiba's hidden oddities that are "off the beaten path".

It begins with:

Odaiba, a must see city on the backpacker’s checklist when traveling through Japan. This manmade island features some of Tokyo’s most popular tourist attractions and an extensive selection of shopping, dining, and date night hot spots. 

What a lot of travelers don’t know about are the gems waiting to be discovered under the cover of what might appear to be a tourist trap island. While the Rainbow Bridge, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Fuji TV Building, and the “life size” Gundam statue in front of DiverCity Tokyo Plaza are worth the journey to explore, there is a side to Odaiba that also appeals to the traveler looking for an adventure off the beaten path.

To read more, go here. 

Sumida River Cruise 2005 & 2015

Above, the Kachidoki Bridge's control room. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2005, I took a cruise down the Sumida River in Tokyo. Yesterday, we took the same cruise and noticed a few changes in the ten years since.

Back in 2005, this was the scene looking up-river at the Kachidoki Bridge (the one Godzilla toppled over in 1954):

Ten years later, here's a similar view:

Here's the Kachidoki Bridge looking down-river towards Tokyo Bay:

Above, this bridge wasn't around in 2005. The Kachidoki Bridge is in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Rainbow Bridge & Odaiba: Then and now.

Above, the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba in 2005. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a view of Tokyo Tower from the Sumida River in 2005. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the same view of Tokyo Tower yesterday. A wall had been added since 2005. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Hilton Opens Hotel At Odaiba

Above, a view of Odaiba from Mori Tower's Tokyo City View. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those of you who prefer to stay at Hilton hotels while on vacation overseas or domestically, the Hilton Worldwide and Hilton Hotels & Resorts has good news for you!

According to Japan Today:

TOKYO/MCLEAN, Va —Hilton Worldwide and Hilton Hotels & Resorts have announced the opening of the Hilton Tokyo Odaiba. The property is Hilton Worldwide’s 12th hotel in Japan, and the sixth in the Kanto region alongside Hilton Tokyo, Conrad Tokyo, Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa, Hilton Tokyo Bay and Hilton Narita.

To read more, go here. 

5.2 Earthquake Rattles Tokyo

Above, a view of Tokyo Bay and Odaiba from Mori Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As if Japan hasn't had enough problems with this week's typhoon-related flooding, an earthquake has struck the Tokyo metropolitan area.

According to the Associated Press:

TOKYO (AP) — A strong earthquake shook Tokyo early Saturday morning, knocking books from shelves, but authorities said there was no risk of a tsunami. 

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. 

The magnitude-5.2 earthquake was 57 kilometers deep and was centered in Tokyo Bay, near Haneda Airport, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. It struck at 5:49 a.m.
Subway and train service was briefly interrupted for safety checks. 

The agency warned that the quake could cause landslides following recent heavy rains.

It has been reported by the Asahi Shimbun that the quake injured 13 people. 

6 Asian Airports In Global Top Ten

Above, a view of Odaiba and Tokyo Bay from Tokyo Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Six Asian airports have made into the list of the world's top ten airports according to Skytrax.

According to the Bangkok Post:

Singapore: Six Asian airports have made the list of the top 10 airports in the world, with Singapore's Changi Airport retaining the title of world's best airport for the third year running.  

Airports in South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and China ranked in the top 10 at the 2015 World Airport Awards held by airline consultancy Skytrax in Paris. 

Two Japanese airports made it into the top ten.

The first: Tokyo International Airport, commonly known as Haneda Airport or Tokyo Haneda Airport, made it to fifth place. Haneda Airport is the closest airport to central Tokyo and sits next to Tokyo Bay.

The other? You'll have to read the full article to find out!

To read more: http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/tourism/495809/6-asian-airports-in-global-top-10. © Post Publishing PCL. All rights reserved.

20 Coolest Spots In Japan Chosen By TripAdvisor Members

Above, a view from Aqua City in Odaiba. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If you've never been to Japan and want to know what other foreign tours say are the places you "must see," then Tsunagu Japan has just what the doctor ordered.

They wrote:

Are you planning your trip to Japan but don’t know where to start? To begin with, perhaps this list of 20 spots recommended by fellow travelers might help you a little.   

TripAdvisor Japan, the famous travel website, released its top 20 coolest spots in Japan a list created based on ratings and comments left by tourists travelling in the country. The result is among its annual surveys conducted in 2013. Let’s find out what foreigners have to say about these top 20 spots voted by TripAdvisor’s members.

To see what they recommend, go here. 

L.A. To Tokyo Airfares Still Dropping

Above, a view of Odaiba and Tokyo Bay from Tokyo Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last week, I reported that the Los Angeles Times Travel section found that airline flights from Los Angeles to Tokyo had dropped a tad from the previous week.

That downward trend continued as the Times reported that airfares have dipped to $885.00 on the low end and $1,409.00 on the high end. These are before any taxes or fees have been added. Last week, the fares were at $934.00 on the low end and $1,459.00 on the high end. Again, these prices are before the addition of any fees and taxes.

Unless fares make a drastic change (one way or the other) the next report will be in January 2015.

Tokyo's Top Ten Non-Tourist Sites To Explore

Above, the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are so many tourist websites with their "top (you insert the number)" lists of places to see and do.

I've another one for you to take a look at (if you so choose). It is provided by Examiner.com and it is the "Tokyo's Top Ten Non-Tourist Sites To Explore." Many of the places on the list I have spotlighted before. But, if you are intersted in Japan travel and have never seen them, well, who am I to deny you the information?

They begin with:

You'll find parks, mountain, public bath, fashion district, train line, bridge, fish market, and others are just some places in Tokyo not many foreign tourists know about. There is so much more to see in Tokyo, Japan besides the popular tourist sites. Tokyo may be a super high-tech city, but there are hidden places that reflect the traditional Japanese lifestyle.

The Rainbow Bridge, that crosses Tokyo Bay, is one of the places listed.

To read more, go here.

Japan Tourism Agency To Use Big Data To Gauge Tourist Needs

Above, a view of the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba from Tokyo Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If this weren't a voluntary program, I'd be concerned that this would be another governmental encroachment on personal liberties and Big Brotherism akin to 1984.

However, it is a voluntary program to gauge Japan tourists's needs so that local governments can improve facilities and services, so I have no problem with it.

According to The Japan Times:

The Japan Tourism Agency plans to use big data to conduct a survey on foreign tourists’ behavior so that local governments and tourism industries can develop tours and events that meet their needs, NHK reported Wednesday. 

For foreign visitors who agreed to cooperate, the agency will ask them to download in their smartphones a special Global Positioning System application so it can collect data that include the routes they take to travel around the country, which tourist spots they visit and the comments they offer via social networking sites, the report said.

To read more, go here.