Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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of Emerging Science and Innovation (p. 195), Museum of Maritime Science (p. 196),
National Museum of Nature and Science (p. 196), Panasonic Center (p. 197), Tokyo
Tower (p. 199), and the observatory of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office
(p. 199). Ueno and Shinjuku parks (p. 200) are good for getting rid of all that excess
energy.
Hanayashiki
Opened in 1853 while the shogun still reigned, this small and rather
corny amusement park is Japan's oldest. It offers a small roller coaster, a kiddie Ferris
wheel, a carousel, a haunted house, a 3-D theater, samurai and ninja shows, and other
diversions that appeal to younger children. Note, however, that after paying admission,
you must still buy tickets for each ride; tickets are ¥100 each, and most rides require three
to four tickets.
2-28-1 Asakusa (northwest of Sensoji Temple), Taito-ku.
&
03/3842-8780.
www.hanayashiki.net.
Admission ¥900 adults, ¥400 children 5-12 and seniors, free for children 4 and under. Daily 10am-6pm
(to 5pm in winter). Station: Asakusa (5 min.). Tokyo Shitamachi Bus: Ueno Koen Yamashita/Ueno Station.
Joypolis Sega
Bored teenagers in tow, grumbling at yet another temple or shrine?
Bring them to life at Tokyo's most sophisticated virtual amusement arcade, outfitted with
the latest in video games and high-tech virtual-reality attractions, courtesy of Sega. Video
games include bobsledding, snowboarding, and car races, in which participants maneu-
ver curves utilizing virtual-reality equipment, as well as numerous aeronautical battle
games. There's also a 3-D sightseeing tour with seats that move with the action on the
screen, several virtual reality rides (sky diving, anyone?), a virtual aquarium, and much,
much more. Most harmless are the Print Club machines, which will print your face on
stickers with the background (Mt. Fuji, perhaps?) of your choice. If you think your
kids will want to try everything, buy them a passport for ¥3,500 for those 15 and older
or ¥3,100 for those under 15 (children younger than 7 get in free but are charged for
attractions—note that some activities have height restrictions).
There's a smaller Sega on Dogenzaka slope in Shibuya at 2-6-16 Dogenzaka
(
&
03/5458-2201;
station: Shibuya, 2 min.), open daily 10am to midnight and offering
arcade and virtual-reality games, but note that because this is in a nightlife area, children
under 16 aren't allowed after 6pm, and children under 18 aren't allowed after 8pm.
Tokyo Decks, 3rd floor, Odaiba.
&
03/5500-1801.
http://sega.jp/joypolis/Tokyo/home_e.shtml. Admis-
sion ¥500 adults, ¥300 children; individual attractions an additional ¥300-¥600 each. Daily 10am-11pm.
Station: Odaiba Kaihin Koen (2 min.).
National Children's Castle (Kodomo-no-Shiro)
Conceived by the Ministry
of Health and Welfare to commemorate the International Year of the Child in 1979, the
Children's Castle holds various activity rooms for children of all ages (though most are
geared to elementary-age kids and younger). The third floor, designed for spontaneous
and unstructured play, features a large climbing gym, building blocks, a playhouse,
dolls, books, and a preteen corner with billiards, foosball, and other age-appropriate
games; there's also an art room staffed with instructors to help children with projects
suitable for their ages. On the fourth floor is a music room with instruments the kids
are invited to play, as well as a video room with private cubicles where visitors can make
selections from a library of English-language and Japanese videos, including Disney
films. On the roof is an outdoor playground complete with a wading pool (summer
only; ¥200 extra admission) and tricycles, while in the basement is the family pool open
to the public weekends only (¥300 for adults, ¥200 for children). Various programs are
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