Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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playground (open weekends and holidays), as well as a minitheater with frequent show-
ings of free films and monthly events and programs (in Japanese only). Although the hall
is not as extensive or sophisticated as the National Children's Castle, the price is right and
it's good for a rainy day.
Note:
Sadly, this facility is slated to close in March 2012 (though
a skate park is slated to open nearby).
1-18-24 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku.
&
03/3409-6361.
Free admission. Daily 9am-5pm (to 6pm July-Aug).
Closed one Mon a month. Station: Shibuya (7 min.) or Hanzomon (exit 11, 3 min.). Off Meiji Dori, on the
side street beside Tower Records & Books.
Tokyo Sea Life Park (Kasai Rinkai Suizokuen)
Located on the shore of
Tokyo Bay in Kasai Rinkai Park, this public facility is Tokyo's largest—yet cheapest—
aquarium, with tanks displaying marine life of Tokyo Bay and beyond, including the
Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans. Hammerhead sharks, bluefin tuna, the giant ocean
sunfish, penguins, puffins, a touch tide pool, and a 3-D movie are some of the highlights.
The park also contains a beach, a small Japanese garden, a bird sanctuary, and what is
claimed to be Japan's largest Ferris wheel (fare: ¥700), making it a good family outing.
Kasai Rinkai Park, 6-2-3 Rinkai-cho, Edogawa-ku.
&
03/3869-5152.
www.tokyo-zoo.net/english.
Admission ¥700 adults, ¥350 seniors, ¥250 children 12-14, free for children 11 and under. Thurs-Tues
9:30am-5pm (enter by 4pm). Mon-Fri, take the JR Keiyo Line rapid service from Tokyo Station to Shin-
Kiba, change to the local Keiyo Line, and get off at the next station, Kasairinkai Koen, from which it's a
5-min. walk. Sat-Sun and holidays, there's rapid service directly to Kasairinkai Koen.
Ueno Zoo
Founded in 1882, Japan's oldest zoo is small by today's standards but
remains one of the most well-known zoos in Japan. A vivarium houses amphibians, fish,
and reptiles, including snakes and crocodiles. Also of note is the five-storied pagoda dat-
ing from the Edo era, along with a teahouse built 350 years ago to receive the shogun
when visiting nearby Toshogu Shrine. Shinobazu Pond, on the west end of the zoo, serves
as a sanctuary for wild cormorants and other birds. Personally, I can't help but feel sorry
for some of the animals in their small spaces, but children will enjoy the Japanese
macaques, polar and Hokkaido brown bears, California sea lions, penguins, gorillas,
giraffes, zebras, elephants, hippos, deer, and tigers. Expect to spend a minimum of 2
hours here.
Ueno Park, Taito-ku.
&
03/3828-5171.
www.tokyo-zoo.net/english. Admission ¥600 adults, ¥300
seniors, ¥200 children 12-14, free for children 11 and under. Tues-Sun 9:30am-5pm (enter by 4pm).
Closed some holidays. Station: Ueno (4 min.). Tokyo Shitamachi Bus: Ueno Koen Yamashita/Ueno Station.
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SPECTATOR SPORTS
For information on current sporting events taking place in Tokyo, ranging from kickbox-
ing and pro wrestling to sumo, baseball, soccer, table tennis, and golf, contact the
Tour-
ist Information Center,
or pick up a copy of the free weekly
Metropolis
magazine.
BASEBALL
Introduced into Japan from the United States in 1873, baseball is as
popular among Japanese as it is among Americans. Even the annual high-school playoffs
keep everyone glued to their television sets. As with other imports, the Japanese have
added their modifications, including cheerleaders. Several American players have proven
very popular with local fans; but according to the rules, no more than four foreigners may
play on any one team. In recent years, there's been a reverse exodus of top Japanese play-
ers defecting to American teams.
