Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
78
Japan to the rest of the world cannot be
overstated. After walking through a lush
forest, once the private grounds of a feudal
lord, and passing under two
torii
(tradi-
tional entry gates of a Shinto shrine),
you'll come to the shrine, designed with an
austere, dignified simplicity. On week-
ends, the entrance to the shrine serves as a
stage for teenagers dressed in bizarre cos-
tumes. See p. 176.
Take the JR Yamanote Line from Harajuku one stop
north to Yoyogi Station, and then transfer to the
Oedo Line to Tochomae Station.
8
Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Office (TMG)
Nothing conveys Tokyo's vastness better
than this building's observatory 45 stories
above ground. From here you have unpar-
alleled views of Shinjuku's skyscrapers and
even Mount Fuji on clear days. Best of all?
It's free. Hours are daily 9:30am to
10:30pm. See p. 199.
9
NEW YORK GRILL
You may recognize this gorgeous hotel as
the premier setting for
Lost in Translation.
For the same expansive views featured in
the film, head to this top-notch venue on
the 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt Hotel.
You'll pay for the memorable experience
to dine here on superb American cui-
sine—but only if you make a reservation
in advance. Located at 3-7-1-2 Nishi-
Shinjuku (
&
03/5322-1234
). See p. 143.
Take the free shuttle bus from the Park Hyatt to Shin-
juku Station (last departure: 9:20pm), or take a taxi
to Kabuki-cho.
0
Kabuki-cho
Kabuki-cho ranks as one of Japan's most
famous—and notorious—nightlife dis-
tricts. Neon galore heralds restaurants,
bars, dance clubs, strip joints, peep shows,
and hostess bars. Once the domain of
Japanese businessmen carousing with fel-
low office workers, Kabuki-cho's narrow
streets now attract a college crowd as well,
until the wee hours. It's fun to take a spin
through, if only to see what all the hubbub
is about. See p. 251.
4
4
THE BEST OF TOKYO IN 3 DAYS
While you could spend a third day—and even a fourth and a fifth—visiting more attrac-
tions and soaking up the atmosphere of Tokyo's diverse neighborhoods (see suggested
walking tours in chapter 8), visitors with limited time in Japan and confined to the Tokyo
area should consider a day trip to the nearby town of Kamakura, located an hour south
of Tokyo by train. One of Japan's most important historical sites, Kamakura served as
Japan's first feudal capital when the ruling shogun set up military headquarters here in
1192. Many noteworthy temples and shrines of the Kamakura Shogunate (1192-1333)
remain, including one of Japan's most celebrated bronze Buddhas.
Start:
JR Yokosuka
Line from Shinagawa or Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station.
1
Komachi Dori
After exiting Kamakura Station, walk
catty-corner to the left across the square to
Kamakura's main shopping street, a nar-
row pedestrian lane lined with shops
selling clothing, accessories, and other
goods. It's always bustling with shoppers,
giving it a fun, lively atmosphere. At the end
of the street, to the right, is the entrance to
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
