Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [91]
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COURSES
A Taste of Culture (5716-5751; www.tasteofculture.com; courses from ¥5500) Perhaps your last meal has inspired you to learn how to assemble beautiful, balanced Japanese cuisine yourself? Established by noted Japanese culinary expert Elizabeth Andoh, courses emcompass everything from market tours to culinary classes, all imbued with deep cultural knowledge. Consult the website for current offerings, which include customised courses.
Sōgetsu Kaikan (Map; 3408-1151; www.sogetsu.or.jp/english/index.html; Sōgetsu Kaikan Bldg, 7-2-21 Akasaka, Minato-ku; courses from ¥3800; 10am-5pm, to 8pm Fri, closed Sun; Ginza, Hanzōmon, Toei Ōedo lines to Aoyama-itchōme, exit 4) If you’re interested in the art of ikebana (flower arranging), this avant-garde school offers classes taught in English. The school was founded on the idea that there are no limits to when, where or in what style ikebana can be practised. Call ahead for information about classes; prices include flowers and tax.
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TOKYO FOR CHILDREN
Tokyo is a dangerous place to bring children, as they’ll be doted upon, have all senses bombarded with stimulation, and get accosted by a neverending parade of novel distractions and tempting treats.
Great spots for kids include the National Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation, the Meguro Parasitological Museum and the Ghibli Museum. Showrooms like the Sony Building and Toyota Mega Web have terrific interactive activities. Fair-weather jaunts could include Ueno Zoo, Yoyogi-kōenClick here and Tokyo’s theme parks Click here.
Tokyo’s toy shops are always a huge hit, notably Hakuhinkan Toy Park and Kiddyland.
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TOURS
The best way to get under the skin of any city is to have a local show you around, and in Tokyo you can meet up with someone to do just that, even gratis.
Mr Oka (www.homestead.com/mroka; half-day from ¥2000) A wonderful, well-informed English-speaking guide who conducts walking tours around the city.
Tokyo Free Guide (www.tokyofreeguide.com) A group of volunteer tour guides who will tailor walking tours according to your interests. You’ll have to pay for any admission, transport fees and meals, but no tips are expected. Guides’ language skills may vary, but it’s a great way to get around and get to know a friendly Tokyoite. Book before you arrive in town.
Several reliable bus companies offer a wide variety of Tokyo tours, from all-day, city-wide affairs to shorter, half-day tours or evenings taking in sukiyaki dinners and performances at Kabuki-za Click here. All of the following companies provide English-speakingguides and most tours pick up guests at various major hotels around town.
Hato Bus Tours (Map;3435-6081; www.hatobus.com) Among its variety of tours, the Panoramic Tour (adult/child ¥12,000/8000) takes in most of Tokyo’s major sights and includes lunch and a Tokyo Bay cruise. Most tours depart from Hamamatsuchō bus terminal.
Japan Gray Line (3595-5939; www.jgl.co.jp/inbound/traveler/traveler.htm) The full-day Talk of the Town tour (adult/child ¥8800/6800) includes lunch, pick-up and dropoff.
JTB’s Sunrise Tours (5796-5454; www.jtbgmt.com/sunrisetour; full-day tour adult/child ¥9800/7700) Sunrise’s general sightseeing tours are nearly identical to the Hato Bus offerings, including in name.
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FESTIVALS & EVENTS
There is a festival of one sort or another every day in Tokyo. Call or visit the JNTO’s TIC Click here for up-to-date information. Some of the major celebrations:
Ganjitsu At New Year, Tokyoites head