Tokyo [Tokyo] 1

Q. What’s around Tokyo station and Marunouchi district?

A.Tokyo Station and the surrounding Marunouchi district epitomize the contrasts between traditional and modern Japan. Soaring skyscrapers overlook the quiet Imperial Gardens, and the station's striking 1900s-style facade conceals sleek bullet trains and a wealth of pop culture shopping and intriguing culinary options. 

The serene gardens, moats and traditional structures surrounding the Imperial Palace.

Other options for art include the nearby Museum of the Imperial Collections in the East Gardens , the National Museum of Modern Art and Science Museum in Kitanomaru Park , and Intermediatheque in the KITTE building.

Q. How can we access to Tokyo station from Narita Airport?

A. the Narita Express (NEX) connects to Tokyo Station and takes about an hour.

Moving to Ginza and Nihonbashi area...

Q. What’s special in this area?

A. World-class shopping and dining

Kabukiza, Tokyo's premier kabuki theater

The enormous Tsukiji fish market

On Chuo Dori street, you'll find many top fashion and cosmetic brand stores. It has many department stores, restaurants and cafes.

he Bank of Japan building and the Tokyo Stock Exchange . Over the last century, Nihonbashi emerged as the country's primary financial district.

Moving to Roppongi and Akasaka area...

Q. What can we enjoy doing in this area?

A. The Roppongi and Akasaka areas are all about luxury and extravagant entertainment and dining. Home to top-rated nightlife and upscale museums, these districts are the go-to for sophisticates traveling in Tokyo.

Beyond the nightclubbing scene, Roppongi and Akasaka are often regarded as home to Tokyo's most impressive galleries and art spaces.

Roppongi Hills also hosts the annual Tokyo International Film Festival , a weeklong event that celebrates the work of groundbreaking filmmakers from across the world. 

During the Christmas season, don't miss the incredible Christmas illuminations. 

Q. What does the name Roppongi come from?

A.The name Roppongi translates to "six trees," and was given to the area back in the 1660s. It's said that six very old and large zelkova trees were once used to mark the area. Another local legend is that the six lords who lived near the area during the Edo period each had the kanji character relating to trees in their name.

Moving to Ueno and Akihabara area...

Q. How different are these area compared with other areas in Tokyo?

A. Ueno and Akihabara are neighboring districts in Tokyo, but they couldn't be more different in style, substance and atmosphere. While Ueno boasts the zoo that shares its name, as well as many national museums, art galleries, parks and performing arts venues, Akihabara is geek heaven, an electronic wonderland known worldwide for its tech and pop subculture elements such as manga and anime.

The quirky maid and manga cafes of Akihabara

Ueno's bustling Ameyoko shopping street, full of bargains

Word Focus:

district 区

epitomize 〜を象徴する

Imperial 皇室の

facade 正面の構造

conceal 包み隠す

sleek つやのある、流線型の

intriguing 興味をそそる

culinary 台所の、料理の

delightful 喜びに溢れる

urban 現代の

sophisticated 洗練された

extravagant 華やかな

Top-rated 高評価の

go-to 訪問者の多い、人気のある

expat (expatriate) 国外居住の

substance 物

atmosphere 雰囲気

quirky とっぴな、予測できない

bustling 活気のある、ごった返している