Asakusa-Aoyama Area Pottering

Abstract

An one day sightseeing course covering a sight of Tokyo Bay from Toyomi Pier, the old Tokyo scenery of Tsukishima, Asakusa, Jinguu and Aoyama inza, then stopping by at the Imperial Palace along the way.

Course Information

Akasaka - Toyomi Pier - Tsukuda Jima - Asakusa - Imperial Palace - Jingu Gaien - Aoyama Cemetery - Tokyo Tower

GPS Log

Copyright Cycle Tokyo! Project

Let's Go !


Akasaka - Ginza - Toyomi Pier - TsukudaJima

Todays course started off from at Y's Road Akasaka, a bike shop located in Tameike-Sanno, near Akasaka. We head towards the Imperial Palace, on to Harumi-Dori through Ginza towards our first stop which is Toyomi Pier. We pass the Prime Minister's office and the Diet Building, and ride along the Imperial Palace along the way.

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[Y's Road Akasaka (formerly Y's Academy)]

Y's Academy, located in Tameike Sanno (in front Subway Sta, exit 11) is one of several shops in the Tokyo area of the Y's International group. They specialize in road racers, mountain bikes, folding bikes as well as city bikes. Y's Academy also does bike rentals, either half day or one day.

Y's Road Akasaka
2-10-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo Japan
TEL:03-5545-1525
Open Hours 11:00-20:00 (weekdays, Saturdays）
　　　　 10:00-19:00 (Holidays, Sundays)
http://jitensya.co.jp/group/shops/academy/top.htm

[National Diet Building]

National Diet Building : {̐̒Sŏa11Ni1936jɌ݂ꂽBEΏ̂̑ƂȂĂāAʂ猩čOc@AEQc@łBQc@͕łΌw”\B

National Diet Building : The Diet building was built in 1936, and acts as the center of Japanese politics. It is a symmetric building with the House of Councillors on the right and the House of Representatives on the left. Tours are available on weekdays, where tour (House of Councillors only) takes around 60 minutes.

National Diet Building(The House of Councillors) 1-7-1 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0014 03-3581-3111
http://www.sangiin.go.jp/eng/index.htm
National Diet Building(The House of Representatives) 1-6-3 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0014 03-3581-5111
http://www.shugiin.go.jp/index.nsf/html/index_e.htm

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[Imperial Palace]

The Imperial Palace : The Imperial Palace is located where Edo-Jo (Edo-Castle) formerly was. It became the imperial palace in 1868 (Meiji 1), and is now the residence of Japanese Imperial family. The palace buildings and inner gardens are not open to public, but East gardens (Higashi Gyoen) are open to the public except Mondays and Fridays. It provides tours visiting The Imperial Palace ( Free for Charge / Reservation necessary).

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Imperial Palace
1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8111 Tel:03-3213-1111
http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/eindex.html

[Palace Cycling]

Palace Cycling Course (Restroom nearby) : The Palace Cycling Course a 3 km bicycle path open to the public from Iwaidabashi to Hirakawamon at Uchibori Dori every Sunday from 10a.m. to 3p.m. (Cancel in case of rain) You can use the free rental bicycle service to cycle around the course. Various bicycles are available, from mountain bikes to children's bikes, to tandem bicycles. Of course it's free to ride on your own bike.

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Palace Cycling
http://www.cycle-info.bpaj.or.jp/japanese/cycling/ps1.html
http://www.jbpi.or.jp/pc1.php

On the Harumi-dori, ride right through Yurakucho and Ginza. Passing the Kabuki-Za on your left, Tsukiji Fish Market on your right, then take a right turn at Kiyosumi-Dori.

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[Ginza(Yurakucho)]

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Ginza is the famous downtown and the most prestigious shopping area in Tokyo. Ginza Dori, the central street, has some historical department stores such as Wako, Mitsukoshi, and Matsuya Matsuzakaya. Ginza also has many luxury restaurants and movie theaters, which attract many shoppers and strollers on weekends. A lot of exclusive European brand stores have opened consecutively recently.

[Kabuki Za]

Kabukiza Theater
Kabuki pieces are performed around the year in this theater which was opened in 1889. Shows typically last three to five hours and are divided into three or four acts. Tickets are sold for either a whole show or just a single act. English earphone guides are available. Two shows per day are performed on most days of the year, one matinee show (usually starting at 11:00) and one evening show (usually starting at 16:30). Consult the website (see external links below) for details. Ticket prices typically range from 2,000 to 20,000 Yen for a whole show (depending on the seat and show) or 500 to 1,500 Yen for just one act. Earphone guides cost 650 Yen for a whole show or 400 Yen for just one act.


Kabuki-Za
12Chome 15, Ginza Chuuo-Ku Tokyo
03-3541-3131
http://www.shochiku.co.jp/play/kabukiza/theater/index.html

Take the Kiyosumi-Dori southwest all the way to the tip of Toyomi-Cho, where you'll see alot of refrigerated warehouses and fish warehouses on both sides of the street. At the dead end, you'll be greeted by the panoramic view of Tokyo Bay.

Toyomi Pier overlooking Tokyo Bay is a good location to look at Odaiba, the Rainbow Bridge, and the Shiodome area. Yokohama lies in the direction ahead of the Rainbow Bridge.

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[Toyomi Pier]

Toyomi Pier overlooking Tokyo Bay is a good location to look at Odaiba, the Rainbow Bridge, and the Shiodome area. Yokohama lies in the direction ahead of the Rainbow Bridge.

Ride back the Kiyosumi-Dori past Harumi-Dori and Tsuki-Shima and head towards Tsukuda-Jima. You'll experience the time slip, this is old Tokyo, escaping the air raid of the Second World War. You will soon smell the scent of Tsukudani being boiled. Stroll around the area and look around what Tokyo used to be.

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[Tsukuda Jima]

Fishermen in Tsukuda Village, Settsu (the current name is Nishiyodogawa-ku, Osaka City) moved to Tsukudajima under orders from Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1644, and developed the area they had been moved to. As nothing remains the same for long in Tokyo, it has been developed rapidly over recent years but older houses that escaped both the 1923 quake and the infamous air raid remain standing, sandwiched in between enormous skyscrapers.

Tsukudani
Tsukuda always reminds us of tsukudani, a food consisting of small fish and kombu which were fresh caught, boiled down in sweetened soy sauce and eaten. Tsukudani was first concocted by the fishermen of Tsukuda and if not eaten immediately is a useful preserved food for times of shortage. Three tsukudani shops remain in the Tsukudajima of today and are well worth a visit.


Tsukuda-Tendai-Jizou-Son....There's a very narrow alley between houses (bikes not allowed, enter on foot) which will take you to a Jizou statue. Jizou is god, representing Indian bodhisattva, and protects mainy travelers and children.

TsukudaJima - Asakusa - Imperial Palace

Leaving Tsukuda-Jima, head along the Sumida-River up to Asakusa. You'll notice the "yakata-bune", or the river cruise boats docked along the river.

You definitly won't miss Asakusa, with the big Japanese lantern hanging on the Kaminari-Mon (Lightning-Gate), and lots of tourists all year round. Park your bike and stroll around the area.

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[Asakusa]

Asakusa, an area in Taitou-Ku is a traditional place where has not been changed very much since the Edo period, as one of the main of Tokyo. Senso-ji Temple, the oldest temple in Japan, is the symbol of Asakusa.　Between the big red lantern representing the Kaminari-Mon gate and the main hall of Senso-Ji temple, there are a lot of shops selling souvenirs.

Kabuki, Rakugo (comedy), and traditial arts are popular in Asakusa, as well as Japanese food.

浅草（あさくさ）は、東京都台東区の地名である。または浅草寺を中心とする繁華街の地名。戦前は東京随一の繁華街として栄えた。現在も江戸情緒を感じさせる観光地として賑わっている。古くからのランドマークとして浅草寺山門である雷門（かみなりもん）が知られる。

After you had enough of Asakusa, let's leave the area and head back towards the Imperial Palace. You'll ride past Akihabara and Kanda.

If you come back to the Imperial Palace in time on a Sunday, you'll be able to ride the Palace Cycling course blocked off to cars. On this day, we sat on the lawn and had treats of Japanese confectionary.

Imperial Palace - Jingu Gaien - Aoyama Cemetery

Let's head towards the west of the palace, towards Jingu and Aoyama. Ride westwards on Shinjuku-Dori to Yotsuya. Taking a left turn at the Yotsuya Intersection, you'll see the Geihin-Kan, or the Imperial Guest House in front of you.

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[Jochi (Sophia) University]

上智大学上智大学は、1928年に設置された日本の私立大学である。本部のある四谷キャンパスは四谷駅前に位置し、江戸時代の徳川御三家のひとつ、尾張家屋敷跡地に建てられている。周囲には、紀伊徳川家屋敷跡地に建つ赤坂プリンスホテル、彦根藩井伊家屋敷跡地に建つホテルニューオータニがある。他にも赤坂の迎賓館、桜並木で有名な真田掘があり、見所が多い。ホテルニューオータニには広さ約4万㎡もの日本庭園がある。

Sophia university(上智大学：Jochi　Daigaku)is a private university established in 1928. The Yotsuya campus, main campus, is located in front of JR Yotsuya station. The area of Yotsuya campus was once the residence of the Owari family, one of the three top families related to the Tokugawa Shogun family in Edo period. Near by are are the Prince Hotel Akasaka, previously the site of Ii Feudal Lord (大名：Daimyo)'s residence and the Hotel New Ohtani, the site of Kii Feudal Lord's residence. The Otani has a Japanese garden of 40,000 square meters. There are more sights around the campus, such as the Guest House in Akasaka and the Sanada Moat famous for cheery blossom trees.

MAP ID:8



[Akasaka Palace]

東宮御所（とうぐうごしょ）とは、皇太子の居所を指す。単に東宮とも。現在の東宮御所は、東京都港区元赤坂二丁目に所在する。今上天皇の皇太子時代の住居として、貞明皇后の大宮御所の跡地に建設され、1960年4月に落成した。

Akasaka Palace is the imperial crown prince and princess's residence located in the Moto-Akasaka area.　It was designed by Yoshiro Taniguchi and completed on April, 1960.

Ride down the hill on the right of the Geihin-Kan and the Akasaka-Gosho, and head to Jingu Gaien, and the Ginko Tree Passage. The beautiful yellow leaves shining under the sun attract many people in Autumn. Enjoy the European atmosphere as you head toward Aoyama-Dori. A block behind Aoyama-Dori, across the street is Aoyama Cemetery, where the tunnel of cherry blossoms are sure to delight you in the spring time.

MAP ID:9

[Jungu Gaien]

Outer Garden of Meiji Jingu ( Gaien ) :The Outer Garden was completed on October 22, 1926. The garden covers an area of 33,000 meters. The Ginkgo trees along Gaien Dori, from Aoyama doriguchi to Gaien Cyuo Park, is famous for beautiful colored leaves. The walkways have benches alongside that are best for stopping for a rest. Selan is a beautiful cafe near the entrance where you can spend a relaxing time enjoying the Ginkgos.

Every Sunday and National holidays from 9.30a.m. to 3.30p.m, the 1.2 Km around the Gaien is open to the public as a bicycle path. There is a free rental bicycle service you can use.

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[Aoyama Cemetery]

Aoyama Cemetery (Restroom inside) : Aoyama Cemetery is a 26,000-square-meter park and established in 1872. Many famous people lie here. A path allows visitors to stroll across this park. It offers wonderful respite from the noise of Tokyo city. Because it is famous for cherry blossum viewing spot, many people visit it during the cherry blossum season.


Aoyama Cemetery
2-32-2 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku Tokyo 107-0062
http://www.ehills.co.jp/rp/dfw/EHILLS/townguide/park/park4.php

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Aoyama Cemetery - Roppongi - Tokyo Tower/Zojouji

Ride through Aoyama Cemetery towards the Nish-Azabu Intersection. You'll see the tall silouette of the Roppongi Hills Tower. Head in that direction, approaching Roppongi. The area around Roppongi Hills is is a facy area of town with the lots of brand shops and attractions.

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[Roppongi Hills]

Roppongi area is popular with young people and foreigners because there are nice restaurants, trendy bars and clubs. Roppongi Hills is a symbol in the area and provides Grand Hyatt Tokyo, high-class apartments, offices, an art museum, nice shops and restaurants.


Roppongi Hills
http://www.roppongihills.com/en/

With Roppongi Hills behind you, head towards Shiba-Koen (Shiba-Park), where you'll see another tower ; the Tokyo Tower. If you still have legs left, you can try going up the tower on your feet using the staircase !

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[Tokyo Tower]

Tokyo Tower(restroom inside) : The symbol of Tokyo in operation from 1958 is 333 meters and has a main observatory at 150 meters and a special observatory at 250 meters high. You can enjoy the view of Mt. Fuji as well as the view of the Kanto plain from the observatory if the weather condition is good. They have a cafe and souvenir stores at main observatory.

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Tokyo Tower
4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0011 Tel:03-3433-5111
http://www.tokyotower.co.jp/333/foreign/eng/index.html

Zojou-Ji stands right next to the Tokyo Tower, a contrast of the old and new of Tokyo.

MAP ID:13

[Zojoji Temple]

Zojoji Temple was built in the year 1393, and was moved to its present location in 1598. It is the main temple of the Buddhist Jodo sect in the Kanto area. Tokyo Tower now stands just next to the temple. After Tokugawa Ieyasu moved to Edo (former name of Tokyo) in 1590, the Zojoji Temple became the Tokugawa family temple. A mausoleum of the Tokugawa family can be found on the temple grounds, and the crest of the Tokugawa family still decorates the temple buildings. Zojoji's main gate is the Sangedatsumon. It was constructed in 1605 in a contemporary Chinese Tang Dynasty style.


Zojoji
4-7-35 Shiba-Koen Minato-Ku, Tokyo
TELF03-3432-1431
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s`Ō4-7-35
TELF03-3432-1431
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