Minato

Minato (港区) is a ward in central Tokyo. The name means “port”, referring to its seaside location, although due to reclamation many areas in the district are quite far for the sea these days. Getting toMinato Minato is a fairly sprawling ward with no centre as such. The main train stations along the JR Yamanote line are Shinbashi (新橋), connection point to the Ginza subway line as well as the Yurikamome line to Odaiba, and Hamamatsuchō (浜松町), terminus of the Tokyo Monorail from Haneda Airport. What to see inMinato Odaiba, is a large artificial island packed with futuristic buildings that has become one of Tokyo’s most happening shopping and entertainment districts. TOKYO TOWER Tokyo Tower Tokyo Tower has been made famous by its appearance in many movies and cartoons. Tokyo Tower is really one of few icons of Tokyo. Tokyo Tower is a faithful 1958 replica of Paris’s Eiffel Tower — except that it’s 13 meters taller and has many radio and television related transmission antennas on it. Entry to the Main Observatory (150m) is ¥820, while ascending to the Special Observatory (250m) is an extra ¥600. If you’ve still got money in your pockets, you can burn it by visiting the Wax Museum (¥870), the Mysterious Walking Zone (¥410) or the Trick Art Gallery (¥400). Open 9 AM to 10 PM daily, nearest station Akabanebashi (5 min walk). Tokyo Tower (東京タワー Tōkyō Tawā). Tip: you’ll get better views from higher up for free if you visit Shinjuku’s Metropolitan Government Building observatory instead. Eating out inMinato Daigo (醍醐). 2-4-2 Atago (nearest station Onarimon), tel. 3431-0811. The name means “essence of milk”, a reference to the Buddha’s highest teachings, and this restaurant aims for the highest standards of shōjin-ryori (精進料理), the purely vegetarian version of Japan’s refined kaiseki cuisine. Located within the grounds of the Seishōji temple, all meals here are elaborate, ten-course affairs served in private rooms with a view of the lovely temple garden. With dinner courses priced at ¥14,000 or ¥18,000 per person (plus drinks, tax and service), the experience doesn’t come cheap, but it just might be worth it for an unforgettable occasion — and this is still only a third of what Ginza’s kaiseki joints charge. Reservations obligatory. DrinkRoppongi, covered in a separate article, is a notorious nightlife district geared towards foreigners. Looking for accommodation in Tokyo? Please support our site by using our hotel reservation system Tokyo Hotel (Article from/based on Wikitravel article and may be copied freely) |