2010-04

Omotesando Hills (表参道ヒルズ) was built in 2005, which was part of a series of urban developments in Tokyo done by the developers, Mori Building and designed by Tadao Ando. It occupies a large proximity of Omotesandō, containing over 130 shops and 38 apartments. Omotesandō is a famous shopping and residential road in Aoyama.

The construction ran at a cost of $330 million, replacing the Bauhaus-inspired Dōjunkai Aoyama Apartments (同潤会青山アパート), which had been built in 1927 after the 1923 Kantō earthquake. A small section of the old apartments still remains, having been reconstructed in the Southeast part of the new complex.

Dojunkai Aoyama Apartments

Shopping
For many years, Omotesando has been the trendsetter in Japanese fashion and culture. These days the Omotesando area has a new focal point, the Omotesando Hills.

Hosting near 100 retail outlets with its target market being a more mature audience whom enjoy the city life while having a strong sense of fashion. The complex boasts flagship stores, boutiques and exclusive outlets from leading overseas brands as well as exclusive domestic brands offering a unique fashion style known as the “Omotesando Hills Mode”, especially for mature individuals who would prefer avoiding the boundaries of style. Aside from the trendy shopping, the complex sports a host of other stores for home, kids and an array of multi-purpose stores.

Cafés and Restaurants
One could never go hungry during a shopping excursion with the rich selection of Japanese, Western and fusion cuisine (Japanese/Western mix). And for the sweet tooth there are confectioneries and delightful wine bars to wet the palette for the budding connoisseur. All of which are stylishly presented in modern and welcoming surroundings.

Wagon stalls
These small stalls can be found dotted all around the vicinity of Omotesando hills, playing just as an important role as the shops and restaurants found within the complex. Each offering a unique taste of the latest fashions and plentiful cultural ideas.

Events Space
Within the Omotesando Hills are two stylish event spaces. Larger one (Space O) being ideal for a wide range of events such as exhibitions, press conferences and visual productions the other more compact space (Space PE43), serves well as an art gallery, sales or new product displays.

Residence
Tadao Ando, a world-renowned architect designed the complex with an ideal conception of urban living in mind. When looking at the design, simplicity springs to mind coupled with the contrasting concrete and glass with pebble floors.

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Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
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TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

Set amongst lush greenery lays the urban Tokyo Midtown (東京ミッドタウン) development, comprising of six stylish buildings featuring a variety of facilities such as hotels, museums, stores, restaurants, offices and leisure space. Art is truly alive in every corner of the town welcoming visitors from all walks of life and providing your every day urban life with a superior quality of living. It is also the key factor in the proliferation of Japanese design around the world.
The complex was completed in March 2007 at the cost of ¥370 billion and sports the tallest building in Tokyo and the new quarters of the Suntory Museum of Art. It’s located in a prime location in Roppongi, part of the Minato ward on the site previously occupied by the Japan Defence Agency.

Aside from having a vast selection all the exquisite, high-end drink, food and fashion - Tokyo Midtown is also the home of Design Sight 21_21, a design gallery/workshop created by world-renowned fashion designer Issey Miyake and architect Tadao Ando.

“The idea was to create not only a museum that shows exhibits,” says Ando, “but also a place for researching the potentiality of design as an element that enriches our daily life, a place that fosters the public’s interest in design by arousing in them different sights and perspectives on how we can view the world and the objects surrounding us”.

If you are an Art and Design lover, Tokyo Midtown is definitely one to add to the agenda. The entire complex is literally one art piece plus there is a host of different exhibitions/museums that can be found dotted around. All of which are available all year round displaying old and discover new talent. This year to discover and support talented designers and artists, the 3rd Tokyo Midtown Award will be held in two divisions: the Art Competition and Design Competition.

FUJIFILM Photo Museum is currently hosting an exhibition displaying a collection of rare, antique cameras along with FUJIFILM’s previous models. There are also special exhibitions featuring the history and culture of photography, which are held regularly. This is a rare place where visitors can gain insight into the evolution and changing culture of photography and the camera.
Now once you have had your fill of shopping and museums, why not pop up to The Ritz-Carlton (リッツカールトン東京) for “Tokyo Teas from Around the World” and a little snack.

High tea at The Ritz-Carlton has become even more enjoyable with the addition of its “Teas from Around the World” Tea Master Series. Guests are welcome to join one of the hotel’s four certified Tea Masters for an afternoon tea, some traditional fares and an engaging conversation on the history of tea.

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Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

Yebisu Garden Place, located in Ebisu, which is a neighborhood in Shibuya, Tokyo. It’s conveniently Located near Roppongi and central Shibuya. Ebisu can be easily accessed with the JR Yamanote and Hibiya lines via Ebisu Station. It has boutiques, vintage stores and patisseries all within easy walking distance from Ebisu station.
Ebisu’s main tourist attraction is centred around the Yebisu Garden Place. Accessible from the East Exit of Ebisu Station via the Yebisu Skywalk covered moving walkway; it includes the headquarters of Sapporo Breweries, The Yebisu Beer Museum and the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of photography.

Ebisu was founded around 1928 as a community developed around the Japan Beer Brewery Company facilities where Yebisu Garden Place now stands. Yebisu Beer, named after Ebisu, one of the Japanese Seven Gods of Fortune, was introduced in 1890 by Japan Beer and has long been a local favourite. The area adopted its name from the train station built in 1901 by the company to facilitate distribution of its beer. Japan Beer has since reorganized and was renamed Sapporo Breweries Ltd. After the breweries were moved to Chiba in 1988, the area was redeveloped as the Yebisu Garden Place, which opened to the public in 1994.
The spelling of the beer “Yebisu” is done so intentionally. Even with or without the “y” the pronunciation is the same as “Ebisu”.

This skyscraper complex offers beautiful views and a little something for everyone can be found. Hosting a large variety of restaurants and watering holes, you can pick your pleasure from the food and drinks on display at the entrance to each location. As this is a transit point for many commuters on the Yamanote and Hibiya lines, Ebisu is home to many bars and restaurants, from Izakaya-style restaurants, to English-style pubs, to old-fashioned Tachinomi (stand and drink) bars. After a hard days work, one can pop into any one of the local bars and join many other workers relaxing, sipping on a crisp, cold pint. The Yebisu Garden Place offers yet another treat, the tower features fantastic views over Tokyo from its restaurants up on the 38th floor.

The Great Japan Beer Festival

Fortunately, it’s not all sake in Japan. In June of each year, Yebisu Garden Place plays host to more than 120 local and internationally crafted brews at Tokyo’s Great Japan Beer Festival. Certainly not one to be missed, be one of the first to try the winner of the Japan Beer Cup! Cheers!

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Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

Palette town (パレットタウン, sometimes mistranslated to pallet town) is a huge complex facility containing attractive amusement spots, stores and restaurants. It is home to one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world at 100 meters in diameter and 115 meters high known as Daikanransha (大観覧車).

It’s extremely popular because you can look down at the sea and the skyscrapers of Tokyo at the same time. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the coast from Haneda down to the Boso Hanto Peninsula. You can also see Mt. Fuji on a fine winters day. Its huge Ferris wheel can also be seen all across Odaiba signalling to prospective visitors that Palette town is a fun and interesting place to be.

Palette town is made up of several attractions with a large shopping centre known as the Venus Fort (ヴィーナスフォート), a women’s theme park filled with fashion, beauty, and many other items of interest. Venus Fort was first opened in 1999 and designed to look like 17th century Europe, there is even a staged sky on the roof that transforms from day to night every few hours. It’s not only the decor that Venus Fort shares similarities with Las Vegas’ Caesar’s Palace for Venus Fort also features a casino for all you would be budding gamblers.

Just below Venus Fort is the shopping centre known as Sun Walk (サンウォーク).

The interesting thing about Sun Walk is that it features a lot of shops catering to the pet lover. One can get a makeover done for your pet at a pet hairdresser, stop for a feed at a pet friendly Dog Café. If you don’t have a pet and feel you are missing out, there are pets on hire by the hour so you too can join in the pet pampering. It does sound odd but hiring a dog is becoming increasingly popular with the locals that may not have a big apartment and not much room to have pets.

Other attractions that make up Palette town include the Toyota Mega Web technology showcase, Toyota’s self-proclaimed car theme park. Toyota Megaweb comprises of six exhibits such as the History Garage, Universal Design Showcase, Toyota City Showcase, Ride One, E-com Ride and the Kids Hybrid Ride One.
There is also Zepp Tokyo, a live entertainment venue, plus a 24-7 facility called “Tokyo Leisure Land” with Karaoke shops and pool halls.

With so much on offer, you are guaranteed to find a little something for everyone and more than enough to entertain you for an entire day.

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

Odaiba Seaside Park (お台場海浜公園) is a man-made seaside park where you can fully enjoy Tokyo’s waterfront.

Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed, but there are many other leisure activities including paddling and boardsailing and the superb scenery of the towns on the opposite shore can be viewed over the Rainbow Bridge, so even a simple walk in the park is a pleasure.

A scenic walk along the sandy beach takes you to “Daiba Park (台場公園)” that still has traces of the Edo Period (1603-1867) and “Shiokaze Park (潮風公園)” with its beautiful fountain.

Daiba Park

Shiokaze Park

Walking along the footpaths you can see the Statue of Liberty (自由の女神) that was a gift from France and stands along the skywalk, and the “Marine House” observatory with its variety of restaurants and shops all of which are highly recommended photo spots. The atmospheric night scenery of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower viewed from the observatory creates a picturesque, lifetime memory. And along the boardwalk it’s littered with couples as this is considered to be Tokyo’s most romantic visits. There is also a pier nearby for the sea bus, so that visitors can take a special cruise in Tokyo Bay.

If you love Japanese TV and want a change of scenery in Tokyo, then this is the place for you. The huge alien, silver building that you cannot miss once you have embarked from the train on the Yurikamome Line is the FUJI Terebi headquarters (Fuji TV Studios). Home to some of the best TV shows in Japan.

Taking the escalators up into the building you can see how TV shows are produced and if you are lucky enough, you may even get to see some shows being taped. Looking around around Fuji Terebi studios is completely free and souvenir’s can be purchased.

Once you have looked around Fuji terebi there is a shopping centre nearby called Aqua City (アクアシティ), which has a large cinema, plenty shopping and the Sony Explora-Science centre.
If you have kids (or you are someone young at heart) this is a must see, everything in the museum is interactive, education and fun.
http://www.sonyexplorascience.jp/english/index.html

For more information about Aqua City, click here!

Besides having stunning views, romantic walks and sandy beaches. There is ample shopping, entertainment to fill every need and accommodating hotels all within short walking distance catering for the old and young alike. This is a fantastic place to go even if it’s just for a day just to see a different side of Tokyo.

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Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

Shinjuku Chuo (Central) Park (新宿中央公園) is a small functional park located in western Shinjuku, one of 23 wards in the Tokyo metropolis area.

Surrounded by some of Tokyo’s tallest buildings including its tallest, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings 1 and 2. The Century Hyatt, the Park Hyatt, and other hotels and office buildings surround Shinjuku Central Park. Somewhat of an ultra modern mix of concrete, glass steel and landscaping with some very impressive architecture. Park Hyatt Tokyo is one of the worlds most expensive and luxurious hotels and featured in the hit movie ’Lost in Translation’ staring Bill Murray.
A visit to the Shinjuku Skyscraper District at night during the Christmas season is quite an experience with many of the buildings and surrounding area being lit up with millions of Christmas lights. It attracts thousands to its nightly displays.

The layout of Shinjuku Central Park is very simple and accessible for the many office workers in the area and is an ideal retreat amidst all the chaos for them to spend their lunchtime, which you may find it socially interesting. If you are staying in any of the hotels nearby, the park with its greenery will simply provide you a scope for a refreshing evening walk or even a run.
In the area, there are several activities taking place. The Tokyo citizens go to the park, not to relax, but to indulge in hobbies. Everyone comes here to play, in whatsoever way they prefer to. And they do it with intense concentration, which at the very least, must be admired.

Admittedly this is not the biggest park in the Shinjuku area, but it is the most central - right next to the enormous city government buildings, reaching for the sky as if to penetrate it. There is, of course, a lot of green in the park, but its main attraction seems to be the open space in front of the famed waterfall, even though this is right by one of the busy streets. Cherry blossoms bloom all over the place in Japan when spring comes, and they too can be enjoyed here in Shinjuku Chuo.

However, this place usually refers to just the great entertainment, trade and shopping area around Shinjuku Station. On Sundays, a flea market can be found held at the entrance with a variety of fares and the occasional charity fare.

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

Shakujii koen (石神井公園) is a public park in the Japanese town of Shakujii in Tokyo’s Nerima ward. First established in 1959, it is one of the larger parks in the metropolis, after Ueno Park (上野公園).

Within the park two ponds can be found, Shakujii Pond (石神井池) and Sanpō-ji Pond (三宝寺池) as well as several small Shintō shrines and the historically significant remains of Shakujii castle.

A short way south of the park, the Shakujii River runs from east to west. The ponds are said to have formed naturally from the gushing up of underground water from the Musashino-dai Pond just a short distance away. But over the years, the ponds have slowly started to shrink, and so, in order to preserve the park’s scenery and recreational use, a manmade system has been installed to pump water into both ponds.

 

The Shakujii castle ruins date back from the Kamakura period (鎌倉時代, 1185-1333), or even earlier, thus it is known that the site was in use and regarded as strategically important for many centuries. The castle was the residence of the Toshima clan (豊島藩) of samurai and the stronghold of the local area ruler, Lord Toshima who ruled over the surrounding area in the 14th-15th centuries. The clan’s destruction came largely at the hands of Ōta Dōkan (太田道灌), who was responsible for the construction of Edo castle; many of the ruins and shrines in the area are associated with him.

 Portrait of Ōta Dōkan

 

In the twentieth century, it came to be a popular site for birdwatching, strolling and relaxation.
In addition to being popular with local residents, the park is fairly well known throughout Tokyo. Shakujii Pond is a popular location for TV programs and films to shoot boating scenes, and the park, or its ponds, is frequently featured in manga, anime and other productions of popular culture.

The park is remarkable for its access to unspoilt wilderness scenery within the Tokyo metropolis, especially for its variety of birdlife, specifically waterfowl. As a birdwatcher’s paradise, a large number of birds can be seen here that you are highly unlikely to encounter in any other part of Tokyo. In spring, Shakujii Park is notable retreat for its Hanami (cherry blossom viewing).
The park is set gracefully in a beautiful residential area, which is also worth taking a stroll through. Nearby is an Italian restaurant, which is not really in the spirit of Japanese culture; nevertheless, it’s still a great spot for a quick bite to eat.