2010-09

Luxurious shopping is enjoyable of course, but sometimes we have to save money.
If you are in that situation, or you are interested though you aren’t in need, why not check out the hundred-yen stores?

There are many hundred-yen stores in Japan (some of them advanced overseas).  You will see at least one in a town.
At the stores, you will find cosmetics, food, plateware, stationary, interior accessories…almost anything you may come up with!

Shopping at hundred-yen stores is very convenient and cheap, but beware!  Not everything sold at the hundred-yen stores are 100 yen.  Some of them have tags written 200, 300, or even 500, so  be careful when you shop

Below are some of the most known chain stores.
You may pass by some hundred-yen stores when walking around Tokyo, but if you have a strong will to find them, there are shop locators on their websites.

Daiso
Website: http://www.daiso-sangyo.co.jp/english/ (Eng)

Cando
Website: http://www.cando-web.co.jp/e/ (Eng)

Shop99
Website: http://www.99plus.co.jp/shop99/index.html (Jap)

–
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/

Kayabacho First Residence

Agent commission 50% OFF!
No Key Money!

Address:  11-17-1, Shinkawa, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Access: 5 minutes walk to Kayabacho Station / Hibiya Line, Tozai Line
7 minutes walk to Hacchobori Station / Hibiya Line
8 minutes walk to Suitengu Station / Hanzomon Line
Completion: Apr. 2002
Structure: Steel-reinforced Concrete

Key Money: JPY0
Deposit: 3 months
Parking: Available
Pets: Not Allowed

Kayabacho First Residence is located in Tsukiji, near the Tsukiji Fish Market (築地市場).  Only 1 station to Nihonbashi, and 3 stations to Ginza!
Near the apartment flows Nihonbashi River (日本橋川), which you can see from the windows.

Entrance.

Entrance hall.

#1106

Bed Rooms: 2
Floor Area: 97.08 sqm / 1044.99 sqft
Rent: JPY300,000/month
Management Fee: JPY0

There is a closet pretty wide, outside the entrance.

Entrance.

Bed rooms, one with a walk-in closet.
There are no windows viewing the outside, so it might feel restricting.

There are balconies, but they aren’t for viewing sights or relaxing…the main purpose for this space is for emergency.

Rest room.  There is a closet behind the toilet.

Powder room and bath room.
Washing machine can be hidded beyond the door.

The tap of the powder room can be extended!

Kitchen, with 3 induction cookers.

Living dining room.

Japanese room can be open to or divided from the living dining room.

#1101

Bed Rooms: 2
Floor Area: 94.18 sqm / 1013.78 sqft
Rent: JPY298,000/month
Management Fee: JPY0

Bed rooms, one with a walk-in closet.

Japanese room.

Living dining room.

View of Nihonbashi river from the window.
Windows cannot be opened.

物件名：茅場町ファーストレジデンス
賃料：298,000
敷／礼　：3/0
仲介手数料50% Off

Thank you for checking Kayabacho First Residence.

–
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/

When you visit Shibuya, you will probably be overwhelmed by the congestion.  Among all the crowded places, the most crowded might be the area around the statue of Hachiko.

The statue is in memory of Hachiko, a dog, who was very faithful to his master, and followed him to the station every day when he took the train to work.
One day his master didn’t return home, and Hachiko waited at the station for 9 years for his master’s return.  He died there waiting for him and a memorial statue was erected in 1934.  The current statue dates back to 1948.

Ever since, the statue became the most famous meeting point in Shibuya, as you will see hundreds of people waiting for their dates, families, friends or others around the area.

Each year on April 8, Hachiko’s devotion is honored with a ceremony of remembrance at Tokyo’s Shibuya station.  Hundreds of dog lovers often turn out to honor his memory and loyalty.
The episode of Hachiko was also filmed in the US, starring Richard Gere.

–
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/

Residia Tower Roppongi  【Finished/終了】

Agent commission 50% OFF!
No Key Money!

Address:  18-6-7, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Access: 5 minutes walk to Roppongi Station / Hibiya Line, Oedo Line
5 minutes walk to Nogizaka Station /  Chiyoda Line
Completion: Feb. 2006
Structure: Steel-reinforced Concrete

Key Money: JPY0
Deposit: 2 months　(3 months when keeping pets)
Parking: Available
Pets: Allowed

Residia Tower Roppongi, formerly named Pacific Tower Roppongi, is located within 1 minute walk to the National Art Center, Tokyo, and 5 minute walk to Tokyo Midtown.

Entrance.

Lounge and elevator hall.
There also is an exclusive terrace outside

#2702

Bed Rooms: 2
Floor Area: 111.71 sqm / 1202.48 sqft
Rent: JPY590,000/month
Management Fee: JPY0

Entrance, with a walk-in shoes closet, also suitable for placing all your outdoor goods.

Rest room.

There is a balcony, but it is very small, and there is a high fence.  Not suitable for relaxing.  You can get great view from windows, though

Living dining room.

View from the living dining room window.

Kitchen with 3 cooking stoves, and a dish washer.

Corridor with closets.

Bed rooms.  One is with a walk-in closet.

Powder room and bath room.

View of Shinjuku, from the bath room window.

#2302

Bed Rooms: 2
Floor Area: 111.71 sqm / 1202.48 sqft
Rent: JPY581,000/month
Management Fee: JPY0

Same layout with #2703.

物件名：レジディアタワー六本木
賃料：590,000
敷／礼　：2/0
仲介手数料50% Off

Thank you for checking Residia Tower Roppongi.

–
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/

Walking in the crowd from the west exit of Shinjuku station, you will soon see a green and yellow board written ‘思い出横丁 (Omoide Yokocho)’.

Omoide Yokocho (思い出横丁) literally meaning ‘memory alley’, is a narrow street with a cluster of small Yakitori bars, Ramen restaurants, and pubs.  There are about 80 in this small alley.
This street preserves the atmosphere of the 1950s, when the area was a black market and food stalls were abundant.

If you are willing to have cheap beer and dinner, or to experience the typical, traditional small restaurants in Japan, why not visit Omoide Yokocho?  And don’t be satisfied with just one restaurant, go bar-hopping!

Omoide Yokocho

Location: Shinjuku
Opening hours: vary by vendor (some are open all day, some open in the evening)
Website: http://www.shinjuku-omoide.com/english/index.html (Eng.  under construction)

–
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/

You may see many Shrines when walking around Tokyo.  Toyokawa Inari (豊川稲荷) is one of them, located in Akasaka.

Toyokawa Inari is a Shrine in Aichi prefecture, constructed in 1441.  The branch temple in Tokyo was founded in 1828, and was relocated to the current location in 1887.
Toyokawa Inari is dedicated to Inarishin (稲荷神), god  of fertility, rice, agriculture, foxes, industry and success.

Toyokawa Inari is also famous for Inari-zushi (いなり寿司) which is sold on-site.
Inari-zushi is a kind of Sushi, but quite different from Sushi that is well known: vinegered rice is wrapped with sweet Aburaage (油揚げ, deep-fried Tofu).  It is named ‘Inari’, because foxes were thought to be apostles of Inarishin, and Aburaage were thought to be the favorite food of foxes.

–
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/

Atlas Tower Roppongi #702 【Finished/終了】

Agent commission 50% OFF!
No Key Money!

Bed Rooms: 2
Floor Area: 113.66 sqm / 1223.47 sqft
Address:  13-7-7, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Access: 3 minutes walk to Roppongi Station / Hibiya Line, Oedo Line
Completion: Feb. 2010
Structure: Steel-reinforced Concrete

Rent: JPY450,000/month
Management Fee: JPY20,000/month
Key Money: JPY0
Deposit: 2 months
Parking: Available
Pets: Negotiable

Atlas Tower Roppongi is a brand new tower mansion completed in February 2010.
Located in a very luxurious and convenient area :2 minutes walk to Tokyo Midtown, and 7 minutes walk to Roppongi Hills!

At the same time, the atmosphere is quiet, for the apartment doesn’t face the main street.
Also close to schools, museums, parks, etc.

Entrance and garden.

Room entrance.  There is a walk-in shoes closet, which you can go in without taking off your shoes.

Powder room and bath room.  There are arm rails in the bath room.

Bed rooms.  One is with a walk-in closet.

Rest room, with a hand rail.

There are closets on the corridor.

Living dining room.

View from the living dining room.
You can see Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills, Roppongi Midtown, and more!

Balcony.  Not enough room for dining, but very nice for admiring the night scene with your family or friends, perhaps with a drink in your hand

Kitchen.  There are 3 cooking stoves, 2 taps, and a dish washer.

物件名：アトラスタワー六本木
賃料：450,000
敷／礼　：2/0
仲介手数料50% Off

Thank you for checking Atlas Tower Roppongi.

–
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/

If you are looking for an entertainment in Tokyo, how about having an exiting night at Blue Note Tokyo?
Blue Note is a jazz club & restaurant.  Its inception was in 1981 in New York.  Blue Note gives artists the musical freedom they deserve, and jazz fans get a chance to see the most unlikely combination of stars night after night on the Blue Note stage.
The branch in Aoyama, Tokyo was founded in 1988.  Top artists of various genres and from all around the world have showcased the night in Tokyo.

Let me note that performers change almost every night.  Check out the schedule, and make sure you don’t regret missing your favorite show!

Blue Note Tokyo
Access: 8 minutes walk from Omotesando station.
Open Hours: mon-sat 5:30pm-1:00am, sun&holidays 5:00pm-0:30am
Web Site: http://www.bluenote.co.jp/jp/index.html (Japanese)
Reservations can be made by phone or internet.

–
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/

Tokan Mansion #310

Agent commission 50% OFF!

Bed Rooms: 3
Floor Area: 104.58 sqm / 1125.73 sqft
Address:  49-17-4, Minami-aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Access: 5 minutes walk to Omotesando Station / Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line, Chiyoda Line
Completion: Mar. 1979
Structure: Steel-reinforced Concrete

Rent: JPY480,000/month
Management Fee: JPY0
Key Money: 3 months
Deposit: 2 months
Contract: 2 years
Parking: Not Available
Pets: Not Allowed

Tokan Mansion Minami-aoyama stands in a quiet residential area, near Omotesando station.

Entrance is on the B1 floor.

Lobby.

Court seen from the 3rd floor.

Room entrance.  No shoes box…but there are 3 coat hooks on the wall

Powder room and bath room.
In the powder room, there are many storage spaces on both sides and below the mirror, and of course below the sink.

Rest room.

Space for washing machine.

Bed room.  There is a closet, and storages near the ceiling (or maybe you can use them as displays, since it doesn’t seem to be suitable for storing heavy things).

Kitchen, with 3 cooking stoves.
On the side of the sink is a drainer board, where you can place wet dishes, etc.

Living dining room.

Long balcony, connected to the living dining room and 2 bed rooms.

Closet on the corridor.  The doors are pretty heavy.

Bed rooms.
The inside of the closets are un-coated wood, so don’t get a sting!

物件名：トーカンマンション
賃料：480,000
敷／礼　：3/2
仲介手数料50% Off

Thank you for checking Tokan Mansion.

–
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/

Every year in October, a festival is held in Aoyama.  The festival lasts for 20 days, and various events take place.
Below are some of the main events, but there are more, so check out the calendar on the official web site, and visit Aoyama on the day the event you are interested is held.

Parade
Parade of the military band of US Army, eco-car of Honda, etc.
Date/Time: Oct. 17 (Sun)/PM1:00 Opening ceremony, PM2:00 Parade starts
Area: from Honda Aoyama Building to Aoyama Gakuin University

Bossa Aoyama 2010
Performance by Japanese and Brazilian Bossa artists.
Date/Time: Oct. 23（Sat）~24（Sun）/AM11:00~PM6:00
Area: Harajuku Church Oracle Sky Lobby, AOYAMA Francfranc

Happy Halloween
Trick or Treating for kids 6th grade and under.
Date/Time: Oct. 29（Fri）/PM 4:00～PM 6:00
Area: 50 shops in Aoyama

For more information, please refer the official website.

–
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/