Activities
Hibiya Park in Autumn
Josef DiermairHibiya park in Tokyo covers an area of 161,636.66m2 between the east gardens of the Imperial Palace to the north, and the Shimbashi district to the south-east.
This large green space just outside the walls of the Imperial Palace is the oldest western-style park in Japan. Opened to the public in 1903, the park sits on the grounds of former daimyo (feudal lord) estates. Today, the park is known for its seasonal flower displays and quiet walking paths, making it a relaxing escape in a bustling business district.
The nearly 40-acre park is home to several historic sites. At the north end of the park, the stone walls of the old Edo Castle moat and one of the fortification’s guardhouses stand hidden amongst the greenery. Nearby, a decorative horse fountain hearkens back to a time before the automobile rolled down Tokyo’s streets. On the southern end of the park, the blocky Gothic-style Shisei Kaikan served as the Japan State News Agency during World War II.
The large fountain in the center of the grounds is one of the park’s most popular features and is often illuminated in the evening. Nearby is a traditional Japanese garden, known for its autumn foliage displays and a fountain in its pond in the shape of a crane (the national symbol of Japan). Just beyond that, an open-air concert venue makes for a popular summertime destination. In the northwestern corner lie some of the most coveted tennis courts in the city. Reservations are nearly impossible to come by.
Hibiya Park is also home to some of the first Western-style gardens in Japan and still remains a popular destination for seasonal flower displays. November sees around 2000 chrysanthemums on display, a tradition that began over a century ago. There are also large tulip and rose gardens and a morning glory market in early July.
While Hibiya Park is graced with many leafy trees, one, in particular, has long attracted attention. Known as the “risky ginkgo”, this 400-500-year-old tree was due to be cut down to make way for a road-widening project in 1901. The park designer, Seiroku Honda, resisted, and under his guidance, the ginkgo was instead uprooted and moved a half kilometer further into the park. Remarkably, the tree survived.
Hibiya Park hosts a number of festivals on its grounds throughout the year, from a summer Bon festival to the Fishermen’s Festival in November.
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Hibiya park in Tokyo covers an area of 161,636.66m2 between the east gardens of the Imperial Palace to the north, and the Shimbashi district to the south-east.
Hibiya Park is located right outside Hibiya Station. Lush greenery, koi fish, colorful flowers and many stray cats are found in this expansive park.
Hibiya Park is the perfect escape from the noise and the crowds when traversing Tokyo. The park was once home to a feudal lord, served as a military drilling ground, and was urbanized as the first western style park in Japan.
Marunouchi Ondo festival is held at the fountain in Hibiya Park. Starting in 2003, this festival is by far the biggest held in Tokyo to celebrate the Bon Odori dance.
Participants at the Tokyo International Charity Marathon 2020 can be sure to feel they are running for a great cause. Organized by the NPO group Join Life, the “Hope and Live” marathon and live concert event is sure to help you feel good in both body and spirit.
The Hibiya Park Gardening Show started in 2003 as a way to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the park's opening, and includes a gardening contest, displays from gardening related companies, and plenty more.
The Hibiya Oktoberfest event takes place at Hibiya Park in early summer, and encourages attendees to enjoy German food and drinks, plus music and entertainment.
Oakwood Premier Tokyo comes from a brand of standout luxury hotel & service apartments right at the heart of the Tokyo metropolis. It is located in the business hub of Marunouchi with JR Tokyo Station in close proximity. This will allow guests and travelers to easily access the city's extensive transport network and visit various landmarks such as Imperial Palace, Tsukiji Fish Market, Ginza and Shopping District. Boasting 123 luxurious apartments on the upper floors of a multi-serviced complex, each room offers a magnificent view of the city, not to mention all furnished and a fully-equipped kitchen set which is rarely seen in your everyday service apartment. Without doubt, these spacious tranquil retreats are curated to give you the amenities and services of a luxury hotel and a feeling of home. They are good options for both business executives and leisure travelers from one night of a short-stay to a few weeks/months of mid-to-long-term stay.
NOHGA HOTEL AKIHABARA TOKYO is conveniently located in the midst of the electric town Akihabara, also known as the capital of manga and anime. In addition, this neighborhood has an abundance of tech shops, maid cafes and a variety of restaurants. With just a 6-minute walk away from Akihabara station, it provides easy access to explore other areas nearby such as Ueno and Asakusa. This hotel embodies the rich cultures of music, art and food. Nohga’s concept of music is derived from Akihabara’s local history, starting as a district of radio and wireless component merchants in the late 1920s. The artistic and luxurious space throughout the hotel is achieved by featuring art and amenities designed in collaboration with craftsmen from around Japan. As for the food menu, it’s seasonal fresh ingredients are sourced domestically. The glasses and dinnerware served are collaborations with stores in the surrounding area. All 120 non-smoking guest rooms feature an ensuite bathroom with a rain shower, in-room safety box, mini fridge, USB plugs, free Wi-Fi, a high-quality bluetooth speaker and flatscreen TV with original music and film. The lounge area and a compact 24-hour gym can be found near the reception on the second floor. Services include laundry (from 2,750JPY) and a 24-hour front desk with a check-in time of 3PM and check-out time of 11AM. For sightseeing you can rent a Tokyobike for the day (2,000 JPY/day) to explore the vicinity.
Just minutes from Shinagawa Station, the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa is surrounded by lush greenery in the Takanawa area, with rooms offering balcony views of the nearby gardens and the surrounding Tokyo cityscape. This urban resort features convention facilities like the Hiten banquet hall, the international Convention Center Pamir, as well as a wide variety of Japanese, Chinese and Western restaurants.
The Pokémon Café in Nihonbashi, which opened in March 2018, is the latest character café in the popular series of games and series in Tokyo. The café and the adjacent Pokémon Center DX store were opened in 1997 on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the first store. The bright café, which is furnished in warm wood tones, offers main courses, desserts and drinks - all of which are arranged with a focus on one or more Pokémon and some are suitable and limited to certain topics or seasons. You can also find exclusive merchandise here - from plush toys in chef jackets to bowls and cutlery with Pokémon motifs. They also sell Pikachu Sweets, special sweets and products with the most popular of all Pokémon as a motif. A visit to the Pokémon Café is only possible with a prior reservation, time slots can be selected from one month in advance and also in English via the website. It is located on the 5th floor of the Nihombashi Takashimaya Shopping Center, which is not far from the Tokyo and Nihonbashi stations.
PIZZERIA & BAR NOHGA is an all day dining restaurant interpreting a fusion of “Spanish Italian” cuisine and has a kitchen to table design. There is a casual bar area and restaurant where you can take a peek inside the open kitchen whilst enjoying your meal. Visit the cafe for a range of coffees and teas along with an offering of tapas snacks and seasonal desserts. The cafe also offers an assorted dessert and all-you-can-drink cafe set. Breakfast takes on the art of sharing, where a range of platters are combined with focaccia and your choice of eggs cooked your way. Coming for lunch? Choose from a selection of pizzas, pastas and salads. Each lunch menu is accompanied with homemade soup, iced tea and focaccia. Dinner time offers a range of exquisite tapas and pizzas that can also be shared. Breakfast: 07:00 - 10:00, Lunch 11:30 - 14:30, Cafe 14:30 - 18:00, Dinner: 18:00 - 23:00 with last order at 10pm.
Bunny Cafe Moff Rell in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward offers a chance to interact with adorable rabbits. You can make reservations for the cafe by phone, or you can visit and pay at the store before entering. The cafe provides 30- and 60-minute courses, and you can play with or feed the bunnies. If you are unsure about how to treat the rabbits, don't worry! The staff members will kindly explain everything to you. Minimum age is 10 years old.
The new Ginza Sony Park will refresh the Ginza area by bringing a splash of color and life to this city district. Visitors can look forward to lush green spaces, shops, and restaurants. The lower park will encompass above-ground and below-ground structures to create a wide and open feeling in an otherwise cramped city. Currently, guests can visit a few eateries and kiosks that have already opened. Phase two will involve creating a green park space to provide the public of Ginza with a “vertical stroll”. The architecture of both structures promises to be something innovative and seamless with the surrounding Ginza. Visitors can look forward to visiting a space designed with Sony characteristics of unparalleled playfulness.
Tokyo International Forum is a multipurpose Tokyo exhibition center located in the central Marunouchi district of Tokyo. It is a convention and arts center that is equipped with a range of facilities including multiple halls and 34 conference rooms Glass atrium, a large number of shops and restaurants as well as an art museum.The forum is visited by around 23 million people every year and serves as a center for promoting and conveying extensive culture and information. The forum offers a diverse program of events throughout the year, including international conferences, ceremonies, academic meetings, exhibitions, concerts, musicals and fashion shows. People of all ages and from different backgrounds come together here to exchange ideas.
CD/DVD sales and rentals are on the right and the bookstore is on the left side of the street, about a 5-minute walk from Gotanda Station West Exit. The store stocks a wide selection of video games and comics and everything you could want entertainment-wise.