Tokyo Nightlife

Anyone visiting a major city is going to be interested in the nightlife. While some people choose to simply taste the daytime delights of Tokyo and then settle in for a quite night, there are many more who are eager to taste a night out in Tokyo. Depending on where you decide to visit in the city, a different night will be found in different places.

Some areas are popular among locals and rich businessmen and in this scenario foreign people may not be welcome. Roppongi is widely accepted as the best area to go for a good night out. The traditional type of night for the Japanese would be sat around a table with several friends, trying various different foods and drinks. Alternatively karaoke is a very interesting experience in Japan, with guests being given a private room with their friends to partake in the singing. This allows for a much more enjoyable and personal experience.

Naturally there are also places to go clubbing, dancing and drinking, much like in western cities. However, it should be remembered that technically dancing is forbidden in residential areas. This law is normally overlooked, as people can rarely resist the urge to dance when great songs are being played, but none-the-less the law still stands.

The entrance to clubs and bars can be both reasonable and expensive, depending on the area and the type of place it is. However, the ticket usually includes a few drinks and food, such as snacks or sometimes even a full meal. Some areas are known to be more dangerous than others, but providing people stay alert and aware of their surroundings, Tokyo is a safe place to explore and party in at night. There is also the option to go and see a show in Tokyo and there couldn't be more venues and shows to choose from. The city certainly comes alive at night and visitors and locals alike are in for a treat for the senses. It caters to all tastes and needs, whether the individual is looking for romance or partying, there is an area for everything.

Tokyo Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace is one of the places that most people head to first, after hearing so much about it and reading rave reviews. The Palace is built on the site of the old Edo Castle and has a substantial value that cannot be forgotten once you see it. Being the home of the Emperor of Japan it is understandable that the majority of the grounds are not open to the public, yet it is still a memorable sight to see. On the Emperor's birthday the public is allowed to enter through the inner gates, called the Nakamon, and see the Imperial family on their balcony.

The Palace Grounds are built up of several areas, so it is a good idea to understand where you are going before you get there, ensuring a good time is had by all. The Kyuden is the main building of the Palace and has seven wings, including the throne room where the Emperor has audiences. The Fukiage Garden is where the Imperial family resides, but it is also where the Suwa no Chaya teahouse was originally located, but it has since been reloated in the East Garden.

The East Garden has been altered over the last century, but is where the Music Hall, Tokagakudo sits. The Ninomaru Garden is also based in the East Garden. This is quite a sight, showing the trees planted from each prefecture in Japan.

Those visitors coming from a western background will find the Imperial Palace to be an unusual concept and one of great interest. The grounds and buildings are beautiful and their value is clear from the outset. Those who are able to visit the Palace on New Year or the Emperor's birthday will be lucky enough to hear his speech and see the Imperial family in all their glory on the balcony. Many countries find Royal and Imperial families to be of great interest, so this area is especially popular because of the vast historical and cultural significance that it holds. It is often the first place that people think to visit when coming to Japan or Tokyo.

Tokyo For the Animal Lover

For all those animal lovers out there who are thinking of visiting Japan, you will not be disappointed. Tokyo has been home to Ueno Zoo for over a thousand years and that alone should be enough to draw you in. It is Japan's oldest zoo and with easy connections there is no reason not to visit it. Situated in Ueno Park, the zoo is close by to an amusement park and also museums so it is ideal for a day out.

There are over 460 different species in the zoo with pygmy hippos, white rhinoceros, red pandas and tapirs being just a few of them. Visiting the zoo can be an eye opening experience for anyone, no matter where they might be from or what they might do in their professional life. There is something about observing animals in their natural habitat that can be surprisingly inspiring, as you see how the parents look after their newborns, how males fight for the dominant roles and even how they source their food, in this faux natural living space.

Tama Zoo is another must see and is located about an hour away from Tokyo. This is a truly sensational trip with its 3 ecological areas. These include the Asiatic Garden, the African garden and the Australian Garden. There is also an Insectarium. The Asiatic Garden is home to a beautiful selection of Japanese animals including Serows, sika deer and elephants and much more from around Asia.

Admission to Tama Zoo is free to children under 12, disabled people and on special days, such as the Anniversary of Tama Zoo on May 5th, and Greenery day on May 4th. Tama Zoo offers the usual services, such as tours, gift shop and restaurants, but it also offers a chance to get up and close with the Lions on the Lion Bus.

Although there is a great deal to see when visiting Tokyo or Japan, taking a day to see the zoo can be a very refreshing experience, especially because Tokyo's zoos have such a wide variety of different species that might not be accessible in other countries zoos.

Tokyo Fashion

While many people focus on the sights or the food that Tokyo has to offer, this beautiful city also has a great deal to offer in relation to all things fashion. Even people who don't have a particular love for dressing themselves up in the most popular fashion items out there can enjoy the sights of a fashion week or the surprising styles on the runway.

Japan is host to some amazing creative powers in the fashion world, from sophisticated day to day looks, to quirky and inventive fashion icons. Tokyo's fashion week is held twice a year in March and October and, understandably it is always very popular. It displays looks that are sure to set the standard for the coming season. Tokyo's fashion week is considered in the same ranking as that of the other great city's shows, London, Paris and New York for example.

Aside from all the latest fashion events that shouldn't be missed across the city, Tokyo and Japan have a rich fashion history that is fascinating to study. From the traditions and styles of the kimonos to the high quality fabric produced today, there is a great deal to learn from this country's relationship with fashion.

Throughout the city and throughout the year there are various fashion exhibitions to attend. They vary from historical displays to modern exhibitions of up and coming artists and the cost will also vary so there is something for every budget and interest. The Sugino Costume Museum is very reasonably priced and has a varied display of both Japanese and European clothing. The House if Shiseido has a contemporary design and is home to a wide range of paintings, sculptures as well as fashion pieces.

Anyone with a firm interest in fashion should keep their eyes open on the streets because this is one of the places where the greatest fashion sights can be found. From budding designers, trying out their latest creations, to locals with a fine eye for what patterns and styles work together, everything can be seen on the streets of Tokyo. There's no need to hold back and act shy when walking around this city.