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Metropolis Japan
6 days ago
- Metropolis Japan
Tokyo Train Guide: Toei Oedo Line
With thirty-eight stations—the most of any Tokyo subway line—the Toei Oedo Line is both the second-longest train tunnel in Japan and the only fully underground subway line. Beginning at Shinjuku-Nishiguchi, the magenta-colored line loops through central Tokyo before extending past its starting point to end at Hikarigaoka. Shinjuku Area Just outside Shinjuku-Nishiguchi Station, a relic of Edo history stands—the Kyu-Ome Kaido Black Pillar, marking the starting point of a 17th-century highway from old Edo. Nearby, Higashi-Shinjuku Station leads to Nishimuki-Ten, a west-facing shrine founded in 1228, known for its kaguraden ceremonial music pavilion. Cultural and Historical Stops For a taste of history with a modern twist, Ogasawara-Hakushaku-Tei near Wakamatsu-Kawada Station serves contemporary Spanish cuisine within an elegant former samurai residence. From Ushigome-Yanagicho Station, visitors can explore the digital columbarium and funerary system at Kokoku-ji Temple, situated within an ancient cemetery surrounded by ginkgo trees. Samurai enthusiasts can train under certified instructors at Samurai Theater Tokyo near Ushigome-Kagurazaka Station. At Iidabashi Station, a hidden piece of Tokyo's past awaits in Geisha Shindo alleyway, once a discreet route for geisha heading to their appointments. Scenic Views and Landmarks For panoramic views, the 105-meter-high Bunkyo Civic Center Observation Lounge is accessible from Kasuga Station. A different historical perspective is found at Hongo-Sanchome Station, where the statue of Lcommemorates her role as one of the 'Three Legs' of the 17th-century shogunate. Traditional and Modern Entertainment Traditional Japanese comedy lives on at Oedo Ueno-Hirokoji-Tei, near Ueno-Okachimachi Station, where rakugo storytelling continues to entertain. Meanwhile, Shin-Okachimachi Station offers a unique culinary experience at Ayam-Ya Halal Ramen, known for its rich chicken-based broths and facilities catering to Muslim diners. Culinary Delights By the Sumida River, Kuramae Station houses Coffee Nova, a haven for house-roasted coffee lovers. Close by, Ryogoku Station is famous for sumo but also draws visitors to the Japanese Sword Museum, where the craftsmanship of traditional blades is on full display. Unique Museums and Gardens For security and history buffs, the Safe and Key Museum, located near Morishita Station, showcases rare feudal lock technologies, including the world's only 'phantom' safe. Near Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station, the scenic Kiyosumi Teien garden offers picturesque stepping stones, ponds, and a tea house—a masterpiece of classical landscaping. Markets and Parks Monzen-Nakacho Station offers access to the Sunday antique markets of Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, which hosts the Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri, one of Tokyo's top summer festivals. Not far from Tsukishima Station, Nakanoshima Park offers peaceful waterfront views beneath Aioi Bridge. Gourmet Experiences For gourmet delights, Wagyu to Worldwide, located near Kachidoki Station, serves premium Matsusaka beef burgers. Music lovers should head from Tsukijishijo Station to Hamarikyu Asahi Concert Hall, where top-tier acoustics and an intimate stage create an unforgettable performance setting. Historical Gardens A must-see near Shiodome Station is Hamarikyu Gardens, once a private feudal retreat, now a stunning public park. A more casual experience near Daimon Station is the second-floor Okame Sushi, a cozy spot offering an authentic feel-good sushi experience. Temples and Modern Shops Established in the 17th century, Ryugen-ji Temple near Akabanebashi Station features traditional gates, a bell tower, and a serene garden. A modern contrast awaits at Azabu-Juban Station. It is home to Coconut Glen's, a Hawaiian-inspired shop offering rich, smooth vegan ice cream and smoothies. For those with dietary preferences, The Health Conscious Sweets Shop outside Roppongi Station serves handmade gluten-free, vegan, and sugar-free treats. Aoyama-Itchome Station is best known for the Akasaka Imperial Residence. However, the nearby Honda Aoyama Building showcases futuristic robotics and cutting-edge car technology. Museums and Buffets History buffs will appreciate the Meiji Memorial Museum near Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station. This is a 1926 gallery dedicated to Emperor Meiji, featuring both traditional and Western artworks. Meanwhile, Yoyogi Station is home to Gut's Soul, an incredibly priced yakiniku buffet—a must-visit for meat lovers. Theatrical and Artistic Stops For a whimsical experience, the Puk Pupa Teatro puppet theater outside Shinjuku Station has delighted audiences since 1929. Tochomae Station sits near the flea markets of Shinjuku Chuo Park and the grand Shinjuku Juniso Kumano Jinja, once supported by the Tokugawa shogunate. Nishi-Shinjuku-Gochome Station supports local artists with Gallery TEN, a solo art space hosting year-round exhibitions. Nearby, Nakano-Sakaue Station offers another local favorite: Tenfune, a neighborhood tempura restaurant known for serving upscale flavors at an affordable price. Music and Hidden Gems Music Live Drum, an all-day venue near Higashi-Nakano Station, transitions from a café by morning to a bar and open-mic hub by night. A quieter cultural experience is found near Nakai Station at Saisho-ji Temple, where a hidden display of the Seven Lucky Gods adds a touch of charm. Manga and Nature Stops Manga fans will enjoy the Tokiwaso Manga Museum at Ochiai-Minami-Nagasaki Station, a preserved apartment where legendary manga artists once worked. Shin-Egota Station leads to Egota no Mori Park, a former shogunate hawk-hunting ground now transformed into a semi-forested public park. Seasonal Floral Beauty At Nerima Station, Heisei Tsutsuji Park is a paradise for flower lovers, particularly during azalea season. Toshimaen Station, once home to the famed amusement park, now features The Making of Harry Potter studio tour—an all-day movie magic experience. The floral theme continues at Aisenin Kannon-ji, a temple near Nerima-Kasugacho Station renowned for its hanging wisteria garden. The Toei Oedo Line finally concludes its journey at Hikarigaoka Station. Hikarigaoka Park's 17,000 trees, including 1,000 cherry blossoms, offer a serene and fitting end to this station-packed subway line. Pass Options
Japan Today
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
10 must-see Japanese summer festivals
By Ai Faithy Perez Summer in Japan brings a number of creative things to help you beat the heat—watermelon and salt sodas, kakigori (shaved ice), bon dance and yukata, to name a few. But there's only one place you can enjoy them altogether in a true Japanese experience: the late summer night matsuri (festivals). You'll see a great deal of summer festivals happening across Japan as early as in July through to the end of the season: they'll be at your local shrine or outside your station in the form of bon odori (bon dance) or yatai (food stalls); in the streets as parades or dashi festival cars; or as hanabi taikai — fireworks near rivers and lakes. You may also see communities getting creative by spicing up their summer matsuri with karaoke competitions or drink-up events — all in the name of celebrating the season and getting that sweat out of your system. While there are countless unique festivals across the country, here's a round-up of our top 10 to see in Tokyo and other parts of Japan. Summer in Japan brings a number of creative things to help you beat the heat—watermelon and salt sodas, kakigori (shaved ice), bon dance and yukata, to name a few. But there's only one place you can enjoy them altogether in a true Japanese experience: the late summer night matsuri (festivals). You'll see a great deal of summer festivals happening across Japan as early as in July through to the end of the season: they'll be at your local shrine or outside your station in the form of bon odori (bon dance) or yatai (food stalls); in the streets as parades or dashi festival cars; or as hanabi taikai — fireworks near rivers and lakes. You may also see communities getting creative by spicing up their summer matsuri with karaoke competitions or drink-up events—all in the name of celebrating the season and getting that sweat out of your system! While there are countless unique festivals across the country, here's a round-up of our top 10 to see in Tokyo and other parts of Japan. 1. Sumida River Fireworks Festival (Tokyo) 2. Shinjuku Eisa Matsuri (Tokyo) 3. Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri (Tokyo) 4. Azabujuban Noryo Matsuri (Tokyo) 5. Koenji Awaodori (Tokyo) 6. Soma Nomaoi (Fukushima) 7. Aomori Nebuta Matsuri (Aomori) 8. Sendai Tanabata Matsuri (Miyagi) 9. Kyoto Gozan Okuribi (Kyoto) 10. Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri (Osaka) 1. Sumida River Fireworks Festival (Tokyo) Image: iStock: Torsakarin Rumored to have had its first launch in 1733, the Sumida River Fireworks is one of the most popular (and crowded) summer festivals in Tokyo. With nearly four centuries of history, it survived the Meiji Restoration and continued strong until it fizzled out during the World Wars and a few decades following. The festival was reinstated in 1977, and this year it celebrates its 48th anniversary in its current form. Visitors will see a spectacular view of 20,000 fireworks, but be prepared—last year, nearly one million people went to this event, so expect large crowds, too! When: Sat, July 26, 2025, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. (In the case of bad weather, the event will be cancelled.) Sat, July 26, 2025, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. (In the case of bad weather, the event will be cancelled.) Where: Sumida River, Sumida-ku, Tokyo Sumida River, Sumida-ku, Tokyo Access: Nearest station for first venue: Asakusa Station, Oshiage Station, Tokyo Skytree Station or Hikifune Station; Nearest station for second venue: Asakusa Station, Kuramae Station, Ryogoku Station or Asakusabashi Station 2. Shinjuku Eisa Matsuri (Tokyo) Born on the island of chinsuko (traditional biscuit) and brown sugar, Okinawa's dance and music culture has always been different from that of the mainland, and Eisa Matsuri is no exception. The traditional costumes, drumming and dancing will be at the height of the 'new and improved' — after all, the majority of dancers will be in their 20s and 30s. The origin of the name is unknown, but there is a theory that says the name was derived from an exclamation used in the original song of Eisa — 'ensaa.' This year will be its 22nd event and the organizers are expecting around one million people to join the fun, so again, be prepared for the crowd! When: Sat, July 26, 2025, 12 p.m.-7 p.m. Sat, July 26, 2025, 12 p.m.-7 p.m. Where: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Access: Shinjuku Station, West Exit 3. Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri (Tokyo) Image: Pixta: masy The Fukugawa Hachiman Matsuri is one of the three great Shinto festivals in Tokyo, along with the Kanda Matsuri and the Sanno Matsuri. It's held at the vintage Tomioka Hachiman Shinto shrine in Tokyo's Koto district. Dated back to 1642, the festival sees the shrine's mikoshi (portable shrines) being carried down the local streets while the onlookers splash purifying water at the mikoshi-bearers. Be warned, though: you will get wet at this event, so go well prepared. When: Sat, Aug. 16-Sun, Aug. 17, 2025, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat, Aug. 16-Sun, Aug. 17, 2025, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Where: Tomioka Hachiman, 1-20-3 Tomioka, Koto-ku, Tokyo Tomioka Hachiman, 1-20-3 Tomioka, Koto-ku, Tokyo Access: Monzen-nakacho Station, Exit 1 Click here to read more. External Link © Savvy Tokyo
