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Every summer, thousands of fireworks transform the night sky into a dazzling array of kaleidoscopic colors at one of the many Hanabi Taikais or fireworks displays that take place throughout Japan.
That’s circadian, not cicadas. Circadian rhythms are basically the daily cycle everyone goes through. Wikipedia calls them; “a roughly-24-hour cycle in the biochemical, physiological or behavioural processes of living beings”.
As the number of air travelers continue to grow, so do the size and complexity of the world’s airports. If you’re like us, you like visiting new airports, checking out the amenities and indulging in some duty free shopping…or a lot of duty free shopping. But if you’re also like us, you’ll get off the plane after a 13-hour flight, sleepy-eyed, disheveled and disoriented with about 30, panic-filled minutes to find the connecting flight at the other end of the airport. So here’s our tip and it’s brilliant in its simplicity…check out the airport before you land, relax and save yourself some time.
First, are you sure you want to get upgraded? Think about it carefully, because once you’ve tasted the good life, it’s nearly impossible to go back. But if you do want to try for that free upgrade, here are a few suggestions:
Finding English books keeps getting easier. Of course there’s Amazon which, with their “buy over ￥1,500, get it shipped free” policy, is perfect for ordering a specific title or late-night Internet shopping. But what if you want to browse the shelves a bit? Adjacent to Shinjuku Takashimaya, Kinokuniya carries a large selection of language, fiction and non-fiction books. Aoyama Book Center on Aoyama Dori offers eclectic art and design books. The same store operates ABC Outlet Roppongi with an impressive (for Japan) collection of discount English fiction, cook books, coffee-table books and children’s books. Another place to check out is Tokyo Random Walk in Akasaka, where bins of discounted coffee table books and calendars often line the sidewalk.
By Emily Devan
Whether it’s the bouncy beat of a pop song, the grinding guitars of rock or the sweetly, sad vocals of a ballad, nothing releases the stress of life in the big city like a little live music. And, like all big cities, Tokyo has plenty to offer. The real problem is where to start. Here are five good bets.
Shibuya O
Buried in the backstreets of Shibuya, finding O can be a bit of a chore, but once there, finding something worth listening to is easy. The reason: O is not one hall but a complex of four. From tiny, bar-like O-Nest, to O-East, whose wide stage and tiered floor make even 1,100-person events intimate, O has all it’s bases covered. The acts are equally diverse. On same night, one might see a punk act ravaging O-Crest, whose low stage and 200-person capacity make it perfect for such mayhem, while a young songbird sings her heart out in O-West. Although most of the acts are Japanese, foreign musicians have been known to make appearances as well. To further sweeten the deal, the entire complex was redone in 2003 so the sound, lighting and amenities are all modern. The O is definitely worth the search.
By Bryan Harrell
Beer Gardens have been a summer tradition in Tokyo, where large groups of people sit at long tables outdoors, hoisting mugs of yellow suds and picking on green soybeans and fried chicken nuggets.
In recent years, though, beer gardens have declined in popularity for a number of reasons. Rooftops of large buildings have now been largely taken over by all manner of equipment, from huge air conditioning units to scaffolding for large signs. Keeping a roof free and clear just for the operation of a beer garden for a few months in the summer is not economical these days. Also, escalating land prices during the bubble years wiped out a lot of great classic places, most notably the 2005 closing of Hanezawa Garden in Hiroo, a sprawling estate of greenery that once offered Tokyo’s best outdoor beer experience.
Perhaps the most significant reason is that beer gardens are, well, just plain old fashioned these days. Back when air conditioning was a luxury, spending a summer evening atop a building, bathed in breeze, was actually more refreshing than huddling in a stifling six mat room with the fan going full blast. For most Japanese, beer gardens recall the Showa Era, which ended almost 20 years ago.
In another 20 years, beer gardens are likely to become extinct. So while there is still time, pack yourself off to a beer garden some evening for a real retro-Japan experience. From the classic 1930s Kudan Kaikan, to the sleek and modern TY Harbor Brewery, you’re bound to find a beer place that fits the bill.
Here are a few suggestions…
By Nina Kahori Fallenbaum
If you’ve ever been trampled by a bag-toting obaachan in Shinjuku station as she runs for the last train (why she’s out shopping at 12:30 a.m., I have never understood), the concept of “slow life” in frenetic Tokyo probably is borderline comical. But LOHAS (“Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability”) has taken hold of Japan like the plague, and its now teetering between a serious subculture and just another boomu, or trend.
The term was first introduced to Japan in 2002 when sociologist Paul Ray, Ph.D. was invited to introduced his concept of “the Cultural Creatives” at a Tokyo symposium. In his book of the same title, he describes a growing sector of society that is interested in health, the environment, and spirituality, against wanton consumerism and waste, but willing to spend top dollar (or yen) on products that are high-quality and not harmful to the Earth. Co-written with his wife Sherry Ruth Anderson, Ph.D., the book was the first to explain why natural-food and cosmetics companies were posting record profits all over the U.S. and Europe, and how companies could better court these “green consumers.”
by Dillon Font
What with all the brilliant cable and satellite television, the Tsutayas, the plush movie theater complexes sprouting around the city – not to mention the ease of illegally downloading TV and movies – expats here have little trouble finding entertainment in their mother tongue. However, in the century preceding such blessed electronic ease, plenty of bored Tokyoites came together to put on live entertainment for our communities. And they’re still going. And they are forming more theater companies. In fact, theater in Tokyo is getting very exciting lately. So here’s a breakdown of the many groups now operating in the Kanto plains. Take note, wannabe actors and backstage techs: they are always looking for new faces.
Sexist? Probably… but who’s complaining? Tokyo can be a mixed bag when it comes to being of the female species, but many institutions offer special discounts at least one day a month for what is typically called Ladies Day. From drinks to movies to sports games to roller coasters, women—and only women—receive VIP treatment in the form of discounts, free gifts or other types of special treatment. Read on to find out how you or your gal an benefit from these offers, too!
Ladies Day at Tokyo Dome City Attractions (Korakuen)
Tel: 03-3817-6001
Station: Korakuen (metro), Suidobashi (JR)
When: Every Wednesday (except holidays and when Wednesday falls between obon, Christmas and New Years)
This free-entrance amusement park located alongside the Tokyo Dome is a successful marriage of attractions and the city. Hop on the Dolphin rollercoaster for breathtaking dips and loops that feel like you are flying through the city, be dropped from 80 meters above ground on Tower Hacker, parachute up and down while enjoying the city view on Skyflower, and enjoy the two dozen other attractions available. Every Wednesday, women receive￥500 off the regular price of an all-day Ride Free pass (regularly priced at ￥4,000) or a Night Ride Free pass (regularly priced at ￥3,000, sold from 4pm). This is a must-visit location to take adventurous out-of-town guests or just to unwind after a long day at the office.
