We would like to introduce the various tour spots in Tokyo for each category so that you can select the best for your Tokyo tour.
In this blog, we introduce Japanese modern architecture of Ginza area and Enjoyment in Akihabara.
1) The place where you can experience:
(Japanese modern architecture of Ginza area):
In Ginza area, various buildings using red bricks had been lined up from 1873. After World War 2, Japanese modernist architecture buildings had started to be built in the result that many old and new architectures were gathered as if architectural museum.
Kabuki Theater:
Current Kabuki Theater was built as the 5th period opened in 2013.
Kumano Kengo designed it. The original design was by Okada Shinichi as the 3rd period and
it was burned out in 1924 due to the war fire.
(a) Architecture form:
Graceful & magnificence in Nara period (710-794) and grandeur & gorgeousness in Momoyama period (1573 – 1600) are both felt in this building and the large Karahafu (bow-shaped eaves of a gabled roof) is the main characteristic of this building designed by Okada Shinichiro.
(b) Entrance:
The onigawara（Japanese gargoyle roof tiles) in the front entrance is set for the protection against fire.(c) Ornaments:
Phoenix Maru is the crest of Kabuki theater.
Wako (EX-K.Hattori):
This building was built in 1894 as the company house of Hattori watch shop who was the predecessor of Seiko watch company. Current one was designed and built by Watanabe Jin in 1932.
(a) Architecture form:
In Meiji period (1868-1912), a watch tower was popular in Japan. This type of watch tower is the last one remained in Japan. The sound of Westminster Chimes is played every one hour from the watch tower. Under the limited land space, the corner of the building is emphasized to be curved which is named as “Wako style”. By the top of the corner rounded up, the line of sight can be guided upwards.
(b) Entrance door:
The left side entrance of the building is traditional shape with the ornaments of Art deco.
(c) Walls/Windows:
Outer walls are pasted by granite and at the corner of the building is designed as an elegant are with continuous semi-circular arch. The scrollwork patterns of Greek and Ionic order are set on the top of pillars. The windows are 4 windows set by pillars.
<d> Roof:
The bell tower set on a top tower a watch attached has the ornaments of Baroque style.<e> Ornaments:
The glass-enclosed large show windows are the symbol of Ginza for common people to hang around.
San-ai Dream center:
Hayashi Shoji designed and built in 1964.
(a) Architecture form:
This building was designed as glass-walled cylinder with donut type concrete floor boards be fixed into the surrounding of the center cylinder core (elevator) from the top side.
The Beer Hall Lion Ginza on 7-Chome:
Sugawara Eizo designed and built in 1934.
(a) Pillars:
The ornaments of the pillars have image of wheat ears which is the raw materials of beer.
(b) Walls/Windows:
A giant wall painting of glass mosaic tiles with 250 kinds of colors whose size is 2.75m length and 5.75m wide. Ladies who are harvesting beer wheat and a chimney of a beer factory are drawn on the painting.
(c) Ornaments:
Polka dot light bulb pattern express beer form that has people enjoyed the beer space.
(d) Interior:
The geometric designs of Aer deco style are decorated on the ceiling and walls inside the building.
Nakagin Capsule Tower:
Kurokawa Kisho designed and built in 1972 as his architectural thought that aim to continue replacing the old with the new as if cells are replaced. This building is the first one of capsule apartment housing system.
(a) Architecture form:
A cube unit like a white box with round windows is designed to be exchanged by fixing it on the tower with using four numbers of bolts. This building consists of two towers, one built with 13 floors above ground and the other is 11 floors above ground. Total number of capsules is 140.
(b) Interior:
The floor area of one unit is 10m x 10m with electrical appliances such as a television & an audio machine, furniture such as a bed & a cabinet and a unit bus fixed to the room.
Shizuoka newspaper/Shizuoka broadcasting Tokyo branch:
Tange Kenzo designed and built in 1970 to incorporate an idea of metabolism.
a) Architecture form:
This building is 18 floors above ground. Box type offices are projected from the cylindrical core painted with dark brown.
2) The place where you can enjoy:
(Akihabara):
Anime, Games, Comics, and new fashion trend experience:
Akihabara is the town where various culture gathered at one place. This town is famous for not only Electrical town but also the holy place of Otaku culture such as Anime, comic, card game shops, maid cafes, anime products and idols which all the world knows well. The shop filled with many toys, vending machine selling capsule toys called “Gasha-pon” which is popular along with the instant photo booth, Pri-Kura. Recently, Akihabara also has been re-developed for trendy shops and facilities which are attracted as one of attention items of this town.
Electrical town:
Anime, comic, card game shops:
Maid cafes:
Anime products and idols:
Shop filled with many toys, vending machine selling capsule toys called “Gasha-pon”:
Japan Van prepares various tour itineraries for you to enjoy the view in Japan.
The minimum itinerary days is more than 5 days.
Contents of our service: We can arrange a car and a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter for your trip.
| Car charter and a guide condition | |
| 1 | Number of tourists: 2pax – 12pax |
| 2 | Charter time and guide condition: 12 hours (including 4 hours resting time) |