• Meiji-mura Museum


    This outdoor museum has a collection of rare architecture built in the Meiji era (19th to 20th centuries). This year it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Here you can enjoy a light meal at the former Imperial Hotel built by the distinguished American architect Frank Lloyd WRIGHT. Steam locomotives, retro Kyoto trams, and buses are operated every day, and can be used to move around the vast grounds. Many seasonal events are held, including sessions where visitors can wear kimono or hakama and have a commemorative photo taken. It is often used as a location for movies.

    • Access: 20-minute bus ride from Inuyama Station on the Meitetsu Inuyama Line. Near the Meiji-mura bus stop.
    • Business hours: from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (hours differ depending on the season)
    • Closed days: August 4, 18, 25, December 31, every Monday from December to February. Closed on some days in January for maintenance.
    • Admittance: 1,700 yen for adults (aged 18 and over). 2,700 yen for a ticket with a one-day pass for rides.

    Meiji-mura Museum
    明治時代(19~20世紀)を中心とした貴重な建造物を集めた野外博物館。今年オープンから50年を迎えた。著名なアメリカ人建築家、フランク・ロイド・ライトが建てた旧帝国ホテルでは軽食が楽しめる。蒸気機関車やレトロな京都市電、バスが毎日運転を行い、広大な敷地内の移動に利用できる。着物や袴姿での記念撮影体験や、季節ごとのイベントも数多く開催。映像作品のロケに使われることも多い。

    • 交通:名鉄犬山線犬山駅から路線バス明治村行き20分、下車すぐ。
    • 営業時間:午前9時30分~午後5時(季節によって時間帯の変更あり)
    • 休村日:8月4日、18日、25日、12月31日、12~2月の毎週月曜日。1月に数日間メンテナンス休日あり。
    • 入村料:大人(18歳以上)1,700円、乗り物一日券付きは2,700円

    博物館 明治村

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  • Jiyugaoka Sweets Forest

    [:ja][2015年7月号掲載記事]

    スイーツ店が多い街、東京・自由が丘にある日本初のスイーツテーマパーク。有名パティシエによる作りたてのスイーツを、テイクアウトやその場で食べることができる。11年目を迎えて店内をリニューアルし、フォトスポットなどが誕生。子ども連れでも楽しめるテラス席やくつろげるソファ席が店内にある。期間限定スイーツや、イベントも開催されている。

    • 交通:東急東横線、大井町線自由が丘駅南口より徒歩約5分。
    • 営業時間:午前10時~午後8時
    • 休館日:1月1日
    • 入場料金:無料

    自由が丘スイーツフォレスト[:en][From July Issue 2015]

    With its streets packed with sweet shops, Japan’s first sweets theme park is located in Jiyugaka, Tokyo. There, sweets made by famous pastry chefs are available to be taken away or eaten on the spot. To celebrate the park’s 11th anniversary in business, the shops have been given a refit and it’s possible to have a commemorative photo taken. Those bringing children can enjoy the terraced seating or the relaxing sofas available within the stores. Also on offer are limited edition sweets and events held at the site.

    • Access: Five-minute walk from the south exit of Jiyugaoka Station on the Tokyu Toyoko and Oimachi Lines.
    • Opening hours: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
    • Closed on January 1
    • Admission: free

    Jiyugaoka Sweets Forest[:]

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  • Numazu Deepsea Aquarium & Coelacanth Museum

    [:en][From June Issue 2015]

    This aquarium is the only one in the world that has coelacanth – so called living fossils that are protected by the Washington Convention – on display. There it’s possible to see five mounted coelacanth, two of which are cryogenically preserved. Also exhibited are deep-sea creatures found in Suruga Bay, Japan’s deepest bay. Additionally, you can enjoy observing the movements of species including giant isopods and chambered nautilus, and observe unusually shaped creatures collected from around the world in their natural habitats.
    Access: A 15 minute bus ride to Numazu-ko from the south exit of Numazu Station on the JR Tokaido Line.
    Opening hours: From 10 am to 6 pm (It’s possible to enter up until 30 minutes before closing.)
    Dates: Open throughout the year except for temporary closures.
    Admittance: 1,600 yen for senior high school students or adults, 800 yen for children or junior high school students, 400 yen for infants aged four or over, 100 yen discount for senior citizens aged 65 or over (with identification).
    Numazu Deepsea Aquarium & Coelacanth Museum[:]

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  • World Heritage Site: Gokayama, Known for its Steep Thatched Roofs

    [From May Issue 2015]

    In Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture there are two villages with unique so called “gasshou-zukuri” style steeply sloping thatched roofs. This year marks the 20th anniversary since they were registered as a World Heritage Site. While most of the houses were built around 100 to 200 years ago, some of them have a history of around 400 years. Residents still live in them and at houses where accommodation and meals are provided, guests are served edible wild plants and iwana mountain trout by the hearth. The site is also a centre of production for washi Japanese paper and visitors can make round fans and postcards by taking part in the Japanese paper-making experience. From around mid-May every year, Ainokura Village is illuminated to create a magical Japanese countryside scene that will delight visitors.
    Access: At JR Shin-Takaoka Station, get on the “World Heritage”bus, get off at “Ainokuraguchi”and walk about five minutes to Ainokura Village, or get off at “Suganuma” and walk about three minutes to Suganuma Village.
    Gokayama Tourist Information Center
    Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    To park in the villages you must pay a fee that will be used for the conservation of these properties: 500 yen for standard or light vehicles, 100 yen for two-wheeled vehicles.
    http://www.gokayama-info.jp/
    Text: KAWARATANI Tokiko[2015年5月号掲載記事]

    富山県南砺市にある2つの集落で、合掌造りと呼ばれるかやぶき屋根が特徴。今年世界文化遺産登録20周年を迎える。100~200年前のものが多いが、約400年前に建てられたものもある。住民が今も生活しており、民宿ではいろりのそばで山菜やイワナが食べられる。和紙の産地としても知られ、和紙すき体験ではうちわやはがきを作ることができる。毎年5月中頃には相倉集落はライトアップされ、幻想的な日本の原風景が楽しめる。
    交通:JR新高岡駅から世界遺産バスで「相倉口」下車、相倉集落まで徒歩約5分。または「菅沼」下車、菅沼集落まで徒歩約3分。
    500 yen for standard or light vehicles, 100 yen for two-wheeled vehicles.
    五箇山総合案内所
    営業時間:午前9時~午後5時
    相倉、菅沼集落の駐車場を利用するには、集落保存協力金として駐車代が必要。普通車、軽自動車500円、二輪車100円。
    http://www.gokayama-info.jp/
    文:瓦谷登貴子

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  • Yoshimi-Hyakuana

    [From April Issue 2015]

    This unique and ancient burial mound consists of numerous caves dug into the rocky hillside. It’s thought that many caves are horizontal burial pits dating from the late Kofun era (6-7th centuries) and at the time of writing 219 have been counted as such. It’s possible to enter some of the caves, while others with their naturally-occurring luminous moss – designated as a protected species – can be viewed and photographed from behind a fence. In the springtime cherry blossoms can be enjoyed on the Hyakuana burial grounds and its environs. There is also a cave built to house a munitions factory during World War II that is often used as a location for television dramas.
    Directions: Take the Tobu line to Higashi-Matsuyama Station. Then take the Kawagoe Kanko Bus heading towards Konosu License Center and get off at the “Hyakuana Iriguchi (entrance)” stop. From there it is only a five minute walk. Or you can take the JR Takasaki Line to Konosu Station, then take the Kawagoe Kanko bus bound for Higashi-Matsuyama Station and get off at the “Hyakuana Iriguchi” stop. From there it is only a five minute walk.
    Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Entrance fees: 300 yen for adults and children of junior high school age or over, 200 yen for elementary students and free to children not yet in elementary school.
    Open 365 days a year
    Yoshimi-Hyakuana
    Text: KAWARATANI Tokiko[2015年4月号掲載記事]

    岩山一面にたくさんの穴が見られるユニークな古墳群。古墳時代末期(6~7世紀)の横穴墓と考えられ、確認されているだけで219個。中に入れる横穴もある。国指定の天然記念物ヒカリゴケが自生している横穴もあり、フェンス越しでの撮影が可能。春は百穴構内と付近の桜が楽しめる。第二次世界大戦中に軍需工場目的で掘られた洞窟があり、テレビドラマなどのロケによく使われている。
    交通:東武東松山駅下車。川越観光バス鴻巣免許センター行き「百穴入口」下車、徒歩5分、または、JR高崎線鴻巣駅下車 川越観光バス東松山駅行き「百穴入口」下車、徒歩約5分
    入園時間:午前8時30分~午後5時
    入園料:中学生以上300円 小学生200円 小学生未満無料
    年中無休
    吉見百穴
    文:瓦谷登貴子

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  • Bridge World at Akashi-Kaikyo (Akashi Strait) Bridge

    [From March Issue 2015]

    This is a tour of the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, the biggest suspension bridge in the world. A talk explaining how this 3,911 meter bridge was constructed between Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture and Awaji-shima Island will be given. Audio guides in English, Chinese and Korean are lent out for free. To get a sense of the height and size of the bridge, participants are invited to walk along the inspection passage inside the bridge, which is usually closed to members of the public. The highlight of the tour comes at the end with a 360-degree view in the main tower 300 meters above sea level.
    Meeting place: Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge Exhibition Center (five minutes’ walk from Maiko Station on the JR Kobe Line)
    Period: From Thursday to Sunday and on national holiday days during the months of April to November.
    Tours are held twice a day (from 9:30 a.m. and from 1:30 p.m.).
    Reservations can be made from 10:00 a.m on the first day of the month two months before your preferred date.
    Price: 3,000 yen for adults and 1,500 yen for junior high school students
    ID is required.
    The maximum number accepted per reservation is five. Groups of six or more need to appoint another representative for additional reservations.
    In the case of heavy rain or strong wind the tour may be canceled on the day if the administrator decides it is difficult to proceed.

    Bridge World at Akashi-Kaikyo (Akashi Strait) Bridge[2015年3月号掲載記事]

    世界最大のつり橋、明石海峡大橋の見学ツアー。兵庫県にある神戸市と淡路島にかかる、橋長3,911メートルの建設の話が聞ける。英語、中国語、韓国語のオーディオガイドが無料で貸し出し可能。通常は入れない橋の内部に入り、管理用通路を歩いて高さと大きさを体感。最後は、海面上約300メートルの主塔から360度の景色が見られる。
    集合場所:橋の科学館(JR神戸線舞子駅より徒歩約5分)
    開催期間:4~11月の木~日曜、祝日
    1日2回(午前9時30分と午後1時30分)
    希望日の2ヵ月前の1日、午前10時から予約開始。
    料金:大人3,000円 中学生1,500円
    身分証明できるものが必要。
    グループの場合は5名まで。6名以上は代表者を替えて追加申込みが必要。
    当日、大雨や強風などの影響により、事務局が実施困難と判断した場合は中止。
    明石海峡大橋 ブリッジワールド

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  • Suntory Yamazaki Distillery

    [From February Issue 2015]

    This is the first malt whiskey distillery to be constructed in Japan. One of the whiskeys manufactured here is “Single Malt Whiskey Yamazaki” which has received awards at various alcoholic beverage competitions around the world. A guided tour (free of charge, reservations required) explains the whiskey making process and attracts many visitors. At the Whiskey Museum you can taste about 100 different brands of whiskeys, including rare unblended whiskeys and limited edition whiskeys, for a fee.
    Access: 10 minutes’ walk from Yamazaki Station of JR Kyoto Line or Oyamazaki Station of Hankyu Kyoto Line
    Yamazaki Whiskey Museum
    Opening hours: From 10:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. (Last admission: 4:00 p.m.)
    Yamazaki Distillery Guided Tours
    begin every 60 minutes from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekdays.
    On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays they begin every 30 minutes from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
    An audio guide is available in English, Chinese and French.
    Admittance: Free of charge
    Closing days: Year-end and New Year holidays, factory holidays (and during temporary closures)
    Suntory Yamazaki Distillery[2015年2月号掲載記事]

    日本初のモルトウイスキー蒸溜所。世界のさまざまな酒類コンペティションで受賞した「シングルモルトウイスキー山崎」などを生み出している。ウイスキーの製造工程がわかるガイドツアーが人気(無料、要予約)。ウイスキー館では、珍しいウイスキーの原酒や数量限定のウイスキーなど約100種類が試飲できる(有料)。
    交通:JR京都線山崎駅、阪急大山崎駅より徒歩約10分
    山崎ウイスキー館
    開館時間:午前10時~午後4時45分(最終入館午後4時)
    山崎蒸溜所ガイドツアー
    平日午前10時~最終回午後3時(60分毎)
    土日祝日午前10時~最終回午後12時(30分毎)
    英語、中国語、フランス語のイヤホンガイドの貸し出しあり。
    料金:無料
    休館日:年末年始、工場休業日(臨時休業あり)
    サントリー山崎蒸溜所

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  • The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, Saitama

    [From January Issue 2015]

    This is the world’s first public museum of bonsai art. Seasonal bonsai are exhibited inside the museum building and in the garden. Audio guide devices in Japanese, English, Korean and Chinese are available to rent. Many workshops and themed exhibitions are organized here. Paintings to celebrate the New Year will be on display from December 13 to January 21, 2015. Around the museum, six bonsai gardens are located, where you can enjoy bonsai throughout the day.
    Access: five minute walk from the east exit of Toro Station on the JR Utsunomiya Line
    Opening hours:
    November – February: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    March – October: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    Admission for the general public: 300 yen
    Closed days: every Thursday and December 29 – January 3
    The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, Saitama [2015年1月号掲載記事]

    世界で初めての公立盆栽美術館。館内と庭園には、季節ごとの盆栽を展示。音声ガイド(日本語、英語、韓国語、中国語)の貸し出しが可能(有料)。ワークショップや、企画展示もたくさん開催している。12月13日から2015年1月21日には、お正月を祝う絵画なども展示。美術館周辺には6軒の盆栽園があり、1日中盆栽が楽しめる。
    交通:JR宇都宮線土呂駅下車東口より徒歩5分
    開館時間
    11月~2月:午前9時~午後4時
    3月~10月:午前9時~午後4時30分
    一般料金:300円
    休館日:木曜日、年末年始(12月29日~1月3日)
    さいたま市大宮盆栽美術館

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  • 浅草六区ゆめまち劇場

    [From Decemberber Issue 2014]

    This restaurant theater opened in April this year. Wahaha Hompo, a troupe known for its eccentric costumes and performances is now giving its first performance of Gorakuza” (Entertainment Theater) – an original work specially made for the theater. (Admittance: 4,500 yen. On top of this customers must order at least one drink.) Including characters and music that will even be familiar to non-Japanese, this is a show that everyone can enjoy. In addition there is a permanent exhibition of Asakusa’s streets reproduced on panels and in dioramas, the “Secret Hideout of About 100 Square Meters” (costs 500 yen), and screenings of movies associated with the town (1,000 yen).
    Access: Four-minute walk from the A1 exit of Taharacho Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
    Address: ROX1F Entrance, 1-25-15 Asakusa, Taito Ward, Tokyo
    Business hours: 9:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (depending on the program)
    Asakusa Rock Yumemachi Theater
    Text: KAWARATANI Tokiko[2014年12月号掲載記事]

    今年4月にオープンした、レストランシアター。奇抜な衣装やパフォーマンスが特徴の劇団「ワハハ本舗」が、当劇場用に「娯楽座」を旗揚げして公演中(料金:4,500円、別途1ドリンクオーダー必要)。外国人にもなじみのある人物や音楽を取り入れ、誰でも楽しめる内容にしている。浅草の町をパネルやジオラマで再現した常設展「三十坪の秘密基地」(500円)や、浅草にちなんだ映画の上映(1,000円)もある。
    交通:東京メトロ銀座線田原町駅A1出口徒歩約4分
    所在地:東京都台東区浅草1-25-15 ROX1F専用入口
    営業時間:午前9時30分~午後9時(演目によって異なる)
    浅草六区ゆめまち劇場
    文:瓦谷登貴子

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  • トヨタ産業技術記念館

    [From Novemberber Issue 2014]

    This memorial museum utilizes the Meiji era factory where Toyota first originated. A total of 13 buildings and artifacts were designated in 2007 by the Japanese government as part of the country’s Industrial Modernization Heritage. Starting with the invention of the weaving loom and including its endeavors with domestic automobile production, it’s possible to learn about the company’s history. A violin performance by the Partner Robot, which made its debut at the Shanghai Expo, is also popular. Because there are cafes and kids’ areas, both children and adults can enjoy the facility all day long.
    Access: Three minute walk from Sako Station on the Meitetsu Nagoya Line
    Admission: Adults 500 yen / junior and senior high school students 300 yen / elementary school students 200 yen
    Opening hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (admission until 4:30 p.m.)
    Days museum is closed: Monday (Tuesday, if Monday is a holiday), year-end, and New Year’s holidays
    Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
    Text: KAWARATANI Tokiko[2014年11月号掲載記事]

    トヨタグループ発祥の地にある、明治時代の工場を活用した記念館。2007年には建物および所有物計13点が近代化産業遺産に認定された。織機の発明から始まり、国産自動車製造に取り組んだ歴史が学べる。上海万博でデビューしたパートナーロボットのバイオリン演奏も人気。館内にはカフェやキッズコーナーがあるので、子どもから大人まで1日中楽しめる。
    交通:名鉄名古屋本線栄生駅より徒歩約3分
    観覧料金:大人500円 中高生300円 小学生200円
    開館時間:午前9時30分~午後5時(入場受付4時30分まで)
    休館日:月曜(祝日の場合翌日)、年末年始
    トヨタ産業技術記念館
    文:瓦谷登貴子

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