In contrast with the image of Tokyo's cutting-edge surroundings and technologies, Asakusa preserves the feeling of Japan’s olden days. The kids experienced riding in a jinrikisha, writing calligraphy, and enjoying ukiyoe artwork. They also learned about Japanese culture and spirit by interviewing local people.

Asakusa

Asakusa is part of Tokyo's "old town," with all the charm of the Edo Period. That's what makes it popular with both Japanese and overseas visitors. Symbolized by the Kaminarimon Gate and Sensouji Temple, one can enjoy both the shop-lined streets and the region's rich traditional culture.

While our lifestyles are enriched by scientific and technical progress, we also face problems with climate change and energy. At Miraikan, the kids learned about the world from a scientific viewpoint, and had fun interacting with a recently developed Japanese robot. This helped everyone to think about life in the future.

Miraikan (Ariake)

Miraikan is a national science museum that was opened in July 2001 within the Tokyo Academic Park based on the "The Basic Plan for Science and Technology." It was born as a center for deepening the understanding of science and technology, and to fulfill Japan's aim of becoming a scientifically and technologically creative nation.

Japanese cuisine, which is registered as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, optimizes the natural flavor of the food. The kids visited Tsukiji Tamura restaurant, where they learned the Japanese spirit of “Mottainai (not to waste food)” through how chefs use the entire Japanese radish in a meal and the way to make delicious broth. Then, they went to Ginza and visited Kabuki theater.

Japanese Restaurant Tsukiji Tamura (Tsukiji)
Kabuki-za (Ginza)

A well-established Japanese cuisine restaurant succeeded through three generations, Tsukiji Tamura was founded in Tsukiji area for a place to savor exquisite food in the neighborhood. The philosophy of this restaurant is that true hospitality is prioritizing and truly thinking about the guests. The experience is one of a kind, glamorously entertained with colorful dishes celebrating the four seasons.

Tokyo disposes huge amounts of garbage and sewage each day. The kids visited an incineration plant and water reclamation center in the heart of the city and learned about safety and odor-fighting measures, as well as emergency measures for earthquake and technologies for public health. They also learned about recycling for environmental and social improvements.

Minato Incineration Plant (Shinagawa)
Water Reclamation Center (Ariake)

The Minato Incineration Plant, which burns combustible waste, and the Water Reclamation Center, which uses advanced systems to process water, are cutting-edge facilities for maintaining public health in Japan.

Excitement is growing for the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2020, which will take place in Tokyo. The kids learned how to play Boccia, an official Paralympic competition, and a versatile sport that exceeds differences in nationalities, disabilities, languages, and ages, and to use virtual reality (VR) to deepen their understanding of the connection between sports and technology.

Panasonic Center Tokyo (Ariake)
Bascule (Kamiya-cho)

• Panasonic Center Tokyo is a corporate global communications hub for Panasonic. It has some spaces introducing Olympic and Paralympic Games. You can get a closer feel for Olympic and Paralympic Games there as its official program.
• Bascule is the most advanced creative company developing VR applications

In Shibuya, a gathering spot for various people, the kids held interviews with volunteer guides about the evolution of the district, tourists, and immigrants. In one of the world's largest crosswalks, they saw the discipline of Japanese people crossing the street without bumping into each other. In Harajuku, a center for original pop culture, they experienced the "kawaii" (cute) culture.

Scrambled Cross-Street, (Shibuya)
Kawaii Monster Café, Meiji Shrine (Harajuku)

• Shibuya is one of Tokyo's top shopping districs and is promoted as ”PLAY! DIVERSITY SHIBUYA.”
• Harajuku is popular with tourists as a center of pop culture.
• Meiji Shrine is one of Japan's major shrines.

The kids boarded a water bus to the Nihonbashi redevelopment site. After stopping at a shrine, they visited Hanasho, famous for Edo glassware, and experienced Japanese culture from the Edo Period including fish flakes at COREDO Nihonbashi. Then they watched a presentation called the "Nihonbashi Revitalization Plan," given by Mitsui Real Estate Development Co., Ltd.

Nihonbashi

Nihonbashi has a rich history, stretching back to the Edo Period, as a center for commerce and culture in trade, distribution, craftsmanship, and finance. Development is proceeding in order to reactivate this tradition and culture, starting with COREDO Nihonbashi and including new commercial buildings. This versatile district blends these new enterprises with crafts and arts.

The kids viewed Japan's unique technology and culture by strolling through Akihabara. They enjoyed to see game machines, computers, and massage chairs lined up in the home appliance shops. They also sought out "anime" characters, and "maid cafes," where they were served by waitresses dressed up as maids. It was truly a "Cool Japan" experience.

Electric town, Anime & Maid Café (Akihabara)

Akihabara has been long known as an "Electric Town," filled with evolving electronic devices, such as personal computers and game machines. Today's shops are full of "anime" (cartoon) characters and figures as well, because Akihabara is also a cultural center for "otaku" (enthusiasts).