In the heart of Tokyo, two revolutionary digital art museums—teamLab Planets TOKYO and teamLab Borderless—offer transformative experiences that redefine the boundaries between art, technology, and human perception. Created by the same visionary art collective “teamLab,” these two venues present distinct concepts and immersive environments that represent the pinnacle of contemporary Japanese creativity.

teamLab Planets TOKYO: Immersing Your Body in a World of Water

Located in the Odaiba area, Planets is built around the unique concept of “Body Immersion.” Here, visitors literally become part of the artwork through installations that engage all senses, beginning with the symbolic act of removing shoes and walking barefoot through water and other tactile environments. This physical participation transforms the experience from passive viewing to active engagement, creating a deeply personal connection with each artwork.

Caede’s Immersive Tip:
“Planets is an experience that requires preparation—wear clothing that can be rolled up above the knees, as you’ll be walking through shallow water. The ‘Floating in the Falling Universe of Flowers’ room is absolutely breathtaking, but don’t rush through the water spaces; each has its own rhythm and mood.

teamLab Borderless: A World Without Boundaries

In the futuristic Azabudai Hills development, Borderless presents a constantly evolving world where artworks flow between rooms, interact with visitors, and transcend physical boundaries. True to its name, Borderless creates seamless transitions between digital worlds, with artworks that communicate across spaces and transform based on viewer presence and interaction.

Caede’s Exploration Strategy:
“Borderless is designed for discovery—there are no maps, and the experience is about getting lost in the art. The ‘Forest of Resonating Lamps’ and ‘Athletics Forest’ areas are particularly magical. Visit during weekdays if possible, as weekends can be crowded, diminishing the contemplative atmosphere. Since Borderless is in the sophisticated Azabudai area, you can easily combine your visit with exploring the upscale Roppongi district nearby.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Practical Comparison Guide

teamLab Planets TOKYO:

• Concept: Body immersion, physical participation
• Experience: Barefoot journey through water and tactile spaces
• Duration: 60-90 minutes
• Best For: Sensory experience, memorable photographs, physical engagement
• Location: Odaiba, near Toyosu Fish Market

teamLab Borderless:

• Concept: Seamless world without boundaries
• Experience: Free exploration of interconnected digital worlds
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Best For: Artistic discovery, interactive experiences, visual spectacle
• Location: Azabudai Hills, near Roppongi

Caede’s Choosing Guide:
“If you want a completely unique physical experience and don’t mind getting your feet wet, choose Planets. If you prefer exploring at your own pace and discovering hidden rooms and interactions, Borderless is your choice. For art enthusiasts with time for only one, consider that Planets is temporary (scheduled to close), while Borderless is a permanent installation. Both offer unforgettable experiences that showcase Japan’s leadership in digital art innovation.”

Visitor Essentials

📍 Access:

• Planets: Shin-Toyosu Station (Yurikamome Line) – 3 minute walk
• Borderless: Azabudai Hills Station (Hibiya Line) – Direct connection

⏰ Hours:

• Both venues typically open 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (last entry varies)
• Extended hours on weekends and during peak seasons
• Check official websites for current schedules

💴 Admission:

• Planets: from Adults ¥3,800, Children ¥1,300
• Borderless: from Adults ¥3,800, Children ¥1,200
• Combined tickets: Occasionally available for special exhibitions

💡 Pro Tips:

• Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove footwear (especially for Planets)
• Arrive at your reserved time slot to avoid queues
• Allow time to store belongings in lockers (provided free at both venues)
• Consider visiting during weekday afternoons for fewer crowds

Caede’s Artistic Insight:
“What makes teamLab’s work so revolutionary is how it uses technology to create experiences that feel profoundly human and natural. The digital waterfalls respond to touch, the flowers bloom and fade in real-time, and the light installations change with collective movement. It’s a beautiful demonstration of how Japanese aesthetics—like appreciation for impermanence (mono no aware)—can be expressed through cutting-edge technology. For more traditional Japanese art experiences, balance your visit with museums like the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno.”

Special Exhibitions and Seasonal Variations

Both venues feature evolving elements:

Seasonal Content: Artworks that change with seasons, particularly noticeable in floral themes
Limited Collaborations: Partnerships with brands, artists, and cultural properties
Night-time Experiences: Special evening hours with different atmospheres
Educational Programs: Workshops and talks about digital art creation

Accessibility Considerations

• Wheelchair Access: Both venues are accessible, but Planets’ water areas may present challenges
• Sensory Considerations: Some rooms feature strong lights, sounds, or confined spaces
• Language Support: English information available, multilingual staff usually present
• Rest Areas: Designated spaces for taking breaks during the experience

Caede’s Accessibility Note:
“If you have mobility concerns, Borderless may be more suitable as it doesn’t involve walking through water. Both venues offer assistance—contact them in advance for specific needs. The staff are exceptionally helpful and can guide you to the most accessible routes through the exhibitions.”

Beyond the Art: Completing Your Visit

For Planets Visitors:

• Explore the nearby Toyosu Market for fresh seafood experiences
• Visit the Odaiba waterfront for views of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo skyline
• Discover other Odaiba attractions like the Miraikan science museum

For Borderless Visitors:

• Explore the sophisticated Azabudai Hills complex with its shops and dining
• Visit nearby Roppongi for art museums like Mori Art Museum
• Enjoy night views from Tokyo City View observation deck

Caede’s Perfect Day Combination:
“For Planets: Start with an early visit to Toyosu Market, experience Planets, then enjoy Odaiba’s waterfront attractions. For Borderless: Visit in the afternoon, explore Azabudai Hills’ architecture, then experience Roppongi’s nightlife. Both itineraries offer excellent dining options nearby, from fresh sushi to international cuisine.”

Cultural Context and Global Impact

teamLab’s work represents a significant chapter in Japan’s contemporary art scene, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with technological innovation. Their international success—with exhibitions worldwide—demonstrates how Japanese creativity continues to influence global art trends while maintaining distinctive cultural roots.

The museums also reflect Japan’s leadership in experiential tourism, creating destinations that offer more than sightseeing—they offer transformation. This aligns with broader trends in Japanese tourism that emphasize memorable, personal experiences over traditional checklist tourism.

Caede’s Final Reflection:
“teamLab Planets and Borderless offer more than just art viewing—they offer portals to different ways of perceiving reality. Whether you’re floating among digital flowers or discovering rooms that appear only when you find them, these experiences remind us of wonder’s vital role in human experience. They represent Japan’s unique ability to honor deep artistic traditions while fearlessly embracing technological future—a balance that makes contemporary Japanese culture so compelling. After immersing in these digital worlds, I recommend experiencing traditional Japanese gardens like those at Hama-rikyu or Rikugien to appreciate how similar principles of harmony and contemplation manifest in completely different forms.”

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we can help you create your perfect Japan tour including destinations like teamLab Borderless. Contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Nestled in the quiet greenery of Inokashira Park in Mitaka, Tokyo, the Ghibli Museum welcomes visitors into the dreamlike world of master animator Hayao Miyazaki. This isn’t just a museum – it’s a portal into the enchanting universe of Studio Ghibli, where magic and imagination come to life.

A Museum Unlike Any Other

As Hayao Miyazaki himself envisioned, this is a “space of wonder and excitement” where traditional exhibits are replaced by immersive experiences. From the moment you approach the building, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Ghibli film, with stained glass windows featuring beloved characters and a giant Totoro waiting to greet you at the entrance.

Caede’s Personal Recommendation:
“Don’t rush through the museum! The real magic is in the details – the handmade stained glass, the winding staircases that feel straight out of Howl’s Moving Castle, and the tiny doors meant for forest spirits. My favorite spot is the Central Hall with its magnificent glass dome. While you’re in the area, I highly recommend exploring the beautiful Inokashira Park surrounding the museum – it’s especially stunning during cherry blossom season!”

Must-See Highlights

• The Saturn Theater: Watch exclusive short films created specifically for the museum
• The Cat Bus Room: Children can play on the giant furry Cat Bus from My Neighbor Totoro
• Special Exhibition Rooms: Rotating exhibits showcasing Ghibli’s creative process
• The Rooftop Garden: Featuring a life-sized Robot Soldier from Castle in the Sky
• Straw Hat Cafe: Enjoy original food and drinks in a charming setting

Caede’s Insider Tip:
“Before your visit, I recommend watching My Neighbor Totoro and Castle in the Sky – you’ll appreciate so many more details! And here’s my secret tip: combine your Ghibli visit with a trip to Kichijoji, just one station away. It’s voted Tokyo’s most desirable neighborhood to live in and has amazing shopping and dining!”

Visitor Information

Location:
1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo
Located within Inokashira Park

Access:

• 15-minute walk from Mitaka Station (JR Chuo Line)
• 5-minute ride on the community bus from Mitaka Station

Admission:

• Adults: ¥1,000
• Youth: ¥700
• Children: ¥400
• Preschoolers: ¥100

Hours:

• 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Four entry times daily
• Closed on Tuesdays

Q&A: Your Ghibli Museum Questions Answered

The Ghibli Museum Mitaka is more than just a tribute to animation – it’s a living, breathing embodiment of the creativity and wonder that defines Studio Ghibli’s films. It reminds us to see the world with childlike wonder and to believe in the magic that exists in everyday life.

Caede’s Final Thought:
“Visiting the Ghibli Museum feels like stepping into a living storybook. Every corner holds a new discovery that will make you believe in magic again. For any Ghibli fan, it’s an absolute must-visit that pairs perfectly with other Tokyo anime attractions like the Pokemon Center for a full day of Japanese pop culture!”

Ticket Arrangement

We can arrange Ghibli Museum tickets on your behalf.
Please feel free to contact us if you would like us to assist with the booking.

Area Map Ghibli Museum

Located in Tokyo’s bustling business district surrounded by skyscrapers, Hamarikyu Gardens is a historic Japanese landscape garden that offers a peaceful escape from the urban hustle. This garden served as a falconry ground for the Tokugawa shogunate and later developed into the “Hama Goten” (Beach Palace). Featuring a seawater pond that changes with the tides and two duck hunting grounds, it’s designated as both a Special National Place of Scenic Beauty and a Special Historical Site.

Garden Highlights

The Seawater Pond
The garden’s unique seawater pond, filled from Tokyo Bay, changes its appearance with the tides. As the last remaining tidal pond in Tokyo, it preserves the atmosphere of the Edo period. The pond is home to saltwater fish like striped mullet and sea bass, creating a precious natural environment in the heart of the city.

Duck Hunting Grounds
The garden contains two preserved duck hunting grounds where the shoguns once practiced “kamo-gari” (duck hunting) using hawks and nets. These facilities remain in excellent condition, allowing visitors to imagine the scenes of historical hunting practices.You can find two duck hunting sites in the garden. It was one of the shoguns’ hobbies to hunt ducks using hawks or a net from behind mounds.

Caede’s Personal Tip: 
*”For the most magical experience, I love visiting around 3 PM – you’ll enjoy the garden in daylight, watch the sunset behind the skyscrapers, and see the evening lights create beautiful reflections in the tidal ponds. The contrast between traditional garden and modern cityscape is absolutely breathtaking! Afterward, I recommend walking to the nearby* Tsukiji Outer Market for some fresh sushi – it’s the perfect cultural combination.”

Seasonal Flowers

Visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers throughout the year: rape blossoms, cherry blossoms, and azaleas in spring; Japanese iris and hydrangeas in summer; bush clover and autumn leaves in fall; and camellias and narcissus in winter. The spring landscape with over 300 rape blossom plants offers unexpected tranquility in the city center.

FAQ: Your Questions About Hamarikyu Gardens Answered

Caede’s Special Insight: 
“My personal favorite is timing my visit with the tides. At low tide, the pond reveals its muddy bottom—like traveling back in time. At high tide, the water reflects the surrounding skyscrapers spectacularly. Check tide tables when planning! After Hamarikyu, seeing Tokyo from Tokyo Tower or Rainbow Bridge offers another wonderful perspective on the city’s relationship with water.”

Visitor Information

• Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM)
• Admission: Adults ¥300, Seniors (65+) ¥150
• Access: 7-minute walk from Toei Oedo Line “Tsukijishijo Station”, 12-minute walk from JR “Shimbashi Station”
• Water Bus: Direct access from Asakusa and Odaiba

Caede’s Advice
“I highly recommend arriving by water bus! The 35-minute ride from Asakusa offers wonderful views of Tokyo’s waterways before you even enter the garden. After exploring the gardens, walking to Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh seafood completes my perfect Tokyo day. For another beautiful garden experience, consider visiting Rikugien Garden to compare different gardening styles.”

Hamarikyu Gardens offers a precious space that combines historical significance with natural beauty right in central Tokyo. It’s the perfect place to rest tired feet after sightseeing while enjoying a moment of peaceful contemplation amidst the bustling city.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like the Hamarikyu Gardens. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Ueno Park (Ueno Koen) is one of Tokyo’s most beloved destinations, attracting both locals and tourists with its unique mix of world-class museums, historic temples, and stunning natural beauty. As one of Japan’s first public parks established in 1873, this 133-acre space in Taito Ward offers something for everyone throughout the year.

Historical Significance

The park’s history dates back to the Edo period when it was part of the extensive Kaneiji Temple complex, one of Tokyo’s most important temples. After the Battle of Ueno in 1868 during the Boshin War, the area was transformed into Japan’s first public park. Today, visitors can still feel the echoes of history throughout the grounds, much like the historical atmosphere found at Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple, another iconic Tokyo destination.

Caede’s Historical Insight: 
“What many visitors miss is the incredible story behind the park’s transformation. While most come for the museums and cherry blossoms, I always recommend taking a moment to appreciate how this space represents Japan’s journey from feudal to modern times – similar to the fascinating history you can discover at Tokyo’s Imperial Palace.”

Must-See Attractions

Museums & Cultural Institutions:

• Tokyo National Museum: Japan’s largest and most comprehensive art museum
• National Museum of Nature and Science: Perfect for families with interactive exhibits
• National Museum of Western Art: Designed by Le Corbusier, featuring European masters
• Ueno Royal Museum: Rotating contemporary art exhibitions
• Shitamachi Museum: Preserving the culture of old downtown Tokyo

Caede’s Museum Tip:
“If you’re short on time, I recommend focusing on the Tokyo National Museum – it’s absolutely worth half a day. For a different art experience, consider the teamLab Borderless digital art museum too!”

FAQ: Your Questions About Ueno Park Answered

A: This depends on your interests. For a quick visit focusing on cherry blossoms or a leisurely stroll, 2-3 hours is sufficient. If you plan to visit even one major museum, allocate at least half a day. To explore multiple museums and attractions thoroughly, consider dedicating a full day. The park pairs well with exploring the nearby Asakusa area for a full day of traditional Tokyo culture.

Caede’s Helpful Reminder: 
“Ueno Park is more than just a collection of attractions—it’s a living part of Tokyo’s community. Don’t hesitate to simply wander and discover your own favorite spots. Whether it’s watching locals practice tai chi by the pond or finding a quiet bench under ancient trees, sometimes the best moments are the unplanned ones. And if you enjoy Ueno’s cultural atmosphere, you might also appreciate the artistic vibe of Tokyo’s museum district in other areas!”

Natural Beauty & Seasonal Highlights

Ueno Park truly shines during cherry blossom season (typically late March to early April), when over 1,000 cherry trees create a breathtaking pink canopy. The park becomes the epicenter of hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties, attracting millions of visitors.

Caede’s Seasonal Advice: 
“For the best cherry blossom experience, visit on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds. If you’re looking for other great cherry blossom spots, check out our guide to the best cherry blossom viewing locations in Tokyo.”

Practical Information

Location: Ueno Park, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007
Access:
・2-minute walk from Ueno Station (JR Lines, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hibiya Line)
・Multiple bus routes available
Hours: Open 24 hours (museums and facilities have individual operating hours)
Admission: Park entry free; individual attractions charge separate fees

Nearby Attractions:
・Ueno Zoo: Japan’s oldest zoo, home to giant pandas
・Ameyoko Shopping Street: Vibrant market street south of the park

Caede’s Final Recommendation: 
“Start your day early at Ueno Park to beat the crowds. I suggest beginning with the cultural sites in the morning, then exploring the museums in the afternoon. If you’re planning more Tokyo exploration, our complete Tokyo travel guide has plenty of other great suggestions for your itinerary!”

Ueno Park Area Map

Fukagawa Edo Museum Outline

You will be pleasantly surprised when you enter the permanent exhibition room by overlooking the whole town from above. Once you enter the town, you can walk on the street with traditional houses and stores on both sides. At the vegetable store, you can see how they sold their products and at the rice store, you can see how they polished brown rice with a machine mortar. You can even try to operate the mortar yourself!

There is a boathouse with shipping agents. Boatmen carry people and goods by a small wooden boat with a wild boar’s tusk-shaped bow, like a water taxi. Two shipping agents also offer light dishes and drinks for a party. At the square, you can find a fire watchtower, temporary food stalls that sell traditional fast foods such as soba noodles and tempura. You can have a rest on wooden benches here while you eat.

Row Houses

Some of the row houses can be entered, which include several one-room apartments partitioned only by thin walls. You need to remove your shoes before entering the room. There are apartments for craftsmen, music (shamisen) teachers, street vendors, and so on. They rent only one small room for the whole family, so they needed to use the room for living, dining, and sleeping. They spread the futons (bedding) only when they sleep at night and stored them away again in the morning.

In the public space for people living in the row houses, there are a well, toilets, a garbage dump, and a small Inari shrine. By walking around the area, you will understand how everyday life was like for the common people 200 years ago.

Your Japan Tour

If you are thinking about making a trip to Japan, as seasoned Japan experts we can help you create your perfect Japan tour, including destinations like the Fukagawa Edo Museum. Contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Information

Access: From Kiyosumi-Shirakawa (Oedo & Hanzomon Line) station.

Entrance fee: Adult \400, Child (primary / junior high school) \50

Free English speaking guides are available by reservation.

Hours: From 9:30 am to 5 pm (last entry 4:30 pm)

Fukagawa Area Map

The Tokyo National Museum was established in 1872 and is the oldest and largest museum in Japan. This interesting museum collects small buildings and preserves a comprehensive collection of art and archaeological objects of Asia, focusing on Japan. The museum holds over 110,000 objects including 87 Japanese National Treasure holdings and 610 important Cultural property holdings.

The museum is located inside Ueno Park in Tokyo. The main building consists of the Honkan- Japanese Gallery-, Toyokan- Asia Gallery-, HeiseiKan, Hyoukeikan, and Horyuji-Homotsukan. The museum collection focuses on ancient Japanese art and Asian art from along the Silk Road. There is also a large collection of Greco-Buddhist art.

The Main Gallery

The original main gallery, designed by the British architect Josiah Conder, was severely damaged in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. In contrast to the original building’s more western style, the design of the present main gallery by Watanabe Jin is a more eastern, ‘Emperor’s crown’ style. Construction began in 1923, and the building was inaugurated in 1938. It was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2001. The main gallery is where you can get a general overview of Japanese art.

The Tokyo National Museum is a must-see for all visitors of Japan who want to learn more about Japan’s (art) history.

TOkyo Ueno Area Map

Innovative Products

At Panasonic Center Tokyo (RiSuPia) near Odaiba that was set up by the Matsushita group, visitors can learn about Panasonic’s vision. There are two aims they are most committed to; the network society and peaceful coexistence with the environment. The Center is a place of exchange where the visitor can learn what new products Panasonic has in store for us in the near future. Also, the visitor can let Panasonic know for which daily life issues they would like to have a solution.

The exhibitions are situated on two floors, and projects change continually. A visit to RiSuPia is interesting for everyone who likes to see what the future has in store technology-wise. Both kids and adults will have a fun time exploring this free center for around 1.5 hours. So it makes for a great activity in Tokyo on a rainy day if you have a bit of time left.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we can help you create your perfect Japan tour including destinations like Tokyo. Contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Panasonic Center Area Map

History of Shinjuku Gyoen

The park was formerly the residence of a feudal lord during the Edo period. Then, when the Meiji era arrived, it first became a botanical garden. And later, became a garden for the use of the Imperial Family. Often when important people from abroad visited Japan, the area was used as a recreation area.

In 1906 the design of the complex was completed. Unfortunately, the complex was almost totally destroyed by the bombing by US forces in 1945. After the war, the place was gradually rebuilt and passed into the hands of the government. Therefore in 1949, the Shinjuku Gyoen National Park was inaugurated. Although the park became public property, its name is literally preserved as ‘Imperial Gardens’. In 1989, the funerary rites of Emperor Hirohito were held in this park.

Park Layout

The park today has three sections. A Japanese-style garden with a beautiful lake and a bridge make for a beautiful photo postcard. Then there is a spectacular French-style garden and finally an exquisite English garden. The park has an area of 58.3 hectares with a circumference of 3.5 km. In the gardens, there is a traditional Japanese tea house.

The garden has 1500 cherry trees that adorn with their bright colors at the end of March or the beginning of April. In cherry blossom season, the park is one of the favorite places of the public to perform the traditional hanami picnic. Hanami literally means ‘see the flowers’, it is a centuries-old tradition in Japan. Normally you go as a group or as a couple and have a picnic while watching the wonderful landscape created by the blossoms.

To see the whole park takes about two or three hours, and it is much better if you go on a sunny day. A curious fact for fans of anime is that Shinjuku National Park Gyoen was the main stage of the movie ‘The Garden of Words’. And in real life, you can visit the locations on which the anime was based.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Shinjuku. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Shinjuku Gyoen Area Map

WW2 in Tokyo

The Showa era is one of the longest ages in Japan, as this includes the period before, during, and after WW2. It lasts all the way until the reconstruction and modernization of the country. This museum offers the opportunity to observe firsthand how the common citizen lived at this time. The museum has real objects of daily life and even exhibits the special clothes that people used to flee the fires caused by the bombs dropped by the US during WW2.

The museum tells the tales of the hard life of the average Japanese until the end of the war. From then on, the first inventions of Japanese technology are on display, which with much effort, Japanese companies began to develop. There are many stops in the museum where you can touch, taste, feel the essence of the Showa citizen. The museum tells us about the importance of peace and not forgetting the sacrifice that the people of the time had to make to rebuild Japan as we know it today.

Post-war Era

The museum also has a section of private computers full of complete information on the years of the Showa era. You can find songs, photos, videos, news, and documentaries, among others. The art and design used at the time are also reflected in the posters, advertisements, and books of the exhibition. From time to time an additional exhibition is held on a special subject, such as the 1964 Olympics.

Unlike other history museums, the Showa museum specializes in showing how the common citizen lived. It is a moving visit that allows you to take a look at the past and see the great evolution of Japan in such a short time. It is suitable for all audiences since the museum is adapted to be visited by all ages.

In the museum, you can try the original clothes of the time and try to draw water from a well. You can also make calls on old phones, and have many more interactive experiences. Seeing the history from the point of view of a common citizen is an experience offered by this important museum. If you want to know more about regular Japanese life, then you should visit this interactive history museum.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Tokyo and interesting museums. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

National Showa Memorial Museum Area Map

Memorial

In the park enclosure, there is a large, semicircular sculpture with a work of art made with flowers forming pigeons of La Paz. On this sculpture, there is a small room where the names of more than 100,000 victims of the bombing of Tokyo by the US forces are written. The sculpture was created in 2001 by sculptor Kimio Tsuchiya as a peace monument commemorating the victims of Tokyo of WW2.

In the center of this spacious park is the beautiful Tokyo-to Ireido, the Tokyo Metropolitan Area Rest Center. It is a very particular enclosure since the back of the enclosure has a three-story Buddhist-style pagoda that measures 41 meters in height. The front is very similar to the entrance of a Shinto shrine, while the interior of the enclosure looks like a Christian church.

There are two other monuments in the park as well. One is for the children that died in the earthquake of 1923, and one for the Korean victims of the riots that happened after the earthquake.

Two 20th Century Disasters

Tokyo-to Ireido has a history that dates back to 1922 when the Tokyo government bought the land to make the park. But due to the great Tokyo earthquake in 1923, thousands of people died here. They ran desperately for this new place but in the afternoon a giant tornado of fire formed that incinerated the 30,000 people who were there. This was the first disaster that happened here.

In 1930 the Rest Center for earthquake victims was opened. Then in 1945, the United States carried out the bombing of Tokyo, which became the most destructive non-atomic bombing in the history of mankind. This was the second disaster in this area. It is a little-known fact since people mainly refer to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki when referring to bombings of WW2.

41 km2 of the center of Tokyo was destroyed, without discriminating between sanctuaries, historical sites, hospitals, or houses. The bombings left approximately 105,000 civilians dead (more than the first figure of the atomic bomb in Nagasaki) and 1,000,000 homeless. Between 1948 and 1951, the ashes of 105,400 people killed in Tokyo were buried in the Yokoamicho Koen park.

Yokoamicho Park Disaster Museum

Inside the Tokyo-to Ireido, there are paintings on both sides of the building reflecting what happened both in the great earthquake and in the great bombing of Tokyo. In the center, there is a place to put incense and pray for the peace of the victims. There is also a small room with a movie explaining the history of the park.

Just behind the La Paz monument, there is a small but very beautiful Japanese garden, ideal for those who want to seek the tranquility that characterizes these gardens. The site, despite having a tragic history, is a serene place, and the park and its buildings are really impressive. A commemoration of the victims of the Tokyo bombing is made every March 10.

There is also a museum on the park grounds with English explanations of what happened during both the earthquake and the bombing. Many photographs of the aftermaths, and materials found after the fires are exhibited. There is no entrance fee. A visit to this park is recommended for those who want to learn more about what has happened in the history of Tokyo.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Tokyo. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Yokoamicho Park Area Map