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Airfare cheap Japan attraction"AIRFARE CHEAP JAPAN"
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"AIRFARE CHEAP JAPAN" 1/27/2001 Send your family travel questions to S F Robinson, The Independent Parent, Travel Desk, The Independent, 191 Marsh Wall, London E14 9RS Or crusoe@independent.co.uk Q. My husband will be going to Japan frequently on business this year, and my daughter, aged 10, and son, aged eight, and I would like to travel with him on one of the trips. Can you give me some advice about activities for children in Tokyo? AIRFARE CHEAP JAPAN Natasha Manning, Clerkenwell A. Fortunately, when it comes to children, there is a lot more to Japan's urban heart than Pokemon and Sega games. And, if the city's modern charms start to fade, there are also plenty of older Japanese attractions to explore. Start by getting to grips with the map of Tokyo's subway system, which makes the London Underground chart look like child's play. Don't be put off by this, though; the network has both colour-coding and English signs and, once you've got to know it, you will find it pretty straightforward - and very convenient - to use. Can't find what you need? Try a Google Web Search in the box below!
AIRFARE CHEAP JAPAN You will probably want to make the most of what Tokyo does best - namely gadgets, science and technology - and one of the best places to start is the Science Museum (0081 3 3212 8544), close to the Takebashi Station on the Tozai Line. Here interactivity is more than just an add-on. Children are encouraged to compare the electric power generated by using their voices, jumping up and down, and cycling. Next they can stand in a circle with other children and create a huge soap bubble that envelops the group. The museum is open from 9.30am-4.50pm daily and costs yen600 (pounds 3.45) for adults or yen250 (pounds 1.45) for children. If they enjoy this visit, it might be worth continuing on to the National Science Museum at Ueno Station on the Ginza Line (open 9am-4pm daily except Monday, 0081 3 3822 0111), although the exhibits are not quite as up-to-date. AIRFARE CHEAP JAPAN Next up, theme parks. These are big business in Japan and Tokyo is no exception. The most well-known park locally is Tokyo Disneyland (open daily 8am-10pm summer, 10am-7.30pm winter; www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp) which is predictably expensive at yen5,700 (pounds 32) for adults and yen3,700 (pounds 21) for under 11s. To get there take the JR (Japan Rail) Keiyo Line from Tokyo Station to Maihama Station. But there are also plenty of more reasonably priced attractions. If your children like computer games they will probably enjoy the selection of virtual reality experiences offered at The Yokohama Joypolis (open daily 10am-11.45pm), which is 15 minutes walk from the JR Ishikawacho Station. Entrance costs yen2,900 (pounds 16.70) for adults and yen2,800 (pounds 16.10) for children (0081 45 623 1311). The Namco Wonder Egg 2 (0081 3 3700 3451) and the Amazing Square (0081 3 3882 8011) also offer hi-tech Japanese entertainment, but, if you do have a small Pokemon fan or two, a stop at the Pokemon Centre will reveal more merchandise than your children can trade in a lifetime. But be warned; it's very popular and you may have to queue to get in. The centre is open from 11am-8pm daily and is five minutes walk from the JR Tokyo Station (the main railway station).
AIRFARE CHEAP JAPAN If, by this stage, you're craving a more down-to-earth experience, try to get up early and take the Hibiya Line to Tsukiji in order to experience the excitement of the fish market on the edge of Tokyo Bay. Aim to arrive by about 8am at the latest to witness the daily delivery of five million pounds of fish, including giant tuna, squid, sea urchins, eels and other sea creatures. To get the full flavour of the place, have a breakfast of sushi or noodles from the stalls in the outer area of the market. AIRFARE CHEAP JAPAN Another early morning activity your children might find amusing is a trip to a training session at a Sumo wrestling "stable" (usually open 8am-10.30am). However speaking is not allowed at these sessions, so they aren't advised for chatterboxes. And female visitors must wear trousers. The Kasugano Stable (0081 3 3631 1871) is at 1-7-11 Royogoku, east of Tokyo on the JR Sobu Line, and allows visitors. For more suggestions see the handy Mini Rough Guide to Tokyo (pounds 6.99). Can't find what you need? Try a Google Web Search in the box below!
AIRFARE CHEAP JAPAN If this all sounds too energetic, seek refuge from the relentless traffic and crowds at Tokyo's shrines, temples and gardens. This will also give you an introduction to Japan's two major religions, Shintoism and Buddhism. The Shinto Meiji Jingu shrine was rebuilt in authentic style following WWII and its pretty Inner Garden is an oasis of tranquillity (open 9am- 5pm in summer, 9am-4pm in winter; yen300, or pounds 1.70, per person). And Asakusa, in the heart of the former Shitamachi district (or Low City) on the Ginza Line, is the site of the city's most famous Buddhist temple, the impressive Senso-ji. AIRFARE CHEAP JAPAN If you're interested in cultural attractions, the Imperial Palace itself is sadly off limits, but you can stroll around the ornamental East Garden to get a sense of traditional Japanese architecture (entrance free; open daily 9am-4pm, except Mondays and Fridays). The nearest station is Hibiya on the Hibiya Line. But Tokyo's most beautiful garden is the huge Shinjuku Gyoen, where you can relax among winding paths, ponds and bridges. The nearest station is Shinjuku-Gyoenmae on the Marunouchi Line and the garden is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9am-4.30pm. Entrance costs yen200 (pounds 1.15) per person. If you want to picnic in the park, March or April are the ideal months, as the cherry trees will be in blossom. AIRFARE CHEAP JAPAN These suggestions should get you started, but they are just the tip of a gigantic iceberg, so I would suggest you research further possibilities yourself before you go. For more information try the Japan National Tourist Organisation (020 7734 9638; www.jnto.go.jp) or visit www.tokyowithkids.com/entertainment, aimed at English-speaking families living in Tokyo..... Compare airfare cheap Japan here /cheap airfares home |