Tokyo and the crossroads: Not just Shibuya Scramble
Imagine being immersed in vibrant and dynamic Tokyo, a place where every corner holds a surprise and every street tells a story. Shibuya Crossing is perhaps the epicenter of this overwhelming energy, an iconic symbol immortalized in countless shots. Here, the imposing commercial buildings, the glittering advertising signs and the incessant stream of pedestrians create a unique, almost magical atmosphere. But if your desire is to explore lesser-known, equally fascinating corners, here are five intersections of Tokyo that will make you fall in love with this city even more.
Credits: Savvytokyo
Sukiyabashi Crossing
The first is the Sukiyabashi Crossing in Ginza, a true hidden gem that offers a similar visual and sensory experience to Shibuya. The white and orderly pedestrian lines, together with the vitality of Ginza Sony Park and Sukiyabashi Park, create a futuristic and vibrant atmosphere. But what really makes this intersection special is the majestic Tokyu Plaza Ginza, with its façade inspired by Edo Kiriko glass. Known as the "Gateway to Ginza", this place defines the elegance and luxury of Tokyo's shopping district.
Credits: A. Wee
Nissan Crossing
Continuing into the heart of Ginza, you will find yourself at the intersection of Seiko House Ginza. This spot evokes the glamour of New York's Fifth Avenue, with its glittering shop windows and refined architecture. Here, Japanese luxury is palpable: on the one hand, the sophisticated Seiko watches; on the other, Nissan's cutting-edge cars and the innovative Sony showroom. Every corner exudes elegance and craftsmanship of the highest standard.
Credits japantravel.navitime.com
Roppongi Crossing
Moving to Roppongi, we find an intersection that shines especially at night. The lights of the skyscrapers illuminate the sky, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Roppongi Crossing is crossed by the Metropolitan Expressway, an imposing structure that adds a touch of urban grandeur. The "Roppongi" signs on the freeway are an unmistakable landmark, a symbol of this lively and cosmopolitan neighbourhood. When in the area, don't miss the opportunity to visit one of the many trendy bars in Roppongi.
Credits B.Lucava
Kabukicho Crossing
Another unmissable intersection is Kabukicho in Shinjuku. Here, Godzilla's head poking out of the Toho Cinema provides a surreal and iconic scene. Kabukicho is the beating heart of Tokyo's nightlife, with its neon signs, restaurants and bars crowded with students and salarymen. This red-light district, with its mix of pop culture and lively energy, offers endless photo opportunities and a unique experience.
Credits J. Jenkin
Asakusa Crossing
Finally, we cannot forget Asakusa Crossing, which marks the entrance to Nakamise-dori and leads to the majestic Sensoji Temple. This is one of the most recognizable views of Tokyo, dominated by the Kaminarimon Gate with its imposing lantern. The atmosphere here is steeped in history and tradition, enriched by the rickshaws that await tourists at the entrance. Crossing the street, you will find the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, designed by Kengo Kuma, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
These crossings represent the essence of Tokyo, a city that knows how to surprise and fascinate every corner. Get ready to discover the magic that lies in these urban wonders and be inspired by their unique beauty.
Tokyo among the most affordable cities for 2024
Tokyo ranked among the most affordable tourist destinations of 2024, so this year is the right time to pack your suitcase and set off for the Rising Sun!
Also due to the fall of the yen, for all foreign tourists, this has actually become an important opportunity to seize to visit the Japanese capital.
It's true, the journey to get to your destination is long and sometimes expensive, but once you arrive in Tokyo, daily life is really convenient. In fact, the prices you can see at restaurants are often a third of those we are used to here in Italy.
But not only! Traveling by public transport is also really convenient. In fact, let's not forget that thanks to the Japan Rail Pass and to the legendary Yamanote Line, for a tourist, experiencing the city becomes incredibly practical and simple.
In recent years, since travel has reopened, we have seen a notable increase in the number of visitors to Japan. Interest in the land of the Rising Sun, and in particular Tokyo, does not seem to be waning.
In fact, a recent Post Office survey ranks Tokyo as the fourth most convenient tourist destination in the world.
The top 10
- Hoi An, Vietnam
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Mombasa, Kenya
- Tokyo, Japan
- Algarve, Portugal
- Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
- Sunny beach, Bulgaria
- Kuta, Bali
- Marmaris, Türkiye
- Paphos, Cyprus
Tokyo has a reputation for being one of the most affordable destinations even before the recent economic situation, so there will certainly be many opportunities to visit the city in the future too.
Your Japan Tour: Travel with us
Japan Italy Bridge has just launched its exclusive “Your Japan”, a trip to Japan tailor-made for Italian tourists. This autumn, you will have the chance to go with us to Tokyo. An All Inclusive experience that will allow you to discover the beauties of the capital of Japan. Japan Italy Bridge will take care of everything, from booking flights and hotels to planning your travel plan. Furthermore, our guides will leave with you from Italy and will accompany you along the entire Japanese route.
So what are you waiting for? The time has come to pack your suitcase and travel with us!
Mount Fuji view from Lawson store in Kawaguchiko will be no longer possible
Tourists are the lifeblood of many places' economies, bringing with them opportunities and growth. However, they often disrespect the places and people they encounter, leaving waste and disorder behind. It is essential to travel with an open heart and an educational perspective, valuing and protecting the wonders that welcome us otherwise the decision made by the inhabitants of Kawaguchiko, Japan, could be repeated endlessly involving other beloved destinations worldwide.
But what exactly happened?
The protagonist of this story is Mount Fuji. We are in the town of Kawaguchiko where, every day, the small convenience store of the Lawson chain becomes the stage for a large number of visitors eager to immortalise its bright blue facade, which offers a breathtaking contrast with the majestic peak of Fuji-san. So far, nothing strange, except that the massive influx of tourists has generated significant problems, such as blocking sidewalks, illegal parking, etc., even crossing the road wildly, putting everyone's safety at risk to get the perfect shot. The dental clinic in front of the convenience store was particularly affected, with people blocking the entrance and even climbing onto the roof to improve the view! Despite the multilingual signs to warn visitors of their dangerous behaviour, there have been no improvements and this has forced the city to plan more severe interventions to manage the situation.
Work began on April 30 to install barriers measuring about 2.5 meters high and 20 meters long in front of the convenience store, to prevent people from parking on the opposite side of the road and reduce disruption to the dental clinic and nearby businesses. The Asahi Shimbun, a major Japanese newspaper known for its in-depth coverage of domestic and international news and recognized for its quality journalism and influence in the Japanese media landscape, reported that six iron fences, each three meters wide, will be placed along the road to prevent pedestrians from crossing dangerously. Construction of the barriers, scheduled for the first week of May, has been postponed due to difficulties in obtaining materials. An official told The Japan Times that the missing parts will arrive around May 20, allowing work to resume on completing the barrier.
Lawson has since issued an official apology to residents, businesses and others who have been inconvenienced by traffic in front of the store. The company is also considering deploying security personnel to help manage the situation. This is just one of the measures local governments in Japan have had to take to address the problem of overtourism. A similar example has been seen in Kyoto, where the government recently introduced multiple measures to ban foreigners from trespassing on private streets without permission, in response to tourists photographing and harassing maiko, the young women who undertake rigorous training to become geisha, disrupting residents and businesses.
Where to see and photograph Mount Fuji
Don't despair though! There are many other points from which you can admire the highest peak in Japan, always with the utmost respect for the inhabitants! Here are some:
- Arakurayama Sengen Park, famous for the Chureito pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background;
- Lake Kawaguchi, particularly evocative during the cherry blossom season;
- Oishi Park, which offers a splendid view of Mount Fuji surrounded by fields of colourful flowers;
- Fuji Sengen Shrine is a historic starting point for pilgrims who climb the sacred mountain.
We hope we never read news like this again. What do you think? Do you think the installation of these huge panels is right, or would you have opted for some other kind of measure? Let us know in the comments!
Travel with us
If you are also curious to see this incredible show, Japan Italy Bridge has just launched its exclusive “Your Japan”, a trip to Japan tailor-made for Italian tourists. This autumn, you will have the chance to go with us to Tokyo. An All Inclusive experience that will allow you to discover the beauties of the capital of Japan. Japan Italy Bridge will take care of everything, from booking flights and hotels to planning your travel plan. Furthermore, our guides will leave with you from Italy and will accompany you along the entire Japanese route.
So what are you waiting for? The time has come to pack your suitcase and travel with us!
Il più grande spettacolo di mapping del mondo si tiene a Shinjuku, ora con Godzilla
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, or Tochō, is one of Shinjuku's most recognisable landmarks. Home to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, completed in 1990 and designed by architect Kenzo Tange, this iconic building now serves as the backdrop for a projection mapping show and has been certified by Guinness World Records as the largest permanent display of its kind in the world!
Photo Credits: mainichi.jp
From sunset to about 9 pm, the building transforms into a huge canvas expressing a variety of art with light and sound. The shows follow a truly extensive calendar for every taste that varies between weekdays, weekends and holidays
On 27 April this year, the show “Godzilla: Attack on Tokyo!” debuted: a huge 100-metre Godzilla destroys Tochō and beyond! A real destructive attack on the metropolis!
Photo credits: japan-forward.com
Shinjuku was the backdrop for the epic battle between Godzilla and King Ghidorah in the 1991 movie, and this year, on the 70th anniversary of the first 1954 movie, Godzilla attacked the city's landmark!
We believe that being amazed watching such a show is a necessity! So everyone keep your eyes on it!
If you want to be kept up-to-date on the screening schedule and not miss anything, please visit tokyoprojectionmappingproject.jp
Travel with us
If you are also curious to see this incredible show, Japan Italy Bridge has just launched its exclusive “Your Japan”, a trip to Japan tailor-made for Italian tourists. This autumn, you will have the chance to go with us to Tokyo. An All Inclusive experience that will allow you to discover the beauties of the capital of Japan. Japan Italy Bridge will take care of everything, from booking flights and hotels to planning your travel plan. Furthermore, our guides will leave with you from Italy and will accompany you along the entire Japanese route.
So what are you waiting for? The time has come to pack your suitcase and travel with us!
Tokyo's Sailor Moon manholes are now installed in Azabu-Juban
The manhole covers dedicated to Sailor Moon arrive in Tokyo, a journey to be discovered, seen and photographed. In Japan, several cities decorate their manhole covers in creative and artistic ways. This practice, known as “manhole art” or “manhole covers”, has become increasingly popular in recent years as a form of artistic expression and tourist promotion. Each region often has its own distinctive designs, which may depict local landscapes, characteristic flora and fauna, cultural symbols or even famous anime and manga characters.
Photos: city.minato.tokyo.jp
Five illustrations dedicated to Sailor Moon have appeared in as many locations in Minato City, a district that has special significance for this famous and beloved series: Usagi (Sailor Moon's real name) lives and attends school in the Azabu-Juban district and several of the story's battle scenes take place there!
The official website of the town of Minato has published a map with the exact location of the colourful manhole covers:
Photos: city.minato.tokyo.jp
1 - Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask can be seen near the entrance to the main shopping street of Azabu-Juban.
2 - Sailor Guardians with a blue background can be found in front of the Minato Library, near Shiba Park
3 - The Sailor Guardians in kimono can be found near Toyo Eiwa Jogakuin Primary School
Photos: city.minato.tokyo.jp
4- The Sailor Guardians with a green background are located near Tokyo Tower, inside Shiba Park, in front of the water station.
5- The Sailor Guardians with a yellow background can be seen at the entrance to the Keio-Nakadori shopping street, a place that appears frequently in the anime!
Photos: city.minato.tokyo.jp
How about hunting down all five manhole covers while walking around Tokyo?
Tokyo è classificata come la sesta città più percorribile al mondo
Have you ever wondered in which cities getting around without your own transport (such as a car or scooter) is quick and easy? We live in this situation every day and driven by curiosity, we browsed some rankings and... Tokyo is often considered one of the most efficient and walkable cities in the world!
Its public transport network is extremely developed and well organised, with trains and subways covering the entire area efficiently. In addition, the city is known for its cleanliness, safety and ease of orientation, factors that contribute to its reputation.
It is common for companies and organisations to produce such rankings to assess the liveability of cities based on their accessibility without the use of a car. This time it was the insurance company Compare the Market AU that published the list of the main cities where getting around without a car is advantageous and Tokyo appears in sixth place! Incidentally, it appears to be the only non-European city to make the list:
Monaco (Germania)
1- Munich (Germany)
2- Milan (Italy)
3- Warsaw (Poland)
4- Helsinki (Finland)
5- Paris (France)
6- Tokyo (Japan)
7- Madrid (Spain)
8- Oslo (Norway)
9- Copenhagen (Denmark)
10- Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Did you ever imagine this? We expected it: every time we have been to Tokyo, we have never encountered any problems reaching any destination we wanted to visit!
What do you think? Do you agree with the ranking? Or would you have included other cities?
The Japan Rail pass increases but the desire to use it does not decrease
The famous Japan Rail Pass now costs 70% more than pre-covid prices, however, despite the significant price increase, its benefits continue to pay off.
What is the Japan Rail Pass?
We could define the Japan Rail Pass as a "tourist pass" and, despite the increase in prices, its convenience is still unbeatable.
The Japan Rail Pass is a multi-purpose train ticket. It allows unlimited use of all Japan Rail National trains, buses, ferries and airport transfers.
The JR Pass allows you to travel with ease and save time during your stay, even on Shinkansen trains, without having to purchase a new ticket for each trip.
Additionally, JR Pass holders will be able to enjoy discounts at some of Japan's most popular tourist attractions starting October 2023.
The extreme increase in prices
Tourism to Japan has once again skyrocketed; many industries and even local governments are considering how to charge and tax services.
JR, the company that manages the country's high-speed shinkansen train service, has been offering 7- and 14-day unlimited ride passes for years. In fact, with the JR Pass it is possible to use the Shinkansen, the famous bullet train, with unlimited rides; the only requirement is to book your trips in advance.
For those who don't know, the prices of a shinkansen ticket can vary from €50 to €100 per ride, depending on the route. This makes us understand that despite the increase in prices, the cost of the Japan Rail Pass is still useful and convenient, especially if you have to travel to different parts of the city or country.
However, the pass will now have an additional cost. In fact, as of October 2023, season ticket prices have increased by nearly 70%. The positive side of the price increase: the new ticket will allow access to the faster Nozomi and Mizuho services, which were excluded from the previous ticket.
What does the Japan Rail Pass include?
As we said, the Japan Rail Pass allows you to use all trains and public transport belonging to the Japan Rail National company. This for example includes most public transport in Tokyo, the Shinkansen line and several lines in cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and many others across the country.
Travel with us
Japan Italy Bridge has just launched its exclusive “Your Japan”, a trip to Japan tailor-made for Italian tourists. This autumn, you will have the chance to go with us to Tokyo. An All Inclusive experience that will allow you to discover the beauties of the capital of Japan. Japan Italy Bridge will take care of everything, from booking flights and hotels to planning your travel plan. Furthermore, our guides will leave with you from Italy and will accompany you along the entire Japanese route.
So what are you waiting for? The time has come to pack your suitcase and travel with us!
Bandai Namco: il paradiso di gamer e otaku
“Bandai Namco”, especially if you know the world of video games, anime and manga. However, if there is anyone who doesn't know it yet, we'll introduce it to you: Bandai Namco Entertainment is one of the leading companies in the entertainment sector with a wide range of activities and a strong worldwide presence. Its iconic franchises ("Tekken", "Soulcalibur", "Dark Souls", "Tales of", "Ace Combat", "Dragon Ball" to name a few) make it a dominant force in the gamer and otaku world!
The company also operates numerous amusement arcades and theme parks and, in the heart of Akihabara, known as the Japanese electronics and pop culture district, stands Namco Akihabara, also known as Namco Namjatown: a popular 6-story entertainment complex!
Namco Akihabara
Gamers, collectors of action figures, trading cards and anime lovers are you listening? Good, because this is your paradise!
The first two floors are full of "claw machines" (or "crane games" or prize cranes, where it is possible to grab your prize through a sort of "paw" and a mechanism of the machine): you can try to win everything that you enjoy spending a lot of time (and money!!) chasing the most coveted prize!
The third floor is dedicated to arcade games including eight Taiko no Tatsujin drum machines. You really shouldn't lack rhythm and you must know how to be ready to sweat!
On the fourth floor, you will be impressed by the 800 Namco capsule toy machines (the famous gashapon ガシャポン) where you can win small gadgets of all kinds in a totally random way!
Going up to the fifth floor the world of Bandai collectable cards opens up and, if you feel well prepared, you could even try your hand at real card game battles!
But now let's go back down and go to the basement: do you know Gundam right? Very good, this is the place dedicated to its video games of which Bandai Namco owns the copyrights! There are 44 Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme Vs 2 OverBoost games available and special events are regularly held.
Of course, entry to the huge complex is free, with payment required just to play each game.
Ultimately, Namco Akihabara is a lively and fun place that perfectly represents the spirit of Akihabara and offers a unique experience for visitors to Tokyo, especially those who are interested in Japanese pop culture and entertainment… and….YOU COULD VISIT IT TOGETHER WITH US!
Your Japan - come to Japan with us
Your Japan is a project born from the minds of Japan Italy Bridge in collaboration with Giramondo Viaggi Grezzana and Bandai Namco. Together with our experts, you will have the opportunity to live a unique experience in the city of a thousand colours: Tokyo.
One of the largest megacities in the world where modernity coexists with traditional Japan. An almost perfect fusion that allows us to move from the zen atmospheres of the gardens of the Imperial Palace, up to the lively neighborhoods of Shinjuku and Akihabara. And it is precisely in this last area that the horizons open up to all manga and anime lovers. No matter how old you are, here is the right place to find "old" historical video games, or the newest releases on the market. From classic names such as Pac-man to Dragon Ball, passing through famous titles such as Kenshiro, City Hunter, Saint Seiya up to more recent titles such as Tekken.
Our partners
The GiraMondo Viaggi brand was born in the historic center of Verona in 1979 with a single travel agency. Over the years, the brand grew, becoming a group, with many travel agencies, present on the national and international territory.
There are currently around one hundred agencies, with the GiraMondo brand, each with its own shop and unique location in Italy and abroad.
A leader in the global entertainment industry, BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe publishes and distributes video games and entertainment products in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific. The company philosophy is "More Fun For Everyone".
The group's mission is to bring "more fun for all" around the world, with the aim of becoming the leaders of innovation in global entertainment.
From their European headquarters in Lyon they work on titles such as Pac-Man, Soulcalibur, Tekken and Dark Souls… as well as new projects such as Little Nightmares, Twin Mirror and The Dark Pictures.
The tour leaders of "Your Japan"
Our package is designed to give you all the attention necessary for you to experience a unique and unforgettable experience. In fact, our Italian staff will assist you for the entire duration of the trip. Our tour leaders will depart from Malpensa with you and will accompany you for the entire duration of your stay, until your return to Italy.
In these 8 days, our staff will take you to discover the Japanese capital, with exclusive experiences and trips out of town to also admire the Momiji, the period of the year in which the change of foliage takes place.
Among Ginko trees, temples and skyscrapers, you will have the opportunity to live an unforgettable and above all all-inclusive experience. Our package was created to give travelers the opportunity to not have to think about anything other than enjoying the beauty of this fantastic land. You will therefore not have to worry about flights, hotels or guided tours because everything is included in the price. Furthermore, for those who book by June 30th, they will also have an additional €100 discount per room.
So, what are you waiting for? It's time to pack your suitcase and travel with us!