The Tallest Tower - Skytree, Tokyo

The Tokyo Skytree is a television broadcasting tower with observation and restaurants. It is located in Sumida city ward, very near to Asakusa. Skytree is Japan's tallest structure with height of 634 meters, also it is the tallest tower in the world and second tallest structure in the world.

 The observatories are at 350m and 450m with capacity of 2000 people and 900 people respectively. The construction started on July 14th, 2008 and opened from May 22nd, 2012.

The admission ticket is 2000yen for first observatory and 3000yen for first and second observatory. Also, 500yen service fee is charged for time specific advance reservations. Prior reservations can be made through internet from two months before visiting date on first come first served basis. But the website is in Japanese language not useful for foreigners.

Tokyo Skytree entrance is in the 4th floor of Tokyo Skytree town which is in between Tokyo Skytree station (formerly known as Narihirabashi Station) and Oshiage Station.

 

 

 Shopping malls at Skytree

Indian Restaurant at Skytree

  

Cafe at Skytree

 

View from Skytree Observatory

Illumination of Skytree

See-through from Skytree lift

 

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The Deer City - Nara And Todaiji Temple, Japan

Nara being the first capital city of Japan, is a wonderful place to visit. As it was the first capital there remains historic treasures including Japan's oldest and largest temples. It is just one hour from Osaka and Kyoto.

Lets have a look at one of the oldest and largest temple in Nara - Todaiji temple. It is very famous and also a landmark of Nara. Todaiji's main hall is world's largest wooden building. The Buddha statue inside is Japan's biggest bronze statue. The open hand alone is as big as a human being.

 

 

This pillar is a popular attraction in this temple. There is a hole in its base where the size of its is same as Buddha's nostrils. It is said that those who can squeeze in will have an enlightenment in their next life.

 Nara park is in central Nara. Nearly 1200 freely roaming deers have become a symbol of the city.

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Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion Temple in Kyoto, Japan

 Kinkakuji is in Kyoto(earlier capital of Japan) was earlier a villa called Kitayama-dai. Kinkakuji was formerly known as Rokuon-ji, which is a Zen Buddhist temple in Japan. The top two floors is covered by gold leaf. Temple is located in a magnificent strolling park. Kinkakuji was built to echo the extravagant Kitayama culture. Each floor represents a different style of architecture. It is opened from 9.00-17.00 and the entry fee is 400 yen

The first floor is built in the Shinden style (Heian Period style) with natural wood pillars and white plaster walls which complements the upper stories of the pavilion.

The second floor is built in the Bukke style (Style used in Samurai residence) where the exterior is completely covered by gold leaf.

Finally the third floor is built in a style of Chinese Zen hall and is capped with a golden phoenix.

Access - Kinkakuji is accessed from Kyoto station by bus. We had opted to drive.

Restaurants/Cafe - It is located in the main city so there are many restaurants and cafes.

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Universal Studios - Osaka, Japan

Universal Studios - the all-famous American film studio, is also the third oldest movie studio in the world and even in the USA.

The Universal Studios in Japan is located in the Osaka bay area. Osaka is a beautiful city and the third most expensive city in the world. The Universal Studios is an addition to the city which makes it more beautiful.

The Universal studios in Japan has several sections like Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Water World and much more.

The Entrance fee is 6,400 yen for elders, 4,300 for children, 5,700 for seniors. Even though the price is little high, its worth spending a day or two. Universal city walk Osaka is a huge mall just outside the gate, includes many shops, restaurants, stores which sells souvenirs and Universal studios merchandise.

Access: By Train - The entrance gate is just five minute walk from Universal City station on JR Yumesaki line. There are several trains from Osaka station which takes around 15 minute and costs around 170 yen.

              By Bus- Universal Studios is connected by bus from Kansai and Itami airports. There are overnight buses from other parts of Japan which stop at Universal studios. 

              By Ferry -  A ferry named "Captain Line" connects Universal Studios with Osaka Aquarium.

Restaurants/Cafes: There are varieties of restaurants and cafes in each area.

  

This was my visit to Universal Studios. Please do visit if you are in Japan. Don't miss it what-so-ever!

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