Rikugien

image source

Rikugien is one of Tokyo's lovelies landscaped gardens, filled with gorgeous maple and cherry trees. Visit in autumn when the leaves turn into shades of red, amber and gold. Built in 1702 by feudal lord Yabagisawa Yoshiyasu, who is famous for his literary accomplishments, Rikugien means "six poems garden". It is said that 88 scenes from the famous poem were recreated along the path surrounding the pond. It will take about an hour to wander around the pond, forested areas and tea houses. In fact, you may quickly forget that you're in one of the world's largest bustling cities.

Showa Kinen Park

image source

Built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Showa's reign, this huge park is filled with maple trees. Meander along the tree-lined paths or go cycling, boating or jogging here. Enjoy bird-watching in the bird sanctuary, splash water in the Water Playland or visit the Children's Forest, where the highlight is the "Foggy Woods" area covered in artificial fog. There is also a Flower Tree Garden that features gorgeous cherry trees.

Meiji Jingu

image source

One of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan, Meiji Jingu was build in 1920 as a dedication to the souls of Emperor Meiji, the emperor of modern Japan, and his consort, Empress Shoken. Located in a wooded park area next to the popular Yoyogi Park, the shrine was rebuilt after being destroyed during World War II.

Various events and festivals are help throughout the year. The Imperial family members, particularly the current Emperor and Empress, frequent the shrine during special occasions. The shrine is packed on holiday, such as January 1 and November 3 (Emperor Meiji's birthday). Many weddings are help here too, and it is common to see solemn processions led by a temple priest with traditional wear. Sometimes you will also see small children dressed in kimonos and accompanied by their parents to get blessings at the temple.

Tokyo Tower

image source

The Tokyo Tower has been the world's tallest self-supporting steel tower since its completion in 1958. The 333-metre tower is modeled after Paris' Eiffel Tower, only it's 13 metres taller. Today it efficiently serves as a TV and radio broadcast antenna.

From the main observatory, you will get a 360-degree bird's eye view of Tokyo. Grab a coffee there and pick a souvenir at the store before heading further up to the special observatory, where Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance. In the evenings, the city's glittering neon lights are an amazing sight. You also can visit the Guinness World Records Museum on the ground floor as well.

Tsukiji

image source

Although the massive Tsukiji fish market is not the best place to bring children, families can certainly visit the outer market to browse through the small shops and have a sushi breakfast.

The market's inner section is where licensed wholesalers auction a plethora of fish and seafood as early as 5am, while the outer market sell kitchen tools, tableware, snacks, and all manner of dried, smoked and pickled seafood.

It is also a morning ritual for many to swing by one of the eateries flanking the market for hot noodles, tempura, and of course, sushi and sashimi. Tsukiji fish market is open daily except on Sundays and two Wednesdays per month.

Shinjuku

image source

This massive shopping, entertainment and business district has several major department stores. The Isetan and Takashimaya department store offer a good variety of clothes for men, women and children. Their basement food halls are highly recommended as there is so much great food to sample at reasonable prices. There, you can pick up some beautifully packed wagashi or Japanese confectionery to lug home.

The flagship Isetan store at Shinjuku has an amazing food hall that features plenty of fresh and ready-cooked food, plus exquisite French pastries by Pierre Herme and Jean-Paul Hevin.

Be alert of a giant dancing squid while swimming!

Please do not poop on the tree!

Cool, what type of burger is termed “Yo baby burger?”

Actually reads: “Watch for children...they could be yours.” What is the purpose of this sign? Do kids in Quebec usually go to the road and then become unconscious?

An emergency brake found in a Dutch train. Nevertheless, someone purposely wrote “room service” on it, which means pull here for room service!

Be careful; do not let the sea claim your car!

Coffee and what?! Some snack of SNAKE...

If your dog has a giant hair on his neck, he will be the next king.

Wait! The ducklings and their mother are crossing the road.

The poop is in an odd shape, it looks like charcoal ice cream.

...the latest design of a toilet ball?

Hmmm ... lost the faith in GOD?

It is Ok you do not speak Dutch, as “urinoir” means...

The sign says “Warning! Trying to climb the bin is dangerous.” Someone may change his mind at the last minute by climbing into this old clothes collection bin and be mistaken for donation.

Do not use your laptop while...

The sign means, “Take your dog's poop home!” Oops, poop has feelings, too! The poop has an angry face, how funny is that?!

Hey, kid, you do not hit your target!

...have people really locked and suffocated their toddlers in the plastic bin that call for a warning sign???

Awesome! Monkeys or coworkers...

Hmmm ... an emergency meeting area...

The sign in Japanese reads: “Smoking in a clump of people is bad. People's coats are mostly expensive.”

Wow, UFO ...an alien abduction area?!

Naked men with hats not allowed entering the church.

Oh no...Is this “modern” corpse transportation? Why is this stiff dead man still smiling?

What kind of bin is this? Do not put fish or a bag in the bin or it will bite you. ...oh no, dwarves and children cannot use it too...hmmm...anyway do not stick your head in it.

Danger! You will be chased by possessed construction machinery"....

No passing gas here, please!

An explosive car should not be here!

Do not flush baby bottle, fork, syringe, bottle, cup and underwear down the toilet!

Attention! Mr. Superman, do not cross here!

Mr. Elk: “Hey you alien baby, do not touch my antler velvet!”

Do not laser your hand! It will turn black!

Japan Tobacco made a series of these posters to encourage smokers to be more polite about litter and smoking in public places. Some of them are indeed very poetic.

Do not smoke here or a man in a top black hat will break one of your legs with a smile.

Shut up! Let us go! (A comedy group called "Eure Muetter" means “Your mother” is coming around to present their new program "Nix da "Leck mich!" Auf geht's!" that means "Shut up! Let us go!")

Mr. Pooper, do not poop here, please!

In the name of love, STOP!!!

If you let wheels and turtles roll into the bowl, you are not going to rocket away by the power of your bowel!

Oops, upside down ducks like swimming in the garbage ponds?!

Hmmm……..toilet for two headed female?!

For those who aim the best………probably this is the right place.

Wow, what kind of coffee is this?

Confused…….Non? Oui?

“WRONG WAY” or “GNORW YAW” ……???

The sign says in Spanish, “Jesus Christ is the remedy...?”

Oops … A tree with a BRA. Awesome though!

Hmmm… Does the sign that is located upside down means that one can queue across the intersection?

Perhaps this is not a good place to buy foods.

Female may feel nervous of using this restroom.

Ideal place for one stop shopping: buy some real estates, get a haircut and a divorce for $99.