#TOKYO

Shibuya has been creating cutting-edge culture since the 1970's. There are 2 facilities that have always led this Shibuya culture. Thanks to a large-scale redevelopment project, big changes are underway in the area. From November to December of 2019, there were many new openings. One of which was the renovated Shibuya PARCO, which reopened November 22, 2019. Since the early 70's, it's featured leading fashions, and been a source of culture for both the visual and the performing arts. And the other is SHIBUYA109, a trend setting fashion complex for young women and an icon of the Shibuya district with more than 100 boutiques. While visiting these facilities, we will explore the secret of how Shibuya's unique culture has been created.

In this new episode, we'll take you to Omotesando, just next to Harajuku Takeshita Dori. Omotesando is a tree-lined avenue, serving as the main approach to Meiji Shrine. But it is sometimes referred to as Tokyo's Champs-Elysees: numerous stores, boutiques, cafes and restaurants, including several leading fashion brand shops, stand along the avenue. So, Omotesando has created a good contrast with Takeshita Dori targeting teenagers. This area is also home to some of Tokyo's most interesting architecture including Omotesando Hills by Tadao Ando, and Nezu Museum by Kengo Kuma.

This time we'll take you to Ginza, Tokyo's most famous shopping district. With everything from fashionable overseas boutiques to venerable Japanese department stores, the area is at heart of latest Tokyo trends. As a center for entertainment, it naturally became a place where the new and unusual came together. We'll tour starting from Ginza's latest shopping center to long-established famous stores that lasts 100 years in this area.

This time we'll visit Yurakucho, the area right next to Ginza. Yurakucho is just one stop from Tokyo Station where the Shinkansen departs and arrives. It was the first place where a Western-style theater was built in Japan, Yurakucho also developed as an entertainment city. In Yurakucho, the center of transportation and economy, the specialties from all over the country can be gathered and you can taste gourmets from all over Japan while staying in Tokyo. One of the most interesting draws is the lively restaurant district built up under the brick arches beneath the elevated train tracks. It maintains a charming, old neighborhood feeling. Please find out more about unknown Tokyo.

In this new episode, we'll focus on Tokyo Station. This station stands as the most accessible gateway to the rest of Japan with the bullet trains, Shinkansen. In spring 2020, the Tokaido Shinkansen has launched new services, such as the online reservation for foreign travelers. We'll give you some tips how to use the Shinkansen in wise way. The station also offers various services convenient for travelers that just you might need. So, let's explore one of the most biggest transport hubs in Japan.

Marunouchi is the east-side area of Tokyo Station. The station building on the Marunouchi side is a prominent red brick building, which dates from 1914 and was recently renovated its original appearance. Besides travel service, it offers a hotel, restaurants and an art gallery. Marunouchi, a business district just in front of Tokyo Station, represents Tokyo's first to emerge as the city grew out from a shogunate castle town to a modern metropolis. Let' find out more about "Modern meets Classic" in this city.