Tokyo, Japan 72-Hour Vacation

Tokyo National Museum
www.tnm.go.jp
See the highlights of Japanese art in one place; the second floor walks you through Japanese art from prehistoric statuary to arms and armor and woodblock printing.

Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum of Art
www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp
This is a small but very fine space, with changing collections of Japanese woodblock prints. Works by Hokusai and Hiroshige are just the tip of the iceberg.

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine
www.meijijingu.or.jp
This Shinto shrine honors the Emperor Meiji (1852-1912) who, in addition to consolidating the nation's capitals, is credited with bringing Japan into the modern age.

Sumida River Cruise
www.suijobus.co.jp
Enjoy a river cruise south along the Sumida River, beneath a dozen or so bridges.

The Shibuya district

Mega Web
www.megaweb.gr.jp
This "mega" auto theme park is a must for car lovers.

Miraikan
www.miraikan.jst.go.jp
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.

For more information, visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government tourism website at www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp or the Japan National Tourist Organization at www.jnto.go.jp or www.japantravelinfo.com.

WHEN TO TRAVEL

Tokyo’s weather is similar to that of Washington, DC. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for visiting, with the added bonus of potentially catching the cherry blossoms or hydrangeas in spring, or fall colors in the city’s parks. Although you should be prepared for rain any time of year, June and September tend to be the wettest months. Summers are hot and sticky. Winter weather is brisk and clear—you may even be able to see Mt. Fuji, 90 miles away, from the city center. Heavy snowfalls are rare in the city.