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Time Business News
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Tokyo Go-Kart: A Unique Adventure in the Heart of Japan
Tokyo, a city famous for its vibrant culture, futuristic technology, and traditional charm, offers an abundance of unique experiences for tourists and locals alike. One such experience that stands out is Tokyo Go-Karting. Imagine zooming through the busy streets of this bustling metropolis in a go-kart, dressed as your favorite character, all while experiencing the city's stunning skyline and landmarks from a completely different perspective. Tokyo Go-Kart provides an exhilarating and one-of-a-kind adventure that combines speed, fun, and sightseeing. What is Tokyo Go-Kart? Tokyo Go-Kart is an exciting and interactive way to explore the streets of Tokyo in a go-kart, allowing participants to drive through the city's urban streets while dressed in cosplay outfits. This unique activity is a fun and exhilarating way to experience the city's sights while navigating through traffic on a go-kart, which is not only an unconventional method of transport but also a thrilling one. The idea behind Tokyo Go-Kart is simple yet creative. Visitors can rent a go-kart, don a costume (from characters like Mario, Spider-Man, or even Naruto), and take a guided tour or explore Tokyo independently. The go-karts are street-legal, which means they can drive on public roads just like any regular car. The tours typically include iconic locations around Tokyo, such as Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Tower, and the Tokyo Skytree, all while offering a fun and adrenaline-filled experience. How Does Tokyo Go-Karting Work? Tokyo Go-Karting is an easily accessible experience for tourists who want to see the city in an entirely different way. Here's how it works: 1. Renting the Go-Kart Renting a go-kart in Tokyo is straightforward. There are various companies offering go-kart rentals in the city. After booking a session, participants are required to provide a valid international driver's license. You will need to be at least 18 years old and have experience driving a vehicle. Once you've completed the rental process, you'll be given a go-kart, a helmet, and a selection of fun costumes to choose from. 2. Choosing Your Costume One of the most exciting parts of Tokyo Go-Kart is the costume options. Participants can choose from a range of fun and quirky outfits. From popular video game characters like Mario and Luigi to superheroes like Spider-Man or even anime characters like Sailor Moon, the selection of costumes adds an extra layer of fun to the experience. You can take your pick and get ready for your go-karting adventure in style. 3. Touring Tokyo Once you've picked your costume and hopped into your go-kart, you can either join a guided tour or drive independently. The guided tours are led by experienced instructors who know the best spots to visit, ensuring that you don't miss the major attractions of the city. Alternatively, if you're feeling more adventurous, you can opt for a self-guided route and navigate your way through the streets with a map or GPS. 4. Safety Safety is a top priority when engaging in Tokyo Go-Karting. All participants are required to wear helmets, and the go-karts are equipped with safety features to ensure a smooth and secure ride. While driving on public roads, participants must obey traffic rules and regulations, and the karts are not allowed to exceed certain speeds to maintain safety. Additionally, participants are briefed about safe driving practices before embarking on their adventure. Where Can You Go Go-Karting in Tokyo? Tokyo Go-Karting takes you through the streets of some of the most iconic neighborhoods and landmarks in the city. Some of the popular routes and spots include: 1. Shibuya Crossing One of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, Shibuya Crossing is a must-see in Tokyo. As you zip across the bustling intersection in your go-kart, you'll feel like you're in the heart of Tokyo's frenetic energy. This is a perfect spot for photos, as you zoom past the famous screens and buildings. 2. Tokyo Tower Tokyo Tower, one of the city's most recognizable landmarks, offers incredible panoramic views of the entire city. Driving around this iconic structure in a go-kart adds a new layer of excitement, especially when you can stop for a quick picture in front of it. 3. Akihabara If you're a fan of anime, video games, and electronics, Akihabara is the place to be. Known as Tokyo's 'Electric Town,' it's filled with vibrant shops and arcades. Driving through Akihabara in a go-kart while dressed as your favorite character is an unforgettable experience, combining pop culture with the city's electric atmosphere. 4. Asakusa and Sensoji Temple Asakusa is home to one of Tokyo's most famous landmarks, the Sensoji Temple. Driving past this historic area while surrounded by traditional architecture offers a contrast to the modern vibe of the city. It's a great way to explore the fusion of old and new in Tokyo. 5. Odaiba Odaiba is a man-made island that features attractions such as the Rainbow Bridge, the Giant Unicorn Gundam statue, and various shopping malls. It's an excellent location for go-karting due to its scenic routes and fun spots for pictures. The Benefits of Tokyo Go-Kart Tokyo Go-Kart offers a range of benefits that make it a fantastic activity for both tourists and locals. 1. Unique Sightseeing Experience Traditional sightseeing tours involve buses or walking, but Tokyo Go-Kart allows you to explore the city from a completely different perspective. You get to be behind the wheel of a go-kart, making it an exciting way to discover the city's best attractions, all while feeling the breeze and excitement of driving through one of the most dynamic cities in the world. 2. Costumes and Fun The cosplay aspect of Tokyo Go-Karting adds a fun twist to the experience. Whether you're a fan of video games, anime, or superheroes, dressing up as your favorite character enhances the sense of adventure and allows you to unleash your inner child. 3. Adrenaline Rush Driving a go-kart through Tokyo is not just about sightseeing; it's also about the thrill. Navigating through Tokyo's bustling streets while driving at a safe speed is a heart-pumping experience. The rush of being on the road, surrounded by the city's skyline and landmarks, makes for an unforgettable ride. 4. Socializing and Group Fun Tokyo Go-Kart is a perfect activity for groups of friends, families, or even solo travelers. It's a great way to bond with others while having a blast on the road. If you're a solo traveler, you'll likely meet new people during your tour, which can lead to memorable experiences and connections. Conclusion Tokyo Go-Karting is an exciting and unconventional way to see the sights of one of the world's most vibrant cities. Whether you're zooming past Shibuya Crossing or driving around Tokyo Tower, the experience offers a unique combination of sightseeing, thrill, and cosplay fun. With safety measures in place and a range of options for costumes and routes, Tokyo Go-Kart is an unforgettable adventure that blends speed, fun, and excitement into one dynamic package. So, if you're looking for a new and exhilarating way to explore Tokyo, hop into a go-kart and take to the streets for an adventure like no other. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Tokyo Weekender
01-05-2025
- Tokyo Weekender
Japan in May: The Best Things To Do and Places To Visit
May in Japan presents travelers with a country in full bloom beyond just cherry blossoms. With comfortable temperatures and nature at its most vibrant, it's an excellent time to explore both popular destinations and off-the-beaten-path locations. The early part of the month sees Golden Week celebrations bringing festivals and events nationwide, while late May offers a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer tourists and some of the year's best weather conditions. List of Contents: May Travel Overview Popular Activities and Things To Do in May Top Destinations To Visit in May Travel Tips and Recommendations Related Posts May Travel Overview Weather: May is relatively comfortable throughout Japan, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Northern regions remain cooler while southern areas such as Kyushu and Okinawa experience early summer warmth. Golden Week: This cluster of national holidays (April 29–May 5) makes early May one of Japan's busiest travel periods, with crowded attractions and higher prices for accommodation and transportation. Traveling in mid-to-late May means fewer crowds, beautiful weather and lush greenery across the country as spring reaches its peak. May represents a sweet spot between spring and summer, offering clear skies before the rainy season (typically beginning in early June in most regions). Popular Activities and Things To Do in May Attending May Festivals and Cultural Events May is rich with festivals throughout Japan. Along with incredible flower festivals for the peak of the wisteria season , the country is full of cultural festivals. One of the most famous Japanese holidays in May is the Koinobori Festival, or Children's Day, on May 5. See colorful carp streamers displayed throughout the city, especially at Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree Town, symbolizing children's health and growth. In Kyoto, the Aoi Matsuri on May 15 features a procession of people dressed in Heian-period costumes parading from the Imperial Palace to Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines. The Kanda Matsuri, one of Tokyo's three major festivals, is held in odd-numbered years in mid-May, with elaborate floats and portable shrines carried through the streets. For a colorful spectacle, head to Chiba Prefecture for the Sawara Grand Festival in late May, where beautifully decorated floats compete with musical performances. In Fukuoka, the Hakata Dontaku Port Festival, held during Golden Week, is one of Japan's largest festivals, featuring colorful parades and traditional performances. What is Golden Week? The History Behind Japan's Longest Holidays Shiraito Falls in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Outdoor Adventures: Hiking and Nature Experiences May's mild temperatures make it perfect for hiking Japan's beautiful trails. The Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers spectacular views of Mount Fuji against clear skies, while at the Fuji Shibazakura Festival (usually until late May) you can see displays of pink moss phlox carpeting the ground at the mountain's base. In Gunma Prefecture, the Oze National Park opens its trails in mid-May, showcasing vast marshlands and alpine flowers. The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes in Wakayama Prefecture are particularly beautiful in May, with lush forests and pleasant hiking conditions. For a more accessible nature experience, the Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki Prefecture features blue nemophila flowers covering the hills in early May, creating a stunning azure landscape. Wisteria Flower in bloom Flower Viewing Beyond Cherry Blossoms While the cherry blossom season concludes in most of Japan by early May, other floral displays take center stage. Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi Prefecture hosts its famous wisteria festival until mid-May, with spectacular purple wisteria tunnels. The Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Garden in Kitakyushu similarly showcases stunning wisteria tunnels in early May. For azalea lovers, Nezu Shrine in Tokyo holds its Bunkyo Azalea Festival, displaying approximately 3,000 azalea bushes of various colors. In Hokkaido, late May brings the tulip season at Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park, with over 1 million tulips creating a Dutch-inspired landscape on Japan's northernmost island. Seaside Getaways: Early Beach Season While May might be too early for swimming in most parts of Japan, the water temperatures in Okinawa are around 25 degrees Celsius. Ishigaki and Miyako Islands offer pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling among coral reefs. On the main islands, the Izu Peninsula (easily accessible from Tokyo) provides beautiful coastal scenery, with beaches like Shirahama offering relaxing seaside walks. The Shonan coast near Kamakura becomes lively in late May as locals begin to enjoy beach activities and seaside restaurants open their terraces. For a unique coastal experience, the tide-controlled road to Enoshima Island creates a magical atmosphere during low tide, allowing visitors to walk the path to this sacred island filled with shrines and botanical gardens. Top Destinations To Visit in May Northern Japan: Hokkaido and Tohoku In Hokkaido in May, visitors can experience Japan's northernmost island coming to life after winter. Sapporo's parks burst with colorful tulips and lilacs, while the Shikisai-no-Oka flower fields in Biei displays rainbow-colored flower stripes across rolling hills. For cherry blossom chasers, northern Hokkaido's late bloom in mid-May provides a final chance to experience hanami season. The Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival showcases over 10,000 cherry trees of 250 varieties blooming around the historic Matsumae Castle. In Tohoku, the Kakunodate Samurai District in Akita Prefecture combines late-blooming weeping cherry trees with preserved samurai residences, allowing visitors to slip back in time. The Aizu region in Fukushima Prefecture offers comfortable temperatures for exploring its samurai history and the scenic Lake Inawashiro without the summer crowds. Central Japan: Tokyo, Kanto and Chubu May is a great month to explore some of Tokyo's most iconic outdoor attractions, such as Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Park, which are now showcasing late-spring flowers. For day trips from the capital, Kamakura offers a combination of historical temples and hiking trails. The alpine route through the Japanese Alps fully opens in May, with the spectacular Kurobe Dam and snow corridors in Tateyama creating dramatic scenery. Nikko National Park, with its famous shrines and natural beauty, is particularly stunning in May when crowds are smaller than during peak seasons. In Yamanashi Prefecture, the Fuji Five Lakes region offers perfect views of Mount Fuji reflected in lakes like Kawaguchiko, with the added bonus of the Fuji Shibazakura Festival displaying pink moss against the mountain backdrop until late May. Miyajima, Hiroshima Western Japan: Kansai and Chugoku Kyoto in May is significantly less crowded than during cherry blossom season while remaining spectacularly beautiful. The vibrant green of fresh maple leaves at temples like Tofukuji creates a peaceful atmosphere for exploring the city's cultural treasures, including the Aoi Matsuri festival on May 15. The sacred island of Miyajima near Hiroshima is ideal to visit in May before summer humidity sets in. The island's famous 'floating' torii gate and wild deer create magical photo opportunities without the crowds of high season. For nature lovers, Yoshino in Nara Prefecture transitions from cherry blossoms to verdant forests, offering peaceful hiking through sacred mountains. The remote Oki Islands in Shimane Prefecture become accessible in May as ferry services increase, providing a glimpse of untouched Japan with dramatic coastal scenery and traditional villages. Takachiho Gorge Southern Japan: Kyushu and Okinawa Kyushu in May offers comfortable temperatures for exploring its dramatic landscapes. Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki Prefecture, with its mystical atmosphere and rowing boats available to navigate between towering cliffs, is particularly enjoyable before the summer heat arrives. The hot spring town of Kurokawa Onsen in Kumamoto Prefecture provides a perfect May retreat, with outdoor baths surrounded by lush spring foliage, creating a serene environment for relaxation. In Okinawa, May brings ideal conditions before the rainy season and summer heat. The Kerama Islands offer world-class snorkeling and diving with visibility at its peak. The remote Yaeyama Islands, including Iriomote with its mangrove forests and Taketomi with its traditional Ryukyu village, showcase a different side of Japan. Naoshima pumpkin Yayoi Kusama Setouchi Triennale 2025 Travel Tips and Recommendations Transportation in Japan in May Golden Week sees extremely high demand for all transportation, with bullet trains, flights and rental cars often fully booked months in advance. If traveling during this period, reserve everything as early as possible and expect to pay premium prices. For travel outside Golden Week, the Japan Rail Pass is still pretty good value for foreign visitors planning to cover multiple regions. Consider regional passes such as the Hokkaido Rail Pass or the JR Kyushu Pass if focusing on specific areas to save on transportation costs. In major cities, IC cards like Suica or Pasmo streamline transit on trains, buses and even convenience store purchases. These can be especially helpful during busier periods by allowing you to skip ticket machines. Accommodation in Japan in May Book accommodation several months in advance if traveling during Golden Week, as availability becomes extremely limited and prices can double or triple. Consider basing yourself in nearby smaller cities rather than major tourist hubs to find better availability. For late May travel, ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) offer an atmospheric cultural experience, with many featuring seasonal kaiseki cuisine highlighting spring ingredients. Budget travelers visiting outside Golden Week will find good options with business hotels in city centers or minshuku (family-run guesthouses) in rural areas. Packing Tips May requires versatile clothing due to temperature variations throughout the week and even over the course of one day. Pack layers that can be added or removed easily, including light cardigans or jackets for cooler evenings, especially in northern regions or mountainous areas. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as May's pleasant weather encourages exploration on foot. Include a light rain jacket or compact umbrella, as sporadic showers can occur, particularly in late May as the rainy season approaches southern areas. Sun protection becomes increasingly important, including sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for outdoor activities, especially in southern regions like Kyushu and Okinawa where UV levels are higher. Budget Planning Prices drop significantly after Golden Week for both accommodation and transportation, while weather conditions remain excellent. Many attractions offer discounted combination tickets that can save 20-30% compared to individual purchases. For dining, look for teishoku (set meals) at local restaurants, which typically offer great value while showcasing seasonal ingredients. Department store basement food halls ( depachika ) also provide ready-to-eat delicacies at reasonable prices. Many museums and cultural facilities offer free or discounted admission on specific days each month — research these opportunities in advance to optimize your budget while experiencing Japan's cultural offerings. Related Posts Where To See Wisteria Across Japan: Best Spots and Peak Bloom Dates What is Golden Week? The History Behind Japan's Longest Holidays Stunning Flower Festivals in Japan To Visit This Spring
CNBC
29-04-2025
- Business
- CNBC
Asia-Pacific markets set to track Wall Street gains ahead of key regional data
Cityscape and Tokyo Tower at sunset, Tokyo, Japan. © Marco Bottigelli | Moment | Getty Images Asia-Pacific markets are set to climb Wednesday, tracking Wall Street gains while anticipating a slew of key economic data in the region. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 is set to open higher, with the futures contract in Chicago at 36,080 while its counterpart in Osaka last traded at 36,070, against the index's last close of 35,839.99. Australia's benchmark S&P/ASX 200 is set to rise, with futures standing at 8,025, up from the index's close of 8,070.6. The Bank of Japan kickstarts its policy meeting on Wednesday, and is widely expected to hold rates at 0.5% when the meeting concludes on Thursday. Investors will also be waiting on a slew of key economic data in the region. China will be reporting its PMI data for April while Japan is slated to release its industrial output and retail sales data for March. Australia is expected to report its inflation data for the first quarter of the year. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that tariff negotiations with India are "coming along great," and he believes the U.S. will strike a trade deal with the South Asian nation. Speaking at a White House press briefing, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration also held "substantial talks" with Japan over a possible trade deal, and that "the contours of a deal" with South Korea could be coming together. Stock futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average were little changed Tuesday night after the blue-chip index posted its longest winning run since July. Futures tied to the 30-stock Dow fell 6 points, or 0.01%. S&P 500 futures slipped 0.2%, while Nasdaq 100 futures lost 0.4%. Overnight stateside, the three major averages closed higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose on Tuesday, hitting its highs of the day. The Dow climbed 300.03 points, or 0.75%, to close at 40,527.62. The S&P 500 gained 0.58%, ending at 5,560.83. Both indexes posted a sixth straight positive day, marking the longest win streak since July for the Dow and since November for the S&P 500. The Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.55%, settling at 17,461.32. — CNBC's Sean Conlon, Alex Harring and Erin Doherty contributed to this report. The three major averages rose on Tuesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 300.03 points, or 0.75%, to finish at 40,527.62. The S&P 500 gained 0.58% to close at 5,560.83, and the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.55% to end at 17,461.32. — Sean Conlon John Paulson, who made a killing during the great financial crisis, sees gold rising to almost $5,000 an ounce by 2028 amid trade tensions and central banks' buying, according to an interview with Reuters. Gold is widely viewed as a safe-haven asset and a hedge against rising global uncertainties. The bullion climbed in an unprecedented rally to notch a record high at $3,500.05 an ounce last week. "It's a well-informed prediction. I think that's a reasonable number," Paulson said. "As central banks and people look to put their money in a more stable source … I think gold will increase its position in the world." The famed investor is the largest shareholder in Idaho gold and antimony developer Perpetua Resources. He also bought a 40% stake in NovaGold's Donlin gold project in Alaska from Barrick. — Yun Li
Time Out
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
The new OneRepublic music video features a kaiju hanging out in Tokyo
Monsters in Tokyo? Totally normal. But seeing a reptilian kaiju star in OneRepublic's latest music video? That was a fun surprise. In the band's music video for the new single 'Invincible', you'll see a retired monster living its best life in Tokyo as it strolls the streets, hangs out in a park, goes grocery shopping, and even rides the Yamanote line. Tokyoites might recognise a few of the spots featured in the video, including the area around Shibuya Station as well as Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park. Excited by OneRepublic's live performance in Tokyo – which it watches on TV – the monster ends up destroying Tokyo Tower, with the iconic structure breaking in half by the end of the video. 'Invincible' is OneRepublic's second ending theme song featured in the first season of the anime 'Kaiju No. 8'. The band has also contributed another hit to the same show: 'Nobody' was its first ending theme. Catch the full video for 'Invincible' on YouTube.
Japan Times
16-02-2025
- Politics
- Japan Times
Tokyo and Seoul towers light up to mark anniversary of ties
Tokyo/Seoul – Tokyo Tower and N Seoul Tower were lit up simultaneously on Saturday night in an event organized by the Japanese and South Korean governments to commemorate the 60th anniversary this year of the normalization of the two countries' diplomatic ties. Tokyo Tower was lit in white, red and blue, which are the colors of the South Korean national flag, while a logo of the 60th anniversary was projected on N Seoul Tower. Ambassadors from Japan and South Korea respectively attended the lighting ceremonies in the two countries. Speaking in Seoul, Japanese Ambassador to South Korea Koichi Mizushima said, "We want to continue to light the fires of friendship and trust between Japan and South Korea so that we can move toward a better future." South Korean Ambassador to Japan Park Cheol-hee said in Tokyo, "The development of South Korea-Japan relations is the result of the efforts of many people and overcoming many difficulties."
