Place of Interest

Japan (Tokyo)

Tokyo Station
Tokyo station is a starting point for sightseeing. It is a mammoth five-storied station, housing department stores and souvenir shops. The gigantic Yaesu Underground Shopping Arcade and Chuo-dori Thoroughfare form a fine shopping promenade. The still preserved brick building of the station facing the Marunouchi side is a traditional landmark, part of which is utilized as a hotel.

Shinjuku
Shinjiku is a fast developing shopping and amusement quarter in Tokyo, and one of Tokyo's largest commuter terminals. Shinjuku is split into three major spots: along Shinjuku Street, the Kabukicho district and the west side of the station. Shinjuku Street is a fine shopping quarter lined with large department stores, fashionable specialty shops, restaurants and bars. The street forms a pedestrians' paradise on Sundays and national holidays. The Kabukicho district is an amusement section featuring Koma Stadium, cinemas, bars and snack shops. Discotheque bars are also a lure. It is a town for the young and adventurous. The west side of the station is a newly emerging business quarter based on a large-scale city development plan. Several skyscrapers soar including the new Metropolitan Government Buildings. They are new Tokyo landmarks.

Shinjuku Gyoen Park
Shinjuku Gyoen Park is a 5-min. walk from Shinjuku-Gyoen-mae subway station. It is a fine blend of Japanese and Western-style gardens. It is also a good public recreation ground, featuring irises in May and chrysanthemum shows in November. The park is open from 9am to 4pm.

Shibuya
Shibuya is a quickly growing modern shopping and amusement town developing around the station: a cluster of department stores, cozy shops, restaurants and bars. Shibuya draws family shoppers and students as well. It serves as a starting point for exploring Meiji Shrine and its gardens, Yoyogi Olympic Park and Harajuku, a town for the young as well as two fine night spots, Akasaka and Roppongi.

Meiji Shrine
Meiji Shrine, in front of Harajuku Station, is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his consort. The Shrine precincts are well known for the thick-wooded Inner Garden. Its iris garden, rich in varieties, is one of the best in Tokyo. At the shine's festival, Bugaku or court music and dance is presented on the front stage. The Outer Garden is connected by a broad cherry tree-lined avenue. It contains the Memorial Picture Gallery and various sports facilities, including the National Stadium. On the shrine grounds stands Yoyogi Forest Park. The park has five entrances that lead to a strolling lane and a bicycle route.

Harajuku
Harajuku is a fashionable town popular among young people. Many trendy shops and restaurants as well as tea shops are located in the area. Harajuku's image is that of a modern, fashionable town. A scene worth exploring on Sundays is the young amateur rock bands playing near Harajuku Station. A few minutes' walk from Harajuku is Yoyogi Sports Center. It is a sports mecca for Tokyoites, along with the Komazawa Sports Center. Here are two huge ultra-modern structures, the National Indoor Stadium and its shell-shaped Annex constructed for the 1964 Olympics.

Akasaka
Akasaka is a night spot, offering a great variety of nightlife. The Japanese-style restaurants are mostly of high quality and very expensive, while the bars and snack shops in the large buildings are less expensive, and are thronged by office workers and young people. It also houses many fashionable shopping places like the Shopping Corridor of the Akasaka Tokyu Hotel.

Roppongi
Roppongi, centering around Roppongi Intersection is a town for the young and adventurous. Snack shops and bars are open into the wee hours, drawing many night owls. In the daytime, it has an international atmosphere since there are many foreigners working in this district.

Tokyo Waterfront (Rainbow Town)
Rainbow Town, built on reclaimed land in the Port of Tokyo and opened in 1996, has become one of the hottest visitors' spots in Tokyo. It is easily accessible from downtown Tokyo via the "Yurikamome", a new transit system which originates at JR Shimbashi station and runs along Rainbow Bridge. Those who have plenty of time can also cross the bridge on foot. Access is also possible from Asakusa by ferry.

Taiwan

CKS Memorial Hall
Mammoth square with parade grounds built in homage to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek. Perched above the main hall us a modest 25-ton statue of the man. Documents and photographs from the decades of Nationalist rule are housed below. This is also the site of the National Concert Hall and National Theater.

National Palace Museum
Holds a vast collection of Chinese art and antiquities - the most valuable in the world. Divination bones, bronze vessels, priceless ceramic pieces, exquisite calligraphy and personal affects from as far back as the Sung Dynasty are on display.

Confucius Temple
A perennial ceremony honoring the sage Confucius is held at dawn on September 28th in this impressive temple and gardens.

Lungshan Temple
Originally constructed in 1740, Taipei's best known temple honors the deities Matsu, Goddess of the Sea, and Kuan Yin, Goddess of Mercy. Boasts fine column carvings and intricate roof work.

Lin Antai Homestead
Glimpse life in the last Chinese dynasty: visit this 30-room home built by wealthy Taipei merchants in 1829.

Jade & Antique Markets
Improbably located under the Chienkuo Expressway, the Weekend Jade Market is a straight forward affair with standard wares displayed on rows of tables. The Antique Market is a dingy weekend bazaar full of interesting trinkets.

Grand Hotel
A vast and ornate Chinese hotel overlooking Taipei from a hill on the Keelung River. It's size and vermillion facade make it the most recognizable landmark in Taipei.

Eslite Bookstore
Part of a retail comples in the Chunghsiao E Rd shopping area, Eslite Bookstore is open 24 hours a day. Large selection of imported magazines.

Liaoning Night Market
Conveniently located in the center of Taipei, this night market is exclusively dedicated to Taiwanese food and drink. Highly recommended.

Tihua Street
A market of small importers, wholesalers and retailers of sundry goods, Chinese medicines and textiles. Well worth a visit.
Snake Alley Night Market
Reptiles anyone? This crowded night market features interesting native dishes, amusing bobbles and various tonics derived from snake blood, bile or venom.

Shihlin Night Market
On the weekend, thousands swamp this threadbare network of alleys lain with bins of cheap clothing, shoes, watches, gadgets, etc. Try one or two of the local delicacies or pet a Pekinese puppy. The Market is conveniently across the street from the Chientan MRT stop. See the taxi index for other night markets.

Sun Yatsen Memorial Hall
Grounds and exhibition hall built in memory of Sun Yatsen, the father of modern China.

Topview Taipei
Panoramic view of Taipei. The smog laden atmosphere produces sunsets of sublime color and depth.

Presidential Office Building
Fine example of prewar architecture in Taiwan. An easy walk from CKS Memorial.

Chinese Handicraft Mart
Jewelry, ceramic pieces, calligraphy, sculpture, furniture, textiles and more. Moderate prices. Will ship anywhere in the world.

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