Three days in Tokyo
Lesson Description:
This lesson exposes the student to a number of challenges that travelers face. First, it exposes the students to various
tourist attractions around Tokyo. The students are then expected to choose among these attractions to put together a
three day vacation. Students are then expected to use the Tokyo subway map to plan the routes they would take to these
destinations. Finally, the students are expected to use a given exchange rate to convert US Dollars into Japanese Yen.
Time Required:
50 minutes
Materials:
1. One color copy per student of the Tokyo Subway map. Note to teachers, it would be best if this could be
enlarged so that the students can see it easier.
2. One overhead of the Tokyo Subway map. Teachers with internet access and the ability to project this map can
find a copy of the map at http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/subwaymap/pdf/routemap_en.pdf
3. Overhead copy of the sample problem to Rikugien Gardens
4. One copy of the lesson, describing the activity, for each student.
5. One copy, per student, of the worksheet.
6. Calculators to convert US Dollars into Yen
Procedure:
1. Hand out the lesson description, the worksheet and the Tokyo subway map to each student.
2. Project a copy of the subway map and find Suidobashi station (I11).
3. Pick a different station and have the students find it on their maps. Then have them find the route they
would take to that station. Continue to do this until students are comfortable with the subway system.
4. Show students how to convert from US Dollars to Japanese Yen. Give them several Dollar amounts to
practice.
5. With the students help, project the sample problem to Rikugien Gardens and work through it.
6. Have students silently read Three Days in Tokyo
7. Allow students time to complete the “Three Day” activity.
Three Days in Tokyo
It is the start of summer and your favorite uncle has just shown up at your house. He is scheduled to be in
Tokyo, Japan for a week long business trip and has invited you to go along. He tells you that he has meetings
for three of the days and suggests you use that time to visit some of the local sites on your own. To help you
out your uncle has left you with $150 US dollars and a subway card that allows you to travel anywhere in the
city. Assume that the exchange rate is $1 = 80 yen.
You are staying at the Tokyo Dome Hotel. The Tokyo Dome Hotel is conveniently located within minutes
from Suidobashi station (I11). This gives you access to the Tokyo subway system.
When you first look at the subway map it appears very complicated. However, if you study it for a few
minutes you will notice that it is actually very orderly. Each line is color coded and the stations are numbered.
This allows foreigners to get around the city without having to recognize the Japanese names.
Given the $150 dollars and your subway map, it is time to plan your three days. Use the attached worksheet to
plan your days until your uncle joins you.
The following can serve as an example:
A popular site in Tokyo is Rikugien Gardens. This was originally the estate of Yoshiyasu Yanagisawa, the right-hand
man of the 5th Shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate Tsunayoshi Tokugawa. Yoshiyasu himself designed the landscaped
garden, which has a circular path weaving through artificial hills. It has been designated as a National Special Place of
Scenic Beauty. It is located next to the Komagome Station. (N14) on the JR Yamanote Line. Admission is 300 yen.
Destination(s):_ Rikugien Gardens __________________
What you expect to see or do at destination?:_A pretty park with a landscaped
garden.
Subway route you take to get to your destination: I 11 to Korakuen Station. (N 11)
to Komagome Station. (N 14).
Cost in US dollars: $1 is equal to 80 yen so you need to divide the 300 yen into the
80 to find out how many dollars it costs. 300/80 = $3.75.
Amount you have left over: $150 – $3.75 = $146.25.
Listed below are some of the places you can visit over the next three day. Your job is to plan those days.
Asakusa:
Asakusa is the center of Tokyo's old downtown and is the thriving home to many temples. The area's shops with
their charming Edo facades and the hustle and bustle of the spirited local residents has made Asakusa one of
Tokyo's leading tourist attractions for many years. Step through the Kaminarimon (thunder gate) to enter a long
shopping arcade called the Nakamise which will take you to the Sensoji Temple also known the Asakusa
Kannon. Sensoji is the oldest temple in Tokyo and remains very popular.
Location: Asakusa Station (G19, A18)) on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.
Suggested time: 1 day
Admission: free
Edo Tokyo Museum
The Edo-Tokyo Museum was founded on March 28, 1993, as the place where visitors come to learn more about Tokyo’s
history and culture , and which also serves as a projection onto the city and the living of the future. In the Permanent
Exhibition area, you can see original and replicated exhibits, as well as large-scale models, faithful representations of their
originals, which have been reproduced after painstaking investigations and research. With the help of intricate scale
models and life-size reconstructions, the museum shows how Edo, a small 15th century fishing village, came to be the
huge Tokyo metropolis of today. Japanese culture is explained, lifestyle and influences are examined and there's a look at
the growth of commerce and industry.
Location: Take the JR Sobu Line (local train) to Ryogoku Station (E12) . From the west exit of the station follow the
signs. It's about a 3 minute walk.
Admission: Adults: 600 yen, Students 300 yen
Suggested time: ½ day
Imperial Palace East Gardens:
The current Imperial Palace (Kokyo) is located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats
and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo, a short walk from Tokyo Station. It is the residence of Japan's Imperial
Family.
Edo Castle used to be the seat of the Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603 until 1867. In 1868, the shogunate
was overthrown, and the country's capital and Imperial Residence were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. In 1888 construction
of a new Imperial Palace was completed. The palace was once destroyed during World War Two, and rebuilt in the same
style, afterwards.
Location: The Imperial Palace is a 10 minute walk from Tokyo Station (M17) on the Marunouchi Line.
Admission: Free
Suggested time: 2 hours
Kasai Rinkai Park:
Kasai Rinkai Park is the largest park in central Tokyo, located just across the Edogawa River from Tokyo Disney Resort.
It was built on reclaimed land and developed in an effort to restore and preserve natural Tokyo Bay habitat.
The park offers a nice break from the surrounding cityscapes and has a number of walking trails that crisscross the
gardens, lawns and beaches. In addition, the park features an aquarium, a ferris wheel, a seabird sanctuary and a viewing
tower.
Near the center of the park is the Tokyo Sealife Aquarium. The aquarium's main tank has a viewing area in its center that
immerses you in the middle of a school of yellow fin tuna and bonito. The aquarium also has good penguin and seabird
exhibits.
The park's most visible landmark is the Diamond and Flowers Ferris wheel, so named due to its light shows that give it
the appearance of a sparkling diamond or flower. At 117 meter tall it is the second tallest Ferris wheel in Japan. The top
offers views of Tokyo Bay, Tokyo Disney Resorts, Chiba and as far away as Mt. Fuji.
In line with the park's goals as a bay habitat preserve, nearly a third of the park is maintained as a Sea Bird Sanctuary.
The area attracts bird lovers and photographers who are free to roam the area, except the marsh areas which are restricted.
At the center is a Sea Bird Center with information on the local birds.
Location: Located near the Nishi-kasai Station. on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
Admission:
Sealife Aquarium: 700 yen
Ferris wheel: 700 yen
Bird Sanctuary Center: 800 yen
Suggested time: 1 day
Sunshine City:
Sunshine City's many amusement facilities include an observation deck that rises 240 meter above the ground, as well as
the unique Sunshine International Aquarium, a theme park " Namjatown" with a lot of amusement attractions, a fried
dumpling (gyoza) based theme park called "Ikebukuro Gyoza Stadium," a theatre, a museum, and various restaurants and
retail shops. Ice cream city provides various ice creams from domestic and overseas.
Location: Ikebukuro Station. (Y09, F09, M25) on the JR Line Metro ,Marunouchi and Yurakucho Lines.
Suggested time: 1 day
Sunshine Namja Town is an indoor theme park by Namco, the creator of Pacman and many other arcade games
and leisure products. The theme park recreates Tokyo alleys of past decades and features among other attractions three
food theme parks about gyoza, ice cream and chou cream.
Admission to theme park: 300 yen
Sunshine 60 Observation Deck: This observation deck comes with an open air "sky deck" and is located on the
top floor of the 240 meter tall Sunshine 60 skyscraper. Since the building's completion in 1978, observation decks have
been opened in several more centrally located buildings in Tokyo, such as Roppongi Hills and the Tokyo Government
Office.
Admission to observation deck: 620 yen
Sunshine International Aquarium: The Sunshine International Aquarium exhibits creatures from seas, oceans
and tropical forests around the world, including stingrays, sunfish, frogs, snakes, penguins, seals and otters. The aquarium
is located on the 10th floor of the World Import Mart Building in the Sunshine City complex.
Admission to Aquarium: 1800 yen
Tokyo Disney:
You can have fun, stay, dine, shop, and much more at Tokyo Disney Resort. You'll find two theme parks, unique dining, a
variety of shops, and accommodations including the Disney Hotels. Come stay at Tokyo Disney Resort, and experience a
multitude of fun and excitement in this place where dreams come true.
Location: Shin-Kiu Station (Y24)
1 Day Admission:
Adult: 5,800 yen
Junior (ages 12-17): 5,000 yen
Child 9(ages 4-11): 3,900 yen
Suggested time: 1 day
Tokyo Metropolis Observatories
See a view of Tokyo from a height of 202 meters. The observatories also house cafes and refreshment areas.
Location: Tochomae Station (E28) on the Oedo Line
Admission: Free
Suggested time: 1 hour
Tokyo Tower:
Since its opening in 1958 Tower has been the tallest self-supporting steel tower in the world. Not only a famous spot for
beautiful views, it's a vital antenna functioning to send TV and radio broadcast waves. Boso and Miura peninsulas as well
as Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance from the Tokyo Tower observatory deck. A cafe has been added to the
observatory deck during remodeling in 2002.
Location: 5-minute walk from Akabanebashi station.(E21) on the Oedo Line.
Admission: Adults: 820 yen, Children (Jr. High school and Elementary school students): 460 yen
Suggested time: 1 hour
Tsukiji Market
Tsukiji Fish Market is the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world and also one of the largest wholesale
food markets of any kind. Tuna larger than a small man are commonly sold at this market.
Location: near the Tsukijishijō Station (E18) on the Ōedo Line.
Admission: Free
Suggested time: 2 hours
Ueno Ueno Zoological Gardens:
The oldest zoo in Japan exhibits 500 species of animals, The Vivarium, Hills of Bears, and The Forrest of Aye-ayes are
must-see places.
Location: 10-min. walk from JR Ueno Station. or Nezu Station. (C14) on Chiyoda Line
Admission:Adult 600 yen, Jr. High school students 200 yen
Suggested time: 1 day
Answer Key:
The Tokyo subway system offers many different way to reach the same destination. The key presented is just one such
route. As long as the route chosen by the students does not take them too far off track, their answer should be allowed.
Asakusa:
Directions: I11 (Suidobashi Station to I12/E07/N11/M22 (Kasugo Station to E11/A17 (Kuromae Station) to
A18/G19 (Asakusa Station)
Admission: free
Edo Tokyo Museum
Directions: I11(Suidobashi Station to I12/E07/ N11/M22 (Kosuga Station to E12 (Ryogoku Station
Admission: Adults: 600 yen = $7.5 , Students 300 yen = $3.75
Imperial Palace East Gardens:
Directions: I11(Suidobashi Station to I09/C11/T09/M18/Z08 (Otemachi Station to M17 (Tokyo Station
Admission: Free
Kasai Rinkai Park:
Directions: I11 (Suidobashi Station to I09/C11/T09/M18/Z08 (Otemachi Station) to T16 (Nishi-kasai Station)
Admission:
Sealife Aquarium: 700 yen = $8.75
Ferris Wheel: 700 yen = $8.75
Bird Sanctuary Center: 800 yen = $10.00
Sunshine City:
Directions: I11(Suidobashi Station to I12/E07/ N11/M22 (Kosuga Station to M25 (Ikebukuro Station
Sunshine Namja Town Admission to theme park: 300 yen = $3.75
Sunshine 60 Observation Deck: Admission to observation deck: 620 yen = $7.75
Sunshine International Aquarium: Admission to Aquarium: 1800 yen = $22.50
Tokyo Disney:
Directions: I11(Suidobashi Station) to I12/E07/ N11/M22 (Kosuga Station) to E16/Y21 (Tsukishima Station) to Y24
Shin-Kiu Station
Admission:
Adult: 5,800 yen = $72.50
Junior (ages 12-17): 5,000 yen = $62.50
Child 9(ages 4-11): 3,900 yen = $11.25
Tokyo Metropolis Observatories
Directions: I11(Suidobashi Station to I12/E07/ N11/M22 (Kosuga Station to E28 (Tochomae Station)
Admission: Free
Tokyo Tower:
Directions: I11(Suidobashi Station to I12/E07/ N11/M22 (Kosuga Station to E21 (Akabanebashi station)
Admission: Adults: 820 yen = $10.25), Children (Jr. High school and Elementary school students): 460 yen = $5.75
Tsukiji Market
Directions: I11(Suidobashi Station to I12/E07/ N11/M22 (Kosuga Station to E18 (Tsukijishijō Station)
Admission: Free
Ueno Zoological Gardens:
Directions: I11(Suidobashi Station to I10/S06/Z07 (Jimbocho Station to C12/S07/M19 (Ogawamchi Station to C14 (Nezu
Station
Admission:Adult 600 yen = $7.50 Jr. High school students 200 yen = $2.50
“Three Day” Activity
Day One:
Destination(s):_______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
What you expect to see or do at destination:________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Subway route you take to get to your destination: ___________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Cost in US dollars: ___________________________________________________
Amount you have left over: ____________________________________________
Day Two:
Destination(s):_______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
What you expect to see or do at destination:________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Subway route you take to get to your destination: ___________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Cost in US dollars: ___________________________________________________
Amount you have left over: ____________________________________________
Day Three:
Destination(s):_______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
What you expect to see or do at destination:________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Subway route you take to get to your destination: ___________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Cost in US dollars: ___________________________________________________
Amount you have left over: ____________________________________________