Jimi Hendrix Experience: Live In Maui

Above, the front of the set's package front (top) and the booklet. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A package arrived at my post office box today. It was the Blu-ray/CD set, Jimi Hendrix Experience: Live In Maui. 

Back in the summer of 1970, a movie was in "production" in Maui, Hawaii that was called Rainbow Bridge. It was a hippie counter-culture flick "directed" by Chuck Wein. It was a mess production-wise. No script. No pre-production. It was basically a mess captured on film.

Hendrix had been working on a new studio in New York, Electric Lady Studios, at the time, but work on it stopped and started, depending upon there was any money to work on it to completion. Much of Hendrix's concert fees that year went to the building of the studio. Manager Michael Jeffrey saw the Maui flick as a means to bring in some cash to complete the studio. Hendrix really didn't want to have any part of the movie, but was eventually talked into it.

Admittedly, when Rainbow Bridge first came out in theaters, I was, admittedly, entertained by it even though it was obviously flawed. I have a copy of the movie on VHS. One shot in the movie I got a kick out of seeing (nearly 40 years later) was of La Cienega Blvd. in West Los Angeles with the White Front department store very prominent.

Above, the set has interesting packaging for the booklet, 2 CDs and Blu-ray. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Blu-ray in this set contains a documentary, Music, Money, Madness...Jimi Hendrix in Maui on how Rainbow Bridge came about and how Hendrix and sidemen Mitch Mitchell (drums) and Billy Cox (bass) participated. Since Billy Cox is the sole remaining member of the Jimi Hendrix Experience still with us, he adds his own memories to the documentary.

The Blu-ray also has the two shows the Jimi Hendrix Experience put on at the Haleakala Crater on Maui on July 30, 1970. These shows also comprise the two CDs of the set.

The concerts were flawed as the wind was blowing towards the band causing sound issues. For the footage used in Rainbow Bridge, Mitch Mitchell dubbed new drumming sound while watching footage through a movie editor's moviola screen.

Also included in the set is a 31-page booklet.

The set is an interesting piece of music history and Hendrix fans will enjoy it. 

Tokyo and Kagoshima

Above, a view of Odaiba and the Rainbow Bridge from a Tokyo Bay tour boat. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo is naturally the big stop for most visitors to Japan since it is the primary "gateway" into the country with its two airports: Narita Airport and Haneda Airport.

There is much to see and do in Tokyo. But visitors should also look into other places in Japan.

That is the subject of an article in The Japan Times, which features both Tokyo and Kagoshima (which is two hours away in Kyushu by plane).

They begin with Tokyo:

One of the most vibrant cities in the world, Tokyo is typically the first stop for most travelers in Japan. However, with so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. 

A great way to get a glimpse of the main landmarks, especially if pushed for time, is to take the two-story open-deck Sky Bus Tokyo. The Odaiba night course, leaving from the Marunouchi South Gate of Tokyo Station, is particularly popular. It travels past Tokyo Tower and several iconic buildings before arriving in the ultramodern entertainment district of Odaiba. 

Going beyond the bright lights and skyscrapers, Tokyo also has a variety of small yet intriguing neighborhoods with colorful shotengai (traditional shopping arcades). A great example is Jizo shopping street in Sugamo, an area known as “Grandma’s Harajuku.” While there, a visit to Soba Ohashiya, a restaurant known for its nutritious buckwheat noodles, is recommended. Another highlight is Koganji Temple which has the Togenuki Jizo statue, said to heal ailments when washed.

And, on Kagoshima, they begin with:

Following a hectic schedule taking in the sights of the capital, it’s then nice to escape from the hustle-and-bustle of city life to somewhere with a more serene atmosphere. That’s something Kagoshima provides. A two-hour flight from Tokyo, the prefecture is famed for Sakurajima, a composite active volcano located near an inhabited town.

To read more, go here. 

April's Foreign Visitors To Japan Hit Monthly Record

Above, Tokyo Bay, Odaiba and the Rainbow Bridge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The number of foreign visitors to Japan hit a monthly record in April.

According to NHK World:

The number of foreign visitors to Japan hit a monthly record in April. But year-on-year growth was moderate. 

The Japan National Tourism Organization estimates that more than 2.92 million travelers came to the country last month. That's up 0.9 percent from a year earlier. 

The number of visitors from mainland China, which accounts for the largest share, increased 6.3 percent. The number from the United States rose 15.8 percent as this year's Easter holiday fell in April.

To read more, go here.

Tokyo's Statue of Liberty

Above, a view of the Statue of Liberty and the Rainbow Bridge from Aqua City. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I've never been to New York, the only Statue of Liberty I've ever seen was the one erected at Tokyo's Odaiba.

Back in 2004, G-TOUR made a stop in Odaiba for some shopping at Aqua City. Aqua City and Odaiba, as Godzilla fans recall, was a battleground for Godzilla and Megaguirus in 2000. So a stop there by G-TOUR was, as Mr. Spock would say, logical.

While there with G-TOUR, I noticed a replica, albeit a small one, of the Statue of Liberty.

Here's a little about it from Time Out Tokyo:

Shocking to most Americans, Tokyo’s small Statue of Liberty has little to do with the U S of A. NYC’s Lady Liberty was given to the city by France way back in 1886, while Tokyo’s own version was temporarily moved from its home at Paris’ Île aux Cygnes to Odaiba in 1998 to commemorate Franco-Japanese ties for a year. 

It turned out to be so popular that they decided to erect a new replica on Odaiba in 2000. Combined with the backdrop of the Rainbow Bridge, it has been the ultimate photo spot ever since.

To read more, go here. 

Odaiba, Tokyo's Entertainment Island

Above, Odaiba and the Rainbow Bridge from Tokyo Bay. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Maybe you're not going to Tokyo for Memorial Day weekend, but if you happen to find yourself in Tokyo at any time soon, there's plenty to do there.

For starters, there's Odaiba (made "famous" to Godzilla fans through Godzilla x Megaguirus in 2000). Odaiba is the "entertainment island of Tokyo".

What's there to do in Odaiba?

Japan Info has 11 suggestions for things to do in Odaiba.

They begin with:

Odaiba is a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay, separated from central Tokyo by the famous Rainbow Bridge and accessible by monorail, subway and even boat. It is home to various small theme parks, museums, shopping malls, and boasts beautiful views of the sea and the city. It is a must-visit for families, friends, and couples for its ultra-modern American-style town, entertainment, and breathtaking night views. If you’re looking for an excellent day out to enjoy one of Tokyo’s most exciting and unique areas, check out these 11 things to do in Odaiba!

Above, the Rainbow Bridge and the Statue of Liberty from Aqua City in Odaiba. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To see what they are, go here. 

Escape To Odaiba

Above, Odaiba's Statue of Liberty and the Rainbow Bridge from Aqua City. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are planning a trip to Japan in late-summer or early-autumn, if one is looking for a relaxing place to unwind or enjoy some amusements, Odaiba is a place in Tokyo they should look in to.

Japan Today posted an article on things to see and do in Odaiba.

They begin with:

TOKYO —You can feel it in the air. Summer is winding down. For people in and around Tokyo, you may be ready for the heat and stickiness to be over, so you’re just looking for somewhere that’s cool to spend some time. Or maybe you still want a little more beach time, but don’t have time to travel too far from the city. 

Odaiba, the island just across the Rainbow Bridge from Tokyo, is a great place to spend a late summer day. There are outdoor activities and attractions for those who want them, as well as comfortably air-conditioned shopping, museums, amusements and more.

Of course, Odaiba is a familiar spot to Godzilla fans as it was showcased in Godzilla x Megaguirus (2000).

To read more, go here.

Odaiba and The Rainbow Bridge

Above, the Rainbow Bridge from Tokyo Bay. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba caught the attention of Godzilla fans through Godzilla x Megaguirus in 2000.

In the movie, Godzilla battles the giant dragonfly Megaguirus in Odaiba. Aqua City, the Fuji TV Building and the Rainbow Bridge were prominently featured.

Above, a view of the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba from Tokyo City View at Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Savvy Tokyo has an article on the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba that should be useful if one decides to pay a visit there while in Tokyo.

They begin with:

Tokyo is a city of bridges, with the Sumida River alone being home to 26 bridges along its 27-kilometer course. But perhaps the most dramatic of the city’s bridges is the Rainbow Bridge, a conduit into and out of the city, especially for those headed to Narita and beyond by bus or car and for day trippers to the island of Odaiba. 

At only 798 meters in length, the Rainbow Bridge is not a great workout for the dedicated walker. However, it is an interesting and accessible wander for both locals and tourists alike.

 To read more, go here.

Tourists Flocking To Japan's Dams and Bridges

Above, the Rainbow Bridge of Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It appears that tours to bridges, dams and other infrastructures in Japan are gaining in popularity for tourists.

Those of us who are kaiju fans, already have reason to see some. The Saikai Bridge in Kyushu (near Sasebo City) was featured in Rodan (1956), the Kachidoki Bridge in Tokyo was featured in Godzilla (1954) and the Rainbow Bridge that spans across Tokyo Bay was featured in Godzilla x Megaguirus (2000), just to name a few. These are spotlighted in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

According to an article in AsiaOne Travel:

"Infra-tourism," or sightseeing at large-scale infrastructure utilities such as dams, bridges and roads, is gaining popularity. Visitors can enjoy dynamic views such as the thunderous discharge of water at a dam, or a suspension bridge from high above, while also learning about the roles of utilities.

To read more, go here.

Rainbow Bridge Offers Vistas of Old and New Tokyo

Above, the Rainbow Bridge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo's Rainbow Bridge is best-known to kaiju fans when it was featured in Godzilla x Megaguirus (2001). It spans across Tokyo Bay to Odaiba.

There is another aspect to the bridge: its walkways.

According to Kyodo News:

The Rainbow Bridge in Tokyo Bay is a symbol of the Japanese capital, but it is less known that the walkways of the suspension bridge offer a great view of the bay fringed by skyscrapers, including an island fortress built in the 19th century to counter Americans forcing Japan to open up. 

The bridge has a two-deck structure and the walkways are on the lower deck, along with the Yurikamome unmanned train system. The upper deck carries a portion of the Shuto Expressway. 

Shibaura Anchorage, about five minutes' walk from Shibaura Futo Station on Yurikamome, is the entrance to the walkways, which are free of charge and open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. between April and October and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. between November and March.

To read more, go here. 

Odaiba's Hidden Oddities

Above, a view of Odaiba from a Sumida River cruise boat. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Odaiba section of Tokyo is best-known to monster fans as the battleground of Godzilla and Megaguirus in Godzilla x Megaguirus (2000).

But Odaiba is also known for its shopping and amusement centers.

Japanista has an article on Odaiba's hidden oddities that are "off the beaten path".

It begins with:

Odaiba, a must see city on the backpacker’s checklist when traveling through Japan. This manmade island features some of Tokyo’s most popular tourist attractions and an extensive selection of shopping, dining, and date night hot spots. 

What a lot of travelers don’t know about are the gems waiting to be discovered under the cover of what might appear to be a tourist trap island. While the Rainbow Bridge, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Fuji TV Building, and the “life size” Gundam statue in front of DiverCity Tokyo Plaza are worth the journey to explore, there is a side to Odaiba that also appeals to the traveler looking for an adventure off the beaten path.

To read more, go here. 

Sumida River Cruise 2005 & 2015

Above, the Kachidoki Bridge's control room. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2005, I took a cruise down the Sumida River in Tokyo. Yesterday, we took the same cruise and noticed a few changes in the ten years since.

Back in 2005, this was the scene looking up-river at the Kachidoki Bridge (the one Godzilla toppled over in 1954):

Ten years later, here's a similar view:

Here's the Kachidoki Bridge looking down-river towards Tokyo Bay:

Above, this bridge wasn't around in 2005. The Kachidoki Bridge is in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Rainbow Bridge & Odaiba: Then and now.

Above, the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba in 2005. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a view of Tokyo Tower from the Sumida River in 2005. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the same view of Tokyo Tower yesterday. A wall had been added since 2005. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo's Top Ten Non-Tourist Sites To Explore

Above, the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are so many tourist websites with their "top (you insert the number)" lists of places to see and do.

I've another one for you to take a look at (if you so choose). It is provided by Examiner.com and it is the "Tokyo's Top Ten Non-Tourist Sites To Explore." Many of the places on the list I have spotlighted before. But, if you are intersted in Japan travel and have never seen them, well, who am I to deny you the information?

They begin with:

You'll find parks, mountain, public bath, fashion district, train line, bridge, fish market, and others are just some places in Tokyo not many foreign tourists know about. There is so much more to see in Tokyo, Japan besides the popular tourist sites. Tokyo may be a super high-tech city, but there are hidden places that reflect the traditional Japanese lifestyle.

The Rainbow Bridge, that crosses Tokyo Bay, is one of the places listed.

To read more, go here.

Japan Tourism Agency To Use Big Data To Gauge Tourist Needs

Above, a view of the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba from Tokyo Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If this weren't a voluntary program, I'd be concerned that this would be another governmental encroachment on personal liberties and Big Brotherism akin to 1984.

However, it is a voluntary program to gauge Japan tourists's needs so that local governments can improve facilities and services, so I have no problem with it.

According to The Japan Times:

The Japan Tourism Agency plans to use big data to conduct a survey on foreign tourists’ behavior so that local governments and tourism industries can develop tours and events that meet their needs, NHK reported Wednesday. 

For foreign visitors who agreed to cooperate, the agency will ask them to download in their smartphones a special Global Positioning System application so it can collect data that include the routes they take to travel around the country, which tourist spots they visit and the comments they offer via social networking sites, the report said.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo Gate Bridge

Above, Tokyo Bay, Rainbow Bridge, Odaiba and, in the background, the new Tokyo Gate Bridge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It had been a while since I last uploaded photographs over at the Japan Reference gallery. So, I uploaded a bunch tonight and found out something about the photo above.

I had taken the photo of Odaiba, the Rainbow Bridge and part of Tokyo Bay from the Tokyo City View at Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills in February.

One of Japan Reference's administrators posted this comment about the photo:

And the new Tokyo Gate Bridge in the background. Nice shot!

I did some checking and found that the Tokyo Gate Bridge opened in February 2012 and spans Tokyo Bay, connecting Wakasu in Kōtō-ku with Jōnanjima.

One learns something new everyday!

 

Relax & Unwind In Odaiba

Above, a view of the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba from the Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Most of us kaiju fans probably never heard of Odaiba in Tokyo until Godzilla x Megaguirus was released in 2000 as much of the movie's action took place there.

It was then that many of us first learned of the Aqua City shopping mall, the Rainbow Bridge and the futuristic architecture of the Fuji TV Building.

Above, the Fuji TV Building in Odaiba. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, Odaiba is touted as a place full of attractions and a great place to unwind and relax. Modern Tokyo Times has an article on Odaiba that emphasizes the last point.

They start it with:

Odaiba in Tokyo really stands out because of the unique architecture, the stunning Rainbow Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, relaxing walkways by the sea, the unusual site of a beach, colorful boats which light up the area at night and you also have a host of tourist attractions to enjoy. Indeed, if you visit by monorail then images of the film Blade Runner will spring to mind. Therefore, this part of Tokyo is extremely unique and provides another fascinating angle to this ultra-modern city. 

Another noticeable feature of Odaiba is the romantic angle and this especially applies to the night time period. This notably applies to the amazing backdrop of Rainbow Bridge, ample dining areas to enjoy and the refreshing night time view. Also, you have nice walkways along the beach and much further afield. Given all these features, then you really do have a powerful romantic area for couples at night. 

Despite the romantic feature of Odaiba at night this does not mean that individuals, friends, groups, relatives and single tourists can’t enjoy the amazing atmosphere. On the contrary, Odaiba is a charming place to relax and unwind irrespective of the situation. After all, the graceful Rainbow Bridge at night is a true wonder to behold and well worth a visit alone without the countless other attractions.

Above, the Statue of Liberty and Rainbow Bridge from Aqua City. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Because of Godzilla's aforementioned connection to Odaiba, it is featured on page 25 in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

To read the full article, go here.

Tokyo Cruise's "Hotaluna" Cruise Boat

Above, the "Hotaluna" moored at the Tokyo Cruise terminal at Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Two years ago, I posted a blog article on taking a cruise on the Sumida River in Tokyo. I took a cruise down the Sumida back in 2005, and it was very enjoyable (although the crew tries their best to sell passengers model toys of their cruise boats). It was aboard one of the more conventional boats that Tokyo Cruise Ship Co. has.

Above, the Tokyo Cruise terminal. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During my recent trip to Japan, I made it a point to photograph the Tokyo Cruise terminal, which is located on the Asakusa side of the Sumida.

As luck would have it, moored at the terminal was a unique tour boat of the "fleet" of Sumida tour boats. Most of the tour boats are conventional, but this one can be described as "futuristic." It is the "Hotaluna." To see the interior of the boat (the text is in Japanese), go here.

Above, the "Hotaluna." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tourists can sail on the "Hotaluna" down the Sumida River to Odaiba and back. Great views along the river include the Skytree, Asahi Beer Hall, the Kachidoki Bridge (featured in Godzilla), Tokyo Tower, Tsukiji Fish Market, the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba.

For reservations, go here. (Unfortunately, it is in Japanese.)

Odaiba May Get A Duty-Free Shopping Facility

Above, a view of Odaiba's Statue of Liberty, Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower
(in the distance) from the Aqua City shopping complex.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Odaiba, the man-made landfill island in Tokyo Bay that first garnered fan attention thirteen years ago in Godzilla x Megaguirus, is in the news again. 

The majority of the battles between Godzilla and Megaguirus took place in Odaiba. The Fuji Television Building and the shopping complex Aqua City were prominently displayed in the movie as was the Rainbow Bridge, the main route to get into Odaiba.

The Japanese government is considering allowing a duty-free shopping facility in Odaiba. It is considered one of Tokyo's major tourist areas.

According to The Japan News:

The move is part of the government’s efforts to more than triple the annual number of foreign tourists to Japan to more than 30 million by 2030, the sources said.

Odaiba is also featured in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

To read the full article, go here.

Tokyo Tower Reaches 170 Million Visitors Milestone

Above, a street view of Tokyo Tower in the background.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo Tower has been overshadowed by the much-taller Tokyo Skytree Tower in attention and visitors of late, and it has been relegated to back-up status once the Skytree began its life as the primary broadcasting tower for Tokyo this year.

But there's still life in the old girl yet.

According to Kyodo News:

The total number of visitors to the observation deck of Tokyo Tower reached 170 million Friday since its opening in 1958, its operator said. 

Around 2.4 million people visited the deck 150 meters above the ground last year, compared with the largest-ever annual figure of 4.9 million marked in 1959, according to Nippon Television City Corp.

Tokyo Tower is patterned after France's Eiffel Tower and is a little taller.  It has also served as a battleground for a number of giant monsters over the years.

Above, a view of Tokyo Bay, the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba from
the observation deck of Tokyo Tower.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

First, it was used to support Mothra's cocoon in Mothra (1961).  More recently, it was shown as a ruin in Godzilla Final Wars in 2004.  In the years in-between, Tokyo Tower suffered abuse by such monsters as Gamera, Gyaos, Godzilla, King Kong and Mechani-Kong. All this activity garnered Tokyo Tower a spotlight in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan on page 30.

To read the full article on Tokyo Tower, go here.

Go Tokyo

Above, a view of Tokyo Bay, Odaiba and the Rainbow Bridge from Tokyo Tower.
Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the best online resources to get information on Tokyo tourism is the Go Tokyo website (it is available in several languages).

Here, information on Tokyo's attractions, areas & maps, tourist spots in suburban Tokyo, recommended courses, festivals & events, about Tokyo (basic information, shopping, expenses, etc.) and transportation (train, bus, taxi, ship, car, airport) can be found.  Also, the website has upcoming event information, a photo gallery, accommodations, dining and other information.

The Go Tokyo website is sponsored by the Tokyo Convention and Visitors Bureau.

To access the English page(s) of Go Tokyo, go here.

Tokyo's Odaiba

Text and photos by Armand Vaquer

Above, the Fuji TV building.

Tokyo has many landmarks and places to see for the giant monster movie fan.

One of them is the Odaiba section. Odaiba was built on reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay. It was prominently shown in the 2000 feature, Godzilla x Megaguirus. It was also seen in the background in Godzilla x Mothra x MechaGodzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003).

Odaiba can be reached by foot (across the Rainbow Bridge), car, water taxi and train.
Above, the Statue of Liberty and Rainbow Bridge from Aqua City.

The kaiju places of interest in Odaiba include the Aqua City shopping mall (they have a replica Statue of Liberty outside), the Fuji TV Building and the Rainbow Bridge that spans across Tokyo Bay.

Above, Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba from a Tokyo Bay water taxi.

There are many other attractions to see in Odaiba. The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan will provide the details!