Japan To Reopen Museums After Virus Emergency Extended

Above, the National Art Center in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since Japan has a travel ban in place to keep foreigners from entering the country (this includes the U.S.), this really won't have any affect on us.

But it does seem strange that since the state of emergency has been extended in Japan, they are allowing museums to reopen.

From Kyodo News:

TOKYO - Japan will allow the reopening of parks, museums, libraries and some other public facilities, even in areas with a relatively high number of coronavirus infections, a senior government official said Sunday. 

As part of efforts to deal with public weariness with the prolonged state of emergency, economic revitalization minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said at a press conference that the government will permit those facilities to restart if sufficient measures to prevent the spread of the virus are put in place. 

The government will release a set of guidelines on how to resume social activities on Monday, when it will formally decide to extend the state of emergency, likely by around a month. 

The planned reopening of public facilities will be allowed in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido, Fukuoka and eight other prefectures that the government has singled out for taking stepped-up measures against the virus, according to Nishimura, who is in charge of issues related to the state of emergency.

To read more, go here. 

Accessible Tokyo

Above, the National Art Center as viewed from Tokyo City View. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Just because a person is disabled and confined to a wheelchair doesn't mean that he/she won't be able to enjoy many attractions in Tokyo.

Time Out Tokyo has an article on some of the more popular attractions in Tokyo that are accessible to those who are disabled.

They begin with:

Most Tokyoites would probably agree if we were to claim that accessibility and openness is one area in which the city can do better. But that's not to say Tokyo is entirely off limits for those with disabilities: determined to unlock Tokyo for absolutely everyone, we've taken up the task of creating a truly inclusive guide to the capital. Read on and find out how to see the city from a different perspective – and where to view art while sitting down, how to tour Asakusa in a wheelchair and much more.

To read more, go here. 

The National Art Center, Tokyo

Above, a view of The National Art Center from the Tokyo City View atop Mori Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last February, I went up to the Tokyo City View at the top of Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills.

While I was photographing the views of the city, one building caught my eye as its architecture was quite unique.

It turned out to be The National Art Center, Tokyo.

Tokyo Drive posted some photographs of the architecture of The National Art Center, Tokyo. To view them, go here.

If, by chance, you take a trip to Tokyo and want to visit The National Art Center, Tokyo, here's their English website.

Roppongi, Tokyo

Above, Roppongi Crossing. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Roppongi is one district of Tokyo that has a mixed reputation. It is located near many foreign embassies and is a favorite entertainment district for embassy staffers. Roppongi Crossing is the district's center.

The nightlife/entertainment center of Roppongi has many restaurants and nightclubs to choose from. In 2004, the Roppongi T.G.I. Friday's restaurant was the scene of the G-TOUR dinner featuring Yoshimitsu Banno, Shinichi Wakasa, Wataru Mimura and Hiroshi Kashiwabara in attendance. Roppongi also has a Hard Rock Cafe.

Roppongi also has several gentlemen's clubs, such as Tantra and Seventh Heaven. There are even some "lower scale" clubs of what could be considered of "ill repute" in the district.

Unlike some of the other entertainment districts in Tokyo, Roppongi's restaurants, bars and clubs are accessible to foreign visitors.

Above, the Almond Cafe. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the favorite meet-up points in Roppongi is the Almond Cafe at Roppongi Crossing. The Almond Cafe is over 60 years old.

Above, the Tokyo National Art Center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Roppongi gained a little more favorable reputation in recent years after the opening of the Roppongi Hills complex and several art museums, including the Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills. Roppongi has developed into a cultural center in Tokyo. In 2007, the Tokyo National Art Center opened in Roppongi.

One can say that Roppongi has "something for everybody."

Above, one of the Roppongi Station subway exits near Roppongi Crossing. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To get to Roppongi, take the Hibiya or Oedo Subway Lines (exit Roppongi Station) or the Nanboku Subway Line (exit Roppongi-Icchome Station).  

For more on Roppongi, go here.