Tokyo Eye - Season 5 / Year 2011

Make friends in Tokyo! Some Japanese may want to flee when faced with a person trying to speak to them in English. But a lot of them really do want to get to know foreigners and be helpful. So where can you go to meet and make friends with real Tokyoites? And how should you approach them? On this show we offer some guidelines.

Our guest this time is a pilot who has flown the skies of Tokyo, literally enjoying a bird's-eye view of life in the city. With him we'll be considering an image of Tokyo as the comeback king. Earthquake, fire, war: Whatever you throw at Tokyo, the city comes back stronger. What's the secret to its resilient energy?

You've seen the sights -- now what on earth do you buy to take home? We have some great answers: Tokyo souvenirs that you'd love to give -- and to get.

Tokyo's new international gateway. Even if you don't have a plane ticket, Haneda is a great place to visit - it's a fun place to be!

Ueno: a top spot for visitors. But some of its highlights don't show up in guidebooks. Today we head deeper into Ueno, to places the typical Tokyo visitor doesn't see.

Taste the delights of the vine...in Tokyo! Everything from ultra-premium vintages to humble table wines. And the selection is truly global. Plus, it's the best place for an introduction to wines made right in Japan!

Most universities in Tokyo have a cafeteria for students and staff. They're known for low prices, good food, and lots of it. But the really great thing is: anyone can dine there!

In Tokyo you can see for yourself what it's like to operate all kinds of vehicles: aircraft, ship, train, automobile.... You name it -- Tokyo probably has a simulator for it! Join our reporters as they take the controls!

A special edition on the history of Shinjuku. Shinjuku is a city-within-a-city: one with many faces and many fascinating experiences. Today, we'll trace how Shinjuku rose to tower over the Tokyo landscape.

A stroll through Sangenjaya. Chic cafes and much more. With retro restaurants, shops and leisure facilities around every corner, Sangenjaya offers a unique and appealing mix of old and new.

A special edition on geisha in Asakusa, which has been an important location since the samurai days, when Tokyo was called Edo. One key element of that long tradition is the geisha. Asakusa has one of Tokyo's most famous geisha quarters. Today, we'll take a look at the history of Asakusa's elegant geisha.

Kamata is located on the south eastern edge of Tokyo, near the bay and Haneda Airport. Its many shopping streets are a slice of Tokyo life, with plenty of affordable amenities that foreign visitors can also enjoy.

Karuizawa is one of the most famous resorts in Japan, and very popular with foreigners as well. Karuizawa is located in Nagano Prefecture, but close enough to Tokyo to be an easy day trip. This time and next time, we'll be covering the charms of Karuizawa as a getaway from the big city. This time, we focus on the area around Karuizawa train station.

Karuizawa is one of the most famous resorts in Japan, and very popular with foreigners as well. Karuizawa is located in Nagano Prefecture, but close enough to Tokyo to be an easy day trip. In two shows, we are exploring the charms of Karuizawa as a getaway from the big city. In Part 2, we go a little further afield and discover more of the many facets of Karuizawa's appeal.

Shimbashi, a place famous for drinks after work. Today we'll trace the life story of a Shimbashi bar owner. She got her start in Shimbashi right after the war, and since then has seen all kinds of changes. We'll get her take on Tokyo's history.

Haunted houses... classic creepy summer fun in Japan. Tokyo is crawling with haunted houses, lying in wait for you with scares of all kinds, from distinctively Japanese haunted attractions to world-class fright factories.

Yanaka is not far from the middle of modern Tokyo, but it's a reminder of the old heart of the city: shitamachi. People love the nostalgic appeal of Yanaka. Over the next two shows, we'll plunge through the time warp that is Yanaka!

Yanaka is not far from the middle of modern Tokyo, but it's a reminder of the old heart of the city: shitamachi. People love the nostalgic appeal of Yanaka. In Part 2 of our tour of Yanaka, we explore the back alleys.

Want to get your body moving? Tokyo is a paradise of sports and fitness possibilities. Jogging, tennis, golf... there are places to try them all, at reasonable prices!

Nezu: a central Tokyo neighborhood that retains its historic, old downtown atmosphere. Traditional, retro buildings and homes make it a popular spot with foreign tourists.

Tokyo hotels. Think all Tokyo hotels are the same? Think again! Tokyo has a great number of unique hotels. From fabulous views to elaborate themes, from exquisite service to experiences meant for lovers, we look at Tokyo's huge variety of hotels.

Interesting fact: many universities in Tokyo have museums on campus that are open to the general public. Today we take you to several fun andunusual university museums, hidden attractions of Tokyo tourism.

Contemporary art in Tokyo! Tokyo is a global art capital packed with museums, galleries, cafes, event venues, and of course the artists and creative types who make it all possible. Get ready for a whirlwind tour!

Kameari. Home to the longest running manga in history, Kameari is a town full of personality and unique stores. Today we find out more about everyday life there.

Tokyo is great for live music -- from large clubs featuring world-class acts to pubs specializing in traditional Japanese sounds. Join us as we visit some of Tokyo's many live-music venues.

Train travel made simple -- Tokyo's train system is full of vast and complicated stations that can make it hard to reach your goal. Join us for our simple guide to trains that's perfect for even a first-time visitor.

A side of Shibuya you've never seen! There's more to Shibuya than the famous crosswalk and fashion malls. Join us as we take an insider's tour of the area's unique leisure spot

The Takarazuka Revue. Ever since its debut in 1914, this all-female musical theater company has been wildly popular. We'll tag along to learn the secret of the troupe's timeless appeal!

Tokyo's the place to indulge your sweet tooth. From traditional Japanese confections to acclaimed patissiers to all-you-can-eat establishments, we look for great places to enjoy Tokyo's sweet treats.

Gourmet Restaurants in Tokyo. Tokyo showcases the ultimate in international gourmet cuisine. This time we go in search of restaurants offering some of Tokyo's finest food and drink.

Futako-tamagawa. Right by one of Tokyo's major rivers, sophisticated Futako-tamagawa is evolving fast with new shopping malls and high-rise apartments. We seek out its hidden treasures -- including a hot spring.

Asakusabashi. A long-established wholesale district featuring dolls and variety goods. These days, anyone can shop in this fascinating part of Tokyo.

The Kandagawa is a river in the heart of Tokyo. Over two programs, we explore the Kandagawa from sea to source. In Part One, we focus on six kilometers near the rivermouth, sailing upstream in a fishing boat past reminders of the Edo Period.

The Kandagawa is a river in the heart of Tokyo. Over two programs, we explore the Kandagawa from sea to source. In Part Two, covering the middle reaches and headwaters, we reflect on the history of Tokyo, an ever-changing mega-city.

Transform in Tokyo. We'll show you the hottest spots in Tokyo to sport a transformed look. It's not just for anime cosplayers-anyone can transform! Who knows? You may discover a new side of yourself!

The Finest Service. Tokyo has all sorts of fine service, but what kind of service can truly be called the finest? This time, we focus on Tokyo's hotels.