Metropolis Japan

April 17, 2015

Family Fit and Fun

Make memories you and your loved ones can share

By Metropolis

We are family (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Harbor Circuit

Chiba

Looking for an exciting activity for your whole family? Give them some thrills at Harbor Circuit in Chiba, where you can battle it out in go-karts—no driver’s license required! First time in a go-kart? There’s no need to worry as full safety guidelines are explained before each heat. For those with large families (five or more), Group Races let you burn some rubber while competing with family members. There’s also the simpler Mini GP option, and even a final 35-lap race—with five different plans to choose from. If you’re looking to hone your skills, prove yourself against a real-time ranking system. No matter how crowded it gets, everyone is guaranteed four rides; and afterward, you and your family can still be part of the race-day atmosphere by relaxing around the circuit with snacks. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll be screaming for more!

Prices

Admission: ¥500, 1 ticket (7 min): ¥2,100; 3 tickets, ¥5,200; 5 tickets, ¥7,800; 8 tickets, ¥10,500
1 child ticket (7 min), ¥1,600 (children must be in at least elementary school and over 115cm tall)
Group Race package (over 12 years old, five or more people): Mini Grand Prix ¥4,700 per person; Sprint Grand Prix ¥6,000 per person

Special offer

Mention Metropolis and get free admission!

2F Harbor Circuit, Chiba Sports Plaza, 13-26, Dezuminato, Chuo-ku, Chiba. Tel: 043-441-3243. Open Mon-Fri 2-11:30pm, Sat & hols 10am-11:30pm, Sun 10am-9:30pm. Nearest station: Chiba or Chiba-Minato. E-mail: mail@harbor-circuit.com. www.harbor-circuit.com

Natakara Pilates

Sangenjaya

Recover your physical and mental condition using the pilates method of fitness training, developed in the early 20th century. Natakara Pilates provides personal training in small groups, matched best to each individual. Far from the standardized training provided by big sports gyms, their method provides several kinds of exercises to build up the core of the body, abdominal muscles, back, and limbs using mats and special machines. Many people use pilates as a rehabilitation method because of its ability to align the tension and balance of the muscle, thus helping them learn the right position and practical movement. The studio is just a two-minute walk from Sangenjaya Station on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line.

Services

Sessions for Mat & Machine Private, Semi-Private, Group, and Maternity Private
For schedule, check website
To arrange private lessons, feel free to contact the studio
Trial group lesson ¥3,000 (tax included)

No1 Gold Bldg. 3F, Taishido 1-12-23, Setagaya-ku. Tel: 080-6625-6351. E-mail: nine-seven8@mail.ru. Nearest station: Sangenjaya. www.natakara.net

Kabuki Photo Studio

Ginza

Have you and your family ever wanted to dress up in traditional Japanese costumes? At Kabuki Photo Studio, you can in just five minutes—right over your own clothes! Transform into an oiran (courtesan), white or red shishi (lion), etc., and take home 2L-sized photos (with mount) at the same time for just ¥3,900. If you want to go deeper, the full-scale plan allows ladies to become the popular oiran or maiko (apprentice geisha), and men to become a feudal lord or samurai. Prices vary by costume: Oiran for ¥19,440; maiko for ¥14,040; and feudal lord or samurai for ¥10,584. Each comes with two 2L photos, and you can either take them home at the same time or have them sent to you (limited to shipping within Japan) in around two weeks.A third option is the exciting “Dressing Up As a Kabuki Actor” (¥27,864) that can only be experienced in the studio. While looking ready for the stage, you can also take a clear and beautiful picture with Ginza’s famous Kabukiza theater in the background as a souvenir for ¥1,500. For those looking to try a kimono, children and adults can all dress up in the traditional garment for ¥5,400.

Special Metropolis deal

Mention Metropolis and get a ¥500 discount off the quick plan
(¥3,900 → ¥3,400) (Expires May 31, 2015)
Mention Metropolis and receive 10% off the full-scale plan
Oiran: ¥19,440 → ¥17,496
Maiko: ¥14,040 → ¥12,636
Feudal Lord & Samurai: ¥10,584 → ¥9,526
(Expires May 31, 2015)

5F Kabukiza Tower, 4-12-15, Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tel: 0120-137-753/ Fax: 03-3524-0313. 10am-6pm. Nearest station: Higashi-ginza or Ginza. www.studio-alice.co.jp/amusement/kabuki/shop/

Takenobu

Tsukishima

Enjoy Japanese culture with your family! Learn to cook Japanese food and how to create handmade presents. Atelier Naoko is a culture school for foreigners that’s located in Tsukishima, an island in Tokyo Bay filled with cool alleys, near the Tsukiji fish market and Ginza. New classes have started in April, and include a Tsukiji fish market tour with a sushi chef and making sushi, karate, calligraphy, and how to host a Japanese-style home party. You can also make presents of preserved flowers or origami. Since most classes are held in an ordinary house (that of Atelier Naoko’s owner), you can learn in a comfortable atmosphere with a nice view of the Sumida River. Just a five-minute walk from Tsukishima Station (Yūrakuchō or Ōedo lines). English and French spoken.

Special offer