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NRT-Tokyo: Hibiya Park

Hibiya Park is a short 15-20 minute walk from the ANA Intercontinental Hotel and is on the way if you are headed to the Imperial Palace and the East Gardens.

It's definitely a worthwhile destination, especially on a nice day or when there are performers. The day I went was sunny, but a tad chilly and windy. Although it was a winter day and lacking summer greenery, there was still some areas that had flowers and colorful plantings. There was a band playing a variety of music - including a Japanese rendition of 'My Way' - my dad woulda love that. They also had a guy playing the Japanese version of a pan-flute - and that was cool sounding and culturally enriching.

It's easy to get there: Take a right out of the Intercontinental Hotel on Akasuka. Turn right at the next major multi-lane road intersection onto Sabatori Dori. This road curves, then jinks a bit right then goes straight. Right after that jink, turn left on the next major intersection, Rt 301. The park is a couple of blocks down and on the right.


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The small entrance fountain at the Western corner of the park.


The 'First Gardens' in the Northeast Section of the park.



Nice Pelican fountain pond adorned with colorful flowers.

NRT: Imperial Palace East Gardens

Imperial Palace East Gardens

Now that the Narita bunkie trip is a 4 day, that might give y'all some time and incentive to get out and about the neighborhood of the hotel. In a short 35 minute walk's time, you'll find yourself in the grand park and fortress are of the Imperial Palace. I had read online that the East Gardens are free. Even though that did not include a newspaper, I decided to give it a shot. A tour of the Imperial Palace requires an internet reservation, so I figured I'd try to snag that one on my next Tokyo layover.

It's really easy to get there. Out of the ANA Intercontinental, hang a right. Turn right on Route 405 (Sotobori Dori) and after a few block, turn left on Route 301 (Uchibori Dori). This will take you past another cool little park called Hibaya Park, which is worth a walk through if you have the time. Optionally, you could just stay on the street the Hotel is on until you get to a moat.

If you are a jogger, you won't be alone jogging around the palace outer grounds. It's a very popular jogging location for the natives. (see this article)

Along the way (or return) stop by the Nijubashi Bridge, with the picturesque view of the Palace in the background.



The East Gardens park is free, but it has some odd hours. From Nov - Feb, it closes at 4pm (5pm Apr - Aug, 4:30pm all other months). The bicycle-riding guards will not let you stay a second longer. It's also closed on Mondays and Fridays. (see this Japan Guide article)

On the day of my trip, the sky was overcast, so the colorful fall foliage lost some of it photogenic lustre, but it was still a pretty sight.

I plan on taking the Imperial Palace tour next time. If someone has done that already, post a response here with your insights.

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The public square outside of the Nijubashi Bridge is huge and is home to many well manicured trees.

East Gardens Entrance Gate


Cluck liked the open spaces

LHR: Grosvenor Arms

I have not visited this pub yet, but heard it by a fellow F/O on the return leg of my last trip. I plan on stopping by on my next LHR layover and give a report, but in the meantime, I though I'd tell y'all about this great special! And if you can comment (with pics, if possible), please do! The more info the merrier.

The Grosvenor Arms is offering a free pint for any United crewmember that shows their offial UAL ID badge!!

The Grosvenor Arms
2 Grosvenor Street, London W1
(Google Places page)

Be sure to stop by and take them up on this offer (and please be polite and buy another to keep the special alive!!) The Grosvenor Arms is about a 21 minute walk from the Melia White House - see the Google map below.


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