Tokyo Nature Walks

The giant metropolis of Tokyo is more than just a concrete jungle. Within the office boundaries are many fine nature walks, taking you through ravines and wooden valleys, and even up Tokyo's own 600m mountain. Here are three walks, each easily covered in one day, taking you to the Todoroki Gorge, along the Mitake River and to the top of Mount Takao.

Cleaning Power of Light

A new technology uses the power of light to automatically keep our buildings and environment clean. Titanium oxide is a photo catalyst, a material that causes other substances to react to light. When tiles or glass coated with this material are exposed to sunlight, a chemical reaction decomposes any dirt on the surface, so building exteriors and windows clean themselves in the sun's light.

Makers of Miniature Worlds

Japanese model makers have a well-deserved reputation for finely detailed work. We take a look behind the scenes at one of the companies responsible for the current fashion for miniature figurines and tiny replicas that accurately portray anything from dinosaurs to birds and animals, astronauts and even comic book super heroes.

Onbashira - Pillars of the Gods

Held every 7 years, and with a history going back over a millennium, the Onbashira Festival is one of Japan's most unique and exciting events. Huge trees are cut deep in the forest and hauled down to a shrine near Lake Suwa. The high point is when the 10-ton logs slide down a 35 degree hill, the height of a 6-storey building. For generations, local men have dared life and limb to ride the sacred logs as they roll down this slope.