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[Empire State Building, 90 years old this year! ]
The Empire State Building is one of New York's leading buildings and a standard tourist attraction. The name of the building, the Empire State, is also another name for New York State (Empire State), and it can be said that it is a building that truly symbolizes New York.
This Empire State Building is celebrating its 90th birthday this year. It was completed on May 1, 1931. Despite the Great Depression in 1929, it is still reported as a surprising fact that the construction was completed in 1 year and 45 days and the 102-story building was completed (about 400 m).
The building that was built with much effort was not filled with tenants after that, and it was also called Empty Building (empty building) ironically.
The observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors are popular with tourists. When it's crowded, you can line up for three hours before you reach the observatory. The view from the observatory is exceptional. When the visibility is good, you can see up to about 100km away.
As long as the Empire State Building seen from the outside is beautiful. Not only in Manhattan, but also in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Empire State Building on the other side of the neighboring state of New Jersey.
The Empire State Building is lit up in different colors for events and holidays (usually white lights).
You can check the color of the light up on the official website (↓).
https://www.esbnyc.com/…
The business hours of the observatory within the year from March 1, 2021 are as follows.
March 1-13: 12PM-9PM
March 14-28: 1PM-10PM
March 29th-April 11th: 11AM-11PM
April 12th-June 30th: 1PM-10PM
July 1st-November 24th: 11AM-11PM
November 25-28: 9AM-12AM
December 1-16: 11AM-11PM
December 17th-31st: 9AM-12AM
* May change in the future
[Resumption of sports and entertainment one after another]
In March, there are movements to resume various economic activities in New York City.
Sports and entertainment are attractive attractions not only for New Yorkers but also for tourists visiting the city. It has been closed or closed for the past year or so, but finally ...! It will be resumed.
◆ Sports:
Resuming watching games with spectators in the arena and stadium. Mask-wearing social distance required, accommodation rate 10%, staff / spectators need corona infection negative proof within 72 hours ... There are other regulations (detailed confirmation required).
In New York City, the NBA / New York Knicks home game was played at Madison Square Garden on February 23rd.
◆ Movie theater:
From today (March 5th), it will resume for the first time in about a year. Masks must be worn, social distance required, and accommodation rate is 25% (up to 50 people).
◆ Live performance:
From April 2nd, live performances such as concerts, live performances, and plays will resume. Wearing a mask, social distance required. Capacity 33% (up to 100 people indoors, up to 200 people outdoors).
* In addition, if there is a negative proof of the COVID test, it is possible to hold an event for up to 150 people indoors and up to 500 people outdoors.
◆ Lincoln Center performs outdoors! :
MET Opera, New York Philharmonic, Ballet ... and Lincoln Center, a leader in New York entertainment, have announced that they will open an outdoor performance and rehearsal space on April 7.
http: //www.aboutlincolncenter.org /.../ RestartStages_FINAL ...
I'm looking forward to the culture and art, performances, and what it will look like under the blue sky.
In addition to eating and drinking in restaurants, cafes and bars, the resumption of the entertainment and sports industry is good news for tourists.
It seems that it will take some time before free travel abroad, but we would like to believe in the step-by-step progress with the spread of vaccines.
[Touch & Go] is the mainstream at subway stations in New York! ?? ]
The subway is an indispensable means of transportation in New York City not only for New Yorkers but also for tourists from all over the world. The New York Subway, which opened in 1904, celebrates 117 years of history this year. The subway has been restored and improved along with the turbulent history of New York, but this time, the New York subway is undergoing a major transformation.
A "touch and go" system has been introduced at the subway ticket gates!
In Japan, automatic ticket gates have been passed through cards with IC chips, which have already been popular under the names such as "Suica" and "Pasmo" for quite some time, but this is now possible in New York as well. Its name is "OMNY".
Passing the metro card through the special entrance of the ticket gate (some people have a trick in this work and have a hard time passing the card for the first time ...) The iron bar was unlocked, but this time the metro card is unnecessary The ticket gate is unlocked when you hold a bank card, credit card, debit card, mobile phone terminal, etc. over the dedicated LCD. On December 31, 2020, this OMNY system was installed at all subway stations (472 stations) in New York City. Currently, the existing metro card ticket gates are also used, but the metro card will be abolished in 2023, and all subway ticket gates are expected to be OMNY specifications.
Due to the pandemic, the number of subway passengers in 2020 is down 70% from the previous year (2019), and the reality is that the number of passengers is steadily decreasing, but it is new news for tourists who will come back to New York in the future. & It will be an experience! ?? This OMNY can also be used on buses in the city. It is already installed on the bus.
By the way, the existing metrocard was introduced in 1993. Before that, coins called tokens were used, and tokens first appeared in 1953. After that, it was used together with the metro card, but in 2003 the token was completely abolished.
History of New York Subway Ticket Gates:
Token (1953-2003) → Metrocard (1993-2023) → OMNY (2019-???)
From tokens that lasted 50 years to metrocards (30 years), what kind of subway era will the new OMNY build ... Stay tuned!
The holiday season is over with the New Year.
From mid-November, the city of New York, which is surrounded by gorgeous decorations, will gradually regain its tranquility, but this time, we will introduce spots where you can enjoy New York-like winter even after the holiday season!
It is a skating rink in Winter Village in Bryant Park.
Speaking of Bryant Park, it is a famous park following Central Park in the city. Adjacent to the New York Public Library in the middle of Midtown.
Although it is a small park surrounded by buildings, it is a lunch spot and a resting place for New Yorkers working in the area during the daytime on weekdays.
Bryant Park changes its appearance every winter to entertain people, and one of the highlights is the skating rink!
The part that is usually a lawn open space (spring-autumn) turns into a skating rink in winter. From the latter half of October to the holiday season, there are many shops around this area as a holiday market, but even after those shops have withdrawn (after the holiday season), this skating rink is still alive!
It is scheduled to open until March 7th this year, and online advance reservations are required to use it.
The good news is that the skating rink itself is free to use! Those who have skates can enjoy skating for free.
Rental of skates is also available (adults start at $ 21).
And the most important point is ... You can see the Empire State Building from this link!
Skating while surrounded by skyscrapers such as the illuminated Empire State Building, what a luxurious and New York-like winter experience! ??
Don't miss it as a winter attraction in New York!
* This Winter Village (official sponsor of Bank of America) is celebrating its 19th year.
Winter Village at Bryant Park
https://bryantpark.org/…
We would like to express our sincere congratulations on the new year.
It was an unexpectedly confusing year last year, but we would like to thank everyone who has taken care of us for their continued patronage.
In the new year, all the staff will continue to do their utmost to provide safe and secure services to everyone.
As a countermeasure against the new coronavirus infection, we will continue to carry out regular PCR inspections of staff, install a partition between the driver's seat and the rear seat in the car, and thoroughly disinfect and clean.
We look forward to working with you this year as well.
2021 New Year's Day Hokuto International
With only two days left this year, New York's holiday season highlights still remain.
The countdown on December 31st!
Times Square is one of the busiest places in New York City. Advertising LCDs that use flashy lights are crowded together, and the neon sign is a gorgeous sight. Even if you haven't actually visited, many people have seen it on TV or in movies.
This Times Square, also known as The Crossroad of the world. It is one of the leading tourist destinations in the world and one of New York's leading tourist destinations. The countdown event, which takes place every year from December 31st to January 1st, is one of New York's most famous and popular annual events, where many people from all over the world gather every year to spend the New Year's Eve.
On the day of December 31st every year, traffic is restricted in this area from noon, and there is a penance that you have to wait here from around 3pm to enjoy the event in the middle of Times Square ...! (Once you enter the area, you cannot re-enter after going out, including the toilet)
This historic event, which began in 1907, has been held without fail except during World War II in 1942 and 1943, but this year we are curious about ...! ??
To avoid crowding of people, it will be held in virtual. There will be a broadcast from 8pm (Eastern Time) on the day at the ABC broadcasting station in Times Square, and you can also enjoy watching Times Square broadcast from 6pm by webcast (↓).
https: //www.timessquarenyc.org/times .../nye-live-webcast
Jennifer Lopez will appear in this year's stage performance.
Although there is no gathering of people like usual, there are traffic restrictions on the day. Vehicles will be closed from the morning of December 31st on 45st to 48st, and will be completely closed (inaccessible) by 3pm between 42st to 49st and 6Av to 8Av.
⚠️ Traffic regulations may change from the schedule announced on the day of each year, so the number of annual events in New York in 2020 has changed significantly due to the pandemic that needs to be confirmed each time, but in this way the shape has changed. However, I feel that the strength of this city is that it still exists.
First virtual countdown in Times
Halloween is over and it's November. Daylight saving time is over, and New York is finally entering full-scale winter.
Speaking of Halloween in New York, the famous Village Halloween Parade. Held annually on October 31st and attended by about 2 million people, this parade is known as the largest Halloween parade in the United States.
This year (Saturday, October 31), the 47th event was scheduled to be held during the full moon, but it was canceled due to the influence of COVID-19.
New York was a quieter Halloween night than usual, as there weren't any parties gathering around.
However, a New Yorker who never forgets to play even in such a case. Not to mention Jack-o'-Lantern, which is the usual Halloween season, COVID-19, Black Lives Matter, and the presidential election a few days later were involved to tell the story of the turbulent 2020. There were some decorations here and there.
There is irony, there is humor ... Smile involuntarily with the decoration of each house full of entertainment spirit.
Trick or Treat, which children are looking forward to, will not be handed over this year to prevent COVID-19 infection. Instead, there are some houses that prepare small pieces of sweets and candies at the front door.
Since Halloween was Saturday, it was funny to see children in disguise walking around the residential area from early afternoon.
Perhaps because it was a quiet city, the Empire State Building and the City Hall Building, which were surrounded by Halloween-style lights, looked dimly bright.
Today is the day of the presidential election.
There is an unprecedented sense of tension in various parts of the United States.
Autumn leaves in the suburbs of New York have reached their peak, but speaking of autumn leaves spots where you can enjoy the deepening autumn in the city ... Needless to say, Central Park!
Familiar with New Yorkers and one of New York's leading tourist attractions, the park is known as the world's largest urban park, completed in 1876. The annual number of visitors is 42 million (2019 statistics)!
Central Park is one of the most seasonal spots in New York City.
It's fascinating to enjoy the beautiful scenery of each season, but you can't miss the autumn-autumn leaves season, which is one of the shortest seasons in New York!
As the word "Autumn in New York" (and the movie) says, Central Park, which is dyed in golden color, is worth a visit.
There are several recommended spots in Central Park where you can feel "autumn", but the best one is the Conservatory Garden.
https://www.centralpark…
This garden is located in the north of Central Park, and many people have never visited it.
It consists of three styles, England, Italy and France, and the main flowers bloom in each garden each season.
Currently, the chrysanthemums, cosmos, and marigolds in the French garden are in full bloom ... The bright colors are a masterpiece.
If you take this opportunity to enjoy the autumn colors of Central Park, why not visit the Conservatory Garden! ??
There are main entrance gates on Fifth Avenue and 105th Avenue, which can be accessed from various locations within Central Park.
The autumn colors of Central Park this year (2020) seem to peak from now (the last week of October) to the beginning of November.
When you see the scenery of the trees in the park dyed in gradations of green, yellow, and red, you may forget that you are in Manhattan surrounded by buildings.
Enjoy the few autumns in New York!
September 27th is World Tourism Day!
World Tourism Day
https://www.un.org/en/o…
At present, there are many people who cannot easily enter the travel mode due to this corona vortex. Due to the fact that countries around the world are affected at the same time, the situation where they cannot move freely across countries continues.
Including them, the United Nations is calling for an opportunity to reexamine the way of safe and environmentally friendly "travel" because we are facing this pandemic.
It is said that one in ten people in the world is currently engaged in the tourism industry, and this pandemic has affected 100 to 120 million people involved in the tourism industry worldwide. Is out.
There are many industries that support New York City, but "sightseeing" is one of the industries that cannot be excluded. It is a sad reality that the number of foreign tourists has dropped sharply since mid-March, but the spots that are crowded with tourists every year are gradually reopening from this summer.
Following on from the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art) introduced last time, this time we will show you the view from the Top of the Rock.
Top of the Rock, one of New York's leading observatories, is an observatory up to the upper floors (67th to 69th floors) of the GE Building in the Rockefeller Center.
Introducing three points of this observatory where you can touch the outside air ...
① There is no iron net fence!
Therefore, you can enjoy a superb view without obstructing your view.
② You can see the Empire State Building on the upper floors (same line of sight) ③ You can see the shape of Central Park clearly (before it gets dark)
Top of the Rock is currently working on the following measures to combat coronavirus infections.
・ Temperature measurement before entering the building ・ Masks are worn by the staff (all smile marks!)
・ Installation of hand sanitizers at each location ・ Elevator can accommodate up to 4 people per elevator to maintain social distance ・ To keep space, remove the bench on the 67th floor, change the arrangement of gift shop items ... Such.
New York is moving forward for safe and secure sightseeing!
I was longing for... MET reopened!
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (popular name: MET), which was closed on March 13, 2020, reopened on August 29th.
It was one of New York's leading museums, and a tourist spot in New York City, where tourists constantly come in every year. Last year, about 7 million people visited in 2019.
This year (2020) was the 150th anniversary of the opening of MET, but soon after 2020, the world was hit by this pandemic, and MET was closed.
It's been about 5 months since then... New York City has survived a number of crises, and the good news is that it is still carefully following the path of resumption!
The following guidelines were established for the resumption.
・Reservations are required for visitors in advance online.・A mask or Face-covering (covering the nose and mouth) is mandatory. ・Accommodation of 25% of visitors (approx.
・Visitors have a temperature measurement before entering the building ・When lining up outdoors, keep a social distance (a distance of about 2m from others) inside the building...etc.
In addition, hand sanitizers for disinfecting hands and fingers will be installed in various places in the building, and frequent sanitizing and cleaning will be performed in the building.
Even though the accommodation rate is 25%, it may not be crowded with tourists as it used to be, so it may be a great opportunity to relax and appreciate it! ?
It's a great pleasure to be able to see the museum in the coming autumn season.
The Cloisters Art Museum, the branch of MET, will reopen on September 12.
It is one step at a time, but New York City will surely make progress and resume ... Continue to Stay Strong!
A number of view spots in New York City.
This time, we will introduce Long Island City (Queens Ward), which can be accessed by subway and is easily accessible from the station!
Although it is not so popular as a tourist spot, this area has been rapidly gaining popularity as a residential area that has undergone redevelopment in recent years. Known as LIC (Long Island City), the boardwalk, which offers a superb view of the buildings of Manhattan and Midtown on the opposite bank, is a recommended view spot.
The boardwalk along the river is connected to a city park called Hunters Point South Park, and you can enjoy various things such as benches, playground equipment and a small beach (populated sandy beach).
At present, outdoor leisure is a must, and many people enjoy their own way even in hot weather. People who lie on the bench and rest, people who jog, people who play beach volleyball, etc.
Meanwhile, the blue sky gym in the field? Discover what is!
It seems that the people who have been training in the gym are gathering because the indoor gym is closed. Dumbbells, squats, kickboxing, push-ups... I found a New Yorker who was able to move physically according to the instructor's instructions. The sunlight is strong and the weather is hot on a midsummer day... It was hot, but it may be a luxury in a sense, outdoor training with a view of Manhattan! ?
Why not visit as a leisure spot during the day as well as a view spot after morning and evening.
The nearest station is "Vernon Boulevard-Jackson Avenue Station" on Subway Line 7. About 6-7 minutes walk from the station to Hunters Point South Park.
There is also a NYC ferry ($2,75-) stop along the boardwalk. It takes time to travel between Queens and Brooklyn if you use the subway, but if you use a ferry, you can enjoy time and effort, as well as the feeling of sightseeing. You can enjoy the movement of the East River while cutting the wind on board.
[Current State of New York City/Subway]
The New York City subway is known for its 24-hour operation. The number of passengers decreased sharply from the latter half of March (after the announcement of NY on Pause/home waiting order), but from the beginning of June, the number of customers gradually returned.
Although the vehicle is being disinfected and cleaned, what is the actual situation? ? I'm sure some of you will be interested.
In response to this pandemic, the MTA operating and operating the subway is currently promoting the "13 Point Plan" as a plan to protect the safety of passengers and employees.
MTA "13 point plan"
https://new.mta.info/co…
Part of the content;
●Providing masks (basically, each passenger must have Face Covering)
●Installation of hand sanitizer in the station yard ●Increasing contactless (OMNY) ticket payment system ●Stopping daily 1:00AM-5:00AM, disinfecting and cleaning the vehicle, continuing…etc.
What you actually saw and felt was...
◆ There is a social distance mark on the platform ◆ The number of passengers getting on and off is less than half of the usual number, and it is not in a situation where other people are sitting next to the sitting person ◆ There is a hand sanitizer inside the station Installed ◆Before the ticket gate, there is a sign that "Face Covering is required"
Looking at the stations and cars that were once crowded on the same day and time, it seems that few people are required to move by subway at this time.
Basic precautions when riding... Face Covering, frequent hand washing and disinfection, social distance... Don't forget the etc!
