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Tokyo |
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DESTINATION INFORMATION
The Tokyo Metropolis, or Greater Tokyo area, is made up of Tokyo and the three neighbouring prefectures of Saitama, Kanagawa and Chiba. This area is home to almost 12 million people. It is a city of contrasts from a dynamic and energetic metropolis with soaring skyscrapers and neon lights, to the traditional ancient shrines and Kabuki Theatre, to the early morning markets.
The city of Tokyo and its people have suffered heavily during the last century. The Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, when over 140,000 people perished, and during World War II, the firebombings in 1945 were almost as devastating as the atomic bombs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki combined.
After the war, Tokyo was completely rebuilt, and showcased to the world during the city's 1964 Summer Olympics. Tokyo became the largest city in the world in 1965 (taking the lead from New York). New high-rise developments went up during the '70's. The subway and commuter rail network became the busiest in the world as more and more people moved to the area. The economic boom of the 1980's was followed by a major recession a decade later, and slowly the city is recovering.
Tokyo has many sightseeing opportunities of all types for tourists, and both cultural and sport attractions. These include famous temples, shrines, annual festivals and events, parks, scenic views, popular shopping and nightlife districts. Cultural highlights of Tokyo include museums, concert halls, and theatres.
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WHAT TO DO
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Tea ceremony ~ a traditional tea ceremony, 'Chanoyu' (or Sado) is anything but a simple affair, and the highly stylised etiquette needs time and patience, and the mental discipline involved was once an essential part of the training of a Samurai.
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Tokyo Tower ~ This 330m tower is always busy, but you can see the Tokyo skyline at two observation platforms, one at 150m and the other at 250m.
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Tokyo National Museum ~ Japan's largest museum, housing the world's largest collection of Japanese art as well as countless other items, including archaeological finds and Buddhist treasures.
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Meiji Shrine ~ Completed in 1920, this shrine was built in the memory of Emporer Meiji and Empress Shoken, under whose rule Japan ended its long period of isolation from the outside world.
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Sumo Museum ~ Visit the Sumo museum, although there are no English translations, and watch a sumo match.
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Hakone National Park and Mount Fuji ~ Enjoy cable-car rides, visit the open-air museum, and cruise the Ashino-ko, but of course, what everyone comes for is the amazing view of Mount Fuji.
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Nikko ~ This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes the Toshugo Shrine and Kegon Waterfall.
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The Great Buddha ~ See this monumental statue at Kamakura.
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Disneyland ~ If you want to see how the Japanese do Disney, visit this almost perfect replica of the Californian theme park, devoted to Mickey and friends.
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Koraku-en Amusement Park ~ On the other hand, this more typically Japanese theme park is on the rattle-and-shake mode, with roller coasters and hi-tech rides, and immensely popular.
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