Tokyo Uncovered - Things to Do in Tokyo
Japan,
20/Aug/2018
A visit to Tokyo is truly not for the fainthearted being one of the largest cities in the world - but for a travel experience that treats all of your senses and leaves you wanting more, go to Tokyo and go now. Tokyo is not your average Asian destination. With it's ultra-modern city life, eclectic cuisine, and traditional Japanese culture, it's undeniably a must-see for any travel lover and Japan Tourism.
To give you an idea of its size the Tokyo metropolitan area has over 36 million residents, while central Tokyo is home to over 13 million people. However, its sheer size makes it a huge draw for travellers from around the world, particularly British holiday makers who want a slice of the action.
Tokyo is Japan's capital and is also one of Japan's 47 prefectures, consisting of 23 central city wards and multiple cities, towns and villages west of the city centre. The Izu and Ogasawara Islands are also part of Tokyo.
Just 3 miles south of Central Tokyo lies Narita international airport while 35 mile to east lies Narita international airport. Tokyo is situated on Tokyo Bay and has a port but because of bridges across the bay large cruise ships are unable to reach the port of Tokyo. So approximately 20 miles south-west of Central Tokyo on the coast lies Yokohama which has the purpose built Osanbashi cruise terminal which opened in 2002.
TOKYO HISTORY
Prior to 1868, Tokyo was known as Edo. A small castle town in the 16th century, Edo became Japan's political centre in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu established his feudal government there. A few decades later, Edo had grown into one of the world's most populous cities. Edo Castle used to be the seat of the Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603 until 1867. In 1868, the shogun was overthrown, and the country's capital and Imperial Residence were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. In 1888 construction of a new Imperial Palace was completed. Large parts of Tokyo were destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and in the air raids of 1945. The palace was also destroyed during World War Two, and rebuilt in the same style, afterwards.
TOKYO TODAY
Today, Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dining to its visitors. The city's history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa, and in many excellent museums, historic temples and gardens. Contrary to common perception, Tokyo also offers a number of attractive green spaces in the city centre and within relatively short train rides at its outskirts.