Tokyo Info

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and is at the centre of the largest metropolitan area in the world with a population of 12 million making around 30 million in the whole greater Tokyo area.  The wider metropolis area of Tokyo consists of 23 wards, 5 towns and 8 villages including the Ogasawara Islands and several smaller pacific islands on the south. 

Tokyo City is over 400 years old and originally grew from the fishing village of Edo.  It became a political centre in 1603 when Tokugawa Leyasu established a feudal government there and increased growth has continued since.  In 1868 with the Meiji Restoration the emperor moved from Kyoto to Edo, which then also became renamed as Tokyo and became the new capital.

Tokyo is often the first stop for tourists visiting Japan, and there are a great number of sights to enjoy.  The temples of Asakuss, the Imperial Palace gardens and the Meiji Shrine are must-sees.  The Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Metropolitan Government building or the World Trade Centre are all great places to visit for a view over the city.

Ueno Park located in downtown Tokyo is rich in history, culture and religion featuring the most temples in Tokyo and the most museums and art galleries in one place.  A monorail runs from the west to the east garden.  In the west you can see the Shinobazu Pond and small island shrine, and the east features the zoo hall and Pagoda.  The Tokyo National Museum is the largest in Japan and hugely popular due to its twenty exhibitions open to the public.  Everything cultural can be seen here from the Auka period to the Japanese ceramics and Buddhist sculptures.  The Toshogu Shrine, Keneji Temple and Yushima Tenjin Shrine are all worth a look.

There are many areas of green and parks around Tokyo to enjoy a wander through.  The Shinjuku Gyoen Park is an ancient feudal estate, which was redesigned by a French man.  Within the park you can feel completely engulfed by the beauty almost forgetting the location in one of Tokyo’s busiest commercial districts.  The Inokashira Koen Park and Yoyogi Park are also worth visiting.

Shopping in Tokyo

Everything and anything can be found for sale in Tokyo, from speciality items such as Hello Kitty goods and other funky fashions to electronics.  Being a favoured place to buy electronics, remember that other than smaller items such as cameras, many goods may not be compatible to take home.  Try visiting Akihabara for stores that specialise in over sea configurations.  There are more than 250 electrical stores in this area.  Look out for new technology, which won’t be in the stores in London or New York for another couple years.  

Credit cards are only accepted in large stores, so when shopping plenty of cash is needed.  Ginza is a huge shopping district, but known to be home to high end up market stores.  Megastores for brands such as Apple, Sony, Louis Vuitton and Mikimoto among many others can be found here.

Eating out in Tokyo

Tsukiji Fish Market is the largest in the world.  An estimated 17% of the worlds fish pass through here.  To experience the true frantic action you have to get there early, as excitement winds down mid morning.  The tuna auction starts at 6am, and is a main attraction for curious tourists.  There are also many opportunities to sample the freshest sushi.  Many of the best sushi restaurants can be found around the outskirts of the market area.

Restaurants are endless in Tokyo, and again most will only accept cash. Menu’s are often visible from outside so you can check prices.  Sushi must be enjoyed when in Tokyo. There are endless restaurants specialising in Sushi and Sashimi.  Some where you order each dish individually from the chef can be expensive, but for a Sushi lover simply must be tried.  More reasonably priced Sushi diners offer many dishes on a conveyer belt where you may choose whatever takes your fancy.  In many places the plates are different colours to indicate the price.  For a cheap lunch or snack, noodle bars can be found on nearly every corner.  A meal ticket is purchased from a vending machine showing pictures of the dishes.  This ticket is then simply handed in to one of the serving staff.