Tokyo
Ancient empire meets the latest technology in Tokyo, the largest city on the planet. It’s a city with a noble past, with poets, warriors, architects and artists taking inspiration from Mount Fuji, just a little to the south-west.
The sky really is no limit in Tokyo, and in this crowded city, the best way to build is up. From the Mori Tower, Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower, you can marvel at the sights of Tokyo and its unique skyline.
Technically speaking, Tokyo is not one single city but a metropolitan area made up of 23 different districts, all governed separately as cities. Each has its own atmosphere and special sights, but the most fascinating of all is Shinjuku district. This vibrant area in southwest Tokyo has trendy restaurants, the busiest train station in the world and the most beautiful gardens. For lively nightlife at the heart of the city,Roppongi Hills in the Roppongi district, is definitely the answer.
Despite the fact that much of Tokyo was rebuilt after the Second World War, there’s a huge wealth of history in the city too. Ancient Japanese art and artefacts dating back thousands of years are proudly exhibited in the Tokyo National Museum, and centuries-old traditional Buddhist spirituality is still practised at the Sensoji Temple. Tokyo’s ancient power dates back centuries, and the Tokyo Imperial Palace marks the very spot that has been home to long lines of shoguns and emperors.
There is more modern history at the Yasukuni Shrine and Yushukan Museum which honour over 2 million people who died in service to the empire.
In this fast-paced city, one of the surprising treasures is its beautiful parks. Springtime in Tokyo sees the world-famous cherry trees blossoming in delicate, foaming pinks and whites, and there are plenty of green parks to enjoy them in. Take a picnic to the Shinjuku Gyoen to admire the spring flowers. Every district there has carefully designed parks with exquisitely detailed landscapes that are welcome oases of calm for busy citizens and visitors.
