Tokyo Travel Guide

Tokyo is the most populated urban area in the world and the capital of Japan. The modern metropolis is a center of technology and commerce, which gracefully combines contemporary architecture with a wealth of ancient traditions. Spanning a vast area of over 1,240 square miles, Tokyo incorporates rugged mountains to the west and sub-tropical islands to the south.

Tokyo is a city to be explored. It is mesmerizing for first-time visitors; take it in your stride, and you won’t be bored for a second. For a wide spanning view of the concrete jungle, the Tokyo Tower is the best known choice, but it’s also the most expensive viewpoint. Meanwhile, the twin towers of the Metropolitan Government building let you observe the city lights for free. Tokyo has a huge selection of top-class museums and galleries including the National Museum of Western Art, National Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Photography.

The Imperial Palace is home to the imperial family, but entry is not allowed. However, the Palace East Gardens accept visitors and are beautifully manicured and nice for a relaxing stroll. There are also a number of shrines in the area, including the controversial Yasukuni shrine for victims and war criminals of WWII. Akihabara, also known as Electric Town, is a dazzling district where you will find great deals in all things electrical. To witness the hip youth culture of Tokyo, Shibuya is the place to go shop, eat or simply hang out with the cool kids.

Highlights

Tokyo Disneyland: this is the most visited theme park in the world, great for a family adventure holiday with its amusement parks, shopping complexes and water world.

Bonsai Park: the world’s largest collection of miniature landscaping, come and marvel over the intricate care that is given to maintaining these gardens.

International Aquarium: housed on the 10th floor of the World Import Art Building, the aquarium has every sort of underwater animal you could think of.

National Museum of Japanese History: through a variety of interesting exhibits, you can learn about Japanese history from the early ages to more recent historical events.

Rainbow Bridge: offers spectacular views of the dazzling, night-time Tokyo cityscape.

Imperial Palace: while visitors aren’t allowed in unless on a tour, the gardens are worth a visit just to get a glimpse of the palace from the exterior.

Tokyo Tower: pricey but the views are exquisite. If you can’t afford the cost of these vistas, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives.