Summary
The Japanese capital for over 150 years, Tokyo consistently confounds expectations. As vast as it is, with a population topping 14 million people, Tokyo also comprises tight-knit communities forming extraordinarily captivating cities within a city. Spanning a history which stretches way beyond its status as capital, Tokyo hides a wealth of attractions in plain sight, from cherished Buddhist shrines to a museum dedicated to the films of Studio Ghibli – the team behind the Oscar-winning Spirited Away. But with so much to see and do, its vital for travellers to join reputable Tokyo guided tours, or risk missing out.
Tokyo, Japan
Description
If Japan is the land of the rising sun, its capital must be the city of contrasts. Tokyo is a city where carefully-constructed temples dating back hundreds of years stand beside the most modern and futuristic of tower blocks, and where the onward march of development somehow manages to defend, protect and treasure ancient ritualistic events such as Sumo wrestling matches.
One of Earth’s biggest cities, yet routinely declared the safest metropolis in the world, it can be easy to feel lost among Tokyo’s population, now the same as a medium-sized country. However, take advantage of Tokyo escorted tours, and you’ll have a gateway into all that makes Tokyo special.
Though ever changing, many elements of Tokyo’s spirit remain untouched by the passing of time. The city’s Imperial Palace has played host to the Japanese royal family since 1888, and while the building itself remains understandably closed to the public, its large East Gardens offer the ideal introduction into Japan’s sense of precision and neatness.
At the other end of Tokyo’s extraordinary wealth of attractions is the Shinjuku district, the traditional place to head for bars and nightlife, but also making a name for itself with its shopping malls and contemporary hotel stays. To see it in all its neon glory, head to the 45th floor observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, open until 10pm each night.
Even if a shopping spree isn’t on your agenda, its well worth heading to Ginza, Tokyo’s primary shopping district, if only to absorb the ambience of streets filled with the world’s top brands, alongside more traditional vendors including those selling kimonos and tea making sets.
Elsewhere, it’s difficult to resist the pull of Shibuya Crossing, the crossroads by the busy train station of the same name which has become a byword for Japan’s frantic way of life. To experience it at its busiest, await the change of traffic lights on a Friday or Saturday night before heading to the Harajuku district with Tokyo’s young sub-cultures. Here tiny independent shops replace the large stores of Ginza, making it a meeting point for the city’s young since the 1970s.
By contrast, Meiji Shrine has become an important place of contemplation within the city limits, as well as a popular wedding venue, though only completed in 1920 in honour of the Emperor Meiji and his wife.
Intrigued by all that Tokyo has to offer? Check out our Secrets of Japan tour.
