| Situated in the Kanto region on the mid-eastern | | | | Asakusa, the temple is a Buddhist shrine, with |
| part of the Honshu Island, Tokyo is the capital | | | | features such as the Kaminarimon or thunder |
| and the largest city in Japan. Tokyo, literally | | | | gate and a five-storied pagoda. Nakamise, a |
| meaning 'Eastern Capital,' is also one of the 47 | | | | shopping street with a history of several |
| prefectures in the country. However, it is much | | | | centuries, leads to the second gate of the temple, |
| popular as a metropolis rather than a prefecture. | | | | Hozomon. |
| The largest of its kind in the world, Tokyo's | | | | Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor |
| metropolis is made up of: 26 cities, 23 city wards, | | | | Meiji and his wife Shoken, is another popular |
| eight villages, and five towns. | | | | temple in the city. Completed in 1920 and rebuilt |
| Once a typical village known as Edo - the city | | | | after the Second World War, Meiji Shrine is home |
| became the political center of the country when | | | | to various festivals and events. |
| Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of the most powerful | | | | A visit to such shrines as Sengakuji Temple, |
| rulers, established his feudal government here | | | | where 47 Ronin are buried; Yasukini Shrine, which |
| during the 16th century. But, Tokyo got its | | | | commemorate Japan's war dead; and Zojoji |
| present name when the emperor Meiji shifted his | | | | Temple - the main shrine of Buddhist Jado sect |
| capital from Kyoto to Edo. A city of contrasts, | | | | would be a great experience. |
| Tokyo has now become one of the most popular | | | | Museums - Tokyo has a great number of |
| destinations in the world, brimming with | | | | museums, which among many others, are the |
| world-class attractions. | | | | Tokyo National Museum - the oldest as well as |
| Tokyo has to its credit such a great number of | | | | the largest in the country; Mitsuo Aida Museum, |
| attractions that it takes months to explore them | | | | with a rare collection of artifacts; Edo Tokyo |
| all. One of the most popular among the city's | | | | Museum, where on display are artifacts related to |
| attractions is Imperial Palace, which is still the | | | | the city's history and culture; O Art Museum, a |
| residence of the emperor of Japan. The palace is | | | | multi-purpose art museum; Mori Art Museum, |
| built on a huge amazing site, where still the | | | | showcasing contemporary Japanese art; Tokyo |
| remains of Edo Castle can be seen. Another | | | | Metropolitan Art Museum; Nezu Institute of Fine |
| worth-visiting attraction here is Diet Parliament, | | | | Art; the Bunkamura Museum of Fine Art; Science |
| which was opened in 1936. Equally worth | | | | Museum of Tokyo, and Sompo Japan Museum of |
| mentioning is Kabuki-za Theatre, which is perhaps | | | | Art, housing works of Seiji Togo, a well-known |
| the most popular in the country. Opened its door | | | | Japanese artist. |
| in 1889, the theatre conducts daily performances. | | | | Parks and Gardens - For nature lovers, Tokyo |
| No visit to Tokyo would be complete without | | | | has an astounding array of parks and gardens. |
| taking a tour to Akihabara, also known as | | | | Some of the most popular among them are: |
| Akihabara Electric Town or Akiba. This area | | | | - Rikugien, a beautiful landscape garden designed in |
| boasts of an enormous collection of electronic | | | | Japanese style |
| shops. Also, a great attraction in the city is Tokyo | | | | - Hama Rikyu, one of the most attractive |
| Tower, a soaring structure that takes after the | | | | gardens in the area, which once served as the |
| Eiffel Tower in Paris. A marine aquarium can also | | | | garden of a feudal lord's residence during the Edo |
| be seen here. Additionally, Tokyo is home to | | | | period |
| Tsukiji Central Wholesale Market, one of the | | | | - Kyu Shiba Rikyu Onshi Teien, which is developed |
| largest fish market in the world. | | | | on the site which was earlier the residence of |
| Other not to miss destinations in Tokyo are | | | | several feudal lords as well as government |
| Shinjuku, a business area of the city with one of | | | | officials |
| the biggest amusement squares in the country; | | | | - East Gardens, an amazing garden located within |
| Asakusa, with attractions such as Sensoji Temple | | | | the compounds of the Imperial Palace |
| and the Kaminarimon gate; Roppongi, a trendy | | | | - Ueno Park, one of the largest public parks in the |
| area regarded as the international area of the | | | | country, is home to many museums, such as the |
| city; and Odaiba, a highly developed waterfront as | | | | Tokyo National Museum and the National Museum |
| well as island area in Tokyo bay. | | | | for Western Art |
| Above all, while your stay in the city, don't miss | | | | - Yoyogi Koen, a unique park designed in western |
| Tokyo Disneyland, an amusement park with | | | | style |
| highlights such as Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour, | | | | Tokyo has some of the best shopping areas in |
| Fantillusion, Western River Railroad, The Mickey | | | | the form of Ginza district, located in the heart of |
| Mouse Review, and Meet the World. | | | | the city. Many stores designer items, jewelry, and |
| Shrines and Temples - Each of the temples in the | | | | apparels can be seen here. Among the largest |
| city is truly a sight to see. Most popular among | | | | department stores in the area are Hankyu, Seibu, |
| the shrines in the area is Sensoji Temple, also | | | | Printemps, Matsuya, Wako and Mikimoto. |
| known as Asakusa Kannon Temple. Located in | | | | |