About Tokyo

Tokyo is one of the largest city and capital of Japan. Tokyo is also one of Japan's 47 prefectures but it is known as a metropolis rather than a prefecture.

At over 12 million people in the official metropolitan area alone, Tokyo is the core of the most populated urban area in the world, Greater Tokyo. This huge, wealthy and fascinating metropolis brings high-tech visions of the future side by side with glimpses of old Japan, and has something for everyone.

Don't get too hung up on ticking tourist sights off your list: for most visitors, the biggest part of the Tokyo experience is just wandering around at random and absorbing the vibe, poking your head into shops selling weird and wonderful things, sampling restaurants where you can't recognize a single thing on the menu, and finding unexpected oases of calm in the tranquil grounds of a neighborhood Shinto shrine.

Japanese architecture has traditionally been based on the use of wooden materials, and the city's shrines and temples are overwhelmingly traditional in form. The Meiji Shrine is an impressive example of the austere style and restrained colors typical of Shinto architecture. Later Meiji official architecture was often a reflection of western styles; remaining red-brick structures of the period include the Crafts Gallery of the National Museum of Modern Art, the National Film Center of the National Museum of Modern Art.

Tokyo has many commercial centers for shopping, eating and simply wandering around for experiencing the modern Japanese urban phenomenon. Each of these areas have unique characteristics, such as dazzling Shinjuku, youthful Shibuya and up market Ginza. These areas are bustling throughout the day, but they really come into life in the evenings.

Tokyo Tower is the best known but a rather overpriced, not to say uninspiring, choice. The highest spot in Tokyo is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building in Shinjuku. Its twin towers have viewing platforms that are absolutely free, and offer a great view over Tokyo and beyond. However, the best option would probably be from the World Trade Center Building at JR Hamamatsucho station which, although not as high, offers stunning views of Tokyo Tower and the waterfront due to its excellent location, especially at dusk.