Tokyo

Things to Do in Tokyo View Map Types of Things to Do Top Attractions Shop Tours & Tickets Types of Attractions Sights & Landmarks (2044) Nature & Parks (392) Shopping (713) Museums (411) Tours (233) Outdoor Activities (158) Concerts & Shows (142) More Neighborhoods Ginza / Tokyo Nihonbashi (270) Ueno, Asakusa (222) Shibuya / Harajuku / Ebisu (192) Shinjuku (184) More Airports Nearby Tokyo Intl Airport (16) Tokyo weather essentials Month High Low Precip Aug 82°F 76°F 9 in Sep 76°F 71°F 10 in Oct 67°F 61°F 8 in Nov 58°F 51°F 4 in Dec 50°F 43°F 3 in Jan 46°F 39°F 3 in More weather for Tokyo C° | F° Powered by Weather Underground Shop Tickets And Tours Shop Now Walking & Biking Tours Private & Custom Tours Shows, Concerts & Sports Top Things to do See all Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden 4,512 Reviews Gardens Meiji Jingu Shrine Meiji Jingu Shrine 5,855 Reviews Points of Interest & Landmarks Asakusa Asakusa 4,637 Reviews Neighborhoods Senso-ji Temple Senso-ji Temple 6,237 Reviews Sacred & Religious Sites Historic Sites See all Tokyo National Museum Tokyo National Museum 1,579 Reviews Historic Sites, Art Museums, History Museums, Points of Interest & Landmarks Akasaka Palace (State Guesthouse) Akasaka Palace (State Guesthouse) 254 Reviews Points of Interest & Landmarks, Historic Sites, Architectural Buildings Sengaku-ji Temple Sengaku-ji Temple 434 Reviews Sacred & Religious Sites, Historic Sites Hozomon Hozomon 148 Reviews Historic Sites, Historic Walking Areas, Scenic Walking Areas, Points of Interest & Landmarks Water & Amusement Parks See all Tokyo One Piece Tower Tokyo One Piece Tower 192 Reviews Theme Parks LaQua LaQua 422 Reviews Theme Parks, Points of Interest & Landmarks Hanayashiki Hanayashiki 264 Reviews Theme Parks J-WORLD TOKYO J-WORLD TOKYO 212 Reviews Theme Parks Featured Tours and Tickets See all Likely To Sell Out Mt Fuji, Lake Ashi and Bullet Train... Mt Fuji, Lake Ashi and Bullet Train... 3,783 reviews from RON 545.31* Likely To Sell Out Tokyo Robot Evening Cabaret Show Tokyo Robot Evening Cabaret Show 810 reviews from RON 253.48* Kyoto Rail Tour by Bullet Train from... Kyoto Rail Tour by Bullet Train from... 270 reviews from RON 1,456.85* Tokyo Day Tour: Meiji Shrine, Asakusa... Tokyo Day Tour: Meiji Shrine, Asakusa... 1,010 reviews from RON 348.20* Monuments & Statues See all Hachiko Hachiko 2,726 Reviews Monuments & Statues, Points of Interest & Landmarks Yushima Tenmangu Yushima Tenmangu 358 Reviews Sacred & Religious Sites, Monuments & Statues Yoyogi Hachimangu Shrine Yoyogi Hachimangu Shrine 123 Reviews Monuments & Statues Statue of Hachiko & Hidesaburo Ueno Statue of Hachiko & Hidesaburo Ueno 38 Reviews Monuments & Statues, Points of Interest & Landmarks Museums See all Edo-Tokyo Museum Edo-Tokyo Museum 1,667 Reviews Specialty Museums Samurai Museum Samurai Museum 952 Reviews Specialty Museums Nezu Museum Nezu Museum 615 Reviews Art Museums Tokyo National Museum Tokyo National Museum 1,579 Reviews Historic Sites, Art Museums, History Museums, Points of Interest & Landmarks Cultural & Theme Tours See all Kyoto Rail Tour by Bullet Train from... Kyoto Rail Tour by Bullet Train from... 270 reviews from RON 1,456.85* Likely To Sell Out Tokyo Sumo Wrestling Tournament Tokyo Sumo Wrestling Tournament 370 reviews from RON 334.40* Watch Morning Practice at a Sumo... Watch Morning Practice at a Sumo... 61 reviews from RON 299.50* Challenge Sumo Wrestlers and Enjoy a... Challenge Sumo Wrestlers and Enjoy a... 17 reviews from RON 416.85* Gardens See all Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden 4,512 Reviews Gardens Hotel New Otani Japanese Garden Hotel New Otani Japanese Garden 379 Reviews Gardens Hama Rikyu Gardens Hama Rikyu Gardens 1,399 Reviews Gardens, Parks Happoen Garden Happoen Garden 458 Reviews Gardens, Civic Centers, Scenic Walking Areas Concerts & Shows See all Kabukiza Theater Kabukiza Theater 672 Reviews Theaters National Theatre National Theatre 73 Reviews Theaters Shinjuku Suehirotei Shinjuku Suehirotei 59 Reviews Theaters Suzumoto Suzumoto 49 Reviews Theaters Food, Wine & Nightlife See all Likely To Sell Out Tokyo Robot Evening Cabaret Show Tokyo Robot Evening Cabaret Show 810 reviews from RON 253.48* Tokyo Robot Restaurant Cabaret Show... Tokyo Robot Restaurant Cabaret Show... 32 reviews from RON 211.30* Special Offer Tokyo by Night: Japanese Food Tour Tokyo by Night: Japanese Food Tour 312 reviews from RON 334.01* RON 417.61 Challenge Sumo Wrestlers and Enjoy a... Challenge Sumo Wrestlers and Enjoy a... 17 reviews from RON 416.85* Sacred & Religious Sites See all Senso-ji Temple Senso-ji Temple 6,237 Reviews Sacred & Religious Sites Asakusa Shrine Asakusa Shrine 1,004 Reviews Sacred & Religious Sites Sengaku-ji Temple Sengaku-ji Temple 434 Reviews Sacred & Religious Sites, Historic Sites Tokyo Camii & Turkish Culture Center Tokyo Camii & Turkish Culture Center 164 Reviews Sacred & Religious Sites Day Trips & Excursions See all Likely To Sell Out Mt Fuji, Lake Ashi and Bullet Train... Mt Fuji, Lake Ashi and Bullet Train... 3,783 reviews from RON 545.31* Kyoto Rail Tour by Bullet Train from... Kyoto Rail Tour by Bullet Train from... 270 reviews from RON 1,456.85* Mt Fuji Day Trip including Lake Ashi... Mt Fuji Day Trip including Lake Ashi... 875 reviews from RON 439.85* Nikko National Park Day Trip from... Nikko National Park Day Trip from... 516 reviews from RON 475.13* Parks See all Ueno Park Ueno Park 3,841 Reviews Parks Yoyogi Park Yoyogi Park 1,723 Reviews Parks Hama Rikyu Gardens Hama Rikyu Gardens 1,399 Reviews Gardens, Parks Rikugien Garden Rikugien Garden 669 Reviews Gardens, Parks Multi-day & Extended Tours See all 3-Day Mt Fuji, Kyoto and Nara Rail... 3-Day Mt Fuji, Kyoto and Nara Rail... 123 reviews from RON 2,234.55* 3-Day Kyoto and Hiroshima Tour via... 3-Day Kyoto and Hiroshima Tour via... 38 reviews from RON 1,520.13* 2-Day Kyoto and Nara Rail Tour by... 2-Day Kyoto and Nara Rail Tour by... 21 reviews from RON 2,325.82* Kyoto and Nara 2-Day or 3-Day Rail... Kyoto and Nara 2-Day or 3-Day Rail... 143 reviews from RON 2,325.82* Sort by: Ranking Book Online UPCOMING EVENT Nihombashi Ebisuko Bettara Ichi Oct 19, 2017 - Oct 20, 2017 Cultural Events Popular in Tokyo, bettara-zuke is daikon radish pickled with koji. The Nihombashi Ebisuko Bettara Ichi market started in the mid-Edo Period in front of Takarada Ebisu Shrine. The market has since expanded to the adjacent Odenmacho and Horidomecho nei... See more Nihombashi Ebisuko Bettara Ichi City Tours (74) #1 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo City Tours City Tours City Tours City Tours Related booking options Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Shinjuku) 4,512 reviews #2 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Gardens Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden More Info 1 booking option Lessons & Workshops (116) #3 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Lessons & Workshops Lessons & Workshops Lessons & Workshops Lessons & Workshops Related booking options Meiji Jingu Shrine (Shibuya) 5,855 reviews #4 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Points of Interest & Landmarks Meiji Jingu Shrine More Info 9 booking options Asakusa (Taito) 4,637 reviews #5 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Neighborhoods Asakusa More Info 27 booking options Senso-ji Temple (Taito) 6,237 reviews #6 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Sacred & Religious Sites Senso-ji Temple More Info 19 booking options Tokyo Metro 1,662 reviews #7 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Mass Transportation Systems Tokyo Metro More Info 2 booking options Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings (Shinjuku) 5,045 reviews #8 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Government Buildings Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings More Info 3 booking options Edo-Tokyo Museum (Sumida) 1,667 reviews #9 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Specialty Museums Edo-Tokyo Museum More Info 2 booking options Ueno Park (Taito) 3,841 reviews #10 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Parks Ueno Park More Info 1 booking option Samurai Museum (Shinjuku) 952 reviews #11 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Specialty Museums Samurai Museum More Info Tokyo Skytree (Sumida) 5,837 reviews #12 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Architectural Buildings Tokyo Skytree More Info 11 booking options Cooking Classes (88) #13 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Cooking Classes Cooking Classes Cooking Classes Cooking Classes Related booking options Tokyo Tower (Minato) 6,329 reviews #14 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Architectural Buildings Tokyo Tower More Info 9 booking options Nezu Museum (Minato) 615 reviews #15 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Art Museums Nezu Museum More Info 1 booking option Chidorigafuchi (Chiyoda) 902 reviews #16 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Points of Interest & Landmarks Chidorigafuchi More Info 1 booking option Shibuya Pedestrian Scramble (Shibuya) 4,814 reviews #17 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Points of Interest & Landmarks Shibuya Pedestrian Scramble More Info 4 booking options Odaiba (Minato) 2,912 reviews #18 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Neighborhoods Odaiba More Info 3 booking options Ryogoku Kokugikan (Sumida) 657 reviews #19 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Arenas & Stadiums Ryogoku Kokugikan More Info 6 booking options Ginza (Chuo) 3,455 reviews #20 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Neighborhoods Ginza More Info 21 booking options Tokyo City View Observation Deck (Roppongihills) (Minato) 1,181 reviews #21 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Observation Decks & Towers Tokyo City View Observation Deck (Roppongihills) More Info 1 booking option Tokyo Central Railway Station (Chiyoda) 2,932 reviews #22 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Architectural Buildings Tokyo Central Railway Station More Info H.I.S. Tourist Information Center Harajuku (Shibuya) 219 reviews #23 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Visitor Centers H.I.S. Tourist Information Center Harajuku More Info 12 booking options Tokyo National Museum (Taito) 1,579 reviews #24 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Historic Sites Art Museums Tokyo National Museum More Info Yoyogi Park (Shibuya) 1,723 reviews #25 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Parks Yoyogi Park More Info 1 booking option Akihabara (Chiyoda) 3,211 reviews #26 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Neighborhoods Akihabara More Info 7 booking options Hotel New Otani Japanese Garden (Chiyoda) 379 reviews #27 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Gardens Hotel New Otani Japanese Garden More Info 1 booking option Hama Rikyu Gardens (Chuo) 1,399 reviews #28 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Gardens Parks Hama Rikyu Gardens More Info 7 booking options Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) Terminal No2 Observation Deck (Ota) at Tokyo Intl Airport 859 reviews #29 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Observation Decks & Towers Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) Terminal No2 Observation Deck More Info The National Art Center, Tokyo (Minato) 983 reviews #30 of 3,352 things to do in Tokyo Art Museums Best Things To Do in Tokyo With more than 13 million residents to entertain, Tokyo has a lot going on. Start your morning off with breakfast sushi at the world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market then let yourself get lost in Japan's vast and interesting history at the Tokyo National Museum or the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Take an hour or two and unwind in the verdant gardens (preferably with a picnic) of the Imperial Palace or the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. When you're ready to take on Tokyo's mammoth shopping scene, head to Ginza, the waterfront Odaiba or the anime-friendly Akihabara for all things tech. At the end of the day, take a lift into the sky at either the Tokyo Tower or the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a bird's-eye view of the glittering city. And no trip here would be complete without visiting some of the city's more traditional sites, including the Sensoji Temple and the spiritual Meiji Shrine. How we rank Things to Do. All Things To Do Free 1-Day Itinerary 2-Day Itinerary 3-Day Itinerary #1 Tsukiji Market Free #1 in Tokyo Even if you're not a sushi connoisseur, the Tsukiji Market offers an unforgettable experience. It is the largest and oldest fish market in the world, handling upward of 1,800 tons of seafood per day. Ships arrive in the wee hours of the morning, and by 5 a.m., the famous tuna auctions have already commenced with wholesalers bidding for good-looking specimens. Unfortunately, due to the increased number of tourists, these exciting auctions are closed to the public, except for a small viewing area open from 5 to 6:15 a.m. While we encourage early risers to queue for this small space, the rest of the market, which always welcomes visitors, is sufficient to whet your appetite. ... more Sightseeing Type 1 to 2 hours Time to Spend Tsukiji Market Find Tours & Tickets #2 Tokyo National Museum #2 in Tokyo If you're looking to learn a little (or a lot) about Japan's history, the Tokyo National Museum is the place to go. This museum is one of the country's most expansive, housing about 116,000 pieces of art and artifacts that cover the longest recorded history of Japan. Strolling through the halls of its numerous buildings, you'll spot relics such as samurai armor and swords (a traveler favorite), delicate pottery, kimonos, calligraphy, paintings, and much more, some of which are designated as national treasures and Important Cultural Properties by the Japanese government. In addition to artifacts from Japan's history, you'll also find pieces from all across the Asian continent, including Buddhist scrolls that date all the way back to 607. ... more Museums Type 2 hours to Half Day Time to Spend Tokyo National Museum #3 Meiji Shrine Free #3 in Tokyo The Meiji Shrine is a Shinto (Japan's original religion) shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Japanese history credits Meiji for modernizing Japan by incorporating Western principles into Japanese society, including adopting a cabinet system into government. After the emperor's death in 1912 and that of his consort in 1914, the Japanese commemorated their contributions with the Meiji Shrine. While the buildings are certainly worth visiting, the surrounding forest (considered part of the vast Yoyogi Park) is a sight to see as well. That's because 100,000 of the trees standing were all donated by Japanese people from around the country as a thank you to emperor. ... more Churches/Religious Sites Type 1 to 2 hours Time to Spend Meiji Shrine Find Tours & Tickets #4 Sensoji Temple Free #4 in Tokyo The oldest religious site in Tokyo is also its most visited. The Sensoji Temple sees about 30 million annual visitors and dates all the way back to year 628. Despite its claim to antiquity, however, the structures that currently stand are relatively new reconstructions of previous edifices (during World War II, nearly the entire temple was razed). The Sensoji Temple is dedicated to Asakusa Kannon, the Buddhist god of mercy and happiness. According to legend, two fishermen struck gold and found a statue of the god while fishing on the Sumida River. The Sensoji shrine is dedicated to this lucky catch as well as features a small homage to the fisherman who caught the statue. Unfortunately, while here, you won't be able to see the actual statue. It is there, but it isn't on public display. It has never been. Either way, Buddhists and interested tourists alike flock to this attraction with the hopes that being in the presence of Kannon's healing powers will rub off on them. After you've properly toured Sensoji, take some time to check out the shops that line Nakamise Dori, which you'll find on the way to the temple. ... more Churches/Religious Sites Type 1 to 2 hours Time to Spend Sensoji Temple #5 Imperial Palace Free #5 in Tokyo You'd think the Imperial Palace would be mobbed with tourists, but it's not. You can credit the lack of crowds to an application policy, which limits the number of visitors. That's because the Imperial Palace is home to the Emperor of Japan and the royal family. And before that, it was the residence for some of Japan's most important figures, including Emperor Meiji (credited for modernizing Japan) and rulers during the Edo Period (the time period before Japan was modernized by Meiji). Because of its significant importance in Japanese society, admittance to the site is hard to get (you have to put in your application several weeks in advance) and access inside the actual palace is even fewer and far between. ... more Castles/Palaces Type 2 hours to Half Day Time to Spend Imperial Palace Find Tours & Tickets #6 Odaiba Free #6 in Tokyo Envision a mini Atlantis rising out of the water, conveniently right next to downtown Tokyo. That's Odaiba. This neighborhood/mini-island situated on the Tokyo Bay is a hub of entertainment, eateries and eye-catching architecture, including the futuristic-looking Fuji Television building. Some of the area's top attractions include the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation and the relaxing Odaiba Seaside Park, which comes equipped with its own beach and Tokyo's own Statue of Liberty. There's also a host of amusement parks the kids will no doubt enjoy. In Tokyo Leisure Land in Palette Town, you'll also find go-karts in Mega Web and one of the world's largest Ferris wheels. ... more Museums Type Half Day to Full Day Time to Spend Odaiba Find Tours & Tickets #7 National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation #7 in Tokyo The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, commonly referred to as the Miraikan, attests to Tokyo's entrepreneurial spirit and penchant for science and technological innovation. This high-tech museum features a plethora of exciting interactive displays spread across three themed permanent exhibits. In Explore The Frontiers, visitors can learn about space exploration by stepping into a model of the International Space Station, which has been autographed by astronauts who spent time there, including Buzz Aldrin. There's also Discover Your Earth, where you'll find a large LED paneled Earth sculpture, as well as the robotics-heavy Create Your Future exhibit. Make sure you get an eyeful of Honda's impressive ASIMO robot while here. ASIMO has opposable thumbs, can run, and even kick a soccer ball (as it did with President Obama in his 2014 visit to the museum). Kids will particularly enjoy the displays as they can touch, climb on and play with many of them. The museum also features science workshops for kids, talks from researchers and the GAIA 3-D Home Theater. ... more Museums Type 1 to 2 hours Time to Spend National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation #8 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Free #8 in Tokyo There are plenty of skyscrapers that provide bird's-eye lookouts in Tokyo. So what makes the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Tower special? It's free! At 202 meters high (662 feet), its two observatories (North and South observatory) are the highest vantage points you can reach in the city without having to shred some yen (at least that we know of). ... more Sightseeing Type Less than 1 hour Time to Spend Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building #9 Ginza Free #9 in Tokyo New York has Fifth Avenue, London has Oxford Street, Paris has the Champs-Élysées and Tokyo has Ginza. The neighborhood is a shopper's paradise, housing all types of storefronts from affordable, big-name retailers such as H&M and Zara to upscale design houses such as Dior, Armani and Cartier. You can also find loads of specialty stores selling traditional items, such as kimonos, incense and chopsticks, as well as more unconventional finds, such as stores dedicated to buttons, model trains and even charcoal-infused beauty products. You can also find a plethora of Hello Kitty products at the Sanrio flagship store located here, as well as all the toys your kid's (or your) heart desires at the massive Hakuhinkan Toy Park. ... more Shopping Type 1 to 2 hours Time to Spend Ginza Find Tours & Tickets #10 Edo-Tokyo Museum #10 in Tokyo For a greater understanding of Tokyo's evolution, head to the gigantic Edo-Tokyo Museum. This expertly designed museum showcases the city's history with large- and small-scale models chronicling Tokyo's architectural transformation as well as recreating Japanese life through the centuries (exhibits with statues recreate cultural practices and norms of the time). Here, travelers can walk through Tokyo's humble origins (via the life-sized Nihonbashi Bridge) in the early Edo Period to the Meiji Restoration (the period where Japan transitioned from traditional to a more modern society, influenced by western principles), through the subsequent industrial revolution, past the devastation of the World Wars and into today's modern metropolis. In addition to models of all shapes and sizes, the museum also features historical and cultural relics visitors can observe up close, including traditional kimono gowns and woodblock prints. ... more Museums Type 2 hours to Half Day Time to Spend Edo-Tokyo Museum #11 Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden #11 in Tokyo Just to the west of downtown Tokyo lies a gorgeous urban oasis. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden comprises 144 acres of green space and is unique in that it incorporates three landscaping styles – Japanese Traditional, French Formal and English Garden. During the spring, the park gets an extra boost in visitors for its vibrant display of cherry blossoms. If you plan on visiting during this beautiful time, make like a local and come to the park equipped with picnic supplies. ... more Parks and Gardens Type Less than 1 hour Time to Spend Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Find Tours & Tickets #12 Akihabara Free #12 in Tokyo Akihabara is nirvana for techies. Tokyo's premier electronics district, which is also referred to as "Akiba," has gadgets of all kinds found in booths on side streets and main street mega department stores. You'll spot the latest technology on the shelves, which will probably put your equipment to shame. And if you're in the market for hard-to-find bibs or bobs, you're likely to find that here too. If you're unsure where to start, stop at the larger-than-life Yodobashi department store (often billed as the largest electronics store in the world) or stroll along the neighborhood's main street, Chuo Dori, which becomes car-free on Sundays. In addition to being an electronics hub, Akihabara also caters to serious gamers and anime lovers. Here, you'll find loads of gaming arcades as well as shops and street stalls selling comics and character figurines. You'll also probably spot a few cosplayers casually walking down the street. ... more Shopping Type 1 to 2 hours Time to Spend Akihabara Find Tours & Tickets #13 Tokyo Sea Life Park #13 in Tokyo Across the water from Tokyo Disneyland, the Tokyo Sea Life Park provides educational fun for the whole family. This well-designed aquarium features numerous habitats that mimic bodies of water from around the world, like the Caribbean Sea, Indian Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and Tokyo's very own Tokyo Bay. Here you can find a variety of fish from those regions, including Tokyo's famous bluefin tuna. Travelers will also run into penguins during their visit, puffins and turtles, to name a few. There's also a petting area where patrons can get up close and personal and touch sting rays and bamboo sharks. ... more Zoos and Aquariums Type 1 to 2 hours Time to Spend Tokyo Sea Life Park Find Tours & Tickets #14 Ghibli Museum #14 in Tokyo Both avid and amateur anime fans love the Ghibli Museum. The museum showcases the work of Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli – the famous Japanese animation company that produced films like "Spirited Away" and "Ponyo." Don't expect formal, indoor exhibits. The facility's quirky interior design mimics the animation studio. There's also a play area for kids (which comes equipped with a life-size, fuzzy Cat Bus), a reading room full of books recommended by the museum and a rooftop garden that features character sculptures, including the silent robots from "Castle In The Sky." You can even watch a short film that plays exclusively at the museum and rotates each month. ... more Museums Type 1 to 2 hours Time to Spend Ghibli Museum Find Tours & Tickets #15 Tokyo Tower #15 in Tokyo The Japanese remake of the Eiffel Tower serves a predominately practical purpose. The orange and white tower, which rises 1,092 feet into the air, serves as a radio and television broadcasting structure supporting 62 miles of frequencies. The tower also caters to tourists, offering two observation decks, one at 490 feet (the main observatory) and one at 819 feet (the special observatory). The observation decks offer 360-degree views of Tokyo's sprawling cityscape and come equipped with guides pointing out notable buildings in the skyline. And if you visit on a really clear day, you'll be able to spot Mount Fuji in the distance. The Tokyo Tower also has its own cafe, where patrons can sip tea while admiring the views, as well as Club 333, a music venue that hosts performances daily. And if you're on the hunt for souvenirs, travelers say this is a surprisingly great place to peruse thanks to all the on-site shops. ... more Monuments and Memorials Type 1 to 2 hours Time to Spend Top things to do Top Choice Buddhist Temple in Asakusa & Sumida River Sensō-ji Tokyo’s most visited temple enshrines a golden image of Kannon (the Buddhist goddess of mercy), which, according to legend, was miraculously pulled out of the nearby Sumida-gawa by two fishermen in AD 628. The image… Top Choice Market in Ginza & Tsukiji Tsukiji Market Fruit, vegetables, flowers and meat are sold here, but it's seafood – around 2000 tonnes of it traded daily – that Tsukiji is most famous for. The frenetic inner market (jōnai-shijō) is slated to move to Toyosu in 2… Top Choice Shinto Shrine in Harajuku & Aoyama Meiji-jingū Tokyo’s grandest Shintō shrine is dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. Constructed in 1920, the shrine was destroyed in WWII air raids and rebuilt in 1958; however, unlike so many of Japan’s postwar re… Top Choice Street in Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa Shibuya Crossing Rumoured to be the busiest intersection in the world (and definitely in Japan), Shibuya Crossing, is like a giant beating heart, sending people in all directions with every pulsing light change. Perhaps nowhere else… Top Choice Spectator Sport in Asakusa & Sumida River Ryōgoku Kokugikan If you’re in town when a tournament is on – for 15 days each January, May and September – catch the big boys in action at Japan’s largest sumo stadium. Doors open at 8am, but the action doesn’t heat up until the sen… Top Choice Kaiseki in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around Kikunoi Exquisitely prepared seasonal dishes are as beautiful as they are delicious at this Michelin-starred Tokyo outpost of a three-generation-old Kyoto-based kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine) restaurant. Kikunoi’s chef Mu… Top Choice Kaiseki in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around Tofuya-Ukai One of Tokyo’s most gracious restaurants is located in a former sake brewery (moved from northern Japan), with an exquisite traditional garden, in the shadow of Tokyo Tower. Seasonal preparations of tofu and accompa… Top Choice Museum in Ueno, Yanesen & Komagome Tokyo National Museum If you visit only one museum in Tokyo, make it the Tokyo National Museum. Here you'll find the world's largest collection of Japanese art, including ancient pottery, Buddhist sculptures, samurai swords, colourful uk… Top Choice Museum in West Tokyo Ghibli Museum Master animator Miyazaki Hayao, whose Studio Ghibli produced Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away, designed this museum. Fans will enjoy the original sketches; kids, even if they’re not familiar with the movies, will… Top Choice Theatre in Ginza & Tsukiji Kabukiza The flamboyant facade of this venerable theatre, which was completely reconstructed in 2013 to incorporate a tower block, makes a strong impression. It is a good indication of the extravagant dramatic flourishes tha… Top Choice Buddhist Temple in Asakusa & Sumida River Fukagawa Fudō-dō Belonging to the esoteric Shingon sect, this is very much an active temple where you can attend one of the city's most spectacular religious rituals. Goma (fire rituals) take place daily in an auditorium in the Hond… Top Choice Arts & Crafts in Akihabara, Kagurazaka & Kōrakuen 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan This ace arcade under the JR tracks (its name refers to the distance from Tokyo Station) offers an eclectic range of stores selling Japanese-made goods – everything from pottery and leatherwork to cute aliens, a nod… Top Choice Museum in Marunouchi & Nihombashi Intermediatheque Dedicated to interdisciplinary experimentation, Intermediatheque cherry picks from the vast collection of the University of Tokyo (Tōdai) to craft a fascinating, contemporary museum experience. Go from viewing the b… Top Choice Museum in Asakusa & Sumida River Edo-Tokyo Museum This history museum, in a cavernous building, does an excellent job laying out Tokyo's miraculous transformation from feudal city to modern capital, through city models, miniatures of real buildings, reproductions o… Top Choice Gardens in Akihabara, Kagurazaka & Kōrakuen Koishikawa Kōrakuen Established in the mid-17th century as the property of the Tokugawa clan, this formal strolling garden incorporates elements of Chinese and Japanese landscaping. It's among Tokyo's most attractive gardens, although … Top Choice Gardens in Ueno, Yanesen & Komagome Rikugi-en A strong contender for Tokyo's most beautiful garden was designed to reflect the aesthetic of traditional Waka poetry. Built by a feudal lord in 1702, it has walkways that pass over hills and stone bridges, and by t… Top Choice Park in Harajuku & Aoyama Yoyogi-kōen If it’s a sunny and warm weekend afternoon, you can count on there being a crowd lazing around the large grassy expanse that is Yoyogi-kōen. You can also usually find revellers and noisemakers of all stripes, from h… Top Choice Market in Ginza & Tsukiji Tsukiji Outer Market Here, tightly packed rows of vendors hawk market and culinary-related goods, such as dried fish, seaweed, kitchen knives, rubber boots and crockery. It's also a fantastic place to eat, with great street food and a h… Top Choice Gardens in Ginza & Tsukiji Hama-rikyū Onshi-teien This beautiful garden, one of Tokyo’s finest, is all that remains of a shogunate palace that once extended into the area now occupied by Tsukiji Market. The main features are a large duck pond with an island that’s … Top Choice Ramen in Ginza & Tsukiji Kagari Don't get confused – even though the English sign outside Kagari says 'Soba', this stands for chūka soba, meaning Chinese noodles, ie ramen. Kagari's luscious, flavoursome chicken broth makes all the difference here… Top Choice Izakaya in Ueno, Yanesen & Komagome Shinsuke In business since 1925, Shinsuke has honed the concept of an ideal izakaya to perfection: long cedar counter, 'master' in happi (traditional short coat) and hachimaki (traditional headband), and smooth-as-silk dai-g… Top Choice Area in Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa Shimo-Kitazawa The narrow streets of ‘Shimokita’ are barely passable by cars, meaning a streetscape like a dollhouse version of Tokyo. It’s been a favourite haunt of generations of students, musicians and artists. If hippies – not… Top Choice Izakaya in Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa Shirube It's a toss up as to which has the most character here: the inventive fusion dishes or the charismatic staff. Either way, Shirube is among Tokyo's most beloved izakaya. Don’t miss the aburi saba (blow-torch grilled … Top Choice Japanese in Ueno, Yanesen & Komagome Innsyoutei In a gorgeous wooden building dating back to 1875, Innsyoutei (pronounced 'inshotei' and meaning 'rhyme of the pine cottage') has long been a favourite spot for fancy kaiseki-style meals while visiting Ueno-kōen. Wi… Top Choice Sushi in Ginza & Tsukiji Kyūbey Since 1936, Kyūbey’s quality and presentation has won it a moneyed and celebrity clientele. Even so, this is a supremely foreigner-friendly and relaxed restaurant. The friendly owner Imada-san speaks excellent Engli… Top Choice Izakaya in Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo Donjaca The platonic ideal of a Shōwa-era (1926–89) izakaya, Donjaca, in business since 1979, has red leather stools, paper-lantern lighting and hand-written menus on the wall. The food is equal parts classic (grilled fish … Top Choice Izakaya in West Tokyo Okajōki The yaki-zakana (焼き魚; grilled fish) lunch here is legendary. The fish are roasted around a large central hearth, and are served as a set with rice, miso soup and pickles. There's no English menu, but some common fis… Top Choice Cocktail Bar in Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo BenFiddich Step into the magical space that is BenFiddich. It's dark, it's tiny, and vials of infusions line the shelves, while herbs hang drying from the ceiling. Classical music simmers and soars. The barman, Kayama Hiroyasu… Top Choice Market in Ueno, Yanesen & Komagome Ameya-yokochō Step into this partially open-air market paralleling and beneath the JR line tracks, and ritzy, glitzy Tokyo feels like a distant memory. It got its start as a black market, post-WWII, when American goods were sold … Top Choice Museum in Harajuku & Aoyama Nezu Museum Nezu Museum offers a striking blend of old and new: a renowned collection of Japanese, Chinese and Korean antiquities in a gallery space designed by contemporary architect Kuma Kengo. Select items from the extensive… Top Choice Department Store in Marunouchi & Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Mitsukoshi's venerable Nihombashi branch was Japan’s first department store. It's a grand affair with an entrance guarded by bronze lions and a magnificent statue of Magokoro, the Goddess of Sincerity, rising up fro… Top Choice Vegetarian in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around Sougo Sit at the long counter beside the open kitchen or in booths and watch the expert chefs prepare delicious and beautifully presented shōjin-ryōri (vegetarian cuisine as served at Buddhist temples). Reserve at least o… Top Choice Area in Harajuku & Aoyama Omote-sandō This regal boulevard was originally designed as the official approach to Meiji-jingū. Now it's a fashionable strip lined with high-end boutiques. Those designer shops come in designer buildings, which means Omote-sa… Top Choice Tonkatsu in Ebisu, Meguro & Around Tonki Tonki is a Tokyo tonkatsu (crumbed pork cutlet) legend, deep-frying pork cutlets, recipe unchanged, for nearly 80 years. The seats at the counter – where you can watch the perfectly choreographed chefs – are the mos… Top Choice Gallery in Odaiba & Tokyo Bay Archi-Depot This is brilliant: a facility that lets architects store the miniature models they make to conceptualise buildings (thus preserving them) and the public to see them up close. Many of the big names of Japanese archit… Top Choice Mall in Marunouchi & Nihombashi KITTE This well-designed shopping mall at the foot of JP Tower incorporates the restored facade of the former Tokyo Central Post Office. It is notable for its atrium, around which is arrayed a quality selection of craft-o… Top Choice Notable Building in Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Tokyo’s seat of power, designed by Tange Kenzō and completed in 1991, looms large and looks somewhat like a pixelated cathedral (or the lair of an animated villain). Take an elevator from the ground floor of Buildin… Top Choice Mall in Marunouchi & Nihombashi Coredo Muromachi Spread over three buildings, this stylish development hits its stride at Coredo Muromachi 3. This section houses several well-curated floors of top-class, Japanese-crafted goods including cosmetics, fashion, homewar… Top Choice Japanese in Asakusa & Sumida River Otafuku Over a century old, Otafuku specialises in oden (a classic Japanese stew). It's simmered at the counter and diners pick what they want from the pot. You can dine cheaply on radishes and kelp, or splash out on scallo… Top Choice Tempura in West Tokyo Tensuke An entirely legitimate candidate for eighth wonder of the modern world is Tensuke's tamago (egg) tempura. We don't know how the chef (who is quite a showman) does it, but the egg comes out batter-crisp on the outsid… Top Choice Tonkatsu in Harajuku & Aoyama Maisen You could order something else (maybe fried shrimp), but everyone else will be ordering the famous tonkatsu (breaded, deep-fried pork cutlets). There are different grades of pork on the menu, including prized kurobu… Top Choice Department Store in Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa Tokyu Hands This DIY and zakka (miscellaneous goods) store has eight fascinating floors of everything you didn’t know you needed, including reflexology slippers, bee-venom face masks and cartoon-character-shaped rice-ball mould… Top Choice Fashion in Harajuku & Aoyama Dog Club kids and stylists love the showpiece items at legendary Ura-Hara boutique Dog. The store itself, which is decorated to look like a derelict carnival funhouse, is much of the appeal: it looks like an art install… Top Choice Arts & Crafts in Ginza & Tsukiji Itōya Nine floors (plus several more in the nearby annexe) of stationery-shop love await visual-art professionals and seekers of office accessories, with both everyday items and luxury such as fountain pens and Italian le… Top Choice Ramen in Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo Nagi Nagi, once an upstart, has done well and now has branches around the city – and around Asia. This tiny shop, one of the originals, up a treacherous stairway in Golden Gai, is still our favourite. (It's many people's… Top Choice Fashion & Accessories in Harajuku & Aoyama Sou-Sou Kyoto brand Sou-Sou gives traditional Japanese clothing items – such as split-toed tabi socks and haori (coats with kimono-like sleeves) – a contemporary spin. It is best known for producing the steel-toed, rubber-s… Top Choice Japanese in Ueno, Yanesen & Komagome Hantei Housed in a beautifully maintained, century-old traditional wooden building, Hantei is a local landmark. Delectable skewers of seasonal kushiage (fried meat, fish and vegetables) are served with small, refreshing si… Top Choice Fashion & Accessories in Ebisu, Meguro & Around Okura Almost everything in this enchanting shop is dyed a deep indigo blue – from contemporary tees and sweatshirts to classic work shirts. There are some beautiful, original items (though unfortunately most aren’t cheap)… Top Choice Greek in Ginza & Tsukiji Apollo Ginza's glittering lights are the dazzling backdrop to this ace import from Sydney with its delicious take on modern Greek cuisine. The Mediterranean flavours come through strongly in dishes such as grilled octopus … Top Choice Area in Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa Shibuya Center-gai Shibuya's main drag is closed to cars and chock-a-block with fast-food joints and high-street fashion shops. At night, lit bright as day, with a dozen competing soundtracks (coming from who knows where), wares spill… Top Choice Homewares in Marunouchi & Nihombashi Muji The flagship store of the famously understated brand sells elegant, simple clothing, accessories and homewares. There are scores of other outlets across Tokyo, including a good one in Tokyo Midtown, but the Yūrakuch… Top Choice Japanese in Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa d47 Shokudō There are 47 prefectures in Japan and d47 serves a changing line-up of teishoku (set meals) that evoke the specialities of each, from the fermented tofu of Okinawa to the stuffed squid of Hokkaido. A larger menu of … Top Choice Dumplings in Harajuku & Aoyama Harajuku Gyōza-rō Gyōza (dumplings) are the only thing on the menu here, but you won’t hear any complaints from the regulars who queue up to get their fix. Have them sui (boiled) or yaki (pan-fried), with or without niniku (garlic) o… Top Choice Lounge in Ebisu, Meguro & Around Nakame Takkyū Lounge Takkyū means table tennis and it’s a serious sport in Japan. This hilarious bar looks like a university table-tennis clubhouse – right down to the tatty furniture and posters of star players on the wall. It's in an … Top Choice Bar in Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo Zoetrope A must-visit for whisky fans, Zoetrope has some 300 varieties of Japanese whisky behind its small counter – including hard-to-find bottles from cult favourite Chichibu Distillery. The owner speaks English and can he… Top Choice Arts & Crafts in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square Supported by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, this is as much a showroom as a shop exhibiting a broad range of traditional crafts, including lacquerwork boxes, woodwork, cut glass, paper, textil… Top Choice Ramen in Ebisu, Meguro & Around Afuri Hardly your typical, surly rāmen-ya, Afuri has upbeat young cooks and a hip industrial interior. The unorthodox menu might draw eye-rolls from purists, but house specialities such as yuzu-shio (a light, salty broth … Top Choice Cafe in Akihabara, Kagurazaka & Kōrakuen Imasa It's not every day that you get to sip your coffee or tea in a cultural property. Imasa is the real deal, an old timber merchant's shophouse dating from 1927 but with Edo-era design and detail, and a few pieces of c… Top Choice Arts & Crafts in Ginza & Tsukiji Takumi You're unlikely to find a more elegant selection of traditional folk crafts, including toys, textiles and ceramics from around Japan. Ever thoughtful, this shop also encloses information detailing the origin and bac… Top Choice Palace in Marunouchi & Nihombashi Imperial Palace The Imperial Palace occupies the site of the original Edo-jō, the Tokugawa shogunate's castle. In its heyday this was the largest fortress in the world, though little remains of it today apart from the moat and ston… Top Choice Japanese in Asakusa & Sumida River Kappō Yoshiba The former Miyagino sumo stable is the location for this one-of-a-kind restaurant that has preserved the dōyo (practice ring) as its centrepiece. Playing up to its sumo roots, you can order the protein-packed stew c… Top Choice Park in West Tokyo Inokashira-kōen One of Tokyo's best parks, Inokashira-kōen has a big pond in the middle flanked by woodsy strolling paths. You can rent row boats and swan-shaped pedal boats to take out onto the water (¥700 per hour). On weekends p… Top Choice Baseball in Akihabara, Kagurazaka & Kōrakuen Tokyo Dome Tokyo Dome (aka ‘Big Egg’) is home to the Yomiuri Giants. Love 'em or hate 'em, they're the most consistently successful team in Japanese baseball. If you’re looking to see the Giants in action, the baseball season … Top Choice Landmark in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around Roppongi Hills Roppongi Hills set the standard for 21st-century real-estate developments in Tokyo. The centrepiece of the office, shopping, dining and entertainment complex is the 54-storey Mori Tower, home to the Mori Art Museum … Top Choice Manga in Akihabara, Kagurazaka & Kōrakuen Mandarake Complex When otaku (geeks) dream of heaven, it probably looks a lot like this giant go-to store for manga and anime. Eight storeys are piled high with comic books and DVDs, action figures and cell art just for starters. The… Top Choice Sushi in Ginza & Tsukiji Daiwa Sushi Waits of over one hour are commonplace at Tsukiji Market's most famous sushi bar, after which you'll be expected to eat and run. But it’s all worth it once your first piece of delectable sushi hits the counter. Unle… Top Choice Museum in Marunouchi & Nihombashi National Museum of Modern Art (MOMAT) Regularly changing displays from the museum's superb collection of more than 12,000 works, by both local and international artists, are shown over floors two to four; special exhibitions are mounted on the ground fl… Top Choice Museum in Odaiba & Tokyo Bay National Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation (Miraikan) Miraikan means ‘hall of the future’, and exhibits here present the science and technology that will (possibly!) shape the years to come. Lots of hands-on displays make this a great place for kids, while a new multil… Top Choice Pub in Asakusa & Sumida River Popeye Popeye boasts an astounding 70 beers on tap, including the world's largest selection of Japanese beers – from Echigo Weizen to Hitachino Nest Espresso Stout. The happy-hour deal (5pm to 8pm) offers select brews with… Top Choice Japanese in Akihabara, Kagurazaka & Kōrakuen Ethiopia In studenty Jimbōchō, Japanese curry cafes are 10 a penny and fiercely competitive. Ethiopia is a seasoned champ, offering jumbo serves and curries packed with meat and vegetables. The spice level goes from zero to … Top Choice Shinto Shrine in Ueno, Yanesen & Komagome Nezu-jinja Not only is this one of Japan's oldest shrines, it is also easily the most beautiful in a district packed with attractive religious buildings. The opulently decorated structure, which dates from the early 18th centu… Top Choice Fashion & Accessories in Ginza & Tsukiji Dover Street Market Ginza A department store as envisioned by Kawakubo Rei (of Comme des Garçons), DSM has seven floors of avant-garde brands, including several Japanese labels and everything in the Comme des Garçons line-up. The quirky art … Top Choice Arts & Crafts in Odaiba & Tokyo Bay Pigment This is an art supply store to make you go weak in the knees: the walls are lined with vials of pigments – including the crushed mineral pigments used in traditional Japanese painting – in shades from vermilion to m… Top Choice Sake in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around Sake Plaza Sake Plaza isn’t a bar, but who cares when you can get 30mL thimbles of regionally brewed sake (some 36 types) or shōchū (16 types) for as little as ¥100 a shot. There are four tasting sets of three glasses from ¥20… Top Choice Notable Building in West Tokyo Nakano Broadway This vintage 1960s shopping mall – at the end of the equally vintage Nakano Sun Mall covered arcade – helped cement Nakano's reputation as an underground Akihabara. It's filled with small shops aimed at collectors o… Top Choice Museum in Ueno, Yanesen & Komagome Asakura Museum of Sculpture, Taitō Sculptor Asakura Fumio (artist name Chōso; 1883–1964) designed this atmospheric house himself. It combined his original Japanese home and garden with a large studio that incorporated vaulted ceilings, a 'sunrise roo… Top Choice Cafe in Asakusa & Sumida River Café Otonova Tucked away on an alley running parallel to Kappabashi-dōri, this charming cafe occupies an old house. Exposed beams are whitewashed and an atrium has been created, with cosy booths upstairs and a big communal table… Top Choice Bar in Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa Ghetto What are the odds that the characters for 'moon' and 'light' could be pronounced together as 'ghetto'? It's not unlike the uncommon synergy that comes together nightly as musicians, travellers, and well-intentioned … Top Choice Lounge in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around These Pronounced teh-zeh, this delightfully quirky, nook-ridden 'library lounge' overflows with armchairs, sofas, and books on the shelves and on the bar. Imbibe champagne by the glass, whiskies or seasonal-fruit cocktail… Top Choice Vintage in Asakusa & Sumida River Tokyo Hotarudo This curio shop is run by an eccentric young man who prefers to dress as if the 20th century hasn't come and gone already. If you think that sounds marvellous, then you'll want to check out his collection of vintage… Top Choice Japanese in Asakusa & Sumida River Onigiri Yadoroku Onigiri (rice-ball snacks), usually wrapped in crispy sheets of nori (seaweed) are a great Japanese culinary invention and this humbly decorated and friendly place specialises in them. The set lunches, including a c… Top Choice Area in Harajuku & Aoyama Takeshita-dōri This is Tokyo’s famously outré fashion bazaar, where trendy duds sit alongside the trappings of decades of fashion subcultures (plaid and safety pins for the punks; colourful tutus for the decora; Victorian dresses … Top Choice Food in Ginza & Tsukiji Akomeya Rice is at the core of Japanese cuisine and drink. This stylish store sells not only many types of the grain but also products made from it (such as sake), a vast range of quality cooking ingredients and a choice co… Top Choice Ramen in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around Gogyō Keep an eye on the open kitchen: no, that's not your dinner going up in flames but the cooking of kogashi (burnt) ramen, which this dark and stylish izakaya (Japanese pub-eatery) specialises in. It's the burnt lard … Top Choice Live Music in Ebisu, Meguro & Around Unit On weekends, this subterranean club has two shows: live music in the evening and a DJ-hosted event that gets started around midnight. The solid line-up includes Japanese indie bands, veterans playing to a smaller cr… Top Choice Japanese in Marunouchi & Nihombashi Taimeiken Yoshoku, Western cuisine adapted to Japanese tastes, has been the draw here since 1931, in particular its borscht and coleslaw (a bargain ¥50 each). For the food movie Tampopo (1985), directed by Itami Jūzō, it crea… Top Choice Bar in Marunouchi & Nihombashi Nihombashi Toyama Scattered around central Tokyo you'll find many places like this that promote the products of a region of Japan. At this slickly designed outlet, there's a a great bar offering a selection of Toyama's best sakes fro… Top Choice Japanese in Marunouchi & Nihombashi Hōnen Manpuku Hōnen Manpuku's interior is dominated by giant washi (Japanese handmade paper) lanterns, beneath which patrons tuck into bargain-priced beef or pork sukiyaki and other traditional dishes. Ingredients are sourced fro… Top Choice Park in Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo Shinjuku-gyoen Though Shinjuku-gyoen was designed as an imperial retreat (completed 1906), it’s now definitively a park for everyone. The wide lawns make it a favourite for urbanites in need of a quick escape from the hurly-burly … Top Choice Japanese in Asakusa & Sumida River Asakusa Imahan For a meal to remember, swing by this famous beef restaurant, in business since 1895. Choose between courses of sukiyaki (sauteed beef dipped in raw egg) and shabu-shabu (beef blanched in broth); prices rise accordi… Top Choice Craft Beer in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around Brewdog This Scottish craft brewery's Tokyo outpost is nestled off the main drag. Apart from its own brews, there's a great selection of other beers, including Japanese ones on tap, mostly all served in small, regular or la… Top Choice Italian in Ginza & Tsukiji Trattoria Tsukiji Paradiso! Paradise for food lovers, indeed. This charming, aqua-painted trattoria serves seafood pasta dishes that will make you want to lick the plate clean. Its signature linguine is packed with shellfish in a scrumptious t… Top Choice Cafe in Asakusa & Sumida River Camera English-speaking pastry cook Yamada Miwako runs this delightful cafe that's combined with a boutique selling the quality leathergoods of Tamura Kosuke. There's good coffee and smoothies to go with some unusual items… Top Choice Arts & Crafts in Harajuku & Aoyama Musubi Furoshiki are versatile squares of cloth that can be folded and knotted to make shopping bags and gift wrap. This shop sells pretty ones in both traditional and contemporary patterns. There is usually an English-spe… Top Choice Teahouse in Ginza & Tsukiji Cha Ginza At this slick contemporary tea room, it costs ¥800 for either a cup of perfectly prepared matcha (green tea) and a small cake or two, or for a choice of sencha (premium green tea). Buy your token for tea at the shop… Top Choice Club in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around SuperDeluxe This groovy basement performance space, also a cocktail lounge and club of sorts, stages everything from electronic music to literary evenings and creative presentations in the 20 x 20 PechaKucha (20 slides x 20 sec… Top Choice Udon in Ueno, Yanesen & Komagome Kamachiku Udon (thick wheat noodles) made fresh daily is the speciality at this popular restaurant, in a beautifully restored brick warehouse from 1910 with a view onto a garden. In addition to noodles, the menu includes lots… Top Choice Craft Beer in Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa Good Beer Faucets With 40 shiny taps, Good Beer Faucets has one of the city's best selections of Japanese craft brews and regularly draws a full house of locals and expats. The interior is chrome and concrete (and not at all grungy).… Top Choice Craft Beer in Ueno, Yanesen & Komagome Yanaka Beer Hall Exploring Yanesen can be thirsty work so thank heavens for this craft-beer bar, a cosy place with some outdoor seating. It's part of a charming complex of old wooden buildings that also house a bakery-cafe, bistro a… Top Choice Cafe in Ginza & Tsukiji Turret Coffee Kawasaki Kiyoshi set up his plucky indie coffee shop next to Starbucks. It takes its name from the three-wheeled delivery trucks that beetle around Tsukiji Market – there's one on the premises. Ideal for an early-mo… Top Choice Japanese in Marunouchi & Nihombashi Tamahide For generations people have been lining up outside this restaurant to try its signature dish oyakodon – a sweet-savoury mix of chicken, soy broth and egg, served over a bowl of rice. It also has dishes using minced … Top Choice Bar in West Tokyo Cocktail Shobō At this bar-bookstore mash-up, the wooden counter doubles as a bookshelf and the local crowd comes as much to sip cocktails (from ¥450) as it does to flip through the selection of worn paperbacks. It's a cosy place,… Top Choice Cafe in Akihabara, Kagurazaka & Kōrakuen Mugimaru 2 This old house, completely covered in ivy, is a charmer with a welcoming owner and a couple of cats. Seating is on floor cushions; warm, squishy manjū (steamed buns) are the house speciality. Top Choice South Indian in Marunouchi & Nihombashi Dhaba India Indian meals in Tokyo don't come much better than those served at this long-established restaurant with deep-indigo plaster walls. The food is very authentic, particularly the curries served with basmati rice, naan … Top Choice Soba in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around Honmura-An This fabled soba shop, once located in Manhattan, now serves its handmade buckwheat noodles at this rustically contemporary noodle shop on a Roppongi side street. The delicate flavour of these noodles is best apprec… Top Choice Fashion & Accessories in Harajuku & Aoyama Laforet Laforet has been a beacon of cutting-edge Harajuku style for decades and lots of quirky, cult favourite brands still cut their teeth here (you'll find some examples at the ground-floor boutique, Wall). A range of lo… Top Choice Food & Drinks in Asakusa & Sumida River Marugoto Nippon Think of this as a modern mini department store, showcasing the best of Japan's best in terms of speciality food and drink (ground floor) and arts and crafts (2nd floor). There are also plenty of tasting samples, an… Top Choice Japanese in Ginza & Tsukiji Tsukugon For five generations the same family has been making seafood-paste products here, including kamaboko (steamed fish paste) and date-maki (rolled omelette with fish paste). Try their delicious speciality chiyoda (a ba… Top Choice Stationery in Asakusa & Sumida River Kakimori Stationery lovers flock from far and wide to this shop that allows you to custom build your own notebooks (from around ¥1000), choosing the paper, covers, binding and other bits and pieces to make a unique keepsake.… Top Choice Craft Beer in Akihabara, Kagurazaka & Kōrakuen Craft Beer Server Land With some 14 Japanese craft beers on tap, going for a reasonable ¥500/840 a glass/pint, plus good food (the fish and chips is excellent), this brightly lit basement bar with wooden furniture and a slight Scandi feel… Top Choice Live Music in Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa WWW In a former arthouse cinema (with the tell-tale tiered floor still intact), this is one of those rare venues where you could turn up just about any night and hear something good. The line-up varies from indie pop to… Top Choice Cafe in Ginza & Tsukiji Cafe de l'Ambre The sign over the door here reads 'Coffee Only' but, oh, what a selection. Sekiguchi Ichiro started the business in 1948 and – remarkably at the age of 100 – still runs it himself, sourcing and roasting aged beans f… Top Choice Cafe in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around The Garden Stare out from this serene tea lounge across the beautiful late-16th-century garden, hidden behind International House of Japan. There are plenty of tempting pastries and cakes, as well as more substantial meals sho… Top Choice Homewares in Ueno, Yanesen & Komagome Yanaka Matsunoya At the top of Yanaka Ginza, Matsunoya sells household goods – baskets, brooms and canvas totes, for example – simple in beauty and form, and handmade by local artisans. Cultural in Tokyo Hanami Cherry-blossom-viewing obsession takes over as locals flock to the city's parks and cemeteries from late March to mid-April for parties under the trees. Market in Ginza & Tsukiji Seafood Intermediate Wholesalers' Area This area of the Tsukiji Market, which opens to the public from 10am, is where you can see all manner of sea creatures lain out in boxes and styrofoam crates. It’s a photographer’s paradise, but you need to exercise… Anime in West Tokyo Mandarake Complex This is the original Mandarake – the go-to store for all things manga and anime – and the origin of Nakano Broadway's transformation into a geek's paradise. Once a small, secondhand comic-book store, Mandarake now h… Museum in Harajuku & Aoyama Ukiyo-e Ōta Memorial Museum of Art Change into slippers to enter the peaceful, hushed museum that houses the excellent ukiyo-e (woodblock prints) collection of Ōta Seizo, the former head of the Toho Life Insurance Company. Seasonal, thematic exhibiti… Hotpot in Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa Matsukiya Matsukiya has been making sukiyaki (thinly sliced beef, simmered and then dipped in raw egg) since 1890, and the chefs really, really know what they're doing. It's worth upgrading to the premium course (¥7500) for e… Kaiseki in Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo Nakajima In the evening, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves exquisite kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine) dinners. On weekdays, it also serves a set lunch of humble iwashi (sardines) for one-tenth the price; in the hands o… Fashion & Accessories in Ebisu, Meguro & Around Kapital Cult brand Kapital is hard to pin down, but perhaps a deconstructed mash-up of the American West and the centuries-old Japanese aesthetic of boro (tatty) chic comes close. Almost no two items are alike; most are uni… Books in Ebisu, Meguro & Around Daikanyama T-Site Locals love this stylish shrine to the printed word, which has a fantastic collection of books on travel, art, design and food (and some of them in English). The best part is that you can sit at the in-house Starbuc… Parade in Tokyo Sanja Matsuri Arguably the grandest Tokyo matsuri (festival) of all, this three-day festival, held over the third weekend of May, attracts around 1.5 million spectators to Asakusa-jinja. The highlight is the rowdy parade of mikos… Bar in Ebisu, Meguro & Around Buri Buri – the name means 'super' in Hiroshima dialect – is one of Ebisu's most popular tachinomi-ya (standing bars). On almost any night you can find a lively crowd packed in around the horseshoe-shaped counter here. G… Cocktail Bar in Ebisu, Meguro & Around Bar Trench One of the pioneers in Tokyo's new cocktail scene, Trench (named for the trench-like alley in which it is nestled) is a tiny place with the air of old-world bohemianism. It has a short but sweet menu of original tip… Ice Cream in Ebisu, Meguro & Around Ouca Green tea isn’t the only flavour Japan has contributed to the ice-cream playbook; other delicious innovations available (seasonally) at Ouca include kuro-goma (black sesame), kinako kurosato (roasted soy-bean flour … Cultural in Tokyo Kōenji Awa Odori The most famous of Tokyo's awa odori (dance festivals for O-Bon) sees 12,000 participants in traditional costumes dancing their way through the streets of Kōenji over the last weekend of August. Palace in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around State Guest House, Akasaka Palace Check online for the opening schedule and somewhat complex admission details for this imperial palace and garden. Outside it's a dead ringer for London's Buckingham Palace. Inside, the tour route passes through four… Gardens in Marunouchi & Nihombashi Imperial Palace East Garden Crafted from part of the original castle compound, these lovely free gardens allow you to get close-up views of the massive stones used to build the castle walls, and even climb the ruins of one of the keeps, off th… Tower in Asakusa & Sumida River Tokyo Sky Tree Tokyo Sky Tree opened in May 2012 as the world’s tallest ‘free-standing tower’ at 634m. Its silvery exterior of steel mesh morphs from a triangle at the base to a circle at 300m. There are two observation decks, at … Landmark in Marunouchi & Nihombashi Tokyo Station Tokyo Station celebrated its centenary in 2014 with a major renovation and expansion. Kingo Tatsuno's original elegant brick building on the Marunouchi side has been expertly restored to include domes faithful to th… Architecture in West Tokyo Reversible Destiny Lofts Designed by husband and wife Arakawa Shūsaku (1936–2010) and Madeleine Gins (1941–2014) and completed in 2005, this housing complex certainly strikes against the mould: Created 'in memory of Helen Keller' the nine u… Buddhist Temple in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around Zōjō-ji One of the most important temples of the Jōdō (Pure Land) sect of Buddhism, Zōjō-ji dates from 1393 and was the funerary temple of the Tokugawa regime. It's an impressive sight, particularly the main gate, Sangedats… Shinto Shrine in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around Hie-jinja Enshrining the deity of sacred Mt Hiei, northeast of Kyoto, this hilltop shrine has been the protector shrine of Edo Castle, now the Imperial Palace, since it was first built in 1478. Host of one of Tokyo’s three li… Shinto Shrine in Akihabara, Kagurazaka & Kōrakuen Yasukuni-jinja Literally ‘For the Peace of the Country Shrine’, Yasukuni is the memorial shrine to Japan’s war dead, around 2.5 million souls. First built in 1869, it is also incredibly controversial: in 1979, 14 class-A war crimi… Landmark in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around Tokyo Midtown This sleek complex, the yin to nearby Roppongi Hills' yang, brims with sophisticated bars, restaurants, shops, art galleries, a hotel and leafy public spaces. Escalators ascend alongside constructed waterfalls of ro… Notable Building in Harajuku & Aoyama Kawaii Monster Cafe Lurid colours, surrealist installations and out-of-this world costumes – this is the vision of Sebastian Masuda, stylist to pop star Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, who designed this new cafe. It's an embodiment of the now-reign… Shinto Shrine in Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo Hanazono-jinja During the day, merchants from nearby Kabukichō come to this Shintō shrine to pray for the solvency of their business ventures. (Founded in the 17th century, the shrine is dedicated to the god Inari, whose specialit… Museum in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around Mori Art Museum Atop Mori Tower this gigantic gallery space sports high ceilings, broad views and thematic programs that continue to live up to all the hype associated with Roppongi Hills. Contemporary exhibits are beautifully pres… Tower in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around Tokyo Tower Something of a shameless tourist trap, this 1958-vintage tower remains a beloved symbol of the city's post-WWII rebirth. At 333m it's 13m taller than the Eiffel Tower, which was the inspiration for its design. It's … Classical Music in Ueno, Yanesen & Komagome Tokyo Bunka Kaikan The Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and the Tokyo Ballet both make regular appearances at this concrete bunker of a building designed by Maekawa Kunio, an apprentice of Le Corbusier. Prices vary wildly; look o… Cabaret in Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo Robot Restaurant This Kabukichō spectacle is wacky Japan at its finest, with giant robots operated by bikini-clad women and enough neon to light all of Shinjuku – though it's become more family-friendly in recent years. Reservations… Historic Building in Ueno, Yanesen & Komagome Kyū Iwasaki-teien This grand residence combines a Western-style mansion designed by Josiah Conder in 1896, a Japanese house built by Ōkawa Kijuro at the same time, and gardens. It was once the villa of Hisaya Iwasaki, son of the foun… Street Food in Ebisu, Meguro & Around Ebisu-yokochō Locals love this retro arcade chock-a-block with food stalls dishing up everything from humble yaki soba (fried buckwheat noodles) to decadent hotate-yaki (grilled scallops). Seating is on stools, while tables are f… Museum in Ebisu, Meguro & Around Hatakeyama Collection Get a feel for wabi-sabi – the aesthetic of perfect imperfections that guides the tea ceremony – at this museum specialising in the earthy pottery and art associated with the traditional ceremony. While the museum i… Shinto Shrine in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around Nogi-jinja This shrine honours General Nogi Maresuke, a famed commander in the Russo-Japanese War. Hours after Emperor Meiji's funerary procession in 1912, Nogi and his faithful wife committed ritual suicide, following their m… Museum in Asakusa & Sumida River Sumida Hokusai Museum The artist Katsushika Hokusai was born and died close to the location of this new museum, opened in 2016. The striking aluminium-clad building is designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Kazuyo Sejima. The museu… Cemetery in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around Aoyama Rei-en The cherry-tree-lined paths of Japan’s first public cemetery are used by locals as shortcuts through the neighbourhood and as a place for picnics during hanami (cherry-blossom viewing) season. Accessible either from… Park in Ueno, Yanesen & Komagome Ueno-kōen Best known for its profusion of cherry trees that burst into blossom in spring (making this one of Tokyo's top hanami – blossom-viewing – spots), sprawling Ueno-kōen is also the location of the city's highest concen… Cafe in Akihabara, Kagurazaka & Kōrakuen @Home Cafe 'Maid cafes' with kawaii (cute) waitresses, dressed as saucy French or prim Victorian maids, are a stock-in-trade of Akiba. @Home is one of the more 'wholesome' of them. You’ll be welcomed as go-shujinsama (master) … Architecture in Marunouchi & Nihombashi Tokyo International Forum This architectural marvel designed by Rafael Viñoly houses a convention and arts centre, with eight auditoriums and a spacious courtyard in which concerts and events are held. The eastern wing looks like a glass shi… Bar in Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo New York Bar Head to the Park Hyatt's 52nd floor to swoon over the sweeping nightscape from the floor-to-ceiling windows at this bar (of Lost in Translation fame). There’s a cover charge of ¥2400 if you visit or stay past 8pm (7… Park in Odaiba & Tokyo Bay Odaiba Kaihin-kōen One of the best views of Tokyo is from this park’s promenades and elevated walkways – especially at night when old-fashioned yakatabune (low-slung wooden pleasure boats), decorated with lanterns, traverse the bay. A… Lake in Ueno, Yanesen & Komagome Shinobazu-ike A key feature of Ueno-kōen is this large, natural pond, divided into three sections (one of which lies within the boundaries of Ueno Zoo). The largest section is dominated by giant lotuses, which completely cover it… Buddhist Temple in Ebisu, Meguro & Around Sengaku-ji The story of the 47 rōnin (masterless samurai) who avenged their master, Lord Asano – put to death after being tricked into pulling a sword on a rival – is legend in Japan. They were condemned to commit seppuku (rit… Ramen in Akihabara, Kagurazaka & Kōrakuen Kikanbō The karashibi (カラシビ) spicy miso ramen here has a cult following. Choose your level of kara (spice) and shibi (a strange mouth-numbing sensation created by Japanese sanshō pepper). We recommend futsu-futsu (regular f… Design in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around Axis Design Salivate over some of Japan’s most innovative interior design at this high-end design complex of galleries and shops selling art books, cutting-edge furniture and other objets d’art. Gallery in Akihabara, Kagurazaka & Kōrakuen Origami Kaikan This exhibition centre and workshop is dedicated to the quintessential Japanese art of origami, which you can learn to do yourself in classes here. There's a shop-gallery on the 1st floor, a gallery on the 2nd, and … Izakaya in Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa Narukiyo For evenings when you want to eat well and adventurously, head here. The menu, handwritten on a scroll, is undecipherable – which is fine, because you just want to have what the chef recommends anyway. Tell him how … Landmark in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around Tokyo Garden Terrace This new mixed-use development is best visited for its pleasant surrounding gardens and public art, including White Deer by Nawa Kōhei and the giant metallic flowers of Ōmaki Shinji. Opened in 2016, on the former si… Tonkatsu in Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa Gyūkatsu Motomura You know tonkatsu, the deep-fried breaded pork cutlet that is a Japanese staple; meet gyūkatsu, the deep-fried breaded beef cutlet that is Tokyo's latest food craze. At Motomura, the beef is super-crisp on the outsi… Books in Akihabara, Kagurazaka & Kōrakuen Jimbōchō Bookstores This fascinating neighbourhood of more than 170 new and secondhand booksellers is proof that the printed word is alive and well in Tokyo. Amid tottering stacks of volumes, you'll find everything from antique guidebo… Shinto Shrine in West Tokyo Inokashira Benzaiten Benzaiten, one of Japan's eight lucky gods, is actually the octet's sole goddess (she's also the Japanese incarnation of the Hindi goddess Sarasvati and a patron of the arts). Her realm is the waters, which is why y… Gardens in Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo Chinzan-sō This strolling garden was once the estate of a Meiji-era statesman and is now the backyard of a luxury hotel, though it's open free to the public. The shaded pathways are strewn with antiquities transported from all… Cinema in Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa Uplink Watching indies at Uplink feels a bit like hanging out in a friend's basement; with just 40 (comfy, mismatched) seats, it's officially Tokyo's smallest theatre. Artsy domestic and foreign films (subtitled in Japanes… Arts & Crafts in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around Tolman Collection Based in a traditional wooden building, this reputable gallery represents nearly 50 leading Japanese artists of printing, lithography, etching, woodblock and more. Quality prints start at around ¥10,000 and rise ste… Church in Akihabara, Kagurazaka & Kōrakuen Nikolai Cathedral This Russian Orthodox cathedral, complete with distinctive Byzantine-style architecture, was first built in 1891 under the supervision of English architect Josiah Conder. The original copper dome was damaged in the … Museum in Ebisu, Meguro & Around Hara Museum of Contemporary Art Housed in a Bauhaus-style mansion from the 1930s, this museum hosts cutting-edge exhibitions from Japanese and international artists. There are also fascinating permanent installations designed especially for the ho… Gardens in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around Canadian Embassy Stone Garden Bring photo ID, sign in and take the escalator up to the entrance to the Canadian Embassy, which is fronted by this stark and brilliant stone sculpture garden. Designed by the Zen priest Shunmyō Masuno, natural and … Shinto Shrine in Akihabara, Kagurazaka & Kōrakuen Kanda Myōjin (Kanda Shrine) Tracing its history back to AD 730, this splendid Shintō shrine boasts vermilion-lacquered halls surrounding a stately courtyard, where you'll also find the pet pony Akari. Its present location dates from 1616 and t… Izakaya in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around Warayakiya Akasaka This chain izakaya (Japanese pub-eatery) specialises in Tosa-ryōri, the food of Kōchi Prefecture in Shikoku. It is easily spotted by the giant black wave and lanterns decorating its facade, as well as the spectacula… Steak in West Tokyo Steak House Satou This is a classic Japanese-style steak house, where the meat is cooked at the counter on a teppanyaki (iron hot plate), diced before serving and paired with rice, miso soup and pickles. It's also excellent value, co… Architecture in Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo Myōnichikan Lucky are the girls who attended the Frank Lloyd Wright–designed 'School of the Free Spirit' (Jiyū Gakuen; 自由学園). Built in 1921, Myōnichikan functioned as the school's main structure until the 1970s. After restorati… Church in Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo St Mary's Cathedral Tokyo Rising nearly 40m high and glistening in the sun, this stainless-steel contemporary cathedral was completed in 1955. It's the work of Japan's foremost modern architect, Tange Kenzō, and structural and acoustic engin… Gay & Lesbian in Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo Aiiro Cafe Occupying the former spot of Ni-chome institution Advocates (and many old-time regulars still call it that), Aiiro is the best place to start any night out in the neighbourhood (thanks to the all-you-can-drink beer … Shinto Shrine in Ueno, Yanesen & Komagome Ueno Tōshō-gū This shrine inside Ueno-kōen was built in honour of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the warlord who unified Japan. Resplendent in gold leaf and ornate details, it dates from 1651 (though it has had recent touch-ups). You can get a… Museum in Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa Toguri Museum of Art The Toguri Museum of Art has an excellent collection of Edo-era ceramics, displayed in informative, thematic exhibitions with English explanations – great for getting to know the symbolism of the different motifs an… Tempura in Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo Tsunahachi Tsunahachi has been expertly frying prawns and vegies for more than 90 years and is an excellent place to get initiated in the art of tempura (foreign tourists get a handy cheat sheet on the different condiments). S… Gardens in Roppongi, Akasaka & Around Hotel New Ōtani Gardens The New Ōtani was a showplace hotel when it opened in 1964 to coincide with the Tokyo Olympics. Nonguests are welcome to visit its beautiful 400-year-old Japanese garden, which once belonged to a Tokugawa regent. In… Museum in Asakusa & Sumida River Amuse Museum Here you'll find a fascinating collection of Japanese folk articles, mainly patched clothing and pieces of fabric, known as boro, gathered by famed ethnologist Tanaka Chūzaburō. Many of the pieces are like fine work… Tōkyō De la Wikipedia, enciclopedia liberă Tōkyō 東京都 — Oraş — Drapel Drapel Sigiliul autorităților din Tōkyō 東京都 Sigiliu Stemă Stemă 35°41′0″N 139°46′0″E Ţară Japonia Japonia Regiune Kantō Atestare 1603 Reşedinţă Tokyo[*] Guvernare - Primar Yuriko Koike[*][1] (Partidul Liberal Democrat din Japonia, 2 august 2016) Suprafaţă - Total 2.187,08 km² Populaţie (2015) - Total 13,613,660 locuitori - Densitate 5,796 loc./km² Fus orar UTC+9 Localităţi înfrăţite - Berlin Germania - New York Statele Unite ale Americii - Noul Wales de Sud Australia - Jakarta Indonezia - Seul Coreea de Sud - Al Qahirah Egipt - Beijing Republica Populară Chineză - Roma Italia - Paris Franţa - Moscova Rusia - São Paulo Brazilia - Londra Regatul Unit Prezenţă online www.metro.tokyo.jp GeoNames Modificați la Wikidata OpenStreetMap Modificați la Wikidata Poziția orașului Poziţia oraşului Modifică date / text Consultați documentația formatului Tōkyō, Tokyo, uneori scris şi Tokio (東京 Tōkyō ▶?, literal „Capitala de Est”), oficial Metropola Tokyo, [2] este capitala Japoniei şi una dintre cele 47 de prefecturi ale ţării [3]. Este cea mai populată zonă metropolitană din lume [4]. Aici se află sediul Guvernului Japoniei şi reşedinţa împăratului. Tokyo este situat în Regiunea Kantō în partea de sud-est a insulei principale Honshu şi include lanţurile de insule Izu şi Ogasawara [5]. În trecut cunoscut drept Edo, a fost sediul guvernului încă din 1603 când Shogunul Ieyasu Tokugawa a făcut oraşul sediul său. A devenit oficial capitală când Împăratul Meiji şi-a mutat în anul 1868 reşedinţa în oraş din fosta capitală Kyoto; atunci Edo a fost redenumit în Tokyo. Metropola Tokyo s-a format în 1943 prin unirea fostei Prefecturii Tokyo (東京府 Tōkyō-fu) cu Oraşul Tokyo (東京市 Tōkyō-shi). Tokyo este adesea menţionat ca fiind oraş, dar de fapt este oficial cunoscut şi guvernat drept o “prefectură metropolitană”, care diferă prin combinarea elementeleor unui oraş şi cele ale unei prefecturi, caracteristică întâlnită numai în Tokyo. Guvernul Metropolitan din Tokyo administrează cele 23 de Cartiere Speciale din Tokyo (fiecare condus ca un oraş în sine), care acoperea zona Oraşului Tokyo înainte să se unească în 1943 şi să formeze prefectura metropolitană. Guvernul Metropolitan mai administrează şi 39 de municipalităţi situate în partea de vest a prefecturii dar şi cele două lanţuri de insule. Populaţia cartierelor speciale este de peste 9 milioane de locuitori cu populaţia totală a prefecturii ce depaşeşte 13 milioane de locuitori. Prefectura face parte din zona metropolitană cea mai populată din lume având peste 37.8 milioane de locuitori dar şi cea mai dezvoltată aglomerare urbană din punct de vedere economic. Oraşul găzduieşte 51 de companii ce fac parte din Fortune Global 500, mai multe decât oricare oraş din lume [6]. Tokyo este situat pe locul trei în topul organizat de International Financial Centres Development IndexEdit. Oraşul găzduieşte de asemenea numeroase televiziuni cum ar fi: Fuji TV, Tokyo MX, TV Tokyo, TV Asahi, Nippon Television, NHK şi Tokyo Broadcasting System. Tokyo este situat pe locul întai în Global Economic Power Index şi pe locul patru în Global Cityes Index [7]. Oraşul este considerat un oraş alfa – în studiul GaWC din 2008. Oraşul a fost clasat pe primul loc în anul 2014 în categoria „Cea mai bună experienţă generală” de către TripAdvisor într-o analiză a oraşelor lumii (oraşul este de asemenea situat primul în categoriile: „ajutorul dat de localnici”, „viaţă de noapte”, „cumpărături”, „transport public local”, şi „curăţenia străzilor [8]. În 2015 Tokyo a fost situat pe locul unsprezece în topul celor mai scumpe oraşe pentru străini conform firmei de consultanţă Mercer [9], dar şi pe locul unsprezece în topul celor mai scumpe oraşe în analiza despre costul vieţii realizată de către Economist Intelligence Unit [10]. In 2015 Tokyo a fost numit de catre Revista britanică Monocle [11]. Ghidul Michelin a acordat oraşului Tokyo cele mai multe stele Michelin decât oricărui alt oraş din lume [12] [13]. Tokyo este situat pe locul întâi în topul celor mai sigure oraşe din lume [14]. Ediţia din 2016 a QS Best Student Cities a clasat Tokyo pe locul trei în topul celor mai bune oraşe de a fi student [15]. Tokyo a găzduit Jocurile Olimpice de vară din 1964, Summitul G-7 din 1979, Summitul G-7 din 1986 şi Summitul G-7 din 1993 şi va găzdui Jocurile Olimpice de vară din 2020 şi Jocurile Paralimpice de vară din 2020. Cuprins 1 Etimologie 2 Istorie 2.1 Înainte de 1869 (Perioada Edo) 2.2 1869- 1943 2.3 1943 – prezent 3 Geografie 3.1 Cartierele Speciale sau Secţiile Speciale 3.2 Zona Tama (Tokyo de Vest) 3.3 Oraşe 3.4 Districtul Nishi-Tama 3.5 Insulele 3.6 Parcuri naţionale 3.7 Seismicitate 3.8 Climat 4 Urbanism 5 Mediu înconjurător 6 Demografie 7 Economie 8 Transport 9 Educaţie 10 Cultură 11 Sport 12 În cultura populară 13 Relaţii internaţionale 13.1 Oraşe înfrăţite 14 Referinţe 15 Bibliografie 16 Alte lecturi 16.1 Ghiduri 16.2 Contemporan 17 Legături externe Etimologie Tokyo era iniţial cunoscut drept Edo (江戸) , care înseamnă „estuar” [16]. Numele a fost schimbat în Tokyo , (東京 Tōkyō?, 東 tō "est", şi 京 kyō "capitală") când a devenit capitala imperială odată cu sosirea Împăratului Meiji din 1868, urmând tradiţia din Asia de Est de a adăuga cuvantul capitală (京) la numele oraşului capitală[17]. La începutul perioadei Meijin oraşului i se mai spunea şi "Tōkei" o altă pronunţare a caracterelor Chinezeşti care înseamnă „Tokyo” devenind un omograf Kenji. Nişte documente oficiale Englezeşti care au rezistat timpului se foloseşte „Tokei”. [18]. Totuşi această pronunţare este învechită[19]. Numele de Tokyo a apărut pentru prima dată în cartea Kondo Hisaku scrisă de Sato Nobuhiro [necesită citare]. Când Ōkubo Toshimichi a propus schimbarea numelui oraşului către guvern în timpul Restaurări Meiji, conform lui Oda Kanshi (織田完之) a luat idea din acea carte. Istorie Înainte de 1869 (Perioada Edo) Pictură ce reprezintă expediţia Comodorul Matthew Perry şi prima sa venire în Japonia din 1853 Tokyo a fost la început un mic sat pescăresc numit Edo, în vechea Provincie Musashi [20]. Edo a fost pentru prima dată fortificat de către Clanul Edo la sfârşitul sec al XII- lea. În anul 1457 Ōta Dōkan a construit Castelul Edo. În 1590, Tokugawa Ieyasu a făcut din Edo baza lui. Când a devenit Shogun în 1603, Edo a devenit centrul guvernului militar naţional. În timpul ulterior perioadei Edo, Edo a crescut ajungând unul dintre cele mai mari oraşe din lume având o populaţie ce însuma un milion până în sec al 18-lea[21]. Edo era capitala de facto a Japoniei[22] chiar şi în timp ce împăratul locuia la Kyoto capitala imperială. În acest timp oraşul s-a bucurat de o perioadă prelungă de pace numită şi Pax Tokugawa, beneficiind de o astfel de pace, Edo a adoptat o stringentă politică de izolare, care a ajutat să perpetueze lipsa unei ameninţări militare grave asupra oraşului[23]. În lipsa daunelor produse de către razboi Edo şi-a direcţionat majoritatea resurselor pentru a reconstrui oraşul în urma incendiilor persistente, cutremure şi alte calamităţi naturale care au lovit oraşul. Perioada de lungă izolare a luat sfârşit odată cu sosirea Comodorului American Matthew C. Perry în 1853. Comodorul Perry a negociat deschiderea porturilor Shimoda şi Hakodate, fapt ce a dus la creşterea cererii de noi mărfuri străine şi la o creştere ulterioară a inflaţiei[24]. Neliniştea socială a crescut datorită creşterii preţurilor şi a culminat cu răspândite rebeliuni şi demonstraţii, în special sub forma „distrugerii” unităţilor cu orez[25]. În acest timp susţinătorii Împăratului Meiji au profitat de aceste tulburări create de rebeliuni pentru a-şi consolida puterea şi a înlătura pe ultimului shogun Tokugawa, Yoshinobu, în 1867[26]. După aproape 263 de ani Pax Tokugawa a ajuns la sfarşit. 1869- 1943 Zona Ginza în 1933 În 1869 Împăratul Meiji în vârstă de 17 ani s-a mutat la Edo şi astfel oraşul a fost redenumit Tokyo (însemnând Capitala de Est). Oraşul a fost împărţit în Yamanote şi Shitamachi. Tokyo era deja centrul politic şi cultural al ţării[27] iar mutarea reşedinţei împăratului l-a facut de facto şi capitală imperială, Castelul Edo devenind Palatul Imperial. Oraşul Tokyo a fost înfiinţat oficial la data de 1 Mai 1889. Tokyo în sec XX-lea a suferit două mari catatrofe: Marele Cutremur Kanto din 1923 şi Al Doilea Război Mondial. [28] 1943 – prezent Tokyo în flăcari în 1945 În anul 1943, Oraşul Tokyo a fuzionat cu „Prefectura Metropolitană” a Tokyo. Începând de atunci guvernul metropolitan din Tokyo a servit drept guvern prefectural pentru Tokyo dar şi să administreze Cartierele Speciale din Tokyo, pentru ceea ce fusese anterior Oraşul Tokyo. Al Doilea Război Mondial a adus cu el şi distrugerea la scară largă a unei mari proportii din oraş datorită raidurilor aeriene a Aliatilor şi folosirea bombelor incendiare. Se estimează că bombardamentele asupra oraşului din anii 1944 şi 1945 au produs între 75.000 şi 200.000 de victime în rândul şi mai mult de jumatate din oraş distrus[29]. Cea mai devastatoare noapte din război a fost la data de 9-10 Martie, 1945, când aproape 70.000 de bombe incendiare au căzut asupra jumătăţii de est a oraşului, în principal asupra zonelor intens populate. Două cincimi din oraş au fost arse complet, mai mult de 270.000 de clădiri au fost demolate, 100.000 de civili au fost ucişi şi încă 110.000 au fost răniţi[30][31]. Între anii 1940 şi 1945 populaţia capitalei Japoniei a scăzut de la 6.700.000 la 2.800.000 locuitori, iar majoritatea celor care şi-au pierdut casele stăteau în locuinţe improvizate[32]. Tokyo Tower, construit în 1958 Cutremurul din 2011 a avariat puţin antena de pe Tokyo Tower. După război, Tokyo a fost complet reconstruit şi a fost prezentat lumii în timpul Jocurile Olimpice de vară din 1964. Anii 1970 au adus noi construcţii cum ar fi Sunshine 60, un nou şi controversat[33] aeroport la Narita construit în 1978 (lângă oraş), şi o creştere a populaţiei la 11.000.000 de locuitori (în zona metropolitană). Metroul din Tokyo şi reţeaua de căi ferate au devenit unele dintre cele mai aglomerate din lume[34] cum din ce în ce mai multă lume se muta în zonă. În anii 1980 preţurile imobiliarelor au crescut foarte mult. Această perioadă a fost urmată de o mare recesiune, anii 1990 au devenit „Decada Pierdută (Japonia)” [35] din care şi acum îşi revine încet. Tokyo încă asistă la noi dezvoltări urbane pe loturi mari de pământ care nu sunt aşa de profitabile. Printre proiectele recente se numără şi Ebisu, Shibuya Garden Place, Insul Tennozu, Shiodome, Roppongi Hills, Shinagawa (acum şi o staţie Shinkansen) şi partea Marunouchi din Tokyo Station. Clădiri cu importanţă sunt demolate pentru a fi construite centre comerciale moderne cum ar fi Omotesando Hills. Proiecte de recuperare a pământului au loc de foarte mult timp. Cel mai proeminent este zona Odaiba, care acum este un mare centru comercial şi de distracţii. Mai multe planuri au fost propuse[36] pentru a transfera funcţii guvernamentale naţionale de la Takyo către capitale secundare în alte părţi ale Japoniei, pentru a încetini dezvoltarea rapidă a Tokyo şi pentru a revitaliza din punct de vedere economic alte regiuni ale ţării. Aceste planuri au ridicat controverse în Japonia şi încă[37] trebuie puse în practică. Cutremurul din Tohoku din anul 2011 urmat de tsunamiul care a devastat coasta de nord-est a insulei Honshu a fost simpţit şi în Tokyo. În orice caz datorită infrastructurii rezistente la cutremur, daunele asupra oraşului au fost minore în comparaţie cu zona care a fost lovită direct de tsunami, totuşi activitatea din oraş a fost în mare parte oprită[38][39]. Criza nucleară care a urmat tsunamiului a lăsat în mare parte oraşul Tokyo neafectat în ciuda unor variaţii în nivelul radiaţiilor [40][41]. Pe 7 Septembrie 2013 Comitetul Olimpic Internaţional a selectat oraţul Tokyo să găzduiască Jocurile Olimpice de vară din 2020. Tokyo va deveni astfel primul oraş din Asia care va organiza Jocurile Olimpice de două ori[42]. Geografie Poză din satelit a celor 23 de Cartiere Speciale realizată de NASA. Landsat 7 Sediul Guvernului Metropolitan Partea continentală a Tokyo se află în partea de nord-vest a Golfului Tokyo şi măsoară în jur de 90 km de la est la vest şi 25 km de la sud la nord. Altitudinea medie în Tokyo este de 40 metrii[43]. Prefectura Chiba îl mărgineşte în partea de Est, Yamanashi la Vest, Kanagawa la Sud şi Saitama în partea de Nord. Partea continentală a Tokyo este împărţită în Cartiere Speciale (ocupând jumatatea estică) şi zona Tama (多摩地域) ce se întinde în partea de vest. În zona administrativă a Metropolei Tokyo se află şi două lanţuri de insule în Oceanul Pacific: Insulele Izu şi Insulele Ogasawara care se întind la mai mult de 1.000 km faţă de continent. Din cauza acestor insule şi a regiunii muntoase de la vest, densitatea totală a populaţiei oraşului nu coincide cu realitatea, cifrele depăşesc cu mult cifrele reale ale densităţii din zonele urbane şi cele suburbane. Sub legea Japoneză, Tokyo, este desemnat ca o metropolă [44]. Structura administrativă este similară cu a celorlalte prefecturi din Japonia. Cele 23 de Cartiere Speciale (特別区 -ku), care până în 1943 a constitui Oraşul Tokyo, sunt acum separate, sunt municipalităţi ce se guvernează singure, fiecare are un primar, un consiliu şi are statutul unui oraş. Pe lângă aceste 23 de Cartiere Speciale, Tokyo include şi alte 26 de oraşe (市 -shi), cinci oraşele mai mici (町 -chō or machi), şi opt sate (村 -son sau -mura) fiecare dintre acestea are administraţie proprie. Guvernul Metropolitan din Tokyo, care administrează întreaga metropolă, este condus de către un guvernator şi de către adunarea metropolitană care sunt aleşi prin vot public. Sediul guvernului metropolitan se află în cartierul Shinjuku. Cartierele Speciale sau Secţiile Speciale Articol principal: Sectoarele speciale din Tokio. Cartierele Speciale (特別区 tokubetsu-ku) din Tokyo cuprind zona care în trecut era incorporată în Oraşul Tokyo. Pe 1 Iulie 1943, Oraşul Tokyo a fuzionat cu Prefectura Tokyo, (東京府 Tōkyō-fu) formând „prefectura metropolitană”. Drept rezultat, spre deosebire de alte cartiere din Japonia, aceste cartiere sunt practic oraşe incorporate într-un oraş mai mare. În timp ce se încadrează în jurisdicţia Guvernului Metropolitan din Tokyo, fiecare dintre aceste cartiere se auto-guvernează, având un conducător şi consiliu ales ca oricare alt oraş din Japonia. Aceste Cartiere folosesc cuvântul „City” (oraş) în denumirea oficială în engleză (ex: Chiyoda City) [45]. Cartierele diferă de alte oraşe printr-o legătură administrativă specială cu guvernul prefectural. Anumite atribuţii municipale cum ar fi: apa, canalizarea, şi secţiile de pompieri se ocupă Guvernul Metropolitan din Tokyo. Pentru a plăti costurile administretive suplimentare, prefectura colecteaza taxele municipale, care de obicei erau percepute de către oraş. Cartierele Speciale din Tokyo sunt: Adachi Arakawa Bunkyō Chiyoda Chūō Edogawa (sector special) Itabashi Katsushika Kita Kōtō Meguro Minato Nakano Nerima Ōta Setagaya Shibuya Shinagawa Shinjuku Suginami Sumida Taitō Toshima Cele trei “cartiere centrale” din Tokyo – Chiyoda, Chūō şi Minato – reprezintă centrul de afaceri al oraşului, având ziua o populaţie de şapte ori mai mare decat populaţia din timpul nopţii[46]. Cartierul Chiyoda este unic încât este centrul fostului Oraş Tokyo, cu toate acestea este unul dintre cele mai slab populate cartiere. Este ocupt de multe companii Japoneze mari, este de asemenea locul în care se află sediul guvenului naţional şi al împăratului. Este de multe ori numit “centrul politic” al ţării[47]. Akihabara cunoscut ca fiind un centru cultural otaku şi o zonă comercială în care se vând produse IT, se află de asemenea în Chiyoda. Zona Tama (Tokyo de Vest) În partea de vest a cartierelor speciale , Tokyo este format din oraşe cu rang de municipii, oraşe şi sate care se bucură de acelaşi statut ca oricare altul din Japonia. În timp ce servesc drept “loc de dormit” pentru cei care lucrează în centrul Tokyo, unele dintre ele au o bază comercială şi industrială. Toate la un loc acestea sunt cunoscute ca Zona Tama sau “Tokyo de Vest”. Oraşe În partea de Vest a Tokyo sunt situate 26 de oraşe: Akiruno Akishima Chōfu Fuchū Fussa Hachiōji Hamura Higashikurume Higashimurayama Higashiyamato Hino Inagi Kiyose Kodaira Koganei Kokubunji Komae Kunitachi Machida Mitaka Musashimurayama Musashino Nishitōkyō Ōme Tachikawa Tama Guvernul Metropolitan din Tokyo a numit Hachiōji, Tachikawa, Machida, Ōme şi oraşul nou Tama drept centre regionale ale zonei, ca parte din planul de a dispersa funcţiile urbane din Centrul Tokyo[48]. Districtul Nishi-Tama Harta Districtului Nishi-Tama cu verde Vestul îndepărtat este ocupat de districtul Nishi-Tama. Mare parte din această regiune este muntoasă şi nepotrivită pentru a fi urbanizată. Cel mai înalt munte din Tokyo, Muntele Kumotori are 2.017 metrii înălţime; alţi munţi din Tokyo includ Takasu (1,737 m), Odake (1,266 m), şi Mitake (929 m). Lacul Okutama de pe Râul Tama aproape de Prefectura Yamanashi este cel mai mare lac din Tokyo. Districtul este format din trei oraşele (Hinode, Mizuho şi Okutama) dar şi un sat (Hinoara). Tama Hachioji Musashino Insulele Hartă a Insulelor Izu etichetate cu negru Hartă a Insulelor Ogasawara etichetate cu negru Tokyo are numeroase insule îndepartate, care se extind până la 1.850 km faţă ce centrul metropolei. Din cauza distanţei insulelor faţă de sediul administrativ al metropolei acestea sunt administrate de birouri locale. Insulele Izu sunt un grup de insule vulcanice care fac parte din Parcul Naţional Fuji-Hakone-Izu. Insulele în ordine de la cea mai apropiată la cea mai îndepartată de Tokyo sunt: Izu Ōshima, Toshima, Nii-jima, Shikine-jima, Kōzu-shima, Miyake-jima, Mikurajima, Hachijō-jima, şi Aogashima. Insulele Izu sunt grupate în trei prefecturi. Izu Ōshima şi Hachijojima sunt oraşe. Restul insulelor sunt şase sate, cu Niijima şi Shikinejima formând un singur sat. Insulele Ogasawara includ de la nord la sud: Chichi-jima, Nishinoshima, Haha-jima, Kita Iwo Jima, Iwo Jima, şi Minami Iwo Jima. Ogasawara administrează de asemanea două insule îndepărtate Minami Torishima cel mai estic punct din Japonia aflată la 1850 km, cea mai îndepătrată de centrul metropolei, şi Okinotorishima cel mai sudic punct din Japonia. Revendicarea Japoniei a unei zone economice exclusive în ceea ce priveşte Okinotorishima este contestată de China şi de Coreea de Sud considerând ca Okinotorishima este nelocuibilă şi astfel nu poate exista o zonă economică exclusivă. Lanţul de insule Iwo şi insulele îndepărtate nu au o populaţie stabilă dar adăpostesc personal al Forţele de apărare Japoneze. Populaţii locale se găsesc doar pe Chichi-jima şi Haha-jima. Cele două insule formează împreună Subprefectura Ogasawara şi satul Ogasawara. Subprefectură Municipalitate Tip Hachijō Hachijō Oraş Aogashima Sat Miyake Miyake Sat Mikurajima Sat Ōshima Ōshima Oraş Toshima Sat Niijima Sat Kōzushima Sat Ogasawara Ogasawara Sat Parcuri naţionale Parcul Naţional Fuji-Hakone-Izu Parcul Naţional Ogasawara, site care face parte din Patrimoniul Mondial Natural UNESCO La 31 Martie 2008, 36% din suprafaţa prefecturii era declarată ca fiind parcuri naţionale (a doua după Prefectura Shiga), şi anume Chichibu Tama Kai, Fuji-Hakone-Izu, şi Parcul Naţional Ogasawara (ultimul un site UNESCO); Parcul Naţional Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi şi Akikawa Kyūryō, Hamura Kusabana Kyūryō, Sayama, Takao Jinba, Takiyama, şi Tama Kyūryō [49]. Mai multe muzee sunt localizate în Parcul Ueno: Muzeul Naţional din Tokyo, Muzeul Naţional de Natură şi Ştiinţe, Muzeul Shitamachi, Muzeul Naţional al Artei Vestice, printre altele. De asemenea sunt prezente opere de artă şi statui în diverse locuri din parc. În parc mai există o gradină zoologică şi este un loc popular de unde se pot vedea celebrele flori de cireş primavara.. Seismicitate Tokyo a fost lovit de cutremure puternice în: 1703, 1782, 1812, 1855, 1923, şi 2011 [50][51]. Cutremurul din 1923 cu o magnitudine estimată de 8.3 pe scara Richter, a omorât 142.000 persoane. Tokyo este aproape de limita a trei plăci tectonice. Climat Fostul Oraş Tokyo şi majoritatea suprafeţei de uscat din Tokyo se află sub influenţa climatului subtropical umed, după Clasificarea climatică Köppen [52], cu veri calde şi ploioase şi cu ierni friguroase în care bat vânturi reci. Zona ca şi aproape întreaga Japonie, are un decalaj sezonier de o lună, cea mai călduroasă luna fiind August, cu temperaturi medii de 26.4 °C, iar cea mai friguroasă lună fiind Ianuarie înregistaându-se în medie temperaturi de 5.2 °C. Recordul de temperatură negativă este de −9.2 °C înregistrat la data de 13 Ianuarie 1876 pe când recordul de temperatură ridicată este de 39.5 °C înregistrat la 20 Iulie 2004. Media precipitaţiilor este de 1,530 millimetrii, cu o vara umedă şi o iarnă uscată. Căderile de zăpadă sunt sporadice dar cad în fiecar an[53]. Tokyo se întâlneşte adesea cu taifunuri, dar puţine sunt puternice. Ultimul taifun care a lovit a fost Fitow în anul 2007. Cea mai ploioasă lună de când au început măsurătorile în 1876 a avut loc în Octombrie 2004 cu precipitaţii[54] ce au depăşit 780 milimetrii, incluzând 270.5 milimetrii de ploaie ce au căzut în data de 9 a aceleiaşi luni[55]. [ascunde]Date climatice pentru Parcul Kitanomaru,[56]Cartierul Chiyoda, Tokyo (1981–2010) Luna Ian Feb Mar Apr Mai Iun Iul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Anual Maxima medie °C (°F) 9.6 (49,3) 10.4 (50,7) 13.6 (56,5) 19.0 (66,2) 22.9 (73,2) 25.5 (77,9) 29.2 (84,6) 30.8 (87,4) 26.9 (80,4) 21.5 (70,7) 16.3 (61,3) 11.9 (53,4) 19,8 (67.6) Media zilnică °C (°F) 5.2 (41,4) 5.7 (42,3) 8.7 (47,7) 13.9 (57,0) 18.2 (64,8) 21.4 (70,5) 25.0 (77,0) 26.4 (79,5) 22.8 (73,0) 17.5 (63,5) 12.1 (53,8) 7.6 (45,7) 15,4 (59.7) Minima medie °C (°F) 0.9 (33,6) 1.7 (35,1) 4.4 (39,9) 9.4 (48,9) 14.0 (57,2) 18.0 (64,4) 21.8 (71,2) 23.0 (73,4) 19.7 (67,5) 14.2 (57,6) 8.3 (46,9) 3.5 (38,3) 11,6 (52.9) Minima istorică °C (°F) −9.2 (15,4) −7.9 (17,8) −5.6 (21,9) −3.1 (26,4) 2.2 (36,0) 8.5 (47,3) 13.0 (55,4) 15.4 (59,7) 10.5 (50,9) −0.5 (31,1) −3.1 (26,4) −6.8 (19,8) −9,2 (15.4) Precipitaţii mm (inches) 52.3 (2.059) 56.1 (2.209) 117.5 (4.626) 124.5 (4.902) 137.8 (5.425) 167.7 (6.602) 153.5 (6.043) 168.2 (6.622) 209.9 (8.264) 197.8 (7.787) 92.5 (3.642) 51.0 (2.008) 1.528,8 (60,189) Zăpadă cm (inches) 5 (2) 5 (2) 1 (0.4) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 11 (4,3) Umiditate [%] 52 53 56 62 69 75 77 73 75 68 65 56 65 Nr. de zile cu precipitaţii (≥ 0.5 mm) 5.3 6.2 11.0 11.0 11.4 12.7 11.8 9.0 12.2 10.8 7.6 4.9 114,0 Nr. mediu de zile cu ninsoare 2.8 3.7 2.2 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.8 9,7 Ore însorite 184.5 165.8 163.1 176.9 167.8 125.4 146.4 169.0 120.9 131.0 147.9 178.0 1.876,7 Sursă: Japan Meteorological Agency (records 1872–present)[57][58][59] Partea montană din vest de Tokyo, Okutama, aparţine tot climatului subtropical umed. [ascunde]Date climatice pentru Ogouchi, Orasul Okutama, Tokyo (1981–2010) Luna Ian Feb Mar Apr Mai Iun Iul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Anual Maxima medie °C (°F) 6.7 (44,1) 7.1 (44,8) 10.3 (50,5) 16.3 (61,3) 20.5 (68,9) 23.0 (73,4) 26.8 (80,2) 28.2 (82,8) 23.9 (75,0) 18.4 (65,1) 13.8 (56,8) 9.3 (48,7) 17,1 (62.8) Media zilnică °C (°F) 1.3 (34,3) 1.8 (35,2) 5.0 (41,0) 10.6 (51,1) 15.1 (59,2) 18.5 (65,3) 22.0 (71,6) 23.2 (73,8) 19.5 (67,1) 13.8 (56,8) 8.5 (47,3) 3.8 (38,8) 11,9 (53.4) Minima medie °C (°F) −2.7 (27,1) −2.3 (27,9) 0.6 (33,1) 5.6 (42,1) 10.5 (50,9) 14.8 (58,6) 18.7 (65,7) 19.7 (67,5) 16.3 (61,3) 10.3 (50,5) 4.6 (40,3) −0.1 (31,8) 8,1 (46.6) Precipitaţii mm (inches) 44.1 (1.736) 50.0 (1.969) 92.5 (3.642) 109.6 (4.315) 120.3 (4.736) 155.7 (6.13) 195.4 (7.693) 280.6 (11.047) 271.3 (10.681) 172.4 (6.787) 76.7 (3.02) 39.9 (1.571) 1.623,5 (63,917) Ore însorite 147.1 127.7 132.2 161.8 154.9 109.8 127.6 148.3 99.1 94.5 122.1 145.6 1.570,7 Sursă: Japan Meteorological Agency[60] Climatul în teritoriile insulare ce aparţin de Tokyo variază semnificativ faţă de cel din metropolă. Climatul în Chichi-jima din satul Ogasawara este la limita dintre climatul tropical de savană şi climatul subtropical umed. Diferenţa de climat se datorează distanţei la care se află insula faţă de Centrul Metropolei (1.000 km). Teritoriul cel mai estic din Tokyo, Insula Minamitorishima (Insulele Marcus) din satul Ogasawara se află în zona de climat tropical de savană (Clasificarea Köppen Aw). Grupurile de insule Izu şi Ogasawara sunt lovite în medie de 5.4 taifunuri pe an, în comparaţie cu zona Kantō care este lovita în medie de 3.1 taifunuri[61]. Urbanism Arhitectura oraşului Tokyo a fost influenţată de istoria oraşului. De două ori in istoria recentă oraşul a fost lăsat în ruine: prima dată la cutremurul Great Kantō din 1923 şi apoi în urma bombardamentelor din Al Doilea Război Mondial. Din această cauză peisajul urban din Tokyo consistă în general din arhitectura moderna şi contemporană, iar clădirile mai vechi sunt rare[62]. În Tokyo se regăsesc multe forme de arhitectură celebre în toată lumea: Tokyo International Forum, Asahi Beer Hall, Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower, NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building şi Rainbow Bridge. În Tokyo există două turnuri: Turnul Tokyo şi noul Tokyo Skytree care este cea mai înaltă structură din Japonia şi a doua din lume dupa Burj Khalifa din Dubai[63]. În Tokyo există numeroase parcuri şi grădini. În Prefectura Tokyo există patru parcuri naţionale printre care şi Parcul Naţional Fuji-Hakone-Izu , care include toate insulele Izu. Privelişte panoramică a oraşului din Tokyo Skytree Mediu înconjurător Tokyo a adoptat o măsură de reducere a gazelor cu efect de seră. Guvernatorul Shintaro Isihara a creat primul sistem de reducere a gazelor cu efect de seră cu 25% până în 2020 faţă de nivelul înregistrat în anul 2000[64]. Tokyo este un exemplu de insulă termică urbană şi fenomenul este înregistrat în special în Cartierele speciale[65][66]. Conform Guvernului Metropolitan din Tokyo[67] temperatura medie anuală a crescut cu 3 °C în ultima sută de ani. Tokyo a fost dat drept un „exemplu convingător a relaţiilor dintre creşterea urbană şi climă”. [68] În 2006 Tokyo a adoptat „Proiectul de 10 ani pentru un Tokyo verde” pentru a fi realizat până în 2016. A stabilit un obiectiv de creştere a numărului de copaci de pe marginea drumului la 1 milion (de la 480,000), şi adăugând 1.000 ha de spaţiu verde dintre care 88 ha vor face parte dintr-un nou parc numit "Umi no Mori" (pădure marină) care va fi situat pe o porţiune de pământ recuperat din Golful Tokyo care înainte era un depozit de deşeuri[69]. Din 2007 până în 2010, 436 din cele 1000 ha de spaţiu verde planificate au fost create şi 220.000 de copaci au fost plantaţi ajungând la un număr de 700.000. Până în 2014 numărul copacilor de pe marginea drumului a crescut la 950.000 şi 300 ha au fost adăugate[70]. Demografie În octombrie 2012 estimările intercenzale oficiale arătau 13.506 milioane de locuitori în Tokyo cu 9.214 care locuiesc în cele 13 de Cartiere Speciale[71]. În timpul zilei numărul creşte cu 2.5 milioane în urma deplasării lucrătorilor şi a studenţilor din zonele adiacente. Acest efect este cel mai pronunţat în cele trei cartiere centrale Chiyoda, Chūō, şi Minato, în care, conform recensământului naţional din 2005, populaţia din timpul nopţii este de 326,000 iar ziua ajunge la 2.4 milioane[72]. În 1889, Ministerul Afacerilor Interne, a înregistrat un număr de 1,375,937 persoane în Oraşul Tokyo şi un total de 1,694,292 persoane în Prefectura Tokyo [73]. În acelaşi an un număr de 779 străini au fost înregistraţi ca rezidenţi ai oraşului. Cei mai mulţi erau britanici (209 rezidenţi), urmaţi de cetateni a Statele Unite (182) şi originari din Dinastia Qing (137) [74]. Populaţia Tokyo din punct de vedere istoric începând din 1920 Cetăţeni străini înregistraţi[75] Naţionalitate Număr (2012) China 161,169 Coreea de Sud 99,880 Filipine 27,929 Statele Unite 15,901 Nepal 8,669 India 8,313 Thailanda 6,906 Regatul Unit 5,522 Myanmar 4,781 Franţa 4,635 Această diagramă reprezintă rata de creştere a municipalităţilor din Tokyo, Japonia. Acesta este estimată faţa de recensămintele realizate în 2005 şi 2010. Creştere 10.0% şi mai mare 7.5 – 9.9% 5.0 – 7.4% 2.5 – 4.9% 0.0 – 2.4% Scădere 0.0 – 2.4% 2.5 – 4.9% 5.0 – 7.4% 7.5 – 9.9% 10.0% şi mai mare Populaţia din Tokyo După zonă1 Tokyo Cartierele Speciale Zona Tama Insule 12.79 milioane 8.653 milioane 4.109 milioane 28,000 După varstă2 Minori (age 0–14) Lucrători (age 15–64) Pensionari (age 65+) 1.461 milioane (11.8%) 8.546 milioane (69.3%) 2.332 milioane (18.9%) După ore3 Ziua Noaptea 14.978 milioane 12.416 milioane După naţionalitate Rezidenţi străini 364,6534 (2.9% din total) 1 Estimări din data de 1 Octombrie, 2007. 2 şi din 1 Januarie , 2007. 3 Recensământul Naţional din 2005. 4 ca la 1 Januarie, 2006. Economie Tokyo Sky Tree, cel mai înalt turn din lume Bursa din Tokyo Ginza este o populară zonă de cumpărături fiind una dintre cele mai luxoase din lume Sediul Bank of Japan din Chuo, Tokyo Tokyo Tower noaptea Shibuya atrage mulţi turişti Tokyo are cea mai mare economie metropolitană din lume. Conform studiului realizat de PricewaterhouseCoopers populaţia de 39 milioane persoane din Tokyo a avut un PIB de 2 trilioane de dolari în anul 2012 (la puterea de cumpărare) care l-a clasat în fruntea listei. 51 de companii enumerate în Fortune Global 500 au sediul în Tokyo, număr aproape dublu faţă de următorul oraş Paris [76]. Tokyo este un important centru financiar internaţional[77], găzduieşte sediile a mai multe dintre cele mai mari bănci de investiţii şi companii de asigurări, şi serveşte drept nod central pentru transport, electrocasnice, presă şi al industriei de radiodifuziune. În timpul creşterii centralizate a economiei dupa cel de Al Doilea Război Mondial, multe firme mari şi-au mutat sediul aici din oraşe precum Osaka (capitala comercialş istoricş), într-o încercare de a avea un acces mai bun către guvern. Acest trend a început să scadă din cauza creşterii populatiei şi a preţului vieţii. Tokyo a fost evaluat de Economist Intelligence Unit ca fiind cel mai scump oraş din lume timp de 14 ani la rând, acest şir încheindu-se în 2006[78]. Tokyo a devenit un centru internaţional important în anii 1960 şi a fost descris drept unul dintre cele trei “centre de comandă” a economiei mondiale alaturi de New York şi Londra[79]. Tokyo a avut 8,460 ha de teren agricol în 2003[80], conform Ministerului Agriculturii, Pădurilor şi Pescuitului din Japonia, plasându-se pe ultimul loc dintre prefecturile ţării. Terenul agricol este concentrat în partea de vest a metropolei. Perisabile cum ar fi legumele, fructele şi florile pot fi transportate convenabil în partea de est a prefecturii. Komatsuna şi spanacul sunt cele mai importante legume; din 2000 Tokyo a furnizat 32.5% de komatsu vândut pe piaţa din Tokyo. Turismul în Tokyo este şi el un contribuitor important la economie. În 2006, 4.81 milioane de străini şi 420 milioane de vizite făcute de japonezi în Tokyo, valoarea economică totală a acestor vizite a însumat 9.4 trilioane de yeni conform guvernului din Tokyo. Mulţi turişti vizitează diversele centre, magazine şi districtele destinate distracţie din Cartierele speciale. Piaţa de peşte Tsukiji din centrul Tokyo este cea mai mare piaţă de peşte şi fructe de mare din lume dar şi una dintre cele mai mari pieţe angro de orice fel din lume. Piaţa Tsukiji ţine mult la tradiţia predecesorului; Piaţa de peste Nihombashi, şi serveşte la peste 50.000 de cumpărători şi vânzători în fiecare zi. Comercianţi, angrosişti, licitatori, şi persoane fizice frecventează piaţa creeând un microorganism de haos organizat care continuă să alimenteze oraţul de peste patru secole[81]. Transport Gara Tokyo este principalul terminal ce face legătura între oraşe din Tokyo Aeroportul Haneda Metroul din Tokyo si Metroul Toei sunt principali operatori de metrou din Tokyo Hamazakibashi JCT pe Autostrada Shuto Tokyo este cel mai mare nod de cale ferată, transport rutier şi aerian din Japonia şi din lume. Transportul public din Tokyo este dominat de o reţea extinsă de trenuri şi metrou gestionate de o varietate de operatori, iar busurile, tramvaiele şi monoraila joacă un loc secundar[82]. În Ota unul dintre cele 23 de cartiere speciale este situat Aeroportul Haneda care oferă zboruri interne şi internaţionale. Înafara oraşului Tokyo în Prefectura Chiba se află Aeroportul Internaţional Narita care este poarta principală de intrare a călătorilor internaţionali în Japonia. Compania Japoneză Japan Airlines la fel ca şi All Nippon Airways, Delta Air Lines şi United Airlines au câte un centru pe acest aeroport. Unele dintre diferitele insule guvernate de Tokyo au propriul aeroport Hachijō-jima (Aeroportul Hachijojima), Miyakejima (Aeroportul Miyakejima) şi Izu Ōshima (Aeroportul Oshima) oferă servicii către Tokyo Internaţional şi alte aeroporturi. Trenul este principalul mijloc de transport în Tokyo, unde există cea mai extinsă reţea feroviară urbană din lume şi o reţea la fel de extinsă de linii de suprafaţă. JR East operează cea mai întinsă reţea feroviară din din Tokyo, incluzând Linia Yamanote care înconjoară centrul oraşului. Două companii deferite operează reţeaua de metrou: firma privată Tokyo Metro şi cea guvernamentală Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation. Guvernul Metropolitan şi transportatori privaţi operează pe rute de autobuz şi o linie de tramvai. Servicii locale, regionale şi naţionale sunt disponibile la terminalele din gările de tren incluzând: Tokyo, Shinagawa şi Shinjuku. Reţelele de autostrăzi leagă capitala de alte puncte din zona metropolei, de regiunea Kanto şi de insulele Kyushu şi Shikoku. Pentru a le construi repede înainte de Jocurile Olimpice de vară din 1964 multe au fost construite deasupra drumurilor deja existente[83]. Alte mijloace de transport includ taxiuri care operează în Cartierele speciale şi în oraşe. De asemenea feriboturi de distanţă lungă operează pe insulă şi transportă persoane şi marfă în porturi interne dar şi în porturi internaţionale. Tokyo este deasemenea cel mai important centru comercial al ţării, având peste 400 de instiţutii de învăţământ superior, 117 de universităţi,[84] 247 biblioteci,[85] Academia japoneză (1879), 185 de cinematografe,[86] 2000 de temple, 160.000 de restaurante,[87] 60.000 de taxiuri înregistrate.[88] Din punct de vedere al ramurilor industriale, cele mai dezvoltate sunt: industria electronică, chimică, a cauciucului, a hârtiei, textilă, metalurgia feroasă, industria constucţiilor de maşini. Tokyo este deasemenea un foarte mare port la Oceanul Pacific, care comunică direct cu alt mare port, Yokohama. Funcţia industrială a megalopolisului este enormă. Împreună cu Kawasaki şi Yokohama formează aşa-numita regiune Keihin, care are aproximativ o treime din producţia industrială a ţării şi reprezintă cel mai mare complex pentru japonezi, cu un trafic ce depăşeste 80 milioane tone anual. Tokyo este unit de Kawasaki într-o masă continuă de uzine şi construcţii urbane, cartiere muncitoreşti. Aici sunt amplasate zeci de mii de întreprinderi şi fabrici al căror fum şi gaze nocive acoperă cerul oraşului şi face deseori imposibilă privirea siluetei muntelui Fuji. Educaţie Universitatea din Tokyo, Auditoriul Yasuda Universitatea Waseda În Tokyo există multe universităţi, licee şi şcoli vocaţionale. Multe dintre cele mai renumite universităţi din Japonia se află în Tokyo printre care: Universitatea Tokyo, Universitatea Hitotsubashi, Institutul de Tehnologie din Tokyo, Universitatea Waseda, Universitatea de Ştiinţe din Tokyo, Universitatea Keio [89]. Unele dintre cele mai mari universităţi naţionale din Tokyo sunt: Universitatea Hitotsubashi Institutul Naţional de Studii Politice Universitatea Ochanomizu Universitatea Tokyo Gakugei Institutul de Tehnologie din Tokyo Universitatea de medicină şi medicină stomatologică din Tokyo Universitatea de Agricultură şi Tehnologie din Tokyo Universitatea de Studii Externe din Tokyo Universitatea de Ştiinţe şi Tehnologie Marină din Tokyo Universitatea de arte din Tokyo Universitatea de Electro-Comunicaţii Universitatea din Tokyo Există de asemenea şi căteva universităţi bine cunoscute pentru cursurile desfaşurate în limba engleză şi pentru predarea limbii Japoneze. Printre acestea se număă: Globis University Graduate School of Management Universitatea Creştină Internaţională Universitatea Sophia Universitatea Waseda Tokyo este de asemenea sediul Universităţii Naţiunilor Unite. Grădiniţe de stat, şcoli elementare (de la 1 la 6 ani), şi şcoli primare (de la 6 la 9ani) sunt operate de cartierele speciale sau de minicipalităţi. Liceele în Tokyo sunt conduse de către Tokyo Metropolitan Government Board of Education şi sunt numite Licee Metropolitane. Tokyo are de asemenea o mulţime de grădiniţe şi până la licee private. Aoba-Japan International School The British School in Tokyo Jingumae International Exchange School K. International School Tokyo Tokyo International School Canadian International School Tokyo West International School St. Mary's International School New International School Cultură Muzeul Naţional al Ştiinţei şi Inovaţiei cunoscut şi ca "Miraikan" Strada Takeshita din Harajuku, centrul culturii adoleşcentine din Japonia În Tokyo sunt multe muzee. În Parcul Ueno sunt Muzeul Naţional din Tokyo cel mai mare muzeu din ţară care este specializat în Arte Japoneze tradiţionalele; dar şi Muzeul Naţional al Artelor Vestice şi Gradina Zoologica din Ueno. Printre alte muzee se număra şi Muzeul Naţional al Ştiinţei şi Inovării din Odaiba; Muzeul Edo-Tokyo din Sumida, peste Râul Sumida din centrul oraşului Tokyo; Muzeul Nezo în Aoyama; şi National Diet Library, Arhivele Naţionale, Muzeul Naţional la Artei Moderne care se află în apropierea palatului Imperial. În Tokyo sunt numeroase teatre. Acestea includ teatre private şi nationale în care se performează forme tradiţionale de dramă japoneză. Merită menţionate Teatrul Naţional Noh în care se joacă spectacole noh şi Kabuki-za unde se joacă kabuki. Orchestre simfonice şi alte organizaţii muzicale realizează muzică tradiţională şi modernă. Tokyo de asemenea găzduieşte muzica modernă Japoneza dar şi pop şi rock internaţional în locaţii variind de la cluburi intime şi până la arene cunoscute la nivel internaţional cum ar fi Nippon Budokan. Festivalul în Asakusa Multe festivaluri au loc în Tokyo. Evenimentele majore includ Sannō la Hie Shrine, Sanja la Asakusa Shrine şi festivalul bienal de la Kanda. Ultimul are o paradă cu flotoare decorate şi mii de oameni care participă. Anual în ultima Sâmbată a lunii iulie un foc de artificii enorm are loc peste Râul Sumida care atrage peste un million de privitori. Odată cu înflorirea cireşilor primavara, mulţi localnici se adună în Parcul Uena, Parcul Inokashira şi în Grădina Naţională Shinjuku Gyoen pentru picnic sub cireşii înfloriţi. Harajuku este un cartier din Shibuya care este cunoscut la nivel mondial pentru stilul adoleşcentin, modă[90] şi cosplay. Bucătăria din Tokyo este recunoscută la nivel internaţional. În Noiembrie 2007 Ghidul Michelin a lansat primul ghid pentru locuri in care se pregateşte fine dining în Tokyo, oferind în total 191 de stele, aproape dublu faţă urmatorul oraş Paris. Opt localuri au primit maximul de trei stele (Paris are 10), 25 au primit 2 stele iar 117 au primit o stea. Dintre cele opt restaurante de top, trei dintre ele oferă fine dining tradiţional Japonez, două sunt case de Sushi iar trei oferă preparate din bucataria franceză[91]. Sport Tokyo Dome, stadionul echipei de baseball Yomiuri Giants Ryōgoku Kokugikan arena de sumo Tokyo care găzduieşte o multitudine de sporturi este casa a două cluburi profesioniste de baseball, Yomuri Giants care joacă pe Tokyo Dome şi Tokyo Yakult Swallows care joacă pe Stadionul Meiji-Jingu. Asociatia de Sumo Japoneză are de asemenea sediul în Tokyo la arena de sumo Ryōgoku Kokugikan unde anual sunt ţinute trei turnee oficiale (în Ianuarie, Mai şi Septembrie). Printre cluburile de fotbal din Tokyo se numără F.C. Tokyo şi Tokyo Verdy 1969, amandouă joacă pe Stadionul Ajinomoto din Chofu. Printre cluburile de basketball se numară: Hitachi SunRockers, Toyota Alvark Tokyo şi Tokyo Excellence. Tokyo a găzduit Jocurile Olimpice de vară din 1964 astfel devenind primul oraş din Asia care a organizeazat jocurile olimpice. Stadionul Naţional cunoscut şi ca Stadionul Olimpic găzduieşte o serie de evenimente spotive internaţionale. Cu o serie de arene spotrive de clasă mondială Tokyo adesea gazduieşte evenimente sportive naţionale şi internaţionale cum ar fi: turnee de tenis, înnot, maraton, rugby, fotbal, demonstraţii de fotbal american, judo şi katare. Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium din Sendagaya, Shibuya este un complex sportiv care include bazine de înnot, săli de antrenament şi o arenă interioară cere este destul de încăpatoare. Complexul a găzduit în Octombrie 2011, Campionatele Mondiale de Gimnastică Artistică, în ciuda îndoielilor venite din partea Federaşiei Internaţionale de Gimnastică ca nu vor putea organiza campionatul din cauza tsunamiului de pe 11 Martie 2011[92]. Tokyo a fost selectat să orgaizeze Jocurile Olimpice de vara din 2020 şi Jocurile Paralimpice de vară din 2020. În cultura populară Fiind cel mai populat loc din Japonia şi locul unde sunt cele mai mari studiouri de radio şi de televiziune, Tokyo este deseori platoul de filmare a filmelor Japoneze, emisiuni, serii animate (Anime), şi cărţi de benzi desenate (Manga). În genul kaiju (film cu monştrii) simboluri emblematice ale oraşului sunt adesea distruse de monştrii uriaşi precum în Godzilla şi Gamera. Unii regizori de la Hollywood au folosit oraşul drept fundal pentru filmele filmate în Japonia. Exemple de după război sunt: Tokyo Joe, My Geisha, Tokyo Story şi filmul cu James Bond, You Only Live Twice; exemple recente includ Kill Bill, [[The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Lost in Translation, Babel, şi Inception. Autorul japonez Haruli Murakami a plasat câteva dintre romanele sale în Tokyo (printer care şi Norvegian Wood (roman)), primele două romane ale lui David Mitchell au avut loc în Tokyo (Number9dream şi Ghostwritten). Pictorul britanic Carl Randall a trăit zece ani în Tokyo ca artist, în acest timp a creeat un corp de lucru care în care descrie străzile aglomerate şi locurile publice. [93][94][95][96][97] 10 of the best books set in Tokyo Tokyo's cultural transformation over the past century is reflected in a wealth of both Japanese and foreign literature . Malcolm Burgess, publisher of the City-Lit series, selects his favourite reads about the city • As featured in the Tokyo city guide Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo "No book or film had prepared me for the million-coloured veinwork of Shibuya," writes Jonathan Lee in Who Is Mr Satoshi?. Photograph: Patrick Batchelder/Alamy Shares 65 Comments 1 Malcolm Burgess Wednesday 1 February 2012 12.14 GMT First published on Wednesday 1 February 2012 12.14 GMT Yukio Mishima, Spring Snow (The Sea of Fertility), 1966 Yukio Mishima, Spring Snow Yukio Mishima, Spring Snow Tokyo, 1912: the first in Mishima's tetralogy is set in what was once a beautiful city suburb, where old meets new Japan. "There were several pavilions used for the tea ceremony and also a large billiard room. Behind the main home, wild yams grew thick in the grounds … a path climbed a small hill to the plateau at its top where a shrine stood at one corner of a wide expanse of grass. This was where his grandfather and two uncles were ensrhined … the wisteria was always in full glory when the family gathered here for the services." • Shibuya David Mitchell, Number9dream, 2001 David Mitchell, number 9 dream, Tokyo number 9 dream In search for his father, Eiji Miyake arrives in the surreal and frenetic world of modern Tokyo. "I have an across-the-street view of the PanOpticon's main entrance. Quite a sight, this zirconium gothic skyscraper. Its upper floors are hidden by clouds. Under its tight-fitting lid, Tokyo steams – 34C with 86% humidity. A big Panasonic display says so. Tokyo is so close up you cannot always see it. No distances. Everything is over your head – dentists, kindergartens, dance studios. Even the roads and walkways are up on murky stilts. Venice with the water drained away. Reflected airplanes climb over mirrored buildings … Pin-striped drones, a lip-pierced hairdresser, midday drunks, child-laden housewives. Not a single person is standing still." • Omekaido Avenue Ryu Murakami, In the Miso Soup, 1997 Ryu Murakami, In the Miso Soup, Tokyo Ryu Murakami, In the Miso Soup All the darkness, claustrophobia and confusion of today's city in a searing and stylish thriller. "It was still early in the evening when we emerged onto a street in Tsukiji, near the fish market. From the top of the pedestrian overpass we caught a glimpse of Hongan-ji Temple … The road leading to Kachidoki Bridge was wide but dimly lit, with few shops or restaurants and only the occasional passing car. I'd never been here before. This was a very different Tokyo from places like Shibuya or Shinjuku. Wooden bait-and-tackle shops with disintegrating roofs and broken signs stood next to shiny new convenience stores, and futuristic highrise apartment complexes rose skyward on either side of narrow, retro streets lined with wholesalers of dried fish." • Kachidoki Bridge Haruki Murakami, After Dark, 2004 After Dark, Tokyo Haruki Murakami, After Dark In one night in seedy downtown Tokyo, dreams and reality collide in typical Murakami style. "They call this place an 'amusement district'. The giant digital screens fastened to the sides of buildings fall silent as midnight approaches, but loud-speakers on storefronts keep pumping out exaggerated hip-hop baselines. A large game centre crammed with young people; wild electronic sounds; a group of college students spilling out from a bar; teenage girls with brilliant bleached hair, healthy legs thrusting out from micro mini-skirts; dark-suited men racing across diagonal crossings for the last trains to the suburbs." • Shinjuku Jonathan Lee, Who Is Mr Satoshi?, 2010 Jonathan Lee, Who is Mr Satoshi? Who is Mr Satoshi? who is mr satoshi? Jonathan Lee, Who is Mr Satoshi? A funny and moving journey into the urban maelstrom of Tokyo by a major new voice in British fiction. "The wastes of the airport were behind us and the taxi was pulling through roads flanked by buzzing neon shapes. Glittering skyscrapers were randomly marshalled across the skyline, sheets of sunlight shattering across their glass walls. These crystal buildings looked so delicate set against the fuming road, freighted as it was with the rattling metal of cars and buses and lorries, that it was difficult to believe that they belonged in the same world. "No book or film had prepared me for the million-coloured veinwork of Shibuya. Its lights blazed incredibly brightly, dimming only when the taxi was sucked down into a tunnel. When we resurfaced seconds later, I felt like a disgorged newborn unable to take in the world outside the womb. Fluorescence poured down from street signs bearing strange lettering, filling the porches of shops and seeping under the arches of alleyways." • Shibuya Yasunari Kawabata, The Scarlet Gang of Asakusa, 1930 The Scarlet Gang of Asakusa Yasunari Kawabata, The Scarlet Gang of Asakusa A tour de force from a Nobel-Prize winner, set in what was Tokyo's traditional entertainment district before the war. "Let's now suppose it's past three in the morning and even the bums are sound asleep, and I am here walking through the grounds of the Senso Temple with Yumiko. Dead ginko leaves flutter down, and we listen to the crowing of the cocks … Just at the neck of the gourd-shaped pond there is this little island, wisteria-trellised bridges extending from either bank. There, next to the fatsa bush under the weeping willow in front of the Tachibana fish stew shop, a large man is standing eating the wheat crackers that have been thrown to the carp in the pond." • Asakusa The Donald Richie Reader: 50 Years of Writing on Japan, 2001 The Donald Richie Reader The Donald Richie Reader From culture and travel to people and style, this Tokyo-based author has been writing about Japan for half a century. "What I find as I walk and walk and walk is a whole city with its very own bus station, its stories, its monuments and buildings. Though right in the middle of Tokyo, it is suburban and there are trees everywhere, even a park within this park, a glen with a lke. Sanshiro's Lake, I read. This must refer to Ozu's Natsome Soseki hero who came up from the country to go to what was then Tokyo Imperial University … The style is late Thirties – art deco. And as I look at this pre-war city I remember Tokyo in 1947 when everything – everything that was left – looked like Todai does today." • Todai (University of Tokyo) Kafu Nagai, Geisha in Rivalry: A Tale of Life, Love and Intrigue in the Shimbashi Geisha Quarter, 1917 Geisha in Rivalry, Tokyo Kafu Nagai, Geisha in Rivalry No one has written so insightfully or beautifully about Tokyo's geishas as this master writer. "Her hair was done in a low shimada style with an openwork silver-covered comb and a jade hairpin. She had changed into a kimono of light crepe and with a fine stripe. The effect was quite refined, but perhaps fearing it would seem too old for her, she had added a colour with elaborate embroidery. Her obi was made of crepe in the old-fashioned kaga style, lined with black satin, and it was held together with a sash of light blue crepe dyed in a bold pattern." • Shimbashi Angela Carter, Flesh and the Mirror from Fireworks, 1974 Flesh and the Mirror from Fireworks Angela Carter, Flesh and the Mirror from Fireworks An Englishwoman wanders the streets of Tokyo searching for her lost lover in one of Angela Carter's brilliant short stories set in Japan. "I walked under the artificial cherry blossoms with which they decorate the lamp standards from April to September. They do that so the pleasure quarters will have the look of a continuous carnival, no matter what ripples of agitation disturb the never-ceasing, endlessly circulating, quiet, gentle, melancholy crowds who throng the wet web of alleys under a false ceiling of umbrellas … The city, the largest city in the world, the city designed to suit not one of my European expectations, this city presents the foreigner with a mode of life that seems to him to have the enigmatic transparency, the indecipherable clarity of a dream." • Yoshiwara Edmund de Waal, The Hare With Amber Eyes: A Hidden Inheritance, 2010 Hare with the Amber Eyes Hare with the Amber Eyes Edmund de Waal first encountered his family's netsuke carvings in his uncle's Tokyo apartment. In his book he describes several visits to the city. "And one afternoon a week I spent with great-uncle Iggie. I'd walk up the hill from the subway station, past the glowing beer-dispensing machines, past Senkaku-ji temple where the forty-seven samurai are buried, past the strange baroque meeting hall for a Shinto sect, past the sushi bar run by the bluff Mr X, turning right at the high wall of Prince Takamatsu's garden with the pines … His desk held an empty blotter, a sheaf of his headed paper, and pens ready, though he no longer wrote. The view from the window behind him was of cranes. Tokyo Bay was disappearing behind forty-storey condominiums." • Shinagawa For more information go to the Japan National Tourism Organisation's website: jnto.go.jp/eng • Malcolm Burgess is the publisher of Oxygen Books' City-Lit series featuring some of the best writing on the world's favourite cities Since you’re here … … we have a small favour to ask. More people are reading the Guardian than ever but advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. And unlike many news organisations, we haven’t put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as open as we can. So you can see why we need to ask for your help. The Guardian’s independent, investigative journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. But we do it because we believe our perspective matters – because it might well be your perspective, too. I appreciate there not being a paywall: it is more democratic for the media to be available for all and not a commodity to be purchased by a few. I’m happy to make a contribution so others with less means still have access to information. Thomasine F-R. If everyone who reads our reporting, who likes it, helps to support it, our future would be much more secure. Become a supporter Make a contribution Tokyo: 10 Things to Do By Maryanne Murray Buechner Introduction Next Back 1 of 11 Photo Map View Tokyo skyline travel B.S.P.I. / CORBIS Print Email Share Single Page fIFQFETZHKXUM City Guide: Tokyo 10 Things to Do 5 Places to Stay Finding the Perfect Souvenir Side Trips Need to Know Tokyo is a marvelous mix of modern living and old-fashioned manners, slick high-tech gadgets and cutesy cartoon mascots. It's terribly crowded, yet can be strangely quiet. It's home to the understated, and the wacky, and you often find them right next to each other on the sidewalk. That's the beauty of this not-so-pretty city — that, and the fabulous food and unparalleled mass transit system. There are shrines and stone lanterns and other traces of old Japan scattered among the skyscrapers, swanky shopping malls and hole-in-the-wall noodle shops. The trick is to sample it all, to visit the serene garden and the massive office tower with a sky deck. Here's how to see the loveliest — and liveliest — sides of Tokyo in in a day or Tommy Ooi Travel Guide Traveling Made Simple Home Advertise Japan South Korea Australia China South East Asia Blog News Europe Maldives Taiwan U.A.E Travel Tips Hotel Review Dining Review Flight Review News Ticker [ 07/08/2017 ] 16 Must Eat Food in Macau Macau [ 03/08/2017 ] Huaqing Palace Resort & Spa Hotel Xi’an Xian [ 02/08/2017 ] 9 Must Visit Xian Attractions & Travel Guide Xian [ 02/08/2017 ] 8 Travel Saving Tips News [ 01/08/2017 ] Jetstar Promo: Singapore to Okinawa RM460/SGD142 Return! Travel News Search for: HomeJapanTokyo15 Must Visit Tokyo Attractions & Travel Guide 15 Must Visit Tokyo Attractions & Travel Guide 08/04/2016 Tommy Ooi Tokyo 44 9725 SHARES Facebook Twitter 1. Sensōji (浅草寺) Sensō-ji 金龍山浅草寺, is Tokyo’s largest ancient Buddhist temple and a major Tokyo attractions for Japanese and foreigners located in Asakusa. The temple is dedicated to the Bodhisattva Kannon, also known as Guan Yin or the Goddess of Mercy. It is Tokyo’s oldest temple, and one of its most significant. Formerly associated with the Tendai sect, it became independent after World War II. Opening Hours Daily 06:00am – 05:00pm Getting there By Subway : 1. Tokyo Metro : Ginza Line – Asakusa Station 2. Toei Subway : Asakusa Line – Asakusa Station 2. Nakamise (仲見世) Located just before Sensoji after Kaminarimon or “Thunder Gate”, a massive paper lantern dramatically painted in vivid red-and-black tones to suggest thunderclouds and lightning, Nakamise is one of the oldest shopping centers in Japan. Apart from typical Japanese souvenirs such as yukata, keychains and folding fans, various traditional local snacks from the Asakusa area are sold along the Nakamise. Opening Hours Daily 10:00am – 5:00pm Getting there By Subway : 1. Tokyo Metro : Ginza Line – Asakusa Station 2. Toei Subway : Asakusa Line – Asakusa Station 3. Meiji Jingū (明治神宮) Meiji Shrine 明治神宮, is the Shinto shrine that is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. To pay respect : At a Torii (shrine archway): Bow once when entering and leaving. At Temizuya (water well) : Rinse your left hand then right hand. Then Rinse your mouth with your left hand before rinse your left hand again. Lastly rinse the dipper (allow the remaining water to run down the handle of the dipper). At the Main Shrine building : Bow twice. Clap your hands twice. Make a wish if you like & Bow once again. Opening Hours Daily 06:30am – 4:30pm ( Summer time opens until 6.00pm ) Getting there By Subway : 1. Tokyo Metro : Chiyoda Line – Meiji Jingu Mae Station 2. Tokyo Metro : Fukutoshin Line – Meiji Jingu Mae Station 4. Imperial Palace & East Garden (皇居) Tokyo Imperial Palace 皇居 is the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. Except on Jan 2 (New Year’s Greeting) and Dec 23 (Emperor’s Birthday), the palace buildings and inner gardens are not open to the public . Only on both specific dates, visitors are able to enter the inner palace grounds and see the members of the Imperial Family, who make several public appearances on a balcony. The Imperial Palace East Gardens 皇居東御苑, are a part of the inner palace area and are open to the public. Opening Hours Daily except Monday & Friday 09:00am – 4:00pm ( Summer opens until 5.00pm ) Getting there By Subway : 1. Tokyo Metro : Marunouchi Line – Tokyo Station 2. Tokyo Metro : Tozai, Chiyoda, Marunouchi, Hanzomon Line – Ōtemachi Station (exit C10 – closer to East Garden) 3. Toei Subway : Mita Line – Ōtemachi Station (exit C10 – closer to East Garden) 5. Tsukiji Fish Market (築地市場) Tsukiji Market 築地市場, is the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world. It handles more than 400 different types of seafood from cheap seaweed to the most expensive caviar, and from tiny sardines to 300 kg tuna and controversial whale species. The most interesting part is the Tuna Auction. It is limited to 120 visitors per day. Viewing tickets are issued on a First come, First serve basis beginning at 4:30 AM at the market’s Fish Information Center, located next to the Kachidoki entrance. (Not the main entrance) The first 60 ticket holders are able to view the auction from 5:25 AM until 5:50 AM, while the other 60 ticket holders can view the remainder of the auction from 5:50 AM until 6:15 AM. Note : To watch Tuna Auction, it is advisable to stay near Ginza area so you can catch a cheaper cab early in the morning. No trains are operating at this hour. You can also book a Tsukiji Tuna Auction Tour with a Guide during the night. Opening Hours Daily except Sunday & alternate Wednesday: 04:00am – 11:00am Getting there By Subway : 1. Tokyo Metro : Hibiya Line – Tsukiji Station For More Info : Tsukiji Website 6. Tokyo Skytree (東京スカイツリー) Tokyo Skytree One of Tokyo’s newest landmark & attraction, the 634 meter Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan. The tower is the primary television and radio broadcast site for Kanto region. Tokyo skytree The Tokyo Skytree is its two observation decks Tembo Deck & Tembo Gallery which offer spectacular views of Tokyo city skyline. On the base of Tokyo Skytree host a large shopping complex with aquarium. Opening Hours Daily 08:00am – 10:00pm Getting there By Subway : 1. Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line & Toei Subway Asakusa Line : Oshiage Station For More Info : Tokyo Skytree Website 7. Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySEA (東京ディズニーランド) Disney Sea Tokyo Tokyo Disneyland is a 115-acre theme park based on the films produced by Walt Disney. It was opened in 1983 as the first Disney theme park outside of the United States. Tokyo DisneySea, the 4th most-visited theme park in the world is also the 9th park of the 11 worldwide Disney theme parks to open. Inspired by the myths and legends of the sea, Tokyo DisneySea is made up of seven themed ports of call: Mediterranean Harbor, Mystery Island, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery and American Waterfront. Opening Hours Daily 08:30am – 10:00pm Getting there By Subway : 1. Tokyo Metro : Yurakucho Line – Shin-kiba Station. Change to JR Line Train to Maihama Station. For More Info : Tokyo Disneyland Official Website 8. Kabukichō (歌舞伎町) Kabukichō (歌舞伎町) Kabukichō (舞伎町 is an entertainment and red-light district in in north east Shinjuku beyond Yasukuni-dōri Avenue. It is very famous for hostess bars, host bars, love hotels, shops, restaurants, and nightclubs, and is often called the “Sleepless Town” . The district’s name comes from late-1940s plans to build a kabuki theater: although the theater was never built due to financial difficulties, the name stuck. Opening Hours Daily 7:00pm – 3:00am Getting there By Subway : 1. Tokyo Metro : Marunouchi Line – Shinjuku Station 2. Toei Subway : Oedo & Shinjuku Line – Shinjuku Station 9. Ginza (銀座) Ginza The Ginza (銀座) is considered the high fashion center of the city and contains many upscale shops and restaurants. It is one of the most expensive real estate in the world. During weekend, the street will be closed to motor traffic during the day hence becoming a Pedestrians’ Paradise. Opening Hours Daily 10:00am – 10:00pm Getting there By Subway : 1. Tokyo Metro : Marunouchi, Ginza & Hibiya Line – Ginza Station 10. Yasukuni Shrine (靖國神社) Yasukuni Shrine 靖国神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the soldiers and others who died fighting on behalf of the Emperor of Japan. When the Emperor Meiji visited Tokyo Shokonsha for the first time in 1874, he composed a poem; “I assure those of you who fought and died for your country that your names will live forever at this shrine in Musashino”. Opening Hours Daily 6:00 to 18:00 (to 19:00 from May to Aug ; to 17:00 from Nov to Feb) Getting there By Subway : 1. Tokyo Metro : Tozai & Hanzomon Line – Kudanshita Station 2. Toei Subway : Shinjuku Line – Kudanshita Station 11. Akihabara Electric Town (秋葉原) Akihabara is the largest town collecting all kinds of electronic appliances and devices in the world. The products at the very top of technology are always abundantly available here. Over here, staffs master 20 languages of the world. Communication here can be going on smoothly without any problems. Customers can easily purchase the overseas model products. Check out : Akhihabara Town Map Opening Hours Daily 11:00am – 9:00pm Getting there By Subway : 1. Tokyo Metro : Hibiya Line – Akihabara Station 12. Roppongi (六本木) Roppongi Roppongi 六本木 well known as the city’s most popular nightlife district among foreigners, offers a large number of foreigner friendly bars, restaurants and night clubs. Recent redevelopment projects, Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown have increase Roppongi’s appeal to a wider range of visitors big shopping complexes & luxury hotels. Getting there By Subway : 1. Tokyo Metro : Hibiya Line – Roppongi Station 2. Toei Subway : Oedo Line – Roppongi Station 13. Kubukiza (歌舞伎座) Kabuki-za in Ginza was the principal theater in Tokyo for the traditional kabuki drama form. It is the only theater in Japan that has shows every month. The building’s design is old and unique, registered as a Tangible Cultural Property by the Agency for cultural affairs in Japanese Government in 2002. Getting there By Subway : 1. Tokyo Metro : Hibiya Line – Higashi-Ginza Station. Exit 3. 2. Toei Subway : Asakusa Line – Higashi-Ginza Station. Exit 3. 14. Tokyo Tower (東京タワー) Tokyo Tower 東京タワーthe world’s tallest self-supporting steel tower is a communications and observation tower. At 332.5 metres (1,091 ft), it is the second tallest artificial structure in Japan. Completed in the year 1958 as a symbol for Japan’s rebirth as a major economic power. Visitors can ascend to the main observatory at 150 meters and the special observatory at 250 meters to get a bird’s eye view of Tokyo. Opening Hours Daily 09:00am – 09:00pm ( main observatory ) Getting there By Subway : 1. Toei Subway : Oedo Line – Akabanebashi Station. Exit Akabanebashi Gate. 2. Tokyo Metro : Hibiya Line – Kamiyacho Station. Ext No.1. For More Info : Tokyo Tower Official Site 15. Hachikō Statue (ハチ公) One of the most touching real life story in the world. Hidesaburō Ueno, a professor in University of Tokyo, took in Hachikō, a golden brown Akita, as a pet. During his owner’s life, Hachikō greeted him at the end of each day at the nearby Shibuya Station. The pair continued until May 1925, when Professor Ueno did not return. The professor had suffered from a cerebral hemorrhage and died, never returning to the train station where Hachikō was waiting. Every day for the next nine years the dog waited at Shibuya station. Hachikō died in 1935, and was found on a street in Shibuya. Eventually, Hachikō’s legendary faithfulness became a national symbol of loyalty, particularly to the person and institution of the Emperor. Getting there By Subway : 1. Tokyo Metro : Hanzomon, Fukutoshin & Ginza Line – Shibuya. Exit Hachiko. Other Attractions 1. Sanrio Puroland (サンリオピューロランド) Sanrio Puroland Sanrio Puroland, home of Hello Kitty, My Melody is the 2nd theme park in Japan featuring characters, following Disneyland. Located indoor, it is an all weather park which offers a variety of live performances and attractions. Note : You can buy bento’s outside of the theme park to save money. Book Your Tickets Online : Sanrio Puroland Opening Hours : 09:30am – 5:00pm (Check the website for the exact opening time & Closed Day) Getting there By Subway : 1. KEIO Line : From Shinjuku Station – Take rapid bound train to Hashimoto & get off at Tama Center Station. Walk out of the station go straight till KEIO Plaza Hotel Tama and turn left. For More Info : Sanrio Puroland Official Website 2. Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo The Pokémon Center is a specialist store for Pokémon goods. The wide range of original Pokémon Center goods are the most popular items found at the Pokémon Center. If you want Pokémon goods, Pokémon Center is the place to go! Opening Hours : Daily 10am to 8pm Address : Sunshine City alpa 2F, 3-1-2 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 170-6002 Getting there By Subway : 1. Tokyo Metro : Yurakucho Line (Y) – Higashi-Ikebukuro Station 2. Tokyo Metro : Marunouchi (M), Yurakucho (Y) & Fukutoshin (F) Line – Ikebukuro Station 3. Book Your Tokyo Tours Online Dress in Kimono & take pictures at the Shibuya crossing Robot Restaurant Shinjuku Restaurant Reservation Service in Tokyo Mori Tower Observation Deck Roppongi Hills VIP Tix Things to do in Akihabara Related Post : 8 Must Visit Osaka Attractions & Travel Guide 8 Must Visit Kyoto Attractions & Travel Guide 5 Must Visit Nara Attractions & Travel Guide Search Cheapest Tokyo Hotel Rates Tokyo’s Most Popular Neighborhoods With dozens of neighborhoods, Tokyo offers a little bit of everything. Pinterest Facebook Twitter Email By: Michael Strickland Related To: Travel's Best Shopping Gear and Gadgets With 23 “special wards” (municipalities) and dozens of diverse neighborhoods, Tokyo offers a little bit of everything. Planning to explore the world’s largest city can be an intimidating prospect, so we’ve broken down the megalopolis into a more manageable list. Here are some of Tokyo’s most popular neighborhoods, and the attractions that make them worth a visit. 1. Shibuya Photography by iStock Much like no visit to New York City is complete without seeing Times Square, it’s hard to say you’ve “done” Tokyo without watching the human tide roll in and out at Shibuya Crossing, often called the world’s busiest crosswalk. Another of Shibuya’s must-see sights is Meiji Shrine, the most popular of Tokyo’s Shinto shrines. Built in 1915 to honor Emperor Meiji, the sanctuary and its forested grounds within Yoyogi Park receive millions of visitors every year. 2. Harajuku Best hotels in Tokyo The best hotels in Tokyo, chosen by our expert, including luxury hotels, boutique hotels, budget hotels and Tokyo hotel deals. Read the reviews and book. Sort: Hotel New Otani Tokyo Hotel New Otani Tokyo Tokyo, Japan 9 Telegraph expert rating Central Tokyo's enormous New Otani is almost a city in itself, packed with every conceivable faci... Read expert review From £ 136 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo Tokyo, Japan 9 Telegraph expert rating A sleek, skyscraper-hotel with superlative service, Japanese-inspired design, and some of the bes... Read expert review From £ 462 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com Aman Tokyo Aman Tokyo Tokyo, Japan 9 Telegraph expert rating The Aman group’s 27th hotel stands in a category of its own as the first “urban” Aman. It's bigge... Read expert review From £ 1,318 per night Check availability Rates provided by Mr & Mrs Smith The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo Tokyo, Japan 8 Telegraph expert rating A supremely luxurious five-star Tokyo hotel with breathtaking views in the heart of Roppongi. The... Read expert review From £ 344 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com Conrad Tokyo Conrad Tokyo Tokyo, Japan 8 Telegraph expert rating A shiny lipstick-red lacquer sculpture sets a playful modern tone in the ground-floor entrance lo... Read expert review From £ 266 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi Tokyo, Japan 8 Telegraph expert rating With its chic carpeted interiors and warm lighting plus cosy corners and alcoves rather than vast... Read expert review From £ 440 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com Palace Hotel Tokyo Palace Hotel Tokyo Tokyo, Japan 8 Telegraph expert rating A historic, luxury hotel overlooking the Imperial Palace moat in the heart of Tokyo. Spacious sou... Read expert review From £ 340 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo Tokyo, Japan 8 Telegraph expert rating It’s all about luxury with a capital L at Shangri-La’s Tokyo outpost, which spans the top 11 floo... Read expert review From £ 355 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com HOSHINOYA Tokyo HOSHINOYA Tokyo Tokyo, Japan 8 Telegraph expert rating Shoes slipped off at the entrance. Sliding paper screens. Low futon beds. Hot spring onsen bathin... Read expert review From £ 427 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com Park Hyatt Tokyo Park Hyatt Tokyo Tokyo, Japan 8 Telegraph expert rating Simply one of the best hotels in Tokyo, the Park Hyatt is a five-star legend, best known for its ... Read expert review From £ 381 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com The Peninsula Tokyo The Peninsula Tokyo Tokyo, Japan 8 Telegraph expert rating Some of the most spacious (and pricey) rooms in Tokyo can be found at The Peninsula, a 24-storey ... Read expert review From £ 471 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills Tokyo, Japan 8 Telegraph expert rating Contemporary urban design and an intimate boutique ambience set a chic tone at the Andaz Tokyo – ... Read expert review From £ 328 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com Claska Claska Tokyo, Japan 8 Telegraph expert rating Tokyo’s original and best design hotel. Located on Meguro Dori, a street renowned for its second-... Read expert review From £ 110 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com The Capitol Hotel Tokyu The Capitol Hotel Tokyu Nagatacho, Tokyo, Japan 8 Telegraph expert rating The historic 1960s Capitol Hotel was knocked down and rebuilt entirely before reopening in 2010 i... Read expert review From £ 292 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com Grand Hyatt Tokyo Grand Hyatt Tokyo Tokyo, Japan 8 Telegraph expert rating A luxurious, spacious and sophisticated inner-city hotel with a string of top restaurants in Toky... Read expert review From £ 312 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com Ryokan Sawanoya Ryokan Sawanoya Tokyo, Japan 8 Telegraph expert rating One of Tokyo’s most charming family-run traditional ryokan inns – clean, friendly, comfortable an... Read expert review From £ 73 per night The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon Tokyo, Japan 8 Telegraph expert rating A sultry and inexpensive design hotel in Asakusa, Tokyo’s old ‘pleasure district’, just opposite ... Read expert review From £ 65 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com Imperial Hotel Tokyo Imperial Hotel Tokyo Tokyo, Japan 8 Telegraph expert rating An epic list of fires, earthquakes and bombings has resulted in Tokyo’s most historic hotel being... Read expert review From £ 345 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com Book and Bed Book and Bed Tokyo, Japan 8 Telegraph expert rating Book and Bed - produced by the design-focused real estate company R-Store – is a chic haven of in... Read expert review From £ 29 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com Trunk (Hotel) Trunk (Hotel) Tokyo, Japan 8 Telegraph expert rating This much-needed creative addition to Tokyo’s hotel scene is contemporary and stylish with a mode... Read expert review