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Tokyo

Tokyo Information

Effortlessly mix of old and new, Tokyo is a city that is a definition. Modern technology shines alongside ancient temples, flashing neon lights bathe kimono-clad women and gleaming skyscrapers tower above stunning Shinto shrines.

At first glance a city clogged by polluting cars and harassed commuters, Tokyo has spots of tranquility and beautiful details that fascinate and inspire. Home to over 12 million people, which is a city with history and a heart that captivates every visitor.

This vast megalopolis on the Pacific coast of Honshu, the largest of the 6800 Japanese islands.

In 1590 the city was founded in Edo, the capital of the Shoguns, the succession of hereditary absolute rulers of Japan and the commander of the Japanese army. Edo boasted its own vibrant culture, the celebrated 'floating world' of pleasure quarters, drama and cherry blossoms, immortalized in the Japanese woodblock prints of the time.

After the overthrow of the shogun in the year 1867 (and the restoration of the power of the emperor), the city was renamed Tokyo, the Eastern Capital, heralding its rebirth as a dynamic modern city and the business card of a country to modernize rapidly.

Despite the disastrous earthquake of 1923, which killed and 140,000 left another 1.9 million people homeless, and near destruction during World War II, Tokyo rose from the ashes.

Now a bewildering amalgamation of districts and neighborhoods, Tokyo still thrive as a coherent whole, due to the extraordinarily efficient network of rail and subway lines that crisscross and encircle the city. These are Tokyo arteries, transporting legions of entrepreneurs, office workers and students from the suburbs and depositing in major railway stations. Two million people a day through Shinjuku Station alone.

The towering business districts swarm with companies soberly dressed warriors and the demure young secretaries known as' office flowers'. The architectural anarchy and sheer crush of humanity attacks the senses. Amidst the hustle and bustle of consumerism, brash electronics outlets are full of elegant boutiques and besides hordes of giggling schoolgirls fainting over pop idols and the latest fashion in glittering oppose.

Downtown, old neighborhoods cluster around antiquated shopping arcades and clatter of the temple bell echoes over the rooftops. Here, in the rhythm of the seasons are still observed. Tokyoite flock to ring in the new year in the venerable Shinto shrines and springtime brings a wealth of floral display parties and picnics under the cherry blossoms.

Rowdy, traditional festivals dominate the humid summers and the spirit of the old Edo also survives in the neon-bathed entertainment districts: modern-day 'floating worlds' of karaoke, cinemas, shot bars and bathhouses. Traditional Kabuki Theater lives next to the opera, ballet and symphonic performances, and Tokyoite are passionate about sumo, baseball and now, thanks to the 2002 World Cup, football.

With the latest figures estimating an incredible 60,000 restaurants in Tokyo and home to the world's largest fish market, food is an obsession even closer to Japanese hearts. From bowls of steaming ramen noodles to delicate slices sashimi chefs compete for the freshest produce, and the presentation is to increase art.

Japan was once an economic powerhouse inviting the envy of the world, but continuing recession, bank and financial scandals have swept away the financial certainties of the past.

With the arrival of the more 'yen conscious economy, however, Tokyo has become a much more affordable destination. To the surprise of many, trips and entertainment in this bustling city no longer requires a second mortgage. And with care and shopping center, followed with almost religious fervor, very little economic anxiety is obvious spoil the visitor's fun.

A visit to the city is a delight at any time, except perhaps the sweltering heat of summer (July and August). During the winter in the city is cold and sharp, in the spring (March-May) is the highlight of the year for many, with the arrival of delicate cherry blossoms inspiring sake-soaked picnics in the city of parks and avenues. Autumn (September to November) sees the oppressive summer heat the way for mild days and golden leaves.

But avoid Golden Week (late April-May) and New Year (late December-early Jan), the two most important festivals in the Shinto calendar, because the city closed. But with festivals celebrated almost every week when you visit, there is always something of the old Japan to experience.

Thanks to the resolve of the Japanese government, foreign visitors, Tokyo is always easier to navigate. A recent redesign of the subway map makes traveling to the city by public transport very easy. English signage is good and getting better, while learning a few basics in Japanese will be a long way to navigate through the vast city streets.

With recent statistics heralding an unprecedented rise in tourist numbers, Tokyo inspired more western visitors than ever before. Hurtling into the future while respecting its past, this unique city and the people who live there offer visitors an experience they will never forget.