Tourism Tokyo, Visit Tokyo
Tokyo
Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family. Tokyo is located in the Kantō region on the southeastern side of the main island Honshu and includes the Izu Islands and Ogasawara Islands.
The population of the special wards is over 8 million people, with the total population of the prefecture exceeding 13 million. The prefecture is part of the world's most populous metropolitan area with upwards of 35 million people and the world's largest metropolitan economy with a GDP of US$1.479 trillion at purchasing power parity in 2008, ahead of New York City, which ranks second on the list. The city hosts 47 of the Fortune Global 500 companies.
Mapa de Tokio
Tokyo Tower affords excellent views of the bay and the space age architecture on Rainbow Town (O-daiba), a reclaimed island. Early risers will enjoy touring the massive waterfront Tsukiji Fish Market. Akasaka and Roppongi, playgrounds for the nearby banking and governmental districts, offer vibrant nightlife of every kind, from geisha tea houses to discos. For youth culture, fashion and trendy dining, Harajuku and Shibuya are the places to see and be seen, while the forested oasis of the Meiji Shrine offers respite from the crowds. West Shinjuku is Tokyo’s high-rise metropolis with its ‘Gothem City’ skyscrapers and plazas.
To the east, Shinjuku’s bustling shopping and neon-lit nightlife districts contrast strongly with the calm beauty of the neighboring Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. For a taste of ‘Old Tokyo’, the downtown Shitamachi area is the place to head for, particularly in the summer when three enormous festivals attract vast crowds of revelers and spectators. The Asakusa-Kannon Temple is the area’s main tourist draw, a vibrant Buddhist complex approached via a colorful shopping lane.
Across the river, Ryogoku is the location of the excellent Edo-Tokyo Museum and the renowned National Sumo Stadium. Ueno is famous for its large park containing several important art museums and cultural venues. Cheap eats and bargains galore are to be found at the raucous Ameyoko Market.
Skyline de Tokio, Japón
Districts
Huge and varied in its geography, with over 2,000 square kilometers to explore, Tokyo prefecture (東京都 Tōkyō-to) spans not just the city, but rugged mountains to the west and subtropical islands to the south. This article concentrates on the 23 central wards (区 ku) near the bay, while the western cities and the islands are covered in a separate article.
The geography of central Tokyo is defined by the JR Yamanote Line (see Get around). The center of Tokyo — the former area reserved for the Shogun and his samurai — lies within the loop, while the Edo-era downtown (下町 shitamachi) is to the north and east. Sprawling around in all directions and blending in seamlessly are Yokohama, Kawasaki and Chiba, Tokyo's suburbs.
Central Tokyo
Chiyoda (Akihabara)
The seat of Japanese power (both political and economic) that includes the Imperial Palace, the Ministries near Kasumigaseki, the Parliament in Nagatacho, the corporate headquarters of Marunouchi, and the electronics mecca of Akihabara.
Chuo (Ginza)
Also includes the famed department stores of the Ginza and the fish markets of Tsukiji.
Minato (Akasaka, Shinbashi, Roppongi, Odaiba, Shiodome)
Including the business centers of Akasaka and Shinbashi and the neighbouring nightclub district of Roppongi, the port district (at least in name) which includes the artificial island of Odaiba, the skyscrapers of Shiodome.
Shinjuku
Home to luxury hotels, giant camera stores, futuristic skyscrapers, hundreds of shops and restaurants, and Kabukicho, Tokyo's wildest nightlife and red-light district.
Bahía de Tokio (Odaiba)
Shibuya (Harajuku, Ebisu)
The fashionable shopping district which also encompasses the teenybopper haven of Harajuku (also home to the Meiji Shrine) and the nightlife of Ebisu
Shinagawa (Gotanda)
A major train hub and business center, including Gotanda.
Toshima (Ikebukuro)
Including Ikebukuro, another giant train hub.
Meguro
A residential area with a few nice parks and museums.
Old Tokyo (Shitamachi)
Sumida (Ryogoku)
Home of the Edo-Tokyo Museum and Tokyo's main sumo arena (Ryogoku Kokugikan), both in Ryogoku.
Taito (Asakusa, Ueno)
The heart of Old Tokyo featuring the temples of Asakusa and many museums of Ueno.
Bunkyo
Home to Tokyo Dome and the University of Tokyo.
Koto
Famous for Kameido Tenjin and former woodland in Kiba, but now known for its many new public apartment complexes.
Arakawa
Home to Tokyo's last original tram line.
Palacio Imperial, Tokio
Suburbs
East
Many suburban wards, including Adachi, where one can visit one of Kanto's Three Great Temples: Nishi-arai Daishi, Katsushika, known for the charming Showa-era atmosphere of Shibamata and Edogawa, a quiet eastern suburb.
North
Includes the suburban wards of Kita, the quiet northern suburb Itabashi and Nerima, that contains some of the 23 wards' last remaining farmland.
Nakano
Home to the otaku paradise known as Nakano Broadway.
Ota
Half industrial complex, half upscale residential area.
Setagaya
An upscale residential area that houses the student drinking spot of Shimokitazawa as well as the newly revitalized shopping centers of Futako-Tamagawa.
Suginami
Typical Tokyo suburb stretching along the Chuo Line.
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