Famous Cities of the World: Tokyo

Tokyo is a vast, sprawling city made up of many neighborhoods, but if it has a center; it is probably the Ginza neighborhood. This exclusive and expensive area has many of the city’s best restaurants, shops and hotels, and it makes a good place to base you. Tokyo is a vibrating region, made up of a population of approximately 12.27 million people which includes the 'central' area, Tama area and the islands. Tokyo is a mix of the traditional, historical and modern, with many exciting historical sites to visit such as the Imperial Palace, Mt Takao, various ancient tombs and temples, castle ruins, hot springs, shrines, the Edo Period Gardens, the Tokyo Dome as well as many lively shopping areas. Tokyo is one of the fashion and cosmetic centers in the Eastern world, up there with Seoul . Items to look for include electronics, funky fashions, antique furniture and kimono, and specialty items like Hello Kitty goods, anime and comics, and their associated paraphernalia.

Tokyo is one of the top restaurant cities in the world. Fresh products are at a premium, meaning the closer to the source a food is when served, the more it's desired. It is the cultural, economic, political and educational center of Japan, with many famous attractions, key historic sights, and entertainment centers scattered throughout the city. Tokyo is a thriving metropolis. It contains 23 city wards.

Tokyo is often called a city of the future - but it is not. Anyone who considers it to be so has probably seen only an unrepresentative fraction of metropolitan Tokyo. Tokyo is a great place but I think the problem for Canadians is that it isn't easy to get around initially. I am here on vacation right now and so many things are shut down too. Tokyo is the centre from which several railways radiate. The trains of the Tokai - do line, starting from the Shimbashi station, run westwards to Kobe, thence to Shimonoseki, at the western end of the main island, a distance of 700 m.

Tokyo is also one of the safest cities in the world with street crime extremely rare and helpful policeman in police boxes. Also, to assist visitors most public information signs on roads and stations are in both Japanese and English with excellent colour coding on the Metro system. Tokyo is home to several of the world’s largest investment banks and insurance companies and is the hub for Japan’s transportation, publishing and broadcasting industries. During the latter half of the 19th century, Tokyo experienced rapid economic growth and modernization and is today one of the most technologically developed nations of the world.

Tokyo is also one of the world's most important cities in terms of economic power and influence, and it serves as the corporate and communications hub for the E Pacific Rim. Frequent rebuilding in the wake of disasters has made Tokyo one of the most modern cities on the globe. Tokyo is a fun city, but no place to live. Tokyo is an enlightening experience for everyone who comes to visit, the definite place to be for exotic and spiritual fulfillment.

Tokyo is a modern and cosmopolitan city of skyscrapers, neon, electronics stores, large shopping complexes and countless bars and clubs. But Tokyo is also steeped in history and tradition, with shrines and temples, sushi and noodles, public bathhouses and ryokans (guest houses). Tokyo is a city full of things to watch, learn and feel. Tokyo is mind blowing in every way; the contrast between traditional culture and globalization here is really quite fascinating.

Tokyo is famous for its shopping malls, cars, televisions, fashion, and culture. It has influenced many neighboring Asian countries with its culture and technology–Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan have proudly incorporated Japanese malls and Japanese movies into their own lifestyles. Tokyo is a very large and diverse area, but all points of interest can be reached by public transportation. Some areas of interest would be the famous Ginza shopping and entertainment district, the Ameyoko Market, the Yasukuni Shrine dedicated to the deities of Japan.

Tokyo is one of the world’s largest cities. Only the major roads have sidewalks. Tokyo is a city of distinct neighbourhoods and it's hard to grasp its core. I recommend an orientation bus tour with Japan Travel Bureau or Gray Line (book at hotel tours desks) to see the blue-ribbon sights such as Tokyo Tower, erected in 1958 and modelled after Paris's Eiffel Tower. Tokyo is a city that never ceases to amaze. Since the start of the Edo period in the 17th century, Tokyo has been the vibrant heart of the nation.

Tokyo is a city with something for everyone. While full of quiet neighborhoods and peaceful parks, Tokyo is far from tranquil. Tokyo is different though. An image works better in BW only if colour has nothing to say in the composition. Tokyo is full of magnificent museums, and has the largest collection of Japanese art in the world. Traditional kabuki thrives alongside opera, and ballet, and locals are extremely passionate about sumo, football and of course baseball.

Tokyo is also home to many different sports and concerts. Most people have most likely heard of the Budokan, which is a famous stadium in where many concerts (Japanese and otherwise) are held every week. Tokyo is now full of restaurants and bars with extensive shochu lists. Kyushu Island is the home of shochu (though it is brewed now all over the country).

Thank you for taking your time to read this article. Your comments on this article will be highly appreciated.

Gurmit loves travelling, he has been over 70 countries. Gurmit is an author, writer, insurance and mortgage expert. He frequently writes on various topics of interest to his readers. To get in touch with Gurmit Singh, please visit his website www.gurmitsingh.ca

Gurmit Singh is a licensed mortgage expert with Dominion Lending Centres Mortgage Villa.

Gurmit Singh
Mortgage Expert
M08009905
Dominion Lending Centres Mortgage Villa (11574)
Email:gurmit@gurmitsingh.ca
Website: http://www.gurmitsingh.ca