Tokyo
Huge, cosmopolitan, historical, but also futuristic, high-tech, but with deep cultural roots. The city of miniature homes, the vast spaces and the endless and multi-layered culture. The capital of Japan is not only the largest and most populous city in the world, but also one of the most multi-layered, interesting, rich in colors, emotions, contradictions. Tokyo is not just a city, and a whole world, which leaves a lasting imprint on everyone, had a chance to touch him.
The history of Tokyo is over 400 years, as in the beginning the city was called Edo. It began to flourish during the time of the Tokugawa shogun, ruled close 260 years to 1868 r. The scale of Tokyo has been unprecedented in those distant centuries. By the middle of 18 century the population of the city reaches 1 million people. At that time, the emperor lived in Kyoto, which is also the official capital of Japan. After the Meiji Restoration in 1868 g., a constitutional monarchy has been established in the country, and the capital and the emperor moved to Edo, then renamed Tokyo. Then began the opening of Japan to the world, the introduction of a market economy and the modern era in the development of Tokyo. Through 1923 r. the city was devastated by an earthquake, and earthquake fires burned the entire center of Tokyo to the ground. However, shortly after the tragedy, the first subway line was opened in Tokyo. To 1935 r. the city's population is close to that of New York and London. Tokyo survived World War II 102 bombing, but after its end, the city experienced another economic boom. Through 1964 r. Tokyo is hosting the Olympic Games, and the Shinkansen high-speed train system was launched for the first time.
Today, Tokyo is one of the most active and innovative cities in the world, symbol for development, latest generation technologies, multicolored life. But the history of Tokyo has woven into the spirit of the metropolis such a rich bouquet of cultures, manners, human stories and inventions, that even stepping in Tokyo and inhaling the local air makes the foreign tourist experience a cultural and emotional shock, which he did not suspect.
If you ask the locals, The best time to visit Tokyo is in the spring and fall. The end of March and the beginning of April are a great time to enjoy the blossoming cherries. And in October and November the weather is clear most of the time, warm and sunny, and the colors of autumn are just beginning to transform the city. If you want to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of Tokyo, in July there are several major festivals, which will offer you an unforgettable spectacle of fireworks, songs and dances. August is the hottest month of the year with an average temperature 26 degrees. In fact, even winter is not such a bad season for Tokyo - the coldest month is January with average temperatures of about 5 degrees. Just get warm clothes and prepare mentally, that you can hit a typhoon.
If one of your first associations for Tokyo was the Japanese subway, so you won't need persuasion, that the subway is the best way to get around the metropolis. Trains are regular, the stops are short distances and by metro you can reach almost all the important and interesting sights in Tokyo. All you need is enthusiasm and a lot of energy, to go on a long sightseeing tour of the city, for which you need at least a few days.
This is the official residence of the Japanese emperor from 1869 year and access to it is strictly regulated. Built on the site of Edo Castle, which was the headquarters of the Tokugawa shogun, today's Imperial Palace is one of the most visited landmarks in Tokyo for many reasons. Access to the palace itself is very limited and is done through organized visits twice a day, for which you can sign up online. However, access to the gardens is free, as they are usually opened by 9 to 17 h. The place will not leave you indifferent - the Imperial Palace is a whole universe. In the eastern garden you can see the remains of the walls of Edo Castle. The outdoor garden will set you between nature and greenery and views of futuristic skyscrapers. The alleys around the moat of the former castle are a favorite place for cyclists and pedestrians.
The religion and culture of the Japanese have always been deeply intertwined, and Sensō-ji is not just beautiful, but also a deep spiritual place. The temple was completed in 645 r. and was originally associated with the Tendai Buddhist sect, but after World War II it became independent. The temple will win you over with its colors and beauty from the very first steps. The large gate is painted in bright red and black, symbolizing clouds and thunder. In the complex you will see small streets, stalls with souvenirs and traditional pastries. AND, of course, beautiful Japanese garden.
Surely you've seen pictures of the busiest hiking trail in the world and when you go to Tokyo, you will hardly want to miss it. It's kind of like the Japanese Times Square and in no way inferior to the legendary place in New York with its big screens, projecting ads from all sides. This is where you can feel the diversity of Tokyo and the incredible mix of people, cultures and destinies, which are found in this cosmopolitan city.
If you want to immerse yourself in Japanese history and culture, the national museum (Tokyo National Museum) is one of the best places for the purpose. There is no other place with such a rich collection, brought together all aspects of Japanese history, art and life. Ceramics, Buddhist sculptures, kimono, samurai swords and tens of thousands of other artifacts, telling the remarkable history of one of the most remarkable countries in the world. Even if you are not a big fan of museums, don't miss this one.
Every big city has a legendary shopping street, or an entire neighborhood, collecting boutiques of luxury brands, elegant restaurants and luxury. In Tokyo, this is Ginza, one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world. If you have money to spend and you want to get something really luxurious and modern, this is the place. Even if you do not plan shopping, you can take a walk and immerse yourself in the elegant atmosphere of this street.
Located on an artificial island, with numerous technology museums and a robot restaurant, Odaiba is by all indicators a neighborhood of the future. Some liken it more to an amusement park, but in reality it is a place, brought together all sorts of technologies and inventions. For some, Robot Restaurant is more of a cabaret with a strange program and giant robots, but in the various museums you can witness art, entirely created by machines and all sorts of futuristic developments.
The Meiji Temple is on every list of Tokyo's most important landmarks (Meiji Jingu) and there is a reason. It is important both from a historical point of view, and it is a captivatingly beautiful place, which everyone would enjoy. The temple is the largest Shinto shrine in Tokyo, dedicated to Emperor Meiji (ruled 1867 – 1912) and his wife. The complex combines traditional Japanese temple architecture and a huge natural wealth. In the garden you can see a variety of trees and shrubs, which grow only in Japan. The place is a quiet oasis in the heart of the busy city and here you can often see traditional weddings.
If you are a traditionalist when it comes to food or you are just very picky, initially Tokyo may shock you, but then fall in love. Traditional Japanese cuisine is very different from European, but let us not forget, that Tokyo is a whole universe and there you can find many more things than sushi and Asian soups. In all rankings, Tokyo is always in the top 10 of the best eating cities in the world and for good reason. Tokyo has its own Michelin travel guide 12 three-star, 53 two stars and 161 one star restaurant, thus overtaking the titan in the culinary business – Paris. In the city you can find a rich variety of traditional street food, traditional restaurants, creative places with author's cuisine and what not. Grilled squid with sweet Ikayaki sauce is a popular street food, chicken skewers Yakitori, stuffed fish from Tayaki dough, colored pancakes and a bunch of other treats. If you really miss European cuisine, you will certainly be able to find an Italian restaurant or burgers. Just don't give up on the first weird dish, which you try, and even if you are skeptical, don't be afraid to try!
This article was written with the assistance of BulTravel and Agent Express EOOD.
Author : Ivan Rashkov
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