With over 30 million inhabitants, the metropolitanarea of Tokyo has the largest population centrein the world. This is made more impressive by the fact that half of Tokyowas reduced to rubble during the air raids in World War II. The city that aroseafter 1945 is a fascinating mix of ancient tradition and modern innovation.
If you go to the top of a skyscraper you can enjoyimpressive views over this seemingly endless city. Climb Rainbow Bridge, TokyoTower, Mori Tower or Tokyo Skytree Tower and you’ll see all the iconiclandmarks that make up the modern skyline of Tokyo- and you can even see in the distance the grand silhouette of MountFuji. Back at street level you’ll experience the atmosphere of city’smost lively district, Shinjuku.Here is where many of the tallest buildings in Tokyocan be found, along with the city's busiest railway station.
Although Tokyo is amodern city, tradition and history is still very important. In the NationalMuseum of Tokyo you can peruse art and objects from ancient Japan and historicpieces from other Asian countries. The collection includes ancient objects thatare up to 12,000 years old. There’s also the ImperialPalace where for centuries the powerful Shoguns lived and which hashoused the Emperor since the time of the Meiji Restoration.
In the Sensoji Temple you will discover traditionalBuddhist spirituality that goes back to the year 645. At the controversial YushukanMuseum and Shrine you’ll find a memorial and exhibits that commemorate the morethan 2 million people in the last century and a half that have fallen in theservice of their country – including during World War II.
Tokyo is constantlyworking to build itself again and again. The versatile Roppongi Hills complexwas built in 2003 in the heart of the city and is one of the trendiestentertainment centres in the city, particularly popular among expats.
Although Tokyo isdensely populated, counting the 23 districts, the city still has many greenareas. In late March and early April the famous Japanese cherry blossom startto bloom and many head to Shinjuku Gyoen, one of the most popular places topicnic and enjoy the flora. A great way to relax in this face-paced city.
