Visiting Tokyo for the first time can feel like visiting another planet. Tokyo is very different from Western capitals, but what really sets it apart are its people. With a growing population of over 12 million within 1,300 square kilometres, Tokyo is Japan’s largest and most densely populated city; a bustling, state-of-the-art marketplace full of energy, humanity and astonishing contrasts.
Millions of people pack the subways, sidewalks, and stores to maximum capacity every day and every hour. In some parts of the city, the streets are as crowded at 3am as they are at 3pm. With its full-force, sensory overload, Tokyo makes even New York City seem like a sleepy town.
Despite its limited space for harmonious living, Tokyo remains one of the safest cities in the world, with very little crime or violence. People will go out of their way to help you. Hardworking, honest, and helpful to strangers, the Japanese people are Japan’s greatest asset.
Under Tokyo's concrete casing is a thriving cultural life. If you're interested in Japan's performing arts and traditional culture, Tokyo offers the most choice. It is full of museums, kabuki theatres, sumo wrestling and the largest collection of Japanese art in the world. Traditional kabuki thrives alongside opera, ballet and symphony, while Tokyo-dwellers are passionate about sumo, baseball and now football (soccer).
The capital city was founded in 1590 as Edo, the headquarters of the Shoguns, or military power. Edo boasted its own vibrant culture of pleasure quarters, theatres and cherry blossoms. Following the fall of the Shoguns in 1867 and the restoration of the Emperor’s power, the city was renamed Tokyo.
Tokyo consists of various districts, each with their own flair and flavour, usually centred around the main railway and subway stations. The city defines itself by its commercial, cultural, and entertainment centres of Ueno, Asakusa, Ginza, Roppongi, Shibuya, Harajuku, and Shinjuku.
Sinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza are large areas of commerce where the latest fashion trends are born and worn. Shinuya Station resembles New York City’s Time Square with enormous video screens and a sea of people and neon lights.
Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland is every bit as "Disney" as you might expect, and in many ways, of a higher standard than the other Disney Parks. Just slightly bigger than Disneyland in California, Tokyo Disneyland features all of the most popular Disney theme park rides and attractions. It was an instant success when it opened in 1983, with over 10 million visitors in the first year. It can get quite crowded on weekends and holidays.
Opening hours are every day from 10am-6pm. However, there are Starlight Evenings, usually on weekends when the park stays open until around 10pm. You can use your unlimited pass or buy a Starlight Passport which will get you into the park from 5pm until closing. Closing time varies for Starlight Evenings, depending on the season and the weather. For current operating hours, call the Information Hotline (English spoken): +81 047 - 354 - 0001
The Imperial Palace opens its doors on 2 January for Ippan Sanga. The Emperor waves to well wishers from a terrace behind bullet-proof glass. This is one of only two days when the Imperial Palace grounds are open to the public. Entrance to the gardens is by Niju-bashi Bridge.
Tokyo’s main attraction is the opportunity to simply experience its astounding and unique atmosphere.
Dembo-in Garden is one of Tokyo’s best kept secrets. Situated in Asakusa, the magnificent garden is believed to have been made in the 17th century by Kobori Enshu, the genius of Zen landscape design. The garden is usually empty and utterly serene. The ideal time to visit is in the spring, when the wisteria blooms. A peaceful path encircles a pond, offering different views at every turn. The only sounds are of birds and splashing fish. An English sign on Dembo-in-dori, about 150 yards west of the intersection with Naka-mise-dori, indicates the entrance, through a large wooden gate. It is part of the living quarters of the abbot of Senso-ji Temple, so it may be closed if the abbot has guests.
Edo-Tokyo Museum is housed in a super-sized traditional Japanese storehouse, and is a wonderful place to learn about Tokyo’s history and culture, from the Edo period of the shoguns up to the post-war reconstruction. There are full-size models of period buildings and the Nihombashi ‘Bridge of Japan’, as well as displays presenting the daily life and customs of the city’s past. It is a short walk from Ryogoku Station.
Tokyo has two airports: The New Tokyo International Airport (commonly known as Narita Airport), located 60 km outside of central Tokyo, while the domestic Haneda Airport is more centrally located.
Most visitors arrive at Narita Airport. After clearing customs, you will enter the main lobby where you can exchange money, make arrangements for bus service into the city, pick up your rail pass, or get tourist information. Do not attempt to take photos in the baggage area. Airport security will become quite annoyed and may actually threaten to eject you from the terminal (without your luggage).
Banks: Open Monday–Friday 09:00-15:00 Closed weekends & holidays
Post Offices: Open Monday–Friday 09:00-17:00 Closed weekends & holidays. Some main post offices are open seven days a week. Department Stores and shops: Open every day 10:00-20:00. Most department stores are closed for two to three weekdays per month.
Museums: Open every day 10:00-17:00. Most museums are closed on Mondays.
Business Offices: Open Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00 Closed on weekends & holidays.
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