TOKYO 東京都

Tokyo was formerly known as “Edo” until it changed its name in 1868. Tokyo, with the Imperial Palace at its center and many timeless historical shrines and temples such as Meiji Shrine and Sensoji Temple, has many diverse neighborhoods coexisting in close proximity. These neighborhoods include trendy, sophisticated Omotesando and Ginza, districts favored by students such as Shimokitazawa and Harajuku, and Shibuya, a district that is currently transitioning from an area for young people to an area for a more sophisticated crowd. Of the famous Shibuya scramble crossing, it is said that “One to two thousand people cross the street with each green light, but miraculously the Japanese pedestrians don’t bump into each other.” Nowadays, this intersection attracts tourists from all over the world who want to experience this phenomenon for themselves.

Administratively, Tokyo is Japan’s “capital” or “metropolis” which is divided up into 23 “ku”, which administratively are called “cities” that exist within the “metropolis.” Each “ku” in the center has its own personality. But far from the center—a two-hour train ride from Tokyo station—you can see a completely different side of Tokyo in the town of Okutama. There you can encounter tranquil natural beauty that you wouldn’t have imagined to be in Tokyo at all. Tokyo offers many spectacular views of Mt. Fuji. You can see it from the upper floors of several downtown skyscrapers, or from the top of Mt. Takao.

If you want to go on a trip without traveling a great distance, staying in TOKYO is a great choice.