Tokyo - The Heart of Japan Hidden in Concrete
  
Tokyo - General Information |
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Currency: |
Yen (JPY) |
 |
Language: |
Japanese |
 |
Area: |
2,100 km2 |
 |
Climate: |
Temperate or Subtropical |
|
 |
 |
| Summer: |
Max
- 87° F (30°C) | Min - 74°F (18°C) |
| Winter: |
Max
- 69° F (20°C) | Min - 31°F (10°C) |
|
| Also known as: |
Edo, Tokyo Metropolis & Tokyo-to |
| Famous for: |
Neon Jungle, Skyscrapers, Shopping &
High-Rise Cost of Living |
| Geographical Location: |
Center of the Japanese Archipelago between North
Pacific Ocean & Sea of Japan, Eastern Asia |
| Latitude, Longitude & Altitude: |
35040'N, 139045'E & 26 ft (above sea level) |
| Best time to visit: |
March to May or September to November (with
harsh winters or summers in rest of the months) |
| Neighbouring Cities: |
Yokohama, Chiba, Urawa & Kofu |
| Means of Local Transport: |
Subway, Bus, Monorail & Taxis |
| Tokyo is the
largest city of Japan. |
| The Greater Tokyo
is the mot populated metropolis area of the world. |
| The central and
most populous part of Tokyo are divided into a unique self-governing
municipalities named as "twenty-three wards". |
Overview
Tokyo, being the capital city of the country is the seat of Japanese
government and the Imperial Palace (home of the Japanese Imperial Family).
Not just the largest city of the country, Tokyo is also the center of most
populated urban area in the world i.e. Greater Tokyo. Recognized as one of
47 prefectures (sub-national jurisdictions) of Japan, the city is not
administered as a single city but a combination of 26 smaller cities, 23
special wards, 7 towns and 8 villages.
Tokyo is a versatile city bringing together the most modern wonders of
technology, commerce and architecture and has something for everyone.
Considered one of the world's major global cities, this mega metropolis has
held many world records like the most expensive real estate ever (1990), the
most expensive city, the most passengers served by its train system and the
largest GDP of any metropolitan area in the world.
Clearly, the city is an exuberant experience for business visitors. A
popular exhibition and convention venue, Tokyo hosts many known Expos,
especially related to automobiles and engineering goods.
However, from a tourist point of view, Tokyo at first site may disappoint
you with its harsh concrete jungle where millions change hands virtually
every second. Dense population and an urban maze of buildings jostling for
space may give an ugly and drab picture of the city. Nevertheless, under
this hard outer shell lies a city with beautiful gardens, old streets where
part of traditional Japan still lingers and imperial buildings thus, proving
that one cannot judge a book by its cover.
Furthermore, this crush-rush Tokyo remains ironically, one of the world's
safest cities with local people who are too willing to spare the time and
effort to assist a stranger. Lastly, of course are the ever so appealing
shopping possibilities in this megalopolis.
