Tokyo – World’s Most Incredible Cities

With a history replete with resurrection from ashes, Tokyo shines as one of the most popular and populous cities in the world. From peaceful temples to the wackiest of fashions, the city offers it all its visitors. A mix of many continents its culture is as fascinating as it is unique, As the next Olympic destination, Tokyo promises the world a lot that it has never seen before.

What is Tokyo famous for?

As one of the most exciting cities in the world, Tokyo offers more than Harajuku looks and men's tailoring. Here is a look at the most interesting facts on Japan's capital.

Greater Tokyo is the largest metropolitan in the world, hosting over 36 million people spread over three prefectures.

Tokyo was formerly known as Edo in the 20th century. The name was changed to Tokyo in 1890 in light of the Meiji Restoration.

Great for tax-free shopping. Tokyo is one of the best shopping destinations in the world. Head over to Ginza, the world-renowned shopping district, for major international labels including Chanel, Cartier, and Bulgari. For those looking for more unusual or cutting-edge trends, the Harajuku and Omotesandō neighborhoods are the places to go.

The Harajuku district in Tokyo is famous for its alternative street fashion. It is the center of Japan’s most extreme teenage cultures and style. The focal point of the Harajuku’s teenage culture is Takeshita Dori, a pedestrian shopping street lined with fashion boutiques, cafes and restaurants.

The cherry blossom is the national symbol of Japan. In April, the trees flower for two weeks, this period is known as Hanami.

The Tokyo Tower is a communications and observation tower in the Shiba-Koen district. It was originally inspired by the Eiffel Tower, hence their similar appearance.

Tokyo has the most top-rated restaurants in the world. It is home to over 14 three-star Michelin restaurants.

Tokyo’s Ritz Carlton is home to one of the most expensive suits in the world. The room, designed by Frank Nicholson, costs $18,000 per night.

Tokyo’s Imperial Palace is a large tourist attraction that is mostly closed to the public. However, some special areas open to the public on the Emperor’s birthday and New Year

The Shibuya Crossing located in the Shibuya ward is rumored to be the busiest intersection in the world. At peak times over 1000 people cross at the same time, coming from all directions.

Note: Meiji Restoration, in Japanese history, is the political revolution in 1868 that brought about the final demise of the Tokugawa shogunate (military government) — thus ending the Edo (Tokugawa) period (1603–1867) — and, at least nominally, returned control of the country to direct imperial rule under Mutsuhito (the emperor Meiji). In a wider context, however, the Meiji Restoration of 1868 came to be identified with the subsequent era of major political, economic, and social change — the Meiji period (1868–1912) — that brought about the modernization and Westernization of the country.

Why is life difficult in Tokyo?

There are many problems due to Tokyo's massive population of over 13 million (over 37 million for Greater Tokyo, which includes suburbs around Tokyo.) The prefecture is part of the world's most populous metropolitan area and the world's largest urban agglomeration economy.

Housing crisis

As about 83% of Japan is mountainous it leads to major pressure on the rest of Japan with its 127 million inhabitants crammed onto only 17% of the island. This leaves a strain on the housing available in Tokyo which is currently so crowded that some parts of the city have more than 20,000 people per square kilometer.

While none of the citizens of Tokyo live in slums, the housing is very crowded and many people are forced to share multi-story public housing with hundreds to sometimes thousands of other citizens.

This lack of housing is inevitable because Tokyo has one of the highest average population densities in the world consisting of 6,038 people per square kilometer which continues to grow by the day and puts pressure on the already struggling public housing system.

Water supply

While at the present the water supply in Tokyo is stable, with Tokyo's population rising fast the water supply to Tokyo could soon become a major problem.

After two major oil spills off the coast of Japan, there is further pressure on Tokyo's water supplies. Despite the fact that a large amount of cleaning has been completed, a lot more work needs to be done.

Pollution

This includes waste from both, the household and the industrial sector, which primarily Japan's flourishing manufacturing sector which produces a large amount of non-combustible wastes. These wastes are often hard to process due to the lack of facilities made for processing them.

Also having such a dense population means there's a huge amount of air pollution created by the public transport system and car exhaust fumes.

However, the city has made good progress in the last three decades

Tokyo in the 1950s and 1970s was one of the world’s most polluted cities. The air in Tokyo was so dirty that often, the sun seemed to be invisible because of pollutants emitted from factories and automobiles.

The Tokyo metropolitan government implemented full-scale pollution control measures, such as regulations on smoke and requested production plants in the polluted districts to use low sulfur oil and implemented regulations on diesel vehicles.

Companies, as well as citizens, who recognized the necessity and importance of governmental policy, followed the norms strictly. Many companies invested funds for pollution control. All drivers observe traffic rules such as speed limit and stop the engine during signal waiting time to reduce exhaust gas.

Most people living in Tokyo do not own a private car. They use trains, buses, and taxis. It is said that the rail network in Tokyo is the world’s best. More than 95% of residents in Tokyo use land track and subways.

There are two subway companies, of which Tokyo Metro Co. Ltd. carries 7.24 million per day (960 million people per year) with 2,728 trains. It has a network spanning 195 kilometers and 179 stations, which are near houses and offices because of the short distance between stations (a maximum length of 2.7 km, a minimum of 0.3 km.) The timetable is extremely accurate. Passengers do not need to wait for a long time at the station platform as a train starts every few minutes.

Note: The city with the highest population density in the world is Manila, which hosts 43,000 people per sq. km. Mumbai comes fourth with 29,000 people, and Chennai is tenth with 26,000 per sq. km.

When did Tokyo evolve?

The history of the city of Tokyo stretches back some 400 years.

Originally named Edo, the city started to flourish after Tokugawa Ieyasu established the Tokugawa Shogunate here in 1603. As the center of politics and culture in Japan, Edo grew into a huge city with a population of over a million by the mid-eighteenth century. Throughout this time, the Emperor resided in Kyoto, which was the formal capital of the nation.

The Edo Period lasted for nearly 260 years until the Meiji Restoration in 1868, when the Tokugawa Shogunate ended and imperial rule was restored. The Emperor moved to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo. Thus, Tokyo became the capital of Japan.

During the Meiji era (1868-1912), Japan began its avid assimilation of Western civilization. Buildings made of stone and bricks were built on the sites of the mansions of feudal lords, and the major roads were paved with round stones.

In 1869 Japan’s first telecommunications line was opened between Tokyo and Yokohama, and the first steam locomotive started running in 1872 from Shimbashi to Yokohama.

Western hairstyles replaced the traditional topknot worn by men, and bowler hats, high collars, and bustled skirts were the height of fashion.

In 1882 Japan’s first zoological gardens were opened in Ueno. In 1885 the cabinet system of government was adopted and Ito Hirobumi became Japan’s first prime minister. With the promulgation of the Constitution of the Empire of Japan in 1889 Japan established the political system of a modern state.

During the Taisho era (1912-1926), the number of people working in cities increased, and a growing proportion of citizens began to lead consumer lifestyles. Educational standards improved, and the number of girls going on to study at higher schools increased. Performing arts such as theater and opera thrived.

In September 1923 Tokyo was devastated by the Great Kanto Earthquake. The fires caused by the earthquake burned the city center to the ground. Over 140,000 people were reported dead or missing, and 300,000 houses were destroyed.

After the earthquake a city reconstruction plan was formulated, but because the projected costs exceeded the national budget only a small part of it was realized.

Beginning shortly after the Great Kanto Earthquake, the Showa era (1926-1989) started in a mood of gloom.

Even so, Japan’s first subway line was opened between Asakusa and Ueno in 1927, and in 1928 the 16th general elections for the House of Representatives of the Diet were held for the first time following the enactment of universal male suffrage.

In 1931 Tokyo Airport was completed at Haneda, and in 1941 the Port of Tokyo was opened. By 1935 the resident population of Tokyo had grown to 6.36 million, comparable to the populations of New York and London.

However, World War II, which broke out in 1941, had a great impact on Tokyo.

The dual administrative system of Tokyo-fu (prefecture) and Tokyo-shi (city) was abolished for war-time efficiency, and the prefecture and the city were merged to form the Metropolis of Tokyo in 1943. The metropolitan administrative system was thus established and a governor was appointed. In the final phase of the war, Tokyo was bombed 102 times. The heaviest air raid was on March 10, 1945, which caused massive loss of life and material.

The war came to an end on September 2, 1945, when the Japanese government and military representatives signed the Instrument of Surrender. Much of Tokyo had been laid waste by the bombings and by October 1945 the population had fallen to 3.49 million, half its level in 1940.

In May 1947 the new Constitution of Japan and the Local Autonomy Law took effect, and Seiichiro Yasui was elected the first Governor of Tokyo by popular vote under the new system. In August of that year, the present23 special-ward system began in Tokyo Metropolis.

The 1950s were a time of gradual recovery for the nation and especially for Tokyo.

Television broadcasting began in 1953, and Japan joined the United Nations in 1956.

Economic recovery was aided in particular by the special procurement boom arising from the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950. This led to Japan’s entry into a period of rapid economic growth in the 1960s.

Due to technological innovations and the introduction of new industries and technologies, this period saw the beginning of mass production of synthetic fibers and household electric appliances such as televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines. As a result, the everyday lives of the residents of Tokyo underwent a considerable transformation.

In 1962 the population of Tokyo broke the 10 million mark. In 1964 the Olympic Games were held in Tokyo, the Shinkansen (“Bullet Train”) line began operations, and the Metropolitan Expressway was opened, forming the foundation for Tokyo’s current prosperity.

Entering the 1970s, the strain of rapid economic growth became apparent as the country was beset by environmental issues such as pollution of the air and rivers, as well as high levels of noise. The Oil Crisis of 1973 brought the many years of rapid economic growth to a halt.

In the 1980s, Tokyo took large steps in economic growth as a result of its increasingly global economic activity and the emergence of the information society. Tokyo became one of the world’s most active major cities, boasting attractions such as cutting-edge technology, information, culture, and fashion, as well as a high level of public safety.

From 1986 onwards, land and stock prices spiraled upwards, a phenomenon is known as the “bubble economy.” Japan enjoyed tremendous growth under the bubble economy, but with the burst of the bubble at the beginning of the 1990s, sinking tax revenues caused by the protracted economic slump led to a critical state in metropolitan finances.

Tokyo was, however, able to overcome this financial crisis through two successive fiscal reconstruction programs. The population also started returning to Tokyo, and in 1997, in-migration exceeded out-migration for the first time in 12 years. In 2001, Tokyo’s population reached 12 million and surpassed 13 million in 2010.

In March 2011 the Great East Japan Earthquake struck the Tohoku region, and Tokyo was also seriously affected. Using the experiences gained from this disaster, Tokyo is devoting efforts to further strengthening its crisis management system.

In September 2013, Tokyo was selected to host its second Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020. To make the 2020 Games the best ever and leave valuable legacies for the future, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is working to advance both tangible and intangible initiatives including infrastructure upgrades, measures for the environment, and the promotion of culture.

Tokyo’s population is projected to start declining once it reaches its peak in 2020. Also taking into consideration changes to the structure of society such as the graying of the population, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is pushing toward its goal of becoming the world’s best city where a balance between economic affluence and the quality of life is achieved and anyone can fully enjoy life.

Where are the most famous attractions in Tokyo?

Tokyo was named the world's most satisfying city for travel in a 2013 poll by TripAdvisor and its popularity is continuing to grow.

Shintō Shrines

Meiji-jingū: Tokyo’s grandest Shintō shrine, set in a wooded grove.

Ueno Tōshō-gū: Recently restored, a gilded homage to warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Inokashira Benzaiten: the Ancient sanctuary of the sea goddess, Benzaiten.

Akagi-jinja: Centuries-old shrine updated with modern style.

Buddhist Temples

Sensō-ji: Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple and the epicenter of old-world Asakusa.

Fukagawa Fudō-dō: An active temple of the esoteric Shingon sect, which performs regular fire rituals.

Sengaku-ji: This Sōtō Zen temple is the final resting place of the famous 47 rōnin (masterless samurai).

Zōjō-ji: The very rare main gate of this Pure Land Buddhist temple dates to 1605.

Museums

Tokyo National Museum: Home to the world’s largest collection of Japanese art.

Intermediatheque: Experimental museum drawing on the holdings of the University of Tokyo.

Nezu Museum: Asian antiques in a striking contemporary building.

Sumida Hokusai Museum: New museum dedicated to woodblock artist Hokusai.

Contemporary Art & Design

Mori Art Museum: Sky-high galleries that host traveling shows by top Japanese and foreign artists.

21 *21 Design Sight Museum: devoted entirely to contemporary design.

Archi-Depot: Repository for architecture models by famous names.

Complex 665: New destination housing three leading galleries.

d47 Museum: Showcase for the best product design in the country.

3331 Arts Chiyoda: Playful arts hub in an old high school.

Crafts

Japan Folk Crafts Museum: Exhibitions highlighting the beauty of everyday objects.

Crafts Gallery Ceramics: Lacquerware and more from Japan's 'living national treasures'.

Suntory Museum of Art: Modern setting for changing displays of decorative works.

Amuse Museum: Fantastic folk costume collection from a famed Japanese ethnographer.

History

Edo-Tokyo Museum: Tells the story of how a fishing village evolved into a sprawling, modern metropolis.

National Shōwa Memorial Museum: Learn what life was like for ordinary Tokyoites during WWII.

Shitamachi Museum: Recreation of a wooden, Edo-era tenement neighborhood.

Japanese Sword Museum: Dozens of authentic, historical swords.

Daimyo Clock Museum: Eccentric feudal-era timepieces.

Traditional Gardens

Rikugi-en: Tokyo's most beautiful landscape garden, evoking scenes from classical literature.

Hama-rikyū Onshi-teien: An ancient shogunate hunting ground, now a vast green space with a traditional teahouse.

Kiyosumi-teien: A former villa pleasure garden with sculptural stones from around Japan.

Koishikawa Kōrakuen: Built by the Tokugawa clan, a fine example of traditional Japanese garden design.

Parks

Ueno-kōen: Tokyo’s oldest park with museums, temples, woodsy paths and water lilies.

Shinjuku-gyoen: Home to 1500 cherry trees, vast lawns, and a tropical greenhouse.

Yoyogi-kōen: A big grassy expanse and a popular weekend gathering spot.

Inokashira-kōen: Wooded strolling paths, performance artists, and pedal boats.

People Watching

Akihabara: See cosplay (costume play) kids on Sundays along Chūō-dōri, or anytime riding go-karts through the neighborhood.

Yoyogi-kōen: With people living in tight quarters, dancers and musicians head to the park to practice.

Omote-sandō: The city's de facto catwalk draws fashionistas from all over the world.

Ginza: Head out in the twilight hours and catch high-end hostesses in kimono and elaborate up-dos.

Takeshita-dōri: Tokyo's teen fashion bazaar brims with quirky looks.

City Views

Tokyo Sky Tree: Dizzying views from the lookouts on this 634m tower, the world’s tallest.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: The 45th-floor observation decks in this marvel by Tange Kenzō are free.

New York Bar One: of many luxury hotel cocktail bars with stunning night views.

Tokyo Bay: Take a night cruise and see the shoreline from the bay.

Markets

Tsukiji Outer Market: A warren of stalls selling kitchen tools and foodstuffs to chefs and home cooks alike.

Ameya-yokochō: Tokyo's last open-air market dates to the tumultuous days after WWII.

Harmonica-yokochō: Classic low-ceiling, lantern-lit covered market.

Ōedo Antique Market: Hunt for undiscovered antique treasures at this twice-monthly gathering.

Offbeat Attractions

Meguro Parasitological Museum: Internal creepy-crawlies on display.

Ikebukuro Earthquake Hall: The simulation room here mimics a real earthquake.

Beer Museum Yebisu: A concise history of beer in Japan.

Super Potato Retro-kan: Arcade with only vintage machines.

Who influenced the culture of Tokyo?

Tokyo is the cultural center of Japan. Having originated from the ethnic Jomon culture and then mixed with subsequent influences from first Chinese and Korean, then Greek and Indian, and finally from European and American influences, Japan developed its own unique culture.

Tokyo's unique culture is reflected in its traditional arts – ikebana (flower arranging), origami (making objects by folding paper), and ukiyo-e (woodblock printing); crafts – dolls, lacquerware, and pottery; performances – kabuki (complex dramas performed in elaborate costumes), noh (restrained and highly stylized drama), bunraku (puppet theater), kyogen (short satirical plays), and kamishibai (storytelling with animation, sound, and music); and traditions – games, onsen (hot springs used as public bathing places), and tea ceremony.

A large number of festivals, rituals, observances and celebrations in Tokyo are also all part of Japanese culture. Starting from the traditional New Year visits to shrines, the Tokyo calendar is full of various festivals and observances, the matsuris (religious festivals) with their mikoshis (portable shrines), and the cherry blossom viewing in the month of April is the most popular.

Although the Japanese may seem aloof and shy by western standards, the real reason for their behavior is that they are brought up to think of themselves as a separate group. Anything non-Japanese is thus not readily accepted.

It is, therefore, important for a visitor of Tokyo to know some traditions that are ingrained in the culture of the city - bowing is the Japanese version of a handshake, and failing to return a bow is considered impolite; counting of change after a purchase is considered rude; shoes are generally not worn in homes, temples, and various other places; and bringing a gift when invited.

Knowing and following the cultural traditions of the city makes it easier for a visitor to be accepted by the people of Tokyo. To outsiders, this may seem odd, but the Japanese culture is unique this way, and charming in all ways.

How is 2020 shaping up?

Here’s a preview of a few things to expect at the next Olympics, the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo.

While this is the third time the Japanese capital has been awarded the games, Tokyo has hosted the Olympics only once — in 1964. The city was originally scheduled to host the 1940 Summer Games, but they were moved to Helsinki after war broke out between Japan and China in 1937. Three years later, the games were canceled because of World War II.

Japanese school children have decided on the mascots for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games - two futuristic, superhero creatures. The mascots, named Miraitowa and Someity, were chosen by children from over 16,000 elementary schools across Japan and its international schools.

The emblem for the next Olympics was left to the adults and has already been unveiled — a circular pattern made up of rectangular shapes in indigo blue. Tokyo 2020 organizers say the design represents “unity in diversity” and a “refined elegance.”

Competition venues will be spread into two themed areas, the “Heritage” and the “Tokyo Bay” zones. The “Heritage” zone includes some of the sites used during the Tokyo 1964 Summer Games. The “Tokyo Bay” zone will showcase events like canoe slalom, tennis and BMX. The two zones intersect to form an infinity symbol with the Athletes’ Village at that point.

The Tokyo Games will feature 339 gold medals. More than 11,000 athletes and 206 nations are expected to participate.

Skateboarding will become an Olympic sport — meaning we could see Shaun White competing in Tokyo. After winning his third gold medal in snowboarding at PyeongChang, White says he’d “love to live out my dream of going to the Summer Olympics.”

Organizers are calling on residents of Japan to turn in their old cell phones. Precious metal from phones and other electronic devices is being salvaged and recycled to produce the gold, silver, and bronze medals that will be presented to winning athletes.

The Tokyo Games — which will run July 24 to Aug. 9, 2020 — will boast five more sports than Rio, taking the total number to 33. Four new sports meant to draw a younger audience are surfing, skateboarding, sports climbing and karate. Last seen at Beijing 2008, baseball and softball are due to return. Team USA won bronze in baseball during those games, finishing behind South Korea and Cuba. Team Japan is the reigning softball gold medallist.

Work is underway on a new National Olympic Stadium, on the site of the original 1964 Olympic Stadium and at a cost estimated at more than $1 billion. It will be home to the opening and closing ceremonies along with athletic events. Construction fell behind when a previous design was scrapped under pressure from the IOC and the Japanese public to trim a bloated budget.

There will also be 15 new events in the existing sports of swimming, archery, athletics, basketball, cycling, fencing, judo, table tennis, and triathlon. Those new events will feature more mixed-gender competitions, too. Bach, the IOC president, says the changes will make the Olympics “more youthful, urbaner and will include more women."

Several landmarks will serve as venues for the games. One of the city’s most famous tourist sights, the Imperial Palace Gardens, will host race walking events. Fuji International Speedway should wow the crowds during road cycling with its views of Mount Fuji.

Less than a decade after being devastated by an earthquake and tsunami, Fukushima prefecture will host some events. Some baseball and softball games will be held at the Azuma Stadium, which is about 60 miles away from the nuclear plant that suffered a meltdown in the 2011 disaster.

Tokyo 2020 organizers promise it will be the most futuristic Olympics yet, with plans for robots at the city’s Haneda Airport to help with language and luggage. More hi-tech devices are expected to be unveiled for the Olympic Park leading up to the games.

Organizers want sports fans to come for the Olympics, but stay to enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of Tokyo. They are marketing the city as safe and easy to navigate, with 760 train stations whisking people to historic locations and venues. There’s also a push to remind visitors of the city’s ramen and homemade noodles while highlighting the city's 3,620 sushi bars.