Tokyo and its origins
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a city that perfectly mixes the ancient with the modern. Founded in the 15th century as a fishing village called Edo, Tokyo became one of the world's major metropolises after being designated the capital in 1868. The city underwent extensive modernization during the Meiji era and continued to evolve, becoming a center of technological and cultural innovation. Despite destruction during World War II, Tokyo was reborn like a phoenix and today attracts millions of tourists with its technological marvels, delicious cuisine and unique hospitality.
What see:
Tokyo offers a wide range of attractions that combine tradition and modernity.
Sensō-ji: Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, founded in 645 AD, is a place of worship and a popular tourist destination. Located in the Asakusa district, the temple is famous for its majestic Kaminari-mon gate and Nakamise-dōri shopping street.
Tokyo Skytree: At 634 metres, it is the tallest transmission tower in the world and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The Tokyo Skytree also houses aquariums, restaurants and shops.
Shibuya Crossing: One of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, it is an iconic symbol of Tokyo. Located near Shibuya Station, the intersection is famous for its busy activity and neon lights.
Tokyo Imperial Palace: Located in the center of the city, the Imperial Palace is the official residence of the Emperor of Japan. Although access to the interior is limited, the palace gardens are open to the public and offer an oasis of peace in the heart of the metropolis.
Akihabara: Known as an otaku paradise, Akihabara is the neighborhood dedicated to electronics, manga and anime. Here you will find specialist shops, themed cafes and games rooms.
Ueno Park: A vast public park that is home to museums, a zoo and, in spring, one of the best places to see cherry trees in bloom. Ueno Park is a great place for a relaxing walk.
Nightlife and entertainment
Tokyo is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and wide range of entertainment options. The Shinjuku and Roppongi districts are famous for their bars, clubs and restaurants. Shinjuku Golden Gai is an area with narrow alleys full of small themed bars. For karaoke lovers, Tokyo offers numerous venues where you can sing your favorite songs until late at night. During the day, explore themed cafes like Kawaii Monster Café or Robot Restaurant for a unique experience. If you visit Tokyo in summer, don't miss traditional festivals like the Sumida River Fireworks Festival.
Climate, curiosities and advice
Climate: Tokyo has a temperate climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Summer temperatures can reach 35°C, while in winter they rarely drop below 0°C. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit, thanks to the mild climate and beautiful cherry blossoms.
Fun fact: Tokyo is home to some of the most unique neighborhoods in the world, such as Harajuku, known for eccentric fashion and youth culture. Another fun fact is that Tokyo is the city with the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, making it a world-class dining destination.
Advice:
If you arrive in Tokyo by plane, the main airports are Narita and Haneda. You can reach the city center by Narita Express, Keikyu train from Haneda, or limousine bus services. To get around the city, the Tokyo Metro is extremely efficient and covers all the main attractions. Be sure to purchase a Suica or Pasmo card to make public transport payments easier. For a comfortable stay, choose hotels located in the Shinjuku, Shibuya or Ginza districts.