Tokyo is an amalgam of the old and the new. Neon neighbourhoods with glittering office blocks, art galleries and bars filled with sombre suited salarymen are a stone's throw from collections of shophouses and homes that evoke a feeling that one has taken a step back in time. It is a sprawling city of contrasts, where every step brings something new.
This is a city comfortable with its history but facing the future with an energy that must be experienced to be believed. It is a destination that is steeped in tradition and culture. Museums and events that celebrate every aspect of ancient and modern Japanese life are found in abundance. In Spring those who call the city home head outdoors to take in the magnificence of the newly budded cherry blossoms and at night they gather to enjoy some of the best dining destinations on the planet - or take a seat to sample the wares of a streetside noodle vendor. The Tokyo city area is home to over 8.3 million people and the greater urban area houses 37.4 million residents - it is big, brash and beautiful - and it will reward exploration.
If there is one thing that places Tokyo at the pinnacle of cities that should be on any global travellers’ bucket list it is the food scene. Wherever one is in the city there will be a world-class restaurant a stone's throw away. It is not for no reason that the residents spend most evenings out and about searching for the next great culinary experience. But great doesn't have to mean expensive - it is possible to enjoy fabulous food in Japan's capital city and not break the bank. If there is one dish that must be tried it is the city's interpretation of nigiri sushi. The art of 'Edo-mae' sushi' (Edo is Tokyo's original name) with its delicate presentations of seafood hand-pressed onto rice is simply a delight.
But there is so much more to experience in this fascinating city. One of the prime attractions is food-related - the new Toyosu Fish Market which has replaced the famed Tsukiji Fish Market of old. The new market is the largest in the world and the famed Tuna auction takes place there on a regular basis. Visitors can take a seat at one of the restaurants (or get a bite to eat at one of the over 40 food stalls) where genuinely fresh world-class meals can be enjoyed. Of course, they can also stock up on a huge variety of ocean-fresh produce.
For those interested in history and culture a visit to the Senso-Ji Buddhist temple is especially rewarding. This is the most popular shrine in Tokyo and is famed for the golden image of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, which was reputed to have been pulled from a nearby river by two fishermen in 628 BCE. The image is sadly no longer available for public viewing, but the current structure is filled with beautifully crafted statues and carvings. Gifts and souvenirs are available - some of exquisite quality.
Savvy visitors will plan their trip to take in one of the city's incredible festivals. One of the most famous is Sanja Matsuri which takes place in May. During this festival a lively parade of mikoshi (portable shrines) takes place. The shrines carried by men and women in traditional Japanese dress. The most impressive are selected to be shown on the following Sunday. The sheer beauty on display at the Bunkyo Cherry Blossom Festival makes it an unmissable event. 120 magnificent cherry trees line Harimazaka Slope where crowds gather to bask in the unforgettable sight of a beautiful Tokyo Spring spectacle. Another not to be missed event is the every December 14th at the Sengakuji Temple where the sacrifices of the famed '47 Ronin' are celebrated. The graves of the Ronin and the master they avenged after he was killed by a vengeful tea master are on view. A funeral service is held, as well as a samurai dress parade.
The best time of year to visit Tokyo is late March to May and October and early December where the weather is milder and more comfortable. The city boasts a world-class public transportation system with numerous options for the tourists including an extensive bus network, taxis and an impressive rail system (including the Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines). The system is easy to navigate even for those who do not speak Japanese. Japan boasts top quality medical practitioners and hospitals. No vaccinations are required to enter Japan. Medical insurance is advised.
Exploring Tokyo and its many faces is an experience that should not be kissed. There are numerous airlines that fly directly into Tokyo Narita International Airport and transport to the city centre is extremely convenient.
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Blending modern cityscapes with historic temples and natural vistas and gardens, Tokyo has so much to offer the restless traveller. There are excellent hotels and accommodations in almost every area of the city depending on your needs and hotels near landmarks and activities are easy to find.
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From Canada you have the options to fly from Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver to Tokyo.
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