TOKYO

TOKYO, THE CITY OF LIGHTS

Tokyo is the capital and largest city of Japan. With 13 million inhabitants, it is also considered one of the largest cities in the world. It is identified as the political, economic and cultural center of Japan and, based on the administrative subdivision of the territory, it is divided into 23 districts that include 26 cities, 5 citadels and 8 villages.

Tokyo Prefecture is located almost at the center of the archipelago of Japan, in the Kanto region. It is bordered to the east by Chiba Prefecture, to the west by Yamanashi Prefecture, to the south by Kanagawa Prefecture, and to the north by Saitama Prefecture.

Tradition and culture

Asakusa

It is one of the most historic neighborhoods in central Tokyo. Large luminous signs give way to temples and makeup is replaced by more traditional outfits.

Sensoji Temple

Sensoji is the oldest and most important temple in Tokyo and is reason enough to visit Asakusa.

To get to the temple, you must go down the busy Nakamise Dori shopping street and go through the Kaminarimon gate. The most striking thing about this door is the huge 4 meter high lantern that hangs from it.

The temple consists of the main hall, rebuilt after the Second World War, and a 55-meter high pagoda.

The Metropolis

The Shinjuku and Shibuya areas are the most cosmopolitan and lively in Tokyo. Its streets are the living image of the modernity that we all have in mind when we think of Tokyo: neon lights, “fashion” people and a 24-hour atmosphere.

Shinjuku station

It is currently the busiest in Tokyo and, by the numbers, also in the world. Every day more than three and a half million people pass through its platforms.

It is worth taking a walk through this area, going up to the viewpoints of the Metropolitan Government Building and having a coffee in the New York Bar of the Park Hyatt Tokyo hotel, a place of worship since it was the setting chosen to shoot the film Lost in Translation.

Shibuya

It is one of the Tokyo neighborhoods that set trends. Its large malls and countless fashion stores make Shibuya compete with Harajuku as the most “fashionable” neighborhood in the city.

To get to know the area, there is nothing better than going at dusk and strolling through the brightest and most crowded streets. The most famous street is Center Gai.

Shibuya Crossing

If there is an image known to most of those interested in Japan, it is that of the Shibuya crossing, also called Hachiko crossing.

The Shibuya intersection is made up of five synchronized pedestrian crossings, which means that every time the traffic lights are opened a human tide invades the asphalt, making the place the busiest crossing in the world.

A Game of Costumes

How many times have you heard about the urban tribes of Tokyo? Of the gothic lolitas? Of people in disguise? In Tokyo there are thousands of followers of the so-called “Cosplay” or Costume Play.

On weekends and especially on Sundays, Harajuku is dressed in countless colors showing a must-see street show. The focal point of the “show” is the Jingu-bashi Bridge, right outside JR Harajuku Station.

Shopping

Akibahara

It is the best neighborhood in Tokyo to buy the latest in digital cameras, video games, music players and other technological gadgets.

One issue that has gained weight in the neighborhood is everything related to manga culture: comics, figures or costumes are products that have become typical of Akihabara. Strolling through the streets of Akihabara you can find dozens of girls dressed as maids who distribute advertisements for Maid Cafes. These curious places are one of the latest phenomena that have been added to the area.

Harajuku

It is the fashion district of Tokyo. In its main streets we will find both the most prestigious boutiques in the world. In addition to being the nerve center of fashion, Harajuku is also the meeting place for the most geek and colorful characters in Tokyo.

Night life

Roppongi

It is the most fun and lively area of ​​Tokyo. The clearly international atmosphere invades its bars and nightclubs especially on weekends.

It is said that the Roppongi junction is the intersection between Tokyo and the world and, in addition to being the preferred area to go out, Roppongi is also the area chosen to live by most expatriate foreigners.