In the world there are a lot of monumental, cosmopolitan and technological cities, nevertheless, there is one that blooms out from its roots and leads the way in terms of technological advances and culture: Tokyo.
Capital of Japan, which is one of the most powerful countries in the world, not because of its size, but because of the way it has managed to rise from each fall with greater strength and spirit. Nowadays, Tokyo is like a travel to another planet.
Located in the east-center of Honshu Island, in the Kanto region, Tokyo has a total population of over 36 million people, making it the most inhabited city in the world. While this might seem like a disadvantage, this magnificent city has been able to take full advantage of its power, thanks to the shocking and almost incredible social order and mutual respect.
Although it is one of the cities with the greatest technological innovations of the planet, Tokyo preserves in an immaculate way its most deeply rooted traditions. One proof of this is that it still shelters its ancient temples from the year 600. The city is divided into 23 neighborhoods, each with distinct attractions.
Tokyo receives more than 2.5 million tourists a year, to whom, this city offers countless lodging options. From the most luxurious hotels located in high skyscrapers, to hostels with personal capsules where all services are within a small space where only one person fits.
Of course, Tokyo is one of the most varied gastronomic capitals. Here you can try almost any international food, even though, traditional recipes are the most searched by tourists. Among these popular dishes are sushi, sashimi, ramen, okonomiyaki, yakitori, tempura and fugu.
There are restaurants and dining rooms for all budgets and palates, although many dishes of the Japanese food are not alike their western versions. The authentic ingredients are mostly raw and cooked seafood, spicy sauces and exotic animal meats.
Something very important before traveling to this imposing city, is to know the most basic traditions, for example, at the time of eating, for any reason should be left sticks or sibashis nailed to the food. This is taken as a great offense or a tradition which, according to the Japanese bodes ill and evokes death. Another well-known tradition is to take off your shoes before entering a house and, as you know, greet with a bow, never shaking hands.
Tokyo perfectly combines its oldest and millenarian sites with a modern and minimalist scenery. Among its landscape are huge skyscrapers full of lights that contrast with the roofs of the imposing and magnificent pagodas from past centuries.
An example of this beautiful combination and a must see for any tourist visiting Tokyo are the Imperial Palace Gardens. They belong to the residence of the Japanese imperial family, and people fall in love with the neat species that live in perfect harmony within the city.
The oldest temple in Tokyo is the Senso-ji, built back in 628 in honor of the goddess Kannon. Another beauty of in the city is Ueno Park, where you will find different temples, statues, shrines, tombs, characteristic cherry trees and a beautiful pond with lotus flowers.
If we talk about all of Tokyo’s traditional attractions we would never end. Due to the millenary history of this city, it could be said that every corner in here has a different charm and a story to tell. Such is the case of the Shibuya station, famous for being the site where the well-known akita dog “Hachiko” waited daily for the arrival of its owner for almost 10 years. Nowadays it is part of the attractions of this district of the city, and a must-see for travelers, who like to take photos in front of the statue of this popular can.
Tokyo is a city of huge buildings, many of them, skyscrapers and one of them allows tourists to observe one of the best views of the city. The Tokyo Sky Tree allows you to enjoy a panoramic view over 630 meters height.
Entertainment in Tokyo has no borders. Here you can find an almost infinite variety of things to do at day or by night. Bars, nightclubs, cinemas, theaters, stadiums and video game centers.
Without a doubt Tokyo is a city that is one step ahead of the whole world, and one example of this is the impressive architecture where modernity does not try to compete with sustainability and the preservation of the traditional culture. Japanese society is fondly proud of its roots of respecting order, cleanliness and diversity.
Even though it has all type of transportation to visit the gigantic roads, in its ancient and hidden alleys you can discover the other face of Tokyo. Small markets where you can taste delicious food, find curious antiques, toys and pieces of all kind.
Tokyo is a fast place and as a good cosmopolitan city, people move along with the same rhythm. For many tourists, Tokyo may impact and stun them at a certain level because of the large number of people, noise, lights and movement, but it’s in all of that, that its charm is hidden: in the details of this city that seems to have come from the future, to warn the world of everything that comes.