Tokyo (東京 Tōkyō) is the enormous and wealthy capital of Japan, and also its central city, overflowing with culture, commerce, and most of all, people.
As the most populated urban area globally, Tokyo is a fascinating and dynamic metropolis that mixes foreign influences, consumer culture and global business along with remnants of the capital of old Japan.
From modern electronics and gleaming skyscrapers to cherry blossoms and the Imperial Palace, this city represents the entire sweep of Japanese history and culture.
Tokyo truly has something for every traveller.
Districts
The capital of Japan is not a city, but is Tokyo Metropolis (東京都 Tōkyō-to), which apart from the name is indistinguishable from a prefecture: it’s equal in status with the other 46 prefectures. It is about as big (containing large suburban and even rural areas to the west and islands as far as 1,000 km (620 mi) south).
Even more strangely, there is no such thing as the “city of Tokyo”.
What most people, both foreigners and Japanese, are thinking of when they hear “Tokyo” is the special wards of Tokyo (特別区 tokubetsu-ku), sometimes just called the 23 wards (23区 nijūsan-ku).
They’re somewhat like the boroughs of London or New York, except there’s no “city government” banding them together.
The wards refer to themselves as “cities” in English (since they behave as such, each having its mayor and council), but to avoid confusion, most people prefer to call them “wards”.
This article is about the 23 special wards, while the western suburbs and the islands are covered in Tokyo Metropolis.
The JR Yamanote Line defines the geography of central Tokyo (see Get around).
The centre of Tokyo — the former area reserved for the Shogun and his samurai — lies within the loop, while the Edo-era downtown (下町 shitamachi) is to the north and east.
Sprawling around in all directions and blending in seamlessly are Yokohama, Kawasaki and Chiba, Tokyo’s suburbs.
Together, the entire metropolitan area has over 40 million, making it the most populated urban area in the world.
🏨 Hotels Near Tokyo
🎉 Tourist attractions Near Tokyo
| Top attraction | Address | City | Discover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Tower | 📍 4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen | Near Tokyo Japan | Well-known tower with observation areas “Interesting tourist attraction.” ⋅ Opens 10AM |
| Omoide-Yokochō | 📍 1 Chome-2 Nishishinjuku | Near Tokyo Japan | Historic alley for street eats & spirits “Great place for tourists to try Yakitori and take memorable pictures.” ⋅ Open 24 hours |
| Meiji Jingu | 📍 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho | Near Tokyo Japan | Famed Shinto shrine with a garden “Best tourist attraction” ⋅ Opens 5:10AM |
| Hachikō Memorial Statue | 📍 2 Chome-1 Dogenzaka | Near Tokyo Japan | Landmark statue of a loyal dog “Good Tourist Attraction” ⋅ Open 24 hours |
| Tokyo Skytree | 📍 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage | Near Tokyo Japan | Huge tower with an observation deck “A popular tourist attraction which looks better during the day.” ⋅ Opens 10AM |
| Yanaka Ginza | 📍 3 Chome-13-1 Yanaka | Near Tokyo Japan | Traditional 1950s retail & dining area “Nice tourist attraction” ⋅ Opens 9:30AM |
| Tokyo Disneyland | 📍 1-1 Maihama | Near Tokyo Japan | Theme park with rides & shows “very famous tourist attractions.” ⋅ Opens 8AM |
| Tokyo Disney Resort | 📍 1-1 Maihama | Near Tokyo Japan | “Definitely a must go tourist attraction in Japan!” ⋅ |
| shin Godzilla Statue | 📍 1 Chome-2-2 Yurakucho | Near Tokyo Japan | Monument to the popular movie monster “Not much of a tourist attraction.” ⋅ Open 24 hours |
| Yoyogi Park | 📍 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho | Near Tokyo Japan | Park on site of the 1964 Olympic village “Big tourist attraction.” ⋅ Open 24 hours |
🍿Tokyo Best Video for Your Next Trip
🇯🇵 TOKYO Travel tips 🇯🇵 | Watch BEFORE you go!
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