Tokyo is really, really big, and depending on who you talk to, the largest city in the world. It actually consists of 23 different wards (ku) - cities that have their own special attractions. Since it doesn't make too much sense to tell about all of these different cities as if they were one city, we have subdivided Tokyo in the following way.

Tokyo has been the capitol of Japan since 1868 when it replaced the old Capitol of Kyoto (just north of Osaka, the 2nd largest city in Japan). Tokyo was previously called Edo before it became the capitol.

Greater Tokyo is 239 square miles (618 square km) and is home to more than 17 Million people in the day time and 12 Million at night... which means that 5 Million people commute to and from work from the outer bedtown cities daily.

Akihabara has the largest concentration of electronics shops in the world. There are good deals to be found. Most shops have English speaking staff. Foreign visitors can get refunds for taxes paid. Remember to bring your passport as proof of foreign residency. The big shops also have locations in Shinjuku West Exit with prices being about the same but Akihabara specializes in the foreign market.

Asakusa is famous for its temples and pagoda. Across the river you can see the Asahi Beer building. It's the cube-shaped black building with the gold *thingy* on top. If you.... read more...