Travel Guides > Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo Travel

If you've ever been to New York, dubbed "the city that never sleeps", you know that the hustle and bustle can go on all night long. But you haven't seen anything until you've visited Tokyo! In this city of about twelve million inhabitants, the streets literally buzz twenty-four hours a day. Perhaps that's part of the reason why it's such a wonderful place to visit.

You'll never be bored here. If you're having insomnia at 2 a.m. and decide to go out for a walk, you'll no doubt find a myriad of things to do and you'll be safe doing whatever you choose in this city that boasts a very low crime rate.

Tokyo is crowded, with real estate costing a fortune, and the city itself is constantly changing and contains few vestiges of its former self. What's behind all the neon signs and contemporary structures, however, will thrill just about any visitor.

The largest and oldest museum in all of Japan is the Tokyo National Museum and it's the best place to see the Japan of old. The museum's claim-to-fame is its collection of Japanese art, the most extensive anywhere. You'll even find cool samurai armor, pottery, beautiful kimonos, and some archaeological artifacts here as well.

There are many other excellent art museums in Tokyo, all worth a look, including the National Museum of Modern Art, National Museum of Western Art, Ota Memorial Museum of Art (fascinating woodblock prints), and the Bridgestone Museum of Art (mostly French Impressionist works).

Another interesting museum that invites visitors to come in and learn more about the city is the Edo-Tokyo Museum. There are a lot of visual displays here that allow even the non-Japanese speaking tourist to enjoy the museum and take home a better understanding of the culture, history, and people of Tokyo.

Tokyo doesn't boast a lot of green area, but the few parks that are located throughout the city are nice places for a stroll and a breath of fresh air. Check out Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, a 16-acre park that offers visitors a look at some of Japan's most scenic spots via miniature replicas strewn throughout the park. The 53-acre East Garden is of traditional Japanese style and is located beside the Imperial Palace, where Emperor Akihito lives. You'll also find remains of the old Edo Castle at this location.

When it comes to eating in Tokyo, you'll find much more than Japanese food in this very international city. However, for a real Japanese experience, visit the Tsukiji Fish Market and pick up some local specialties, including the freshest sushi you'll find anywhere.

If you have kids with you or you're just young-at-heart, you'll no doubt head for Tokyo Disneyland, a very American attraction not unlike Disney's theme parks in the United States. However, be sure to also stop at DisneySea, a new park added in 2001 that's based on myths and legends of the ocean and contains rides that can't be found in the other Disney parks.