Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, city populated by over 12 million people, is the great and hospitable place to visit all year around. Even in summer, when it can be quite hot and muggy, one can find a cool retreat. This can be a bench near a koi pond in a quiet street corner, a nice and cozy eatery, even a subterranean shopping mall, adjacent to the elaborate city railway system (a real City under the city). One of best times to visit is the beginning of April, when sakura trees are in full blossom and the weather is comfortably mild. The tradition of walking and gathering under the sakura trees is called Hanami (from hana, flower, and mi, to see). This is the time when large crowds are gathering in public places near shrines and temples, to enjoy the company of the friends and the strangers around; everybody is united by the beauty of nature. You will be surprised to experience the paradoxical feeling of being able to find serenity in the middle of the crowd. Great place for hanami is the Ueno park that is replete with shrines, quaint museums, and temples.
 | Tokyo International Airport - Narita International Airport (NRT). Narita International Airport Official Website |
 | Shinjuku Skyscraper District is located west of the Shinjuku Station, Japan's busiest railway station. Shinjuku is one of the 23 wards of Tokyo and common name for the large entertainment, business and shopping area around Shinjuku Station. |
 | Tokyo Skyscrapers: view from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office. Many skyscrapers have shops on their ground floors and restaurants with great views of the city on their top floors. |
 | Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office (Tocho). The building consists of 243 meters tall twin towers and houses numerous offices as well as the assembly hall of the metropolitan government of Tokyo. Observatories on 45th floor of each tower are open for public (admission info: Observatories - Tokyo Metropolitan Government). |
 | Tokyo Skyscrapers: view from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office. |
 | View of Tokyo Imperial Palace as seen from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office (Tocho). Tokyo Imperial Palace is the main residence of the Emperor of Japan and his family. It is located in Chiyoda close to Tokyo Station. The inner palace is open to the public on only two days - the Emperor's birthday and the New Year. On Emperor's birthday crowds of people are gathering in front of the Chowaden Reception Hall and wait for Emperor and his family to appear and greet them. |
 | View of the Tokyo Bay from a highway. |
 | View of the Tokyo Bay from a highway. |
 | View of the Tokyo Bay from a highway. |
 | View on Tokyo Bay from a highway, Rainbow Bridge. Rainbow Bridge is the 50th largest suspension bridge in the world. Opened in 1993, the bridge is 918 meters long with a distance of 570 meters between the two towers. Nighttime lights of Rainbow Bridge are constantly changing (hence the name). |
 | Akihabara, also known as Electric Town, located 5 minutes ride from Tokyo Station. Akihabara is a major shopping area for electronic, computer, and appliances goods that fit most of the world electric sockets; great things of famous Japanese quality can be bought there at discounted prices. |
 | Kabuki performances in Tokyo are best to be seen at Kabuki-Za Theater. Shows typically last three to five hours and are divided into three or four acts. Tickets are sold for either a whole show or just a single act. English earphone guides are available. One can bring their own lunch and eat while watching the performance. |
 | Busy Tokyo street. |
 | Ueno Park in January. Ueno Park is situated in Tokyo's Taito Ward and is very close to Ueno Station. Ueno is also home to the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, and the National Science Museum, a major public concert hall, and Ueno Zoo. |
 | Statue of the guardian dog-lion creature in one of the shrines at the Ueno Park. Even during cherry blossom festivities one can find peace and quiet in Ueno Park. |
 | During the cherry blossom season Ueno Park is crowded by around a million people daily enjoying their stroll or eating and drinking beer and sake beneath the pink canopy of cherry trees. |
 | Sakura blossom at Ueno Park. |
 | Sakura blossom at Ueno Park. |
 | Sakura blossom at Ueno Park. |
 | View from Ueno Park (Ueno station). |
 | View from Ueno Park (Ueno station). |