GREETING AT NARITA AIRPORT
Background
Tokyo (東京, Tōkyō) is Japan’s capital and the world’s most populous metropolis. It is also one of Japan’s 47 prefectures consisting of 23 central city wards and multiple cities, towns and villages west of the city center. The Izu and Ogasawara Islands are also part of Tokyo.
Pre-Modern Tokyo
Prior to 1868, Tokyo was known as Edo. Previously a small castle town, Edo became Japan’s political center in 1603 when Tokugawa leyasu established his feudal government: there. A few decades later, Edo grew into one of the world’s largest cities. With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the emperor and capital moved from Kyoto to Edo, and was renamed Tokyo (“Eastern Capital”). Large parts of Tokyo were destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the air raids of 1945.
Tokyo on the World Stage:
The metropolitan area is the largest industrial, commercial, and financial centre in Japan. Many domestic and international financial institutions and other businesses are headquartered in central Tokyo. The city is an important wholesale centre, where goods from all parts of the country and the world are distributed. Tokyo is part of the Keihin Industrial Zone, centered on the western shore of the bay, which has become the country’s leading manufacturing region. Light and labor-intensive industries predominate in the city, notably printing and publishing and the manufacture of electronic equipment.
Climate & Seasons:
Winter is mild and summer is hot and humid. Early summer and early autumn are rainy seasons; two or three typhoons usually occur during September and October. Tokyo has four distinct seasons: Cherry blossoms in the spring; Fireworks and major festivals in the summer; beautiful, colorful leaves and scenery in fall and magical night views in winter.
Shopping & Entertainment:
Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dining to its visitors. Just a few of the districts where the city’s history can be appreciated:
- Odaiba – a waterfront area that offers an amusement zone, delicious food, entertainment and a view of Tokyo Bay
- Akihabara – Japan’s No. 1 Electric City lit by neon and specialized stores in the area
- Asakusa – with streets that relate to the time when Tokyo was called Edo, has many excellent museums, historic shrines and temples such as the Sensoji Temple which was built in 628 and is the oldest temple in Tokyo
- Shinjuku – the core of the Tokyo Metropolis, is filled with energy & power:
- skyscrapers which houses corporate offices, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government,
- one of Tokyo’s landmarks with an observatory on the 45th floor
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
Interesting Facts about Tokyo:
- Tokyo was originally called Edo
- Population: There are 33 million people in Greater Tokyo
- It is the most populated urban area in the world
- Financial centre: Tokyo is a major global financial centre, home to the headquarters of many multinational corporations
- Tokyo Stock Exchange: The Tokyo Stock Exchange is the largest stock exchange in Asia and the second largest in the world by market capitalization
- Safety: It is one of the safest places in the world
- Public Transportation: Tokyo has an extensive public transportation system that includes subways, trains, buses, and taxis. The city is easy to navigate and getting around is relatively cheap and convenient
- Earthquakes – Japan prone to earthquakes but buildings are designed to withstand strong earthquakes
- Floods in Tokyo – Tokyo is prepared for floods because there are around five massive underground reservoir structures under the city of Tokyo. These structures have been built to protect the city from flooding and tsunamis
- Food Culture: The food culture in Tokyo is amazing. There are numerous restaurants and cafes to choose from, serving both local and international cuisine. In addition, Tokyo is a shopper’s paradise. There are many department stores, boutiques, and markets to explore
- Largest Fish Market in the world – Tsukiji Fish Market was the largest wholesale fish market in the world. However, in 2018, the wholesale fish market was transferred to a newly built Toyosu market The area still has restaurants and retail stores and is a popular tourist destination
- Vending machines: There is a vending machine for every 23 citizens in Tokyo
- The Tokyo Skytree is one of the world’s tallest building at 634 meters; and the tallest building in Japan
- Museums: Tokyo is home to over 80 museums, including the renowned Tokyo National Museum and the Edo-Tokyo Museum
- Temples & Shrines: Tokyo also has many temples and shrines
- First Disneyland outside the United States
- Tax-free shopping: Foreigners shop free for purchases of 5000 yen and over if they present their passport.
- Shibuya Scramble Crossing: World’s busiest intersection where approximately 2500 people cross each time the light turns green
- Mount Fuji: See Mount Fuji on a clear day from many areas in Tokyo
Mt. Fuji
- Major Fashion Capital: Tokyo is said to be the fashion capital of Asia. The Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo is a major event for designers in the fashion industry
- Capsule Hotels: First City to have capsule hotels
- Cherry blossoms in Tokyo: Celebrated between March to April for its stunning, incredible beauty daytime and nighttime
Sakura (Cherry Blossom)
- Robot Hotels & Restaurants: Tokyo has many robot hotels and restaurants
- Green Spaces: Tokyo has a large number of parks and green spaces, including the Imperial Palace East Gardens, Shinjuku Garden, and the Meiji Shrine Forest
