City Breaks in Tokyo
Japan is a country of history and traditions. It is a country of leading edge technology, wonderful architecture and hypermodern civilization. Tokyo, the capital of Japan is world’s most populous metropolis which is modern and cosmopolitan is the biggest of 47 prefectures throughout Japan. It is not only the political and economical center of Japan, but it has emerged as a center of world economy and culture. It is an inspiring place to visit no matter how many times you’ve been there before. Tokyo is a city of skyscrapers, neon, electronic stores, shopping complexes and countless bars and restaurants. But like various other cities it is also steeped in history and tradition with shrines and temples that makes it a beautiful amalgamation of past and future. As the land unfolds from east to west, there are hills, plateaus and mountains scattered around the city which makes it really beautiful and full of scenic places to visit during short city breaks.
Today, Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dining options to its visitors. There are so many things to see and explore while enjoying holidays in Tokyo. There are large downtown areas like Ginza where famous shops from around the world stand side by side; Shinjuku has emerged as a new city center of Tokyo. Akihabara is renowned as computer town where numerous electronic shops compete against each other and Tsukiji is an open air wholesale market catering shops and consumers everywhere in Japan makes Tokyo one of the hot spots and must visit cities in the world.
There are various awe inspiring places that you can’t afford to miss during Tokyo city breaks:
- Tokyo Disneyland - Tokyo Disneyland is a kingdom of dreams and magic where imagination and adventure sails. Spreading across 114 acres of land, the park is noted for its extensive open spaces, to accommodate large crowds that visit the park. It can see 100,000 visitors daily. There are eight themed areas in the park, the World Bazaar, the four classic Disney lands Adventure land, Western land, Fantasyland and Tomorrow land and two mini lands Critter Country and Mickey’s Toontown. It was opened in 1983 as the first Disney theme park outside the United States.
- Tokyo Imperial Palace - The current Imperial Palace is home to the Japanese Emperor and his family. It is built upon the site of the old Edo Castle, which used to be the seat of Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603 until 1867. In 1868, the Shogunate was overthrown, and the country's capital and Imperial Residence were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. Filled with gardens, ancient stones, bridges and museums, Tokyo Imperial Palace is a beautiful historical and cultural landmark in Japan.
- Rainbow Bridge - Rainbow Bridge is an absolutely fabulous walk. It is a suspension bridge that has two decks and connects northern Tokyo Bay between Shibaura Pier and Odaiba in Minato Ward. From end to end it takes no more than an hour at a fairly leisurely pace. Towers that support the bridge are white and there are lamps placed on wires supporting the bridge which are illuminated in three different colors red, white and green. The bridge has two walkways, one on north side and one on south. The bridge has several excellent observation platforms where you can take a break, click photographs and enjoy panoramic views of surroundings during Tokyo weekend breaks. Some of the landmarks can be seen from bridge include: Tokyo Tower, Skytree, the Kanebo building and the city`s awesome skyline.
- Tokyo Tower - Tokyo Tower is a communication and observation tower located in Shiba Park, Minato in Tokyo. It is an icon of Japan which is primarily a TV antenna tower which is styled like Eiffel tower. It is a popular tourist destination as an observation deck which provides views over the Tokyo Bay area and some surrounding areas.
- Roppongi Hills - Roppongi Hills is one of the best examples of city within city. Constructed by building tycoon Minoru Mori, Roppongi hills is a new urban centre and one of Japan’s largest integrated property developments located in Roppongi district of Minato, Tokyo. Open to the public on April 23 , 2003 the mega complex incorporate offices, apartments, shops, restaurants , cafes, museums, bars, hotels and few parks with 54 story Mori tower which is the major centre of attraction.