A Guidebook To Experiencing Tokyo
When one thinks of Tokyo, several different ideas come to mind. Bright colors, millions of lights, two-story TV's, new technology, giant groups of people and great food are just a few characteristics of Japan that come to mind. Tokyo is the king of cities, and is actually the world's most populous metropolitan area and has the world's largest metropolitan economy. You just can't call yourself a city person until you've been to the most living city on earth. Just remember that you'll need a passport to travel to Japan. A pasport renewal is quick and easy, getting you around the world faster than ever.
All your passport needs can be met quickly and easily from the convenience of your home computer by accessing an online passport specialty website. Even if you need a 24 hour United States passport renewal, this can be done quickly and securely.
Following the tradition of many large foreign cities, Tokyo is divided into several different districts. This makes it easier to locate the point of interest most suited to your tastes as you vacation here. The Central Tokyo area is where you will experience the hustle and bustle of the largest city in the world while the Old Tokyo will treat you to the more culturally traditional side.
There is certainly no shortage of towering city buildings here and a trip to the top of one will treat you to a breathtaking view of the city. If you visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, be sure to take the elevator all the way to the 45th floor. The view is spectacular and you can also enjoy fine dining and souvenir shops.
Food is a hub of Japanese culture, so you definitely want to make sampling Japanese dishes a part of your trip. One of the best places to experience this food culture is at the Tokyo fish market, where the vendors, customers, smells, sights, and sounds all combine to create a dizzying experience. Also, definitely make some time to visit an authentic sushi restaurant, as Japan is the home of sushi. A neat way to do this is to visit a kaitenzushi-style restaurant, where sushi is served on a conveyor belt for diners to grab at their desire.
It's difficult to pick just a few attractions to see while in Japan. A large part of the experience is walking around the city and simply seeing the sights. All the neon and lights and advertisements create an atmosphere that is all-consuming, and just being there is a great way to experience Tokyo. Visit the crazy fashion shops, the huge stores full of sleek technology, the monster department sores, the skyscrapers that tower above the roads, and the restaurants of every shape, size, and specialty.
Don't be fooled into thinking that Tokyo is all fast pace city life. There are sections of this sprawling metropolis that contain beautiful traditional Japanese gardens, ponds and an opportunity to simply relax and enjoy the beauty. The Imperial Palace gardens are one example of this as well as the Asakusa and Meiji Shrines. Rich with culture, a visit to these sites will provide an opportunity to explore Japanese art as well as spirituality.
There will certainly be no shortage of things to do in the largest city in the world but you can't even begin to enjoy it if you don't have a passport. 24 hour American passport services are available if you go to your computer and access a passport website. A passports renewals can be done quickly and, before you know it, you can be off to a real city life experience in Tokyo, Japan.
Published October 15th, 2010
Filed in Recreation