“Eastern Capital.” That is what Tokyo means. Today we are standing before \u5bfa\u90f7\u6a4b. It may appear as a simple bridge but let’s uncover some fascinating facts about Tokyo.
Tokyo began as a small fishing village named Edo. This village was founded in 1603. Later, it became the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate. In 1868, the city was officially renamed Tokyo.
Tokyo is the most populous city in the world. More than 38 million people live in Greater Tokyo. Tokyo is known for being a lively metropolis. It features a unique mix of old and modern.
Tokyo is one of the safest cities worldwide. The crime rate is very low here. Locals even fall asleep on trains with their iPhones out.
The Nihonbashi area is said to have originated as a merchant district. It was built around Edo Castle when the Edo shogunate was founded. As the symbol of the region, Nihonbashi was completed in 1603. In 1604, it was designated as the starting point of the Gokaido. The town soon became prosperous. People and products came from all over the country.
Tokyo has the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants. In the latest edition of the Michelin Guide, 223 restaurants were awarded at least one star.
Mount Fuji can be seen from Tokyo on a clear day. The Metropolitan Government building is a popular viewing spot. Earthquakes strike the city from time to time. Buildings are built to withstand them.
To prevent flooding, five underground shafts have been built. These divert floodwaters without damaging the city. The Allies bombed Tokyo heavily during World War II. Despite this, Tokyo became the first city to reach 10 million residents in 1962.
Tokyo has a robot hotel and a robot restaurant. The Henn Na Hotel is operated by robots. In Shinjuku, you can visit the Robot Restaurant.
The metro gets so busy that commuters need to be pushed inside. These workers are known as Oshiya or “Pushers.” Capsule hotels are also popular in Tokyo.
If you are a fan of Mario Kart, Tokyo is the city to go. You can drive through Shibuya dressed as your favorite character.
Tokyo has the highest number of neon signs in the world. The best areas to see them are Shinjuku and Shibuya. There are many sushi-conveyor-belt restaurants in Tokyo.
Tokyo Disneyland was the first Disney theme park outside the United States. There are also lots of themed cafes in Tokyo. You can find vampire cafes and cat cafes.
Tokyo Tower was inspired by the Eiffel Tower. Akihabara is the center for manga and anime.
Greater Tokyo covers an area of 14,034 square kilometers. The metropolitan area includes cities such as Yokohama, Kawasaki, and Chiba. These are well-connected by public transportation.
There are more than 150 museums in Tokyo. Tokyo has hosted the Summer Olympics. There are over 4,000 shrines and temples. Tokyo Metropolis has 882 interconnected rail stations.
Asakusa is considered the cultural and historic center of Tokyo. Shinjuku is the business and nightlife district. Ginza is the shopping district. Shibuya is known as the young and fun district. Akihabara is the center for manga, anime, and electronics. Roppongi Hills is known for its nightlife.
So as you cross \u5bfa\u90f7\u6a4b, remember you are in a city of contrasts. It is a place where ancient history meets modern innovation.