Eastern capital: Tokyo, the king of all cities

Nicknamed 'the land of the rising sun', Japan isWorld War 2. Subsequently, Tokyo's current
certainly one of the most intriguing countries inurban landscape consists predominantly of
the world, setting the supreme wealth andcontemporary architecture, including an impressive
economic prowess of a westernised countryarray of towers and skyscrapers that light up the
against a culturally distinct eastern backdrop.night sky to create a stunning backdrop in which
Indeed, Japan has the world's second largestto enjoy some late night sushi or a Kirin beer.
economy by nominal GDP, helping to cement itsTokyo Tower is the tallest self-supporting steel
position as one of the world's major economicstructure in the world, and affords great views
players. Moreover, Japan's capital city - Tokyo - isover the city. With 2 observation decks - the
one of the three world finance 'commandhighest of which is at 250 metres - it's a great
centres', along with New York and London.way of appreciating the sheer size of Tokyo.
Tokyo is probably one of the most breathtakingThen there is Tokyo National Museum (TNM),
cities in the world, and is of such a monumentallywhich is the oldest and largest museum in Japan.
massive scale, it has often been referred to as aEstablished in 1892, TNM's collection focuses on
'megactiy'. Indeed, if we take the entire greaterancient Japanese art and is a good way of getting
Tokyo area into account, then it is the mostto grips with Japan's rich cultural heritage.
populous metropolitan area in the world, with aAnd on a clear day, it's possible to see one of
staggering 35 million people living there.Japan's greatest iconic symbols: Mount Fuji.
Literally translated as 'eastern capital', Tokyo is aLocated just outside of Tokyo, Mount Fuji is
bustling metropolis with no shortage of things toactually a dormant volcano which last erupted in
do. However, Tokyo, like most major cities, is a1708. The most popular months to climb the
great city to simply wander around soaking upmountain are July and August and the hike can
the vibrant atmosphere of the varioustake anywhere between 3 and 8 hours,
'downtowns' and entertainment districts.depending on what route is taken and fitness
Although Japan has a long and ancient historylevels.
dating back thousands of years, two events inWith around 5 million foreign visitors each year,
recent times have had a significant effect onhotels in Tokyo will always be in high demand.
Tokyo's cityscape; the 1923 'Great Kanto'And, as one of the most breathtaking cities in the
earthquake and the extensive firebombing ofworld, Japan's capital truly is the king of all cities.