| Nicknamed 'the land of the rising sun', Japan | | | | World War 2. Subsequently, Tokyo's current |
| is certainly one of the most intriguing | | | | urban landscape consists predominantly of |
| countries in the world, setting the supreme | | | | contemporary architecture, including an |
| wealth and economic prowess of a westernised | | | | impressive array of towers and skyscrapers |
| country against a culturally distinct eastern | | | | that light up the night sky to create a |
| backdrop. | | | | stunning backdrop in which to enjoy some late |
| | | | night sushi or a Kirin beer. |
| Indeed, Japan has the world's second largest | | | | |
| economy by nominal GDP, helping to cement its | | | | Tokyo Tower is the tallest self-supporting |
| position as one of the world's major economic | | | | steel structure in the world, and affords |
| players. Moreover, Japan's capital city - | | | | great views over the city. With 2 observation |
| Tokyo - is one of the three world finance | | | | decks - the highest of which is at 250 metres |
| 'command centres', along with New York and | | | | - it's a great way of appreciating the sheer |
| London. | | | | size of Tokyo. |
| | | | |
| Tokyo is probably one of the most | | | | Then there is Tokyo National Museum (TNM), |
| breathtaking cities in the world, and is of | | | | which is the oldest and largest museum in |
| such a monumentally massive scale, it has | | | | Japan. Established in 1892, TNM's collection |
| often been referred to as a 'megactiy'. | | | | focuses on ancient Japanese art and is a good |
| Indeed, if we take the entire greater Tokyo | | | | way of getting to grips with Japan's rich |
| area into account, then it is the most | | | | cultural heritage. |
| populous metropolitan area in the world, with | | | | |
| a staggering 35 million people living there. | | | | And on a clear day, it's possible to see one |
| | | | of Japan's greatest iconic symbols: Mount |
| Literally translated as 'eastern capital', | | | | Fuji. Located just outside of Tokyo, Mount |
| Tokyo is a bustling metropolis with no | | | | Fuji is actually a dormant volcano which last |
| shortage of things to do. However, Tokyo, | | | | erupted in 1708. The most popular months to |
| like most major cities, is a great city to | | | | climb the mountain are July and August and |
| simply wander around soaking up the vibrant | | | | the hike can take anywhere between 3 and 8 |
| atmosphere of the various 'downtowns' and | | | | hours, depending on what route is taken and |
| entertainment districts. | | | | fitness levels. |
| | | | |
| Although Japan has a long and ancient history | | | | With around 5 million foreign visitors each |
| dating back thousands of years, two events in | | | | year, hotels in Tokyo will always be in high |
| recent times have had a significant effect on | | | | demand. And, as one of the most breathtaking |
| Tokyo's cityscape; the 1923 'Great Kanto' | | | | cities in the world, Japan's capital truly is |
| earthquake and the extensive firebombing of | | | | the king of all cities. |