Tokyo | Statistics
Region: Kanto
Capital: Tokyo
Area Rank: 45
Tokyo | Destinations
Tokyo Prefecture is located in the Kanto region and is the capital of Japan. It is the world’s most populous metropolitan area and hosts the highest number of Fortune Global 500 companies worldwide. Tokyo consists of 23 central city wards which are all self governing. Tokyo is a great mix of old and new, featuring many historical temples and beautiful gardens as well as monumental skyscrapers and entertainment for all ages. Imperial Palace Plaza is located in the center of Tokyo, immersed in natural beauty by the surrounding trees, flowers and moats. Constructed on what was once the location of Edo Castle, the building is home to the Emperor of Japan. The Tsukiji Fish Market, the world’s largest wholesale fish and seafood market, is also located in central Tokyo. The sight of the many kinds of fresh fish and other seafood and the busy atmosphere of scooters, trucks, sellers and buyers hurrying around, make Tsukiji Market a major tourist attraction. Tokyo SkyTree, a new television broadcasting tower, at a height of 634 meters, is the new landmark of Tokyo. It has exceeded the previous landmark, Tokyo Tower, but both are very popular landmarks of Japan. Tokyo SkyTree and Tokyo Tower provide amazing panoramic views of the city of Japan. Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Akihabara in Tokyo are also among the most popular districts in Japan for their innovative and distinctive atmosphere. Tokyo, as a city with both old and new, is sure to have something for everyone.
Tokyo | Local Food and Produce
Attracting locals from all prefectures, Tokyo offers a great variety of food. For this reason, it is quite difficult to identify food and cuisine that originates in Tokyo.
One of Japan's signature dishes, sushi, originated in Tokyo. Sushi was and is sometimes referred to as "Edomae-zushi". "Edo-mae" means Tokyo Bay, and therefore Edomae-zushi refers to sushi made from fish caught in Tokyo Bay. Edomae-zushi is also unique from other sushi in that the fish are flavored and seasoned rather than just cut and served. For example, the maguro would be brushed with soy sauce before serving, allowing the consumer to enjoy the sushi as it is served, without dipping into soy sauce themselves.
One of the most known Tokyo-originated dish is "monja yaki". Monja yaki is similar to an okonomiyaki, but contains for liquid and runny unlike the solid okonomiyaki. The batter mixture is cooked on a hot plate and eaten directly off the pan with a small spatula. Restaurants serving monja yaki also often serve okonomiyaki and even yakisoba.
Although there are not too many dishes that seem to have originated from Tokyo, Tokyo is known as one of the best dining cities in the world. Various kinds of dishes from not only all over Japan but all over the world are available in Tokyo.
Tokyo | Arts and Crafts
"Tokyo-some-komon" is a traditional form of dyeing that developed in Tokyo during the 17th century. The Tokyo-some-komon method creates fine print dye effects and has a subtle beauty. Designs and patterns of Tokyo-some-komon can vary from geometric designs to plum blossoms and sharkskin pattern. The process involves brush dyeing and thrashing, or hitting the garment repeatedly. Although kimonos of Tokyo-some-komon were worn by everyone, today, Tokyo-some-komon is used to create beautiful kimono exclusively for women. Tokyo Somemonogatari Museum offers workshops where you can try your hand at Tokyo-some-komon and dye your very own fabric.
Tokyo | Festivals and Events
Sanja Matsuri, held in Asakusa every May, is one of the three largest festivals in Tokyo. The three day event attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators who gather to watch several dozens of extravagant mikoshi get carried by men. Women and children can also participate in Sanja Matsuri, carrying mikoshi that is exclusively carried by women or children. The highlight of Sanja Matsuri is when the mikoshi are jolted, which is believed to strengthen the power of the deities. The whole town becomes a dancing parade as several large shrines are carried throughout town from morning until night as performers dance and parade to the sound of the beating drums and flute tunes.