Popular places in Tokyo. What is worth seeing in Tokyo? When is the season

12.03.2021

Tokyo (東京) is one of the most mysterious cities on the planet. Everyone knows what exactly is the capital of Japan, its cultural and economic center, as well as one of the largest and most populous cities on the planet. But few people know that Tokyo no longer exists as a city since 1943: since then it has no longer been marked on maps. Why? The answer is simple. Officially, when they talk about Tokyo as a city, they mean 62 administrative divisions that are considered part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. Moreover, part of the territory, namely 23 districts that were part of Tokyo until 1943, are today considered as separate cities, which have their own governing bodies.

Interesting fact: Tokyo was founded in the XII century and was considered an ordinary village of fishermen called Edo. It was transformed into the capital of the shogunate in 1590 (Kyoto was still considered the capital of Japan by that time). The capital of the Country The rising sun the city became only in 1869, when the imperial court began to live here. Then Tokyo got its current name, which means "eastern capital".

The architecture of Tokyo, so to speak, is rather dull. Gray buildings and streets of the same type, which sometimes do not even have their own name. The fact is that after the Second World War, the city was rebuilt, guided by pragmatic ideas and economic considerations. In addition, Tokyo is located in a seismically active area. There are very few such capitals in the world: the city constantly suffers earthquakes of various amplitudes. However, this does not mean at all that there are no interesting places in Tokyo, because it is not for nothing that the city is one of the tourist centers of Japan. We present to your attention 7 of the most interesting places in Tokyo.

1. Kabuki-cho (Japanese 歌舞伎町)

Vivid proof that Tokyo is not just a gray city - a beautiful place called Kabuki-cho... It is one of the neighborhoods in Tokyo's Shinjuku area, home to over 2,100 people. A colorful spot in the city and one of the most interesting places in Tokyo.

Kabuki-cho is an entertainment district that is known to any city dweller. Here you will find an endless variety of slot machines, various cafes, cinemas and other entertainment venues. The Japanese do not speak well of this place and call it "A labyrinth of passionate desires" and "Quarter of foreign workers"... A more condescending variation of the name "Non-sleeping quarter".

Indeed, they do not sleep here even at night, so you can safely walk around Kabuki-cho. We assure you: there will be many people. Therefore, we are sure that lovers of night walks will definitely like this place in Tokyo.

2. Yasukuni (Japanese 靖國神社)

Everyone knows that Japan is rich in various temples and sanctuaries. There are countless of them and they are all unique. Tokyo is also rich in vibrant spiritual places. Yasukuni is the shrine of the Shinto religion, which is called "the temple of peace in the country." This place is considered the center of the religious ceremonies of the Shinto religion.

The main difference between Yasukuni and other Shinto shrines is that they worship not kami (gods), but the souls of soldiers who gave their lives for Japan and the Emperor. Another interesting point: Yasukuni is under the control of the country's military leadership like no other sanctuary in the country.

In 1874, Emperor Meiji visited Yasukuni. This has not happened before, because here they do not worship gods. After that, it is generally accepted that the soldiers who died for Japan and the Emperor are equated with the gods. Since then, people who died in any wars become objects of worship and it is in Yasukuni that they can be bowed down and asked for help. Anyone wishing to see all the most interesting places in Tokyo should visit here.

3. Meiji Jingu (Japanese 明治神宮)

Another very famous temple is Meiji Jingu. The object of worship in it is no longer the dead warriors, as in Yasukuni, but the Emperor Meiji and his wife Seken. After they died, the public campaigned for the creation of a temple in their honor. The sanctuary was officially founded in November 1920, but during the Second World War, the building burned down, and the reconstruction was carried out only in 1958.

The territory of the sanctuary is striking: its area is about 708,200 m2. The Meiji Jingu Building is a typical example of traditional Japanese temple architecture. In the garden of this sanctuary, you can find absolutely all the trees, shrubs and plants that grow in Japan.

One of the most interesting places on the territory of the shrine is the Meiji Memorial (Wedding) Hall. A Shinto wedding ceremony is still held here. If you're lucky, you can attend a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony and see one of the most beautiful places in Tokyo.

4. Tokyo Imperial Palace (Japanese 皇居)

Japan is a parliamentary monarchy. The Japanese imperial dynasty is by far the oldest in the world. The first emperor took over in 660 BC. At the moment, the history of the Japanese Empire has 125 emperors. Traditionally, all Emperors live in luxury castles fenced off from the common people.

The imperial palace has become a very interesting place in Tokyo from a historical and architectural point of view. The Imperial Palace suffered several fires, one of which occurred during the Second World War. In 1968, it was decided to reconstruct the building and rebuild it. In addition to the Emperor's chambers and the new imperial palace, located on the territory of the Office of the Imperial Court of Japan. Interestingly, the entire Palace Castle still stands on the foundations of the old Edo Palace. The gardens and most of the castle buildings are open to visitors, so you can walk around and see one of the best spots in Tokyo with your own eyes.

5. Ueno Zoo (恩賜上野動物園)

Tokyo amazes not only with its architectural sights. Animal lovers should definitely go to Ueno Zoo, which is considered one of the 15 best zoos according to Forbes.

More than 464 species of animals are represented in the zoo: more than 2600 animals. You can move around the zoo on the monorail (by the way, this is the oldest monorail in the country, which was launched in 1958). The National Museum of Nature and Science is also located within the zoo, so animal and museum lovers can kill two birds with one stone.

A life-size model of a blue whale is built at the entrance to the zoo. Imagine how huge it is!

It is no less interesting to get to the zoo on a “special day”. Due to the fact that the zoo is located in an earthquake-prone area, exercises are held here once a year, during which employees catch "escaped animals." Why is it interesting to see this? Because, firstly, the zoo is itself a very interesting place in Tokyo. Secondly, on this day it is open to visitors. And thirdly, the escaped animals are portrayed by the zoo employees themselves, dressed in animal costumes. Just imagine this picture! No tourist should miss this event!

6. Tokyo Disneyland (東京ディズニーランド)

Every tourist who comes to France first of all seeks to visit Disneyland. But people who have visited Japan also have such an opportunity. One of the most interesting places in Tokyo is the Tokyo Amusement Park, which covers an area of 465,000 m². Disneyland is located in the city of Urayasu, located not very far from Tokyo itself. Incidentally, Tokyo Disneyland opened its doors on April 15, 1983 and is the first park built outside of the United States.

It is noteworthy that the park itself and its satellite Tokyo Disney sea are not owned by the Walt Disney Company, although the Tokyo park itself was built by Walt Disney Imagineering, imitating Disneyland in California and the Magic Kingdom in Florida. Price entrance ticket, which is called a passport here, costs from 4100 to 6200 yen for one day, depending on the age of the visitor. Children under 3 years old admittance is free. Thanks to this passport, you will be able to visit all the attractions without paying for each one separately. You can also buy a passport for several days. For those who like to have fun, we recommend visiting this most interesting place in Tokyo.

7. Mitake (Japanese 御岳山)

In addition to the sights of the city, in Tokyo you can admire the wonderful nature. Such a place in the Japanese capital, where you can contemplate the beautiful Japanese landscapes, is Mitake, a mountain located not far from the city.

Mount Mitake is considered one of the starting points of Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park. This park covers more than 1,250 km² of mountains, hills, gorges and several cities with dense green forest. At the top of the mountain is the shrine of the Shinto religion - the Musashi-Mitake temple. On the way to the temple, you will come across a small village with Japanese-style inns and a bunch of souvenir shops. From the temple you can walk to several other cities and to picturesque valleys... Most beautiful place here the so-called "Stone Garden" is considered - a narrow wooded valley with a clear river, huge stones overgrown with moss. There are also two waterfalls here. For those who want to breathe fresh air, admire nature and just relax their souls better place not found in Tokyo.

The list of interesting places in Tokyo presented by us, of course, is far from complete. There are many other interesting sights in the city that everyone should see. To understand what is the most interesting and memorable place in Tokyo, go there yourself and see everything with your own eyes. If you have already been to Tokyo, please share your impressions! What places did you like the most?

Japan is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. We hope that you are already thinking about going there! Of course, when preparing for a trip, many questions arise, the answers to which you will find in our master class ““.

Are there many cities in the world that have survived many devastating earthquakes, fires, war, changed their name and face, but continued to remain one of the largest in the world? Perhaps, except for the capital of Japan, Tokyo, you will not remember such. Today in this city antiquity is combined with modernity, oriental traditions - with European, glass skyscrapers - with ancient stone buildings, because of the sights of Tokyo they cause genuine interest among tourists from all over the world. And there is something to see here!

Imperial legacy

Tokyo, in comparison with many other capitals of the countries of the world, the city is quite young - it is a little over four centuries old, but interesting historical sites are also present in it.

So in the very heart of the city was located. The first buildings of this castle complex appeared in the distant 16th century, and then they were gradually completed and expanded, eventually turning into the largest palace complex in the world. Nowadays, the territory of the castle is divided into two parts. In the west wing is the Imperial Palace itself, which houses the chambers of the current Japanese Emperor Akihito, as well as his relatives and courtiers.

During the war, the palace was destroyed by American aircraft and then rebuilt. It is noteworthy that the imperial chambers are not hidden behind seven castles, but are available to visitors and tourists two days a year - on New Year's Day and on the emperor's birthday. The stone walls of the castle and some of its internal buildings are a national treasure of Japan and are protected by law.

A eastern part the castle was taken under the Eastern Garden, the decoration of which is the ancient Otemon gate, which once served as the entrance to the imperial castle. In the garden itself, surrounded by the walls and gatehouses of the inner castle, traditional Japanese and rare plants are planted. Also in the park there is a pond, a waterfall and a tea house.

Buddhist and Shinto shrines

When listing the ancient landmarks of Tokyo, it is impossible not to remember two famous temples in this city - Meiji Shrine and Asakusa Shrine... Emperor Meiji played in the fate of Japan exactly the same role as Tsar Peter I for Russia. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, he led his country from the most dense Middle Ages to the leaders of world powers. The heirs appreciated the merits of the emperor and after his death they erected the Meiji Temple - one of the most perfect examples of Shinto architecture, an object where the spirit of the deceased emperor and his wife has been revered for many decades. This temple is located among a living forest, like an oasis spread out in the very center of the city. There is a beautiful iris garden near the temple, which is especially beautiful in June, when the irises bloom. On weekends, magnificent wedding processions can be found in and around the temple.

And the Asakusa temple is one of the oldest and main Buddhist temples in Tokyo. True, today there is only a concrete copy on the site of a structure erected in the 6th century, but this in no way diminishes the significance of the shrine. The Nakamise street, festively decorated at any time of the year, leads to the temple, where brisk trade has been going on for many centuries. And if once exclusively cult items, amulets and souvenirs were sold on it, now “divine” goods have given way to clothes, shoes, bags and other ladies' accessories. The shopkeepers expect that the tourist who has visited the Asakusa Temple and is in high spirits will buy something.

In addition to these two temples, many others can be found in the Japanese capital. In Tokyo, both Shintoists (pagans) and Buddhists live peacefully. Among such temples, a separate place is occupied by the Shinto Temple of Peace in the country, located not far from the Imperial Palace. After the end of World War II, this temple was dedicated to all compatriots who died on the battlefield. And the museum opened at the temple tells in detail about those distant events.

Amazing objects of our time

It belongs to the main attractions of Tokyo, created after the end of World War II. The Japanese are proud of her with the same reverence as the French are of their Eiffel Tower. In the middle of the last century, this tower was the tallest in the world (its height is more than 330 meters), but later lost the palm, although it is still included in the list of the 29 tallest buildings in the world. The tower was painted in traditional Japanese colors - white and red. At its top, there are two observation platforms (at an altitude of 150 and 250 meters), which offer picturesque and amazing views of Tokyo Bay and the city itself. At the foot of the tower there are small shops, restaurants and museums (Wax Museum and Tokyo Guinness World Records Museum).

True, since the beginning of the new century, Tokyo Tower has been successfully competing with observation deck, located on the 52nd floor of the Roppongi Hills building complex. Here, from a bird's eye view, you can also get acquainted with the architectural development of the Japanese capital.

Another observation deck is located on the 45th floor of the new Japanese City Hall, which was built in the Shinjuku area - one of the main administrative, financial and commercial centers of Tokyo.

In the winter months, you can even see the national symbol of Japan - Mount Fuji from here.

Also in the Shinjuku area are Tokyo Opera City (this complex has a place for the New National Theater) and Takashimaya Times Square (a huge shopping and entertainment complex).

Since there is not so much free land on the Japanese islands, the Japanese are persistently trying to "grab" at least a crumbs of space from the sea, piling up man-made islands. The attractions of Tokyo include man-made island of Odaiba, located in the middle of Tokyo Bay on the site of a former garbage dump. The island is connected with the city by the amazing Rainbow Bridge.

Today, on the island, which amazes all visitors to the Japanese capital, there are office buildings, entertainment complexes, parks and attractions. The architecture of Odaiba has long become the face of modern Tokyo, and it is worth visiting this place, if only for the amazing view that opens during the journey to the island from the window of the electric train moving along the automated monorail road.

It is here that the showrooms of the leading Japanese companies Toyota and Panasonic are located. But tourists come here not only to get acquainted with the latest innovations in the field of automobile construction and high technologies, but also to admire the gorgeous views of Tokyo at night, illuminated by electric lights. When these lights are reflected in the waters of the bay, it seems that the Japanese capital is illuminated even from below. The man-made island also houses the National Museum of Science and Technical Innovation, the Museum of Maritime Art and one of the world's tallest Ferris wheels. Diameter ferris wheels Giant Sky Wheel is 115 meters, and it looks especially impressive in the evening, when it is illuminated by many colored lights. The Ferris wheel makes a full circle in 16 minutes - this is enough time to enjoy the views of Tokyo Bay, the man-made island and the Japanese capital itself.

If desired, in Tokyo, you can also get in touch with non-standard entertainment - visit the center for informing about safety rules and behavior during an earthquake. In addition to lectures and demonstration of video materials, a short course of study also includes a simulation of an earthquake with a power of 7 points, which leaves an unforgettable experience for tourists.

Fashion centers and Japanese restaurants

The inhabitants of the Japanese capital are proud of their street Omote-sando called Tokyo Champs Elysees... Not so long ago, the world's leading haute couture companies opened their branches here, so tourists from all over the world can often be found here. The prices in shops on Omote-sando are much lower than in other capitals of the world. And on this street there are cozy cafes and restaurants, where Tokyo youth like to gather in the evening.

But if we consider the sights of Tokyo in terms of fashionable shops, then how can we fail to mention Ginzu- a shopping showcase in Tokyo, where almost any walk along the streets of the Japanese capital ends. It is in this area that the best shops and restaurants with real Japanese cuisine are concentrated. True, the prices in the local establishments are simply exorbitant. Also in this area are the Kabuki Theater - one of the symbols of Japan and the office of the Sony Corporation, which has a special hall that demonstrates the latest developments of the famous manufacturer.

And the whole flavor of Japanese trade and culinary traditions can be traced in the Tsukiji market - the largest vegetable and fish market in the country.

Every day at 5 o'clock in the morning, auctions for the sale of batches and individual carcasses of tuna, which are one of the hallmarks of Tokyo, begin here. True, only the most hardy tourists can withstand this spectacle. And at 6 o'clock in the morning, the doors of sushi bars open here, in which visitors are already waiting for dishes from freshly purchased fish at the market.

Places of pleasant rest

To fully immerse yourself in the lifestyle of the people of Tokyo, you need to take time to visit the Museum of Samurai Swords, the Tokyo Stock Exchange, and at least once attend a sumo wrestling competition.

Tired of walking through the old city and modern quarters, you can relax in Tokyo gardens and parks - unique objects of Japanese culture. Most of them are hand-crafted, the landscape and vegetation in all parks are carefully thought out. Modern Tokyo is impossible to imagine without parks like Shinjuku(here all plants are kept in Japanese, English and French park traditions); Yoyogi (people of all ages gather here for picnics and outdoor activities); Rikugien (especially tourists are attracted by an artificial reservoir with islands and houses for a tea ceremony).

If there is free time, tourists are advised to visit japanese baths onsen- a kind of analogue public baths where the main procedure is immersion in a bath with heated mineral (or ordinary water). In addition to bath treatments, many onsens also offer a wide range of spa services: sand baths, massage, peeling, beauty treatments and foot care with Garra Rufa fish (they feed on dead skin cells).

Tokyo is a metropolis, which, on the one hand, conquers with countless temples and ancient palaces, and on the other hand, appears as a modern capital, in which there are many shopping and entertainment centers, restaurants and brand stores.

Many people talk about Tokyo as the city of the future, and this is not without reason, since it has many exhibition centers in which you can see this metropolis in the future. At the same time, the inhabitants of Tokyo respect the history and culture of their state and city very much, therefore they can often be seen in museums and exhibition centers.

This is an old building with beautiful architecture, the history of which begins from the 15th century... Helicopters never fly over the palace and there are no subway tunnels under it. V East Park, which is located next to the palace, everyone can walk, as well as in the courtyard, but the emperor's house itself is closed to the public.

The park is especially beautiful in spring during the plum and sakura blossom. You can also walk at the Meganebashi Stone Bridge, the Ninjubashi Steel Bridge and the Fushimi-Yagura Watchtower.

Without exaggeration, this is the most bustling district in Tokyo, which is loved by tourists, because walking around it, you can see countless shops of clothing, electronics and cosmetics, restaurants and cafes. Although the cost of real estate in this place is unrealistically high, as is the rent, global brands consider it imperative to locate one of their boutiques in Ginza.

This is one of the tallest TV towers in the world - 634 meters together with the antenna. It appeared quite recently - on May 22, 2012, its grand opening took place. The Tokyo sky tree, as it is called, loses the championship among the world's towers only to the Burj Khalifa.

The construction of the Tokyo Skytree was due to the fact that the transmission of signals from the Tokyo Television Tower was not fully carried out, the signals did not reach the upper floors of skyscrapers. There are two observation platforms on the tower, from which a stunning view of the city opens up, so tourists can often be seen here.

Location: 1, 1, 2 Oshiage, Sumida 131, 0045.

The theater is located in the center of Ginza and is considered the main Tokyo theater. Colorful decorations, outlandish costumes and interesting performances cannot but amaze. For the Japanese, Kabuki-za is a subject of reckless pride. It is located in an old building, which was built in 1889.

Despite the fact that the theater is designed for 1964 seats, almost always all of them are occupied by both tourists and locals who idolize Kabuki-za. The performance can last 4-5 hours, during the intermission, there are several theater restaurants at the audience, where you can taste both ordinary sandwiches and traditional Japanese food.

Location: 〒104-0061, 中央区 Ginza.

It is considered one of the premier automobile museums in the world and the premier automobile museum in Japan. Toyota Mega Web positions itself as a showroom where you can see the most luxurious and expensive cars, including old models of the world famous concern, and is also an amusement park. It is here that the machines of the future are located, which, to the common man in the street, are more like lunar rovers.

There are six exhibitions in the exhibition center, visiting which you can trace the entire history of the development of the concern and see both the old models of cars of the 50 - 20 century, and the models that will be produced in the future.

Location: 〒135-0064, Koto, Aomi, 1 - Chome − 3 番 12 号.

The amusement park was the first in the world to be built outside the United States. Disneyland Square - 47 hectares, it is located on the shores of Tokyo Bay. The territory of the park is divided into 7 thematic zones. In Fantasyland, you can see Cinderella's castle, Dumbo the elephant and Peter Pan.

There are two zones in the Adventure Land - the first is built in the style of a tropical jungle, and on the second you can see a variety of rides about the "Pirates Caribbean". Children love the City of Toons because they can see the whole family of Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse and Minnie, as well as all their friends.

Location: 〒279-0031, Urayasu, Maihama, 1 - 1.

Largest and oldest museum in Japan, the area of which is 100 thousand square meters. It is located in the picturesque Ueno Park. In the national museum, tourists can see exhibits that clearly demonstrate the stages of development of Japan from ancient times to the present. Here you can see ethnographic and historical materials, weapons, armor, masterpieces of fine art made of porcelain, ceramics and metal.

Location: 〒110-8712, Taito, Uenokoen, １３−９.

This museum amazes tourists with its appearance. It is clearly visible from the Ryogoku Station platform. To many, the Edo-Tokyo Museum resembles a frozen robot from the famous "Star Wars", since the building stands on huge columns.

The museum is considered one of the highest, its highest point is on top 62.2 meters... Visiting Edo-Tokyo, you can not only get to know the culture of Japan, but also imagine what the city will look like in the future. Museum area - 30,000 sq.m.

Location: 〒130-0015, Sumida, Yokoami - 1 Chome − ４−１.

The temple is known primarily for the fact that in its courtyard there is a large statue of Buddha, which is called "Daibutsu". Height of Buddha - 11.3 meters, with a pedestal - 13.4 m... It is made of bronze and is the main symbol of the ancient city of Kamakura and the National Treasure of Japan.

Location: Kamakura, Hase Station

It is in this area that you can see cozy teahouses and temples. In the first one you can not only drink tea, but also call a geisha. These are specially trained artists who educate tourists about the distinctive culture of Japan, as well as teach the manners and traditions of Japan.

Geisha have students called maiko. They cannot be confused with geisha as they wear flowers in their hair and their garments with bright belts reveal their shoulders and neck.

Location: Tōkyō-to, Shinjuku-ku, Kagurazaka - 3.

The Taito Special District is home to Asakusa, a neighborhood that has long been known as an entertainment center. The quarter is famous for the Senso-ji Temple, which was built in honor of the goddess of mercy, the bodhisattva Kannon.

Tourists consider Asakusu a must-see largely due to the fact that the temples located on its territory alternately hold festivals once a year. A large number of people take to the streets and conduct a procession, accompanied by loud cheers. On a stretcher they have a deity, whom they ask for a good harvest and deliverance from typhoons and other cataclysms.

It is considered one of the oldest Buddhist temples located in Tokyo, its name is translated as the temple of young pale grass. Founded by Senso-ji in 628 on the site where the statue of the Bodhisattva Kannon was found.

The temple in the 17-19 centuries was used for holding prayers of the military government, which existed until 1868. Near Senso-ji there is a huge number of shops with sweets and souvenirs.

Location: 2, Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito, 111-0032.

Tokyo also has an Orthodox cathedral, which belongs to the Japanese Autonomous Orthodox Church... It was built in the Russian-Byzantine style, the restoration of the old building was carried out until 1998. The Orthodox cathedral can accommodate 2,000 people.

In shape, the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ resembles a cross with narrow wings. Inside the walls of the temple are not painted, they are decorated with icons, as well as copies of the works of Nesterov and Vasnetsov. The windows in the temple are high with stained-glass windows.

Location: 〒101-0062, Chiyoda, Kanda Surugadai, 4−1−３.

Traveling youth should definitely visit the Guy Center, a narrow street famous for its popular brand shops, fast food restaurants and many nightclubs. It is very noisy and interesting here, in one evening you can meet representatives of different subcultures in colorful outfits.

Location: Kabukicho, Shinjuku.

Since 1974, it has been a state guest house where high officials of states who come to Japan to hold international conferences and meetings at the state level stay.

The palace was originally built as an imperial palace for a prince who was to become the emperor's heir. The area of the building is about 15,000 square meters, there are pedestrian paths in the courtyard. The building was built in the neo-baroque style and, according to tourists, is very similar to Buckingham Palace. In 2009, Akasaka Palace was declared a National Treasure of Japan.

Location: 〒107-0051, Minato, Motoakasaka, 2 - Chome − １−１

While in Japan, you should definitely look into the huge amusement park in Tokyo called Tokyo House City. Some call it nothing less than a city within a city, as the area of the entertainment center is really impressive, and it is located in the center of Tokyo. It consists of a huge stadium that hosts championships, concerts and competitions, the Lakwa spa complex, a bowling center and an amusement park with insanely steep and high slides.

Also in the park is a black Ferris wheel, one of a kind. On the territory of Tokyo House City, you can also find various boutiques, shops and cafes where you can spend your holidays with your family.

Location: 〒112-0004, 文京区 Koraku, 1 Chome − ３−６１.

With an extensive collection of Tokyo's oldest and most modern landmarks, which coexist well under one roof, the Japanese capital attracts visitors from all over the world.

Tokyo map in Russian

Tokyo - relatively young city- it is about 400 years old. But even in such a short period of time, he experienced many events that were reflected in his appearance.

Where is?

For many years Tokyo has been the capital of Japan and its main economic, industrial and political center.

A few centuries ago, the city was a small village called Edo.

The village existed exactly until, in 1590, thanks to the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, the settlement began to actively develop as the capital of the shogunate.

Since then, Tokyo has grown enormously - nowadays one of the most large world occupies the northwestern part of the island of Honshu, as well as a chain of islands stretching for tens of kilometers. It is believed that the city is located in one of the the most dangerous regions of our planet - at the junction of four lithospheric plates at once. For this reason, large earthquakes and typhoons often occur here.

Tourism niche

Tokyo's cultural heritage is incredibly rich and varied. The inhabitants of this country are proud of the fact that their sights attract millions of tourists to the capital from all over the world. At the same time, as many tourists note, in a constantly developing city there is a very harmoniously glass skyscrapers with neon billboards, bustling streets, as well as parks and ancient temples hidden in the most unexpected, quiet and cozy places look.

Among cultural heritage Tokyo is worth noting for architectural monuments and interesting museums, a variety of entertainment centers that are available at any time. Must visit oldest palaces, modern TV towers and popular neighborhoods. This will provide an opportunity to get to know the city and its attractions better.

For travelers it is of interest Ginza district- the most active part of the city, where life is in full swing regardless of the time of day.

This part of Tokyo is home to theaters, museums, shopping malls and a variety of institutions.

Once in the city, it is also worth taking a look at the TV tower, which offers a magnificent view of the city, visit Omote-sando street and several other Tokyo neighborhoods.

Popular areas

Tokyo is made up of many districts, some of which are of particular interest. These places, first of all, include - ancient territory, which has preserved the historical appearance of old Edo. On main street Nakamise is home to the legendary Kabuki Theater, and not far from the Beer Tower, Sumida Park and the Drum Museum.

A different climate, a different time zone, all this can cause acclimatization. Read on for the symptoms and treatment of this ailment.

Unique place in Tokyo not to be missed - Shibuya- an intersection that appears in many films and advertisements. Crowded territory can be seen in films such as Lost in Translation and The Fast and the Furious.

The intersection has earned its popularity due to the fact that traffic lights here are lit simultaneously from four sides, and after that the streams of people move towards each other in a solid wall.

Districts, noteworthy tourists:

Akihabara- a paradise for lovers of everything modern;
Ginza- one of the most luxurious areas of Tokyo;
Harajuku- center for youth street fashion and cosplay;
Roppongi- an area known for its fun nightlife.

Prefecture attractions - photo and description

The number of attractions in Tokyo is so vast that it won't take a week to explore them. But even though the city may seem stone jungle, it will not scare away travelers who have arrived here.

Architectural objects

The best way to get to know Tokyo is to visit the main architectural monuments that have become the hallmark of not only the city, but also Japan as a whole. The main tourist attraction - Imperial palace- a luxurious building from which excursions around the metropolis begin.

The palace is located in the very city center but it will be difficult to find him as he hid behind dense trees surrounded by ditches and canals. This building appeared on the territory of Tokyo in the 15th century, and over the long centuries of its existence, it had to go through events that were noticeably reflected in its appearance.

In Japan, it was customary to build palaces from wood, so fires in such structures are not uncommon.

The Imperial Palace experienced this disaster several times, so some of its buildings have not survived in their original form. Also the palace was hit by bombing During the Second World War.

Now the entrance to the palace is limited, but it is open for tourists East park- an area, walking along which you can enjoy Japanese park art and the ancient walls of Edo Castle. Other landmarks such as the Nijubashi Steel Bridge, the Meganebashi Stone Bridge and the Fushimi-Yagura Watchtower are also located here.

Among the ancient architectural sites in Tokyo, it is worth noting:

Inuyama castle;
The stairs to the Otoko-zaka hill;
Geyhinkan Palace;
Akasaka Palace;
Keio University.

It will be very interesting to visit Palace Square- the territory located in the historical center of the city in front of the Kokyo Palace - the residence of the emperor. This square offers a magnificent view of two bridges, and in its center there is a well of wishes.

Modern architectural objects in Tokyo look luxurious and attractive. Among them, the Tokyo TV Tower stands out. Tokio Tower, reminiscent of the Parisian Eiffel Tower.

Attractions deserve special attention Odaiba Islands- a loose piece of land that has become a new area of Tokyo. Previously, this territory was a defensive fortification blocking the entrance to Tokyo Bay.

Over time, the island was abandoned and turned into a dump, but in the 90s the Japanese began to improve and many new attractions appeared here.

If you prefer to travel by plane, then you will find it helpful to permissible sizes and the weight of the luggage.

The islands of Odaiba and Honshu are connected by the Rainbow Bridge, one of the main attractions. Also, the architecture of this area is not inferior in beauty and popularity.

During a trip to the island, it is worth visiting the legendary Tokyo TV tower "Tokyo sky tree" - the tallest in the world, as well as the Fuji TV building.

Religious buildings

The unique heritage of Japanese culture - Tokyo temples, many of which are of historical value. There are quite a few Shinto and Buddhist religious buildings in the city.

The most famous Buddhist shrine is temple complex Narita-san- an ancient monastery built in 940. On its territory there are old and new temples, the Peace Pagoda and several important structures. There is a picturesque Japanese garden next to the complex.

The main Shinto relic - Meiji Jingu Temple- the largest pagan sanctuary, which appeared here in 1920.

The temple is located in Yoyogi Park, whose territory is planted with tall trees. This feature gives this place a sense of mystery and abandonment.

Other religious buildings can be found in Tokyo:

Asakusa Kannon;
Futurasan;
Dayyuinbe;
Yakuoin;
Kantei-by.

All temples look incredibly authentic and majestic, and being in them brings peace and tranquility.

Monuments

There are not many famous monuments in Tokyo, but those that can be found during the excursion are of genuine interest. Most famous monument in the city is very unusual for this place - Statue of Liberty, installed in 1988 on the island of Odaiba. This monument is a smaller version of what is in, but it is also popular with tourists.

No less famous is the monument near Shibuya station. Miniature sculpture of the legendary Hachiko dogs the epitome of dedication and loyalty, it is a favorite meeting place for locals and tourists alike. This monument was erected in 1934 in honor of the dog who came here for many years, expecting to meet its owner again.

Among the others popular monuments it is worth noting the sculpture of the giant spider Maman, the statue of the legendary Kusunoki Mamashige, the sculpture of Saigo Takamori, as well as the sculptures of the RX-78 Gundam robots and the Transformer.

Museums

Tokyo's many museums provide a fascinating immersion in the city's diverse culture. Here, of particular interest are the extensive collections of the most unusual exhibits, from famous cartoon characters to colorful history objects.

First of all, worth a visit Shitamashi- a living corner that allows you to see Tokyo, which has almost not survived to this day.

On a very vast territory, there are exhibits that tell about the everyday life of ordinary Japanese - coppersmiths, rickshaws, as well as traders of shoes and sweets, blacksmiths and people of other professions.

Tokyo has a museum about the future - Miraikan... In this place, the achievements of real sciences are exhibited - biology, computer science, astronautics and robotics. All exhibits can not only be viewed, but also touched, experienced, turned on and learned how this technique works.

Often times, when deciding which museum to visit in Tokyo, there is a great opportunity to visit Metro Museum... On the huge territory of the interactive exhibition, there is an opportunity to learn more about the intricate scheme of Japanese, see a model of an underground tunnel, watch the movement of trains in real time.

The deepest metro platform is located in Ukraine. Read about the world's deepest subways.

Nature

Despite the fact that Japan, especially Tokyo, is considered a progressive country, nature is respected here and they are doing their best to protect it. There are several picturesque parks and gardens, lakes and other interesting places in the capital.

It looks incredibly beautiful Lake Chuzen-ji, especially in springtime, when everything around is painted in pink shades of cherry blossoms.

Also looks impressive Shinobazu ponds- reservoirs overgrown with beautiful lotus flowers. They originated here in ancient times and have been perfectly preserved to this day. The ancient Baenten-do temple is located next to the lakes, which gives this place even more charm.

Among the parks and gardens, it is worth noting:

Riku's garden- a traditional Japanese garden, built in 1703;
Ueno Park- the place where sakura is planted along the long pedestrian zone;
Valley of Todoroki- a corner of untouched nature in the center of the metropolis.

Of interest is the Devil's Gorge - an area with increased volcanic activity, from where clouds of volcanic steam still erupt.

Not far from Tokyo there is a well-known mount fuji- a sacred place among the Japanese.

What else to visit in Tokyo?

Tokyo is an incredibly multifaceted and versatile city that will be interesting for adults and children, youth and couples. There are so many attractions here that everyone can find something new and interesting for themselves.

There is a mountain in Russia that the locals consider sacred, just like the Japanese Fujiyama is a volcano Klyuchevskaya Sopka... Read about him in.

Traveling with children

Especially for little tourists in Tokyo, there are such wonderful museums as museum of anime studio "Ghibli"... It was here that the famous cartoons based on the script by Hayao Miyazaki - "My Neighbor Totoro", "Spirited Away" and "From the Slopes of Kokuriko" were filmed. Without these cartoons, it is simply impossible to imagine the modern culture of Japan.

Very unusual Little Prince Museum- a real corner of Provence, recreated by the Japanese. In a small area where hot springs are located, they managed to build a small town with exhibitions from the life of this character.

Children will definitely love tokyo- the familiar to many amusement park, built here the first immediately after the United States. In this place you will find entertainment for every taste, as well as numerous cafes and hotels.

The territory of the amusement park is so large that it is not possible to get around it in a day.

You can also look at the local Ueno Zoo and Tokyo Aquarium where children will be incredibly interesting.

Excursion in 3 days

The traditional Tokyo route is sightseeing trip along the main streets, squares and iconic landmarks of the city. Such a journey will allow you to look at all objects with “one eye”, so that later you will be able to choose what is worth looking at in detail. For such purposes, there is a circular metro and bus line.

The second day should be devoted to acquaintance with the traditional Japanese culture:

Visit tea ceremony;
Enjoy the performance of the actors in Kabuki theater;
Visit sumo training;
Relax on shiatsu massage;
Try traditional cuisine.

The third day is perfect for hiking in various museums... Local exhibitions are unique in their essence, so tourists will no longer have the opportunity to get acquainted with such valuable exhibits.

What to see in a week?

All of the above sights cannot be explored even in a week, but they are worth a try. But a trip to Tokyo is not limited to a banal acquaintance with architectural beauties, cultural and historical monuments, as well as with natural objects.

In addition to visiting traditional places, it is worth taking a few days in Tokyo to get to know the world's largest fish market. Tsukiji.

Sightseeing in Tokyo allows you to not only have fun, but also relax. This city is widely developed onsen culture- visit to the baths, where immersion in very hot mineral water takes place, as well as a large selection of related procedures - spa, massage, peeling and foot care with the help of Garra Rufa fish.

If suddenly there is time left, then it is worth walking along famous areas cities, as well as go out of town to get acquainted with the national reserves and the ancient temples located in them.

See this video for a description of these and other attractions in Tokyo:

The sights of Tokyo, according to the prevailing opinion, are associated with modern Japan, but there is something to see and where to go not only for fans of megacities, but also for those who are interested in the original Japan, and for those who would like to learn about its history and get acquainted with the culture of this amazing country.

Google maps/ google.ru

What can you see?

Every visitor to the Japanese capital, regardless of age and preference, will find something to see in Tokyo.

The city can offer to visit:

Gardens, parks and temple complexes.
Historical landmarks and monuments.
Recreation and amusement parks.
Museums and theaters.
Unique architectural structures, bridges, towers and observation decks.

The choice of places where you can go without leaving the Japanese capital is very extensive, here you can find something interesting for everyone - single and family, elderly travelers and students who came "on an exchange". Like any other capital city, Tokyo is able to give an idea of the whole country as a whole and the opportunity to learn something specific in more detail.

Sites and will help you to order a sightseeing or thematic excursion in the city.

Observation Decks

Every traveler wants to see the city from above and take some beautiful panoramic shots. As a rule, tourists arrive at the international airport "Haneda". The terminal building itself is simply beautiful - huge, with modern equipment and interior, and, paradoxically, devoid of impersonality and the effect of “crowd presence”.

MIKI Yoshihito / flickr.com

The backlighting of the floor, imitating paving stones, creates the impression of walking through the starry night sky. But it is worth hurrying to leave the halls of Haneda not because of walking on artificial stars, but because of the Observation Deck.

There are observation platforms in two terminals. Of course, they will not offer views of the city, but here you can take the most beautiful pictures of airplanes. For example, the well-known picture of an airplane looking directly into the waiting room was taken at this very airport and published in one of the catalogs of a Japanese airline, before it was sold on the Internet.

Access to the Observation Deck is round-the-clock and free of charge, and there are no restrictions on photo and video filming.

IQRemix / flickr.com

In Tokyo itself, the attractions include three more observation platforms, the most interesting of which is the Skytree television center. The platform is located on the 450th floor, the observation height is 600 meters. In terms of rubles, the cost of a visit is about 3000 rubles.

Other sites:

Roppongihills (City View Observation Deck) - the main advantage is that the site on the 52nd floor is open in the evening and early night hours and has an exit to the roof, which, however, is often locked. The cost of admission is 1,800 yen, which includes the right to visit the small Mori Art Museum located in the same building. There is the Mori tower, as the locals call it, in the Roppongi area, that is, after the inspection, you can go to a small local restaurant, of which there are quite a few, or to the market. Prices are noticeably lower than next to the fashionable Skytree.
Metropolitan Government Buildings - located in a building very similar to Moscow-type buildings like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, located in the Shinjuku area, has only one plus, significantly outweighing the advantages of all other sites - admission is free. From the point of view of the view - there is not so much Tokyo visible here, but Mount Fuji (Fujiyama) is very clearly visible. On the site itself there is a sale of souvenirs and a small fast food cafe, and various fairs, holidays and exhibitions are often held nearby. For example, a craft fair is held annually on the streets of this particular area.

Museums

Any map of Tokyo for tourism will show a fairly large number of museums, all of them are interesting, but you should definitely go to the following:

Samurai Museum - you can't find out everything about samurai here, but their life, clothes, armor and so on are very well presented, the museum is open from 10:30 to 21:00, entrance costs 1800 yen, located in the Shinjuku area.
Nezu Museum is an art museum with a classic Japanese garden. It should be visited by everyone who wants to understand the worldview, the perception of the environment and its interpretation by the Japanese, as well as those who want to take photographs with traditional statues that do not exceed human height. It is located in the very historic center, in the Minato area, near the intersection of Shibuya and Harajuku. Opening and closing hours may vary, but the halls and garden are always open during the daytime, prices start at 2000 yen.
The National Museum is, in principle, an ordinary large museum, in the expositions of which a little bit of everything is presented - from archaeological finds to modern achievements. Opening hours from 10:30 to 17:00, there is a museum in Ueno Park in the Taito area, admission from 1,600 yen, for children and people over 60 years old - free. In addition, this is one of the few places in Tokyo where there are excursions in Russian.

paranoidnotandroid / flickr.com

Temple complexes

Acquaintance with the sights of any country or individual city is impossible without inspection historical monuments, and they, as a rule, are directly related not only to secular life, but also to religion.

Any map of Tokyo will indicate a lot of such places, it will take at least 2-3 days to inspect only half of it. The most interesting sights in Tokyo of this kind can be considered:

Hozomon (Asakusa temple complex) - practically a museum under open air... Tourists are especially delighted with the gates with huge lanterns and bast shoes, together each bast shoe and lantern weighs over 3 tons, and an interesting legend is associated with them. The complex is located in the Taito area, it works from morning to evening, there are always a lot of visitors, and the entrance is free.
Sengaku-ji Tower is an old, active temple at the intersection of Shinagawa and Gotanda in the Minato area. Interesting for those who love the filmed story about 47 ronin - here are their graves. Also on site is the Ako Gishi's Memorial Hall and a garden from wooden sculptures, the entrance is paid only to the museum, and even then this is a small amount - 1400 yen.

In Tokyo, religious and historical sights are concentrated in the old center, with development dating back to the 17th century. The streets here are relatively quiet; you can often see the shooting of a historical series or film. You can often come across small markets with different goods - from groceries to souvenirs.

Ivan Mlinaric / flickr.com

All temples along the way will not require an entrance fee, and local teahouses, small traditional eateries (you cannot call them restaurants) differ significantly from those located in the modern center, both in price and quality.

The time here seems to be different, people live as they lived a hundred or two hundred years ago, kimonos and wooden sandals can be seen everywhere, and on a sunny day, Japanese women with paper umbrellas are often seen. By the way, these umbrellas can be bought in local markets, as well as many other things that will remind you of the trip and which cannot be found in modern Tokyo stores.

Bridges

Bridges are included in all guidebooks, and all people who go on a sightseeing tour must be taken to them. Any excursion has four bridges, three modern and one old.

Modern it is:

The Rainbow Bridge is very similar to the Sun Gate Bridge in the United States.
Tokyo Gate Bridge is a whimsical architectural solution, the interweaving of sparkling steel beams resembles either a collar or a meeting of two sharks, the bridge is the pride of the Japanese and a subject for "bragging" next to it sightseeing tours stay for a long time and it's not about design, but about unique technical and engineering solutions used in construction.
The Kachidoki Bridge is an ordinary steel and concrete bridge, except that it is wider and lower than the bridges familiar to Russians.

The old bridge is Ni-ju Bashi or, as indicated in guidebooks and on the tourism map, Two-tiered Bridge. This is the only way to the emperor's palace. The territory of the palace is surrounded by a moat and a high wall; there is always a guard at the gate. You can get to the palace twice a year - in the new year and on the birthday of the emperor.

The bridge itself is very remarkable in that it is the only bridge in Tokyo prefecture that has survived in its original form, that is, not damaged in the war, like many other historical monuments. This is an example of the classic original national architecture, rightfully included in the sights of Tokyo and all of Japan.

It is located in the Chieda area, next to the Sakura Garden, the agency of the imperial palace and a complex of three imperial sanctuaries.

David Baron / flickr.com

In general, the whole area looks like large park, it is very interesting to wander here, and during the cherry blossoms you can take amazingly beautiful photos.

You can see almost all of Tokyo in a week. But if you travel with children, you should also count on the fact that you will have to spend time on other attractions in Tokyo, such as a water park, amusement parks and, of course, the local Disneyland, only it will take at least a day.

In addition, local theaters should not be neglected, it will be impossible to return home and pass for a "Japanese expert" without seeing a single performance in national theaters. The spectacle is completely different from everything that Europeans are used to, however, like Japan itself from Europe.

Video: sights of Tokyo.

What else do you need to know?

It is a very stable belief that life in Tokyo is expensive, where it came from is difficult to say, but one cannot disagree with it.

For example, for convenience, in terms of rubles at the yen rate of 0.54 rubles, surprisingly, the ruble is more expensive, the basic prices look like this:

Single ticket for public transport(including) - 108.
Monthly pass - 5408.
A liter of gasoline - 72.
A 0.33 liter bottle of water - 60.
A pack of the cheapest cigarettes in Tokyo is Camel and Marlboro - 248.
A bottle (0.33 l) of local beer - from 220.
Dinner for two with a bottle of wine and a set of dishes salad / hot - 2986.
Simple "set" lunch - 438.
A visit to the Japanese dry house in the old city - from 200 rubles, depends on how much will be eaten or drunk.
Coffee in a vending machine - 200, coffee in a fast food establishment is already more expensive - 240, but coffee in local small eateries - 160 and it is brewed quite tolerably.
Renting a studio apartment in the historical center for a month - 56,000, in the modern center - the same studio - 78,000.
Rooms in 3 * hotels - from 1200 per day, in the season - more expensive.

Living in Tokyo is not expensive for the Japanese themselves or for those who came to the capital of Japan to work. The lowest salary, for example, for a cleaning lady or a loader, is from 162,000 in terms of rubles. But for a tourist with an average Russian income in the region of 20,000 rubles, a voyage to Tokyo and life in it, of course, are expensive.