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Introduction
Facts & Information
Tokyo History
Tokyo Hotels
Tokyo Attractions
Tokyo Tours
Transportation
Picture Gallery
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Tokyo.

Japan Facts & Information

 Location Eastern Asia, island chain between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, east of the Korean Peninsula
 Climate Varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north
 Terrain Mostly rugged and mountainous
 Population 127,417,244
 Nationality Japanese
 Ethnic groups Japanese 99%, others 1%
 Religions Japanese 99%, others 1%
 Languages Japanese
 Government Type Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government
 Capital Tokyo
 Currency Yen (JPY)
 Description of Flag White with a large red disk in the center
 Tokyo Flag Flag of Japan

More Information
 www.cia.gov

 

Tokyo Culture

Japan may be a relatively small island, physically just a little tinier than the size of California, but over 127 million people inhabit the country. Japan is mostly rugged and mountainous, though the climate varies from a tropical temperature in the south to a cooler temperature up north. Ethnic Japanese make up the bulk of the population, with around 99%, though there are also over half a million Koreans, 240,000 Chinese and nearly 200,000 Brazilians who live in Japan. Most

Japanese—84%—observe both Shinto and Buddhist religions.

Tokyo itself has about 12.4 million people who live in and around the city. If you spend December in Tokyo, don’t be surprised to see Christmas lights, trees and even the holiday celebrated throughout the city (even though practicing Christians make up less than 1% of the population). The reason? Denizens love the festive commercialism! In fact, any time you head to Tokyo you’ll notice how retail savvy some of the locals can be. Just take the train to Harajuku Station and check out the street performers and, of course, the Harajuku Girls. Known for their cutesy rebellion garb, Harajuku Girls often dress in an eclectic mix of hip-hop street gear, Hello Kitty fashion accessories and British punk skirts, army pants or boots. So don’t worry about fitting in because, honestly, anything here goes.

More Information:
 www.state.gov

 

Tokyo Culture

Japan may be a relatively small island, physically just a little tinier than the size of California, but over 127 million people inhabit the country. Japan is mostly rugged and mountainous, though the climate varies from a tropical temperature in the south to a cooler temperature up north. Ethnic Japanese make up the bulk of the population, with around 99%, though there are also over half a million Koreans, 240,000 Chinese and nearly 200,000 Brazilians who live in Japan. Most

Japanese—84%—observe both Shinto and Buddhist religions.

Tokyo itself has about 12.4 million people who live in and around the city. If you spend December in Tokyo, don’t be surprised to see Christmas lights, trees and even the holiday celebrated throughout the city (even though practicing Christians make up less than 1% of the population). The reason? Denizens love the festive commercialism! In fact, any time you head to Tokyo you’ll notice how retail savvy some of the locals can be. Just take the train to Harajuku Station and check out the street performers and, of course, the Harajuku Girls. Known for their cutesy rebellion garb, Harajuku Girls often dress in an eclectic mix of hip-hop street gear, Hello Kitty fashion accessories and British punk skirts, army pants or boots. So don’t worry about fitting in because, honestly, anything here goes.

More Information:
 www.state.gov

 

Tokyo Shopping

The best way to experience shopping in Tokyo is to begin by immersing yourself in the organized chaos that is Shibuya. This area in west Tokyo, easily accessible by train, features Shibuya Crossing—the Times Square of Tokyo, only at times busier (believe it or not). Surrounding the crossing are department stores, electronics shops and trendy boutiques. It’s best to stop by a tourist information booth in any of the big department stores or nearby subway stations if

you’re looking for a specific store or even kind of store. Or, if you just want to marvel at the scene, grab a map and enjoy winding through Shibuya’s streets, price-checking antiques and listening to samples of new music at the various record shops.

Shinjuku is another hotspot, where shops are usually open year round from 10am to 8pm. Here you can find the tackiest, cheapest souvenirs (look for the “100 Yen” shops, which are like America’s “Dollar Shops”). You’ll also find oriental bazaars, full of spices and delicious ingredients for traditional Japanese cuisine, and traditional souvenirs, crafts, books and, of course, electronics. Again, check with tourist information booths in or near the subway stops if you’re looking for a specific kind of good; otherwise, leave at least a few hours to simply roam and wander the busy, consumer-friendly streets.

 

Tokyo Shopping

The best way to experience shopping in Tokyo is to begin by immersing yourself in the organized chaos that is Shibuya. This area in west Tokyo, easily accessible by train, features Shibuya Crossing—the Times Square of Tokyo, only at times busier (believe it or not). Surrounding the crossing are department stores, electronics shops and trendy boutiques. It’s best to stop by a tourist information booth in any of the big department stores or nearby subway stations if

you’re looking for a specific store or even kind of store. Or, if you just want to marvel at the scene, grab a map and enjoy winding through Shibuya’s streets, price-checking antiques and listening to samples of new music at the various record shops.

Shinjuku is another hotspot, where shops are usually open year round from 10am to 8pm. Here you can find the tackiest, cheapest souvenirs (look for the “100 Yen” shops, which are like America’s “Dollar Shops”). You’ll also find oriental bazaars, full of spices and delicious ingredients for traditional Japanese cuisine, and traditional souvenirs, crafts, books and, of course, electronics. Again, check with tourist information booths in or near the subway stops if you’re looking for a specific kind of good; otherwise, leave at least a few hours to simply roam and wander the busy, consumer-friendly streets.

 

Tokyo Restaurants
   
Read reviews for some of the best restaurants in Tokyo. You'll find the perfect restaurant for your vacation here. Choose a restaurant by cuisine type or visitor rating.
Name Address Phone Cuisine
 Fujimamas 6-3-2 Jingumae 3-5485 2262 Fusion
 La Baie 2-5-25 Umeda 6-6343-7020 French
 Bourbon Street 7-8-16 Roppongi 3-3478 8473 Cajun
 Benihana 2-1-14 Nihon Bashi 3-3241-0600 Japanese
 Tamakyu 2-30-4 Dogenzaka 3-3461-4803 Japanese
 Kaikaya 23-7 Maruyamachou 3-3770-0878 Japanese
 Bon 1-2-11 Ryusen 3-3872 0234 Japanese
 New York Grill 3-7-1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku 3-5323-3458 American
 Hisio Restaurant 7-13-8 Roppongi 3-5785-0573 Fusion
 Ban Thai 1-23-14 Kabuki-cho 3-3207 0068 Thai
 Enoteca Pinchiorri 8-20 Ginza 5 Chome 3-3289-8081 Tuscan
 Bindi 7-10-10 Minami Aoyama 3-3409-8755 Indian
 Costa Latina Shinagawaku oi 1-52-1 3-5718-5551 Spanish
 Raj Mahal 30-5 Udagawa-cho 3-3770-7677 Indian
 Angkor Wat 1-38-13 Yoyogi 3-3370 3019 Cambodian
 Aux Bacchanales Palais France 1F 3-5474 0076 French
 Olives Tokyo 6-10-1, Roppongi 3-5413-9571 Mediterranean
Tokyo Restaurants
   
Read reviews for some of the best restaurants in Tokyo. You'll find the perfect restaurant for your vacation here. Choose a restaurant by cuisine type or visitor rating.
Name Address Phone Cuisine
 Fujimamas 6-3-2 Jingumae 3-5485 2262 Fusion
 La Baie 2-5-25 Umeda 6-6343-7020 French
 Bourbon Street 7-8-16 Roppongi 3-3478 8473 Cajun
 Benihana 2-1-14 Nihon Bashi 3-3241-0600 Japanese
 Tamakyu 2-30-4 Dogenzaka 3-3461-4803 Japanese
 Kaikaya 23-7 Maruyamachou 3-3770-0878 Japanese
 Bon 1-2-11 Ryusen 3-3872 0234 Japanese
 New York Grill 3-7-1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku 3-5323-3458 American
 Hisio Restaurant 7-13-8 Roppongi 3-5785-0573 Fusion
 Ban Thai 1-23-14 Kabuki-cho 3-3207 0068 Thai
 Enoteca Pinchiorri 8-20 Ginza 5 Chome 3-3289-8081 Tuscan
 Bindi 7-10-10 Minami Aoyama 3-3409-8755 Indian
 Costa Latina Shinagawaku oi 1-52-1 3-5718-5551 Spanish
 Raj Mahal 30-5 Udagawa-cho 3-3770-7677 Indian
 Angkor Wat 1-38-13 Yoyogi 3-3370 3019 Cambodian
 Aux Bacchanales Palais France 1F 3-5474 0076 French
 Olives Tokyo 6-10-1, Roppongi 3-5413-9571 Mediterranean

 


Tokyo Travel Guides
 Frommer's Tokyo
 Lonely Planet Tokyo
 Let's Go Tokyo
 Fodors Tokyo