TOKYO · JAPAN
Description.
Tokyo serves as Japan's capital and is recognized as the most densely populated city in the world. It is one of the 47 prefectures in Japan, comprising 23 central wards along with various cities, towns, and villages located to the west of the city center. The Izu and Ogasawara Islands are also included within Tokyo's jurisdiction.
Before 1868, the city was referred to as Edo. Once a modest castle town, Edo became the political hub of Japan in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu established his feudal regime there. A few decades later, it had developed into one of the largest cities globally. Following the Meiji Restoration in 1868, both the emperor and the capital relocated from Kyoto to Edo, which was then renamed Tokyo, meaning "Eastern Capital." Significant portions of Tokyo were devastated during the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and through the air raids of 1945.
Currently, Tokyo presents an almost limitless variety of shopping, entertainment, cultural experiences, and dining options to its guests. Visitors can appreciate the city's rich history in areas like Asakusa and within numerous distinguished museums, historical temples, and gardens. Contrary to popular belief, Tokyo also provides several appealing green spaces both in the city center and within a short train ride from the outskirts.