Tokyo

With more than 30 million residents, Tokyo’s metropolitan region is the largest population center in the world. This position is especially impressive given that half of Tokyo was destroyed during World War II air raids. The city that was rebuilt after 1945 presents a fascinating blend of ancient tradition and modern leadership.

Go to the top of a skyscraper for impressive views of this seemingly endless city. From the Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, Mori Tower and Tokyo Skytree, you’ll see iconic landmarks in Japan’s modern skyline and even beyond to Mount Fuji. Back on street level, experience the atmosphere of the city’s liveliest district, Shinjuku, home to many of Tokyo’s tallest buildings and the city’s busiest rail station.

Although a modern city, Tokyo maintains its links to the past. See art and artifacts from ancient Japan and other Asian countries in the Tokyo National Museum. Its collection includes items up to 12,000 years old. The Tokyo Imperial Palace sits on the site that has been home to shoguns and emperors for centuries.

Learn about traditional Buddhist spirituality dating back to 645 at the Sensoji Temple. The Yasukuni Shrine and Yushukan Museum showcase Shinto efforts to commemorate the services of the more than 2 million citizens who died in service to their country over the last century and a half.

Tokyo is constantly rebuilding and reinventing itself. The Roppongi Hills multi-use complex was created in 2003 in the heart of the city and provides some of the trendiest scenes for nighttime entertainment. It’s especially popular with expats.

Although Tokyo is densely populated, it has plenty of green space throughout its 23 wards. Late March and early April feature the famous Japanese cherry blossoms. One of the most popular places to enjoy the flora with a picnic lunch is Shinjuku Gyoen. Parks in every district are carefully designed with detailed landscape architecture to provide oases for Japan’s citizens and visitors to relax and refresh.