Holiday in Tokyo

About Tokyo

Tokyo, the pulsating capital of Japan, is a metropolis of superlatives and contrasts: Here, centuries-old Shinto shrines stand next to futuristic skyscrapers, quiet Zen gardens border neon-lit electronics markets, and in the same district, you can find both a hundred-year-old Soba noodle workshop and robot restaurants. With over 37 million people in the metropolitan area, Tokyo is the most populous metropolitan region in the world. Shibuya Crossing, the most famous intersection in the world, is the symbol of this organized chaos: During each green phase, up to 3,000 people cross the street simultaneously from all directions — and it works smoothly. Shinjuku impresses with the largest train station in the world (3.5 million passengers daily) and the red-light district of Kabukicho. Harajuku is the epicenter of Japanese youth culture and street fashion. The Meiji Shrine, surrounded by a 70-hectare forest in the middle of the city, offers tranquility and spirituality just minutes away from the hustle and bustle. Senso-ji in Asakusa is Tokyo's oldest temple, and the Nakamise shopping street in front has been selling traditional snacks and souvenirs for centuries. Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any other city in the world, but you can also eat excellently at the standing food stalls under the train tracks (Yurakucho) or in the tiny izakayas of the Yokocho alleys. Akihabara for anime and electronics, Tsukiji for fresh fish, Roppongi for nightlife, Ginza for luxury — each district is a world of its own. Tokyo is not just one city, but dozens that have grown together by chance.