The best way to think of
Tokyo is not as one city, but as several mini-cities linked by the railway and subway systems. The capital is vast, spreading from the mountains in the west to tropical islands, 1,000km to the south. As a visitor however, you are likely to stay within centre of the city.
A useful reference point is the Yamanote Line, an overland train loop that connects and encloses virtually everything of interest to visitors.
Sightseeing destinations outside of the loop area mainly within what was once called the “Shitamachi”, or “low city”. Shitamachi is the west of the Imperial Palace, including Asakusa and Ryogoku, and on Tokyo bay to the south, including the futuristic, man-made island of Odaiba.
Another area is known as “Yamanote”, or “Hillside (city)”. Yamanote area includes on the eastern rim of Yamanote line loop, such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro etc…
Main Districts in Central Tokyo
Akihabara / Ochanomizu
The area represents with the most advanced electric products. Recently, Akihabara became a Mecca for Anime funs with many shops now have character items and figure-toys.
Asakusa
Time has stopped here since the Edo Period, which is reflected by the numerous stores in Asakusa. The main feature must be Senso-ji that is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. The area has a retrospective atmosphere co-exist in perfect harmony alongside Dogu-gai. Take a walk around and you can step back in time.
Ginza
The name of Ginza means “The place where silver is minted” named after shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu started making coins here in the early 1600s. Ginza has always been one of the most fashionable shopping areas, lined with old department stores and prestigious boutiques, style and sophistication. Every weekend, the main Chuo-Dori Avenue becomes “No-Traffic” where pedestrians can walk freely on the entire road.
Ikebukuro
Two of major railway groups “Seibu” and “Tobu”, merge here in Ikebukuro. Both companies have developed huge shopping malls either side of JR tracks. Sunshine city is one of Tokyo’s new development areas, with some interesting attractions of Sunshine 60 building, aquarium and Toyota’s non-stop motor showroom.
Marunouchi
Dominated by Tokyo station, where many different railways converge on the huge terminal including from Narita Airport, making the ground gateway of the city. There are business streets, federal ministries and the tourist spots such as Imperial palace.
Odaiba
A waterfront development area where you can enjoy shopping, delicious food, entertainment and a view of Tokyo bay all at the same time.
Roppongi
One of Tokyo’s exciting nightlife spots and also historically famous area amongst non-Japanese visitors due to long time occupation by US military during WW2. Exciting nightspots and the largest building complexes in Japan. The opening of the Oedo Subway Line has made access easier.
Shibuya / Harajuku / Omotesando
Tokyo’s fashion birthplace continues to update the trends of the young generation at a fast rate. Hachiko Square with the statue of Dog in front of station is the city’s most popular rendezvous place, where non-stop stream of crowds can be seen. There are hundreds of shops and boutiques, bars, cafes and restaurants around the station.
Shinagawa
The area thrived in the Edo Era as the first post town of Tokaido-route. Recently it appears Shinagawa as sub-business centre with new Shinkansen-stop in its station.
Shinjuku
It can be easily mistaken as the core of the metropolis, thanks to the complex of skyscrapers and the city government offices. Shinjuku terminal is known as the world’s busiest station where approx 2million people use every single day. Tokyo’s best nightlife scene can be found in kabukicho district, east side of the station.
Shiodome / Shiba / Takeshiba
New culture meets good old tradition. Cruising across the Tokyo bay is popular, not to mention shopping and eating.
Ueno
Solemn museum buildings are scattered throughout the Ueno Park. The lively stores are typically found downtown. Both healing power and energy are here.
最終更新：2009年04月23日 05:17
