Tokyo - Where Old World Charm Blends With Trendsetting Fads

chillibreeze writer — Ambika C

Need an editable PowerPoint map of Japan

The capital of Japan, Tokyo, offers a glimpse into its contrasts and contradictions to tourists willing to explore the city at their own pace. Do not hurry through the tour if you want to savor the real flavor of this old city, known as Edo until 150 years ago. This is Japan's largest city - the site of bustling malls, busy nightlife, urbane shopping districts and cool hangouts for young people. Overall, something for an entire family consisting of different generations.

Facts
The city is divided into 23 wards, or sections. This city of 13 million people has seen many changes in its lifetime. Tokyo currently occupies an area of 2100 square kilometers, the least among all the prefectures of Japan. (A prefecture in Japan is the US version of a state, and the country has 47 prefectures.)

The popularity of Tokyo as a business and travel destination can be gauged from the fact that is has over 300,000 foreigners residing there currently. Not much if you think about other cosmopolitan metropolises, but that's Japan for you. The city is opening up a little more to outsiders by degrees, similar to something that happened during the Meiji Revolution of 1868. Only, the change are subtler this time.

The Past
To understand the city better, you need to understand its past. Tokyo is over four centuries old, comparable to some of the older cities in the world. It became the capital of Japan in 1868. This was also a time for rapid change, when Tokyo started modernizing at a great pace. The city residents, along with the rest of the country, got their first taste of Western dresses, modern infrastructure, and a democratic government. Considering the upheaval caused by the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the Allied bombings during 1941–1945, Tokyo has come a long way.

Places To Visit

Shibuya should be the first stop on your itinerary. This area is popular with the young people, a place where trends are set and "cool" is defined. The colorful dresses, dyed-blonde girls in high platform shoes, and trendy accessories are a symbol of young Japan. If you have seen an advertisement for a sale in the area, be sure to line up in advance. Sales at some of the trendier clothing stores attract huge crowds, sometimes extending for blocks. Harajuku is another district famous for its youth culture. This is the place where fads are set, fashions change every week, and über cool is the buzzword. Boutiques, fast food outlets, and a number of beauty salons are the hallmark of this district. Do not be surprised if you find yourself lost in a crowd of comic book characters. Cosplay is the norm here – young people dress up as their favorite comic book, video game, or movie character and participate in contests and events. So you will find an Ultraman rubbing shoulders with Spiderman, and Kitty of Hello Kitty fame walks hand in hand with Darth Vader.

And how can any visitor to Tokyo leave without buying some of the innovative electronic goods Japan is famous for! Visit Akihabara, the ultimate fantasy of geeks and lovers of gizmos and gadgets. From cell phones to the latest robotic toys, Akihabara has a range of electronic goods on sale. Do not explore just the large stores run by big companies; you will miss half the fun of exploring Akihabara. The nondescript side lanes are where you will find just the thing you are looking for – maybe a used Nintendo Pocket GameBoy, or a cheap video game CD.

If you are looking for some place exuberant and sophisticated, head for Ginza. Famous for its upscale boutiques and art galleries, Ginza is at the heart of the city's nightlife. Nightclubs and all-night eateries dot the streets. Be warned, however, shopping at Ginza is prohibitively expensive. Unless you have very deep pockets, you will have to make do with good old window-shopping.

For those looking for an insight into traditional Japanese culture, the Meiji Shrine should be your next destination. The typical entrance gate and sloped roof are reminiscent of a bygone era, when Japan was closed to foreigners as well as foreign influences. There is a touch of serenity everywhere, from the tiny phone booths that resemble mini shrines to the quiet woods that surround the property. The Sensoji Temple, in Asakusa District, is the oldest in Tokyo. Built in 645 AD, the towering arches and long streets leading from the gate to the shrine are a delight to those who wish to understand how life in Japan in the old days. If you want a flavor of local cuisine, wish to try kimonos, or buy souvenirs, visit the shops lining the streets around the temple.

That apart, you can visit the various parks in the city when you are in the mood for a picnic, or just want a quiet break from the bustle all around. The Yoyogi Park has ponds, jogging tracks and green lawns. The Ueno Park is more than just your ordinary lawn with a children's playground and quiet benches. This is the site of the world famous Ueno Zoo, and a half dozen museums such as the Tokyo National, National Science and Metropolitan Fine Art.

The enchanting thing about Tokyo is that there is always something new to discover. You think you have seen it all, explored all the landmarks ticked in your city map, and then viola! - you step into a side street and walk into another world. Maybe a place dotted with French-style open-air cafes, or restaurants featuring waitresses dressed as Victorian maids, or hair salons that cater only to poodles, or a quiet shrine no guidebook ever mentions.

This is the magic of exploring Tokyo, the city that has one foot firmly into the future, but has not shaken off its past – thankfully.

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Ambika writes for chillibreeze.

Tokyo - Where Old World Charm Blends With Trendsetting Fads

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