Tokyo

Lifestyles

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is known as the Tokyo Metropolis and holds the distinction of being the largest metropolitan area in the world.

With a population of 13.5 million people as of 2015 and a staggering 36.7 million in the Greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area, it is a bustling hub of activity.

Situated at the southern end of the Kanto Plain on Honshu Island, Tokyo covers a total area of 2,155 square kilometers, making it one of the most densely populated cities on the planet.

Despite its vastness, Tokyo manages to retain a sense of intimacy with its many small worlds, featuring winding lanes and friendly shopkeepers at every turn.

In the heart of Tokyo's business district, one can truly experience the vibrant energy of a cosmopolitan city. Ginza, Shinjuku, and Shibuya are the three main bustling districts in Tokyo. Ginza, renowned for its luxurious establishments, is considered the heart of Tokyo.

Shinjuku follows closely behind Ginza in terms of prosperity, while Shibuya is a vibrant hub of youthful activity and shopping. These districts teem with life as pedestrians flow orderly through the streets, guided by the ever-present traffic lights.

Chuo-ku, situated to the east of Tokyo Station, is home to several iconic and historic attractions, including Yaesu, Ginza, and Nihonbashi. Nihonbashi holds particular significance as the starting point for several important national highways in Japan.

Additionally, the famous Tsukiji Market can be found within the Chuo-ku area. It is worth noting that although Chuo-ku is not geographically located in the center of Tokyo, a significant portion of its land has been reclaimed. In fact, the Chuo Harumi district hosted the 2020 Olympic Games.

While popular tourist destinations like Tokyo Tower and Sky Tree offer breathtaking night views of the city, there are also free alternatives to enjoy the skyline. One such option is the open-air observation deck on the 7th floor of the New Marunouchi Building.

This unique location offers an exceptional advantage in terms of its proximity to the historic Tokyo Station. From the top of the Shin-Marunouchi Building, visitors can witness the splendor of Tokyo Station in all its glory.

The observation deck provides a panoramic view of Tokyo from all directions, allowing visitors to admire the city's nocturnal beauty. Unlike many other observation decks, the New Marunouchi Building has forgone glass barriers, giving visitors the sensation of standing on a rooftop.

Another noteworthy spot is the KITTE Building, a large shopping center that was converted from the old Tokyo Central Post Office. Similar to the New Marunouchi Building, the 6th-floor observation deck at KITTE is open-air and provides an excellent view of Tokyo Station, free of charge.

Additionally, the KITTE Rooftop Garden serves as a peaceful oasis amidst Tokyo's architectural jungle. Visitors can relax amidst lush greenery and enjoy the observation deck while observing the vibrant cityscape from a serene vantage point.

Tokyo stands tall as one of the leading international financial centers, alongside New York and London. It ranks among the top three cities in terms of developing strength, boasting exceptional openness, a high level of financial services, and robust financial innovation power.

The city is also home to over 2,300 foreign companies, accounting for approximately 76% of the country's international business base. Furthermore, Tokyo hosts one of the world's largest numbers of Fortune Global 500 company headquarters.

This concentration of companies has led to the formation of new industrial clusters, serving as the lifeblood of Tokyo's thriving economy.