In order to experience and understand Tokyo’s culture, you should visit the various places that will define the city in terms of faith and belief. Among many other things which are meant to be seen in Tokyo, there are few must see shrines. Every shrine has its own impact and story to tell.  People in Japan visit shrines during special events such as New Year, setsubun, shichigosan and other festivals to pay respect to the kami or to pray for good fortune. Additionally wedding ceremonies are also held in the shrines. New born babies are brought for blessings to the shrine.

A visit to Tokyo is incomplete if you do not visit these shrines. It is a tradition in Japan to visit a shrine from New Year’s Eve to the first week of January for special prayers. This first visit to the shrine in the New Year is called hatsumoude, where people pray for health, fortune and safety in the New Year.

There are many shrines and temples in Tokyo, but the must see ones are listed below :

• Meiji Jingu Shrine: This magnificent shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken and they are enshrined here. Established in 1920, this shrine is considered to be the most opulent Shinto shrine in Japan. World War II damaged this shrine to a great extend, and hence had to be rebuilt in 1958. The inner and outer garden along with the main shrine is located in the 700,000 square-meter forest. Meiji Jingu Shrine buzzes with tourists and visitors all year round but during the New Year’s holidays in Japan it is flooded with devotees who come here to offer special prayers.

• Yasukuni Jinja Shrine: The Yasukuni Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in Tokyo. It is dedicated to the soldiers and their spirits who died fighting for the Emperor of Japan. It is believed that 2.5 million war heroes are enshrined here and all negative or evil acts committed are dissolved when the enshrinement occurs. The shrine believed to give peace and rest to all the war heroes enshrined here. This is a famous but controversial shrine of Tokyo. You can take the Tôzai or Hanzomon subway line to Kudanshita station to reach this shrine.

• Sensoji Buddhist Temple: The Sensoji Temple is one of best and oldest temples in Tokyo, built in 628. It was destroyed by the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 and World War II and had to be restored again. This temple is dedicated to Buddhist goddess of mercy and is also famous for the large red lantern hung at kaminari-mon gate. The Sensoji temple is Tokyo’s biggest tourist attraction, and is flocked by hundreds of tourists and worshippers from Japan and all over the world every day.

• Zojo ji Buddhist Temple: This is one of the oldest Buddhist temples of Tokyo built in the Shiba neighborhood of Miniato-Ku. The temple is as old as 7 centuries and had to be reconstructed after World War II destroyed it.

Apart from those mentioned above there are many small shrines in Tokyo which can be visited to have a closer look to the unique history of this land. In spite of being one of the most modernized cities of the world, Tokyo has not given up its roots which are deep and clings to its rich history happily. Every shrine in Tokyo is worth a visit once, but those mentioned above are must see.

Tokyo buzzes with local people and tourists 24 hours a day, and that combined with their low crime rates and excellent public transportation system makes the city one of the world’s most fantastic places to live and travel.

If you are on vacation to Tokyo and want to see the city very closely without missing any of the tourist spots, the most convenient way to get around is the train system. There are other options too including buses, taxies, airplanes and ships. However, trains are the best to travel in and around Tokyo.

Every individual has their own personal choice of transportation. Few love to travel by trains and buses, while there are few who would only prefer an airplane.

If you prefer airplane then you can easily take a flight to Narita airport to reach Tokyo, a significantly important international gateway for tourists and businessmen. Boats or ferries like Ariake ferry can also be used to reach Tokyo. You can also access boats from Harumi terminal and Takeshiba terminal.

However, the most popular and widely used means of transport in Tokyo is the train system which rarely fails. There is a train every 6 minutes with access points in all major areas. There are signs in English and Japanese for easy navigation. If you travel by buses, you need to know when your stop comes. As for taxis, it is very expensive as compared to other modes of transport.

Train networks in Tokyo are composed of JR lines, private lines and subway lines, which are cheap, convenient and easily accessible. If you have plans to stay inside Tokyo, buy a local train pass once you get here. There are 1 day passes as well as re-chargeable cards called Pasmo or Suica. However, if you have further plans to move around Japan, opt for Japan Rail Pass which can be purchased for 1, 2, or 3 week periods and use it on almost any public transport in Japan, except the nozomi shinkansen.

The JR Yamanote Line and many other private lines run through central Tokyo offer fast and very frequent service. There is a train every 3-10 minutes, while the wait time would be bit longer in early morning and late at night. Free timetable of local services are available at every station. Another, frequently used train is the Tokyo Metro, which is very well established and convenient. Few stations of this rail line are directly connected to major department stores and buildings via underground passageways.

In addition to airplanes and trains, there are general bus networks, sightseeing bus service which can be used for touring within and outside Tokyo. There are some community-based buses which are operated free of charge. You can also get taxi from a taxi depot or on the street for initial fare of 710 yen for a standard taxi.

Traveling in Tokyo is relatively easy as the great means of transportation available there makes it very convenient for tourist to get in and out without any hassle. Every means has its own merits, so it’s up to you, how would you want to travel in Tokyo to have maximum fun.

Tokyo is just like any other business center of the world in the daytime. Least attractive, busy and not happening. However, as dusk sets in, the city is totally transformed with giant neon lights and paper lanterns all over and you can see millions of tired Japanese people and visitors in the streets out to have fun.

The Japanese people are famous for working very hard and partying even harder. So it is no wonder that nightlife in Tokyo is sizzling and offers every entertainment for a great evening. It is at night that Tokyo comes to life and gives you a range of choices of bars, clubs, discos and restaurants stretched throughout the city with its own unique atmosphere, theme, price and patrons. Before stepping in any of the lounges or club, walk around and feel the environment. Every club has something which will suit your need and requirement. Tokyo is also famous for geisha bars, where specially trained Japanese women entertain by playing traditional Japanese instruments, singing and also witty conversations. The geisha bars are mainly located in Kyoto and they are very expensive. However, these geisha bars are closed to foreigners. Tokyo nightlife has array of innumerable drinking spots, predominantly in the Ginza, Shinjuku, Akasaka and Roppongi.

Tokyo is one city that never sleeps. The night clubs at Tokyo ensures that it is always open for its guest. Be it in the evening or early morning, you will always find a club or lounge open for you. You can always find a place to enjoy a sip of your favourite drink and bounce to the great music at any time after a hard day’s work. Be it jazz, dance clubs, mania, reggae, gay bars, sex shows or madness you are looking for, Tokyo has them all.

Tokyo with other Japanese cities is also famous for Hostess bars. Hostess bars have been a part of the Japanese culture from centuries. These hostess bars are very expensive and many of you will find the visit to it is not worth the price as the hostesses speak only Japanese. You might be charged up to £50 for a single beer in a Hostess bar. It is always wise to enquire for price before ordering anything in almost all bars and disc of Tokyo.

The Western-style bars in Roppongi and the Nomi-Ya – Japanese-style watering holes are very popular among office workers, students, and expatriates who go there for their favourite drink and great evening. The Yakitori-ya, bars which serve yakitori and other snacks, are also worth a visit. Live music and dance is also provided in all lounges and is very popular among the young Tokyoites. Tokyo also has wide range of topless bars, erotic dance clubs with Western dancers, sex shows, and massage parlours, mainly in Shinjuku’s Kabuki-cho district. The English Bar Milwaukee and Hobgoblin is also famous among visitors because of its English touch and feel.

If you are in Tokyo and want to walk off the streets and enjoy your drink slowly underneath Tokyo’s enchanting skyline, then one of the many “sky bars” will suit your liking.

Some notable Nightclubs of Tokyo include “La Fabrique”, famous for their unique playing house, “Milk”, famous for variety of bands and events. The trendy nightclub “Womb”, in Shibuva is also popular fro enjoying quiet drink and great food. Famous bars of Tokyo include “Hajime”, “GasPanic” and the stylish “Finger.” These places are very desirable and recommended for travelers.

To conclude, Tokyo is loner’s paradise. If you want to dance and have great food and drink then go ahead with your group. However, if you want to be naughty then Tokyo should be ventured alone. Sizzling environment, busy streets, beautiful Japanese girls, mouth watering food and sip of your favorite drink makes nightlife of Tokyo a remarkable one.

The aim of the garden is the research and study of alpine plants and plants from the temperate region of Japan to the sub-arctic one (such as Prunus and Acer for example). A list of the park plants is available here in Japanese and Latin.

The garden’s location was specially chosen due to its ideal climate conditions offering the researchers excellent conditions to study the Japanese fauna.

The garden, covering over 100,000 square meters, is home to over 200 different species.

The Nikko botanical garden is open every day from mid April till the end of November. To visit the park you will have to open your wallet to pay the sum of 330 Yen (110 for children).

Those staying in Tokyo and wishing to visit the park, should purchase a train ticket for the famous Tobu railway at the Asakusa station in Toyko to the city of Nikko. A one-way ticket should cost around 1320 Yens and get you to Nikko in just under 2 hours. Trains depart every hour during daytime.

Once in the Nikko station, take the bus headed to Okuhosoo, Kiyotaki, Chuzenji or Yumoto and get off at “Hanaishi-cho“. The ride shouldn’t last more than 10 minutes and will cost you 300 Yens. From there it’s only a minute’s walk.

This is the city where you will find centuries old palaces and castles still standing today as a living embodiment of Japan’s history. These buildings including the historical palaces, shrines and temples have survived the onslaught of hundreds of years and hold within them secrets yet to be discovered. And this is the same city where you find wonderful creations of human mind and his knowledge. Among these is the Tokyo tower- which is currently the world’s tallest self-supporting steel structure and has been modeled on the design of the famous Eiffel Tower.

Moreover, if you are a fashion addict then one of the first places to visit in Tokyo is the Harajuku which is famous fashion and shopping region in the city. For teenagers the place is no less than bliss for every emerging trend is found in this region in almost every possible style.If you are wondering how to reach the travel destinations in Tokyo then the answer lies in the city’s efficient and bustling transport system.

If you are traveling to Tokyo with no budget reservations or worries then you may opt for any of the car rental services provided by various providers and dealers or from your own hotel (where you are staying). In addition there are quite a few hotels in the city which provide a complete travel and stay package for tourists at various rates. These can be checked either at their websites or discussed with their multilingual staff easily.
If however, you are not so lucky and have to keep budget under close scrutiny then we suggest you make use of Tokyo’s train network. This train network is so efficient and interconnected that it is impossible not to reach a location easily and without much hassle.This is the most convenient way of reaching your destination with minimum cost. In addition a majority of the signs are provided both in English and Japanese and hence tourists have little problem understanding them.

If you are traveling in Tokyo with a friend or a colleague who is well aware of the bus routes and stops then making of the bus system is also an excellent idea. However, if you are new to the place then understanding where to stop and get off may prove to be a tad tricky. Whatever option you choose, Tokyo is a city which provides multiple answers to a single question thus making it an ideal place to visit.

Tokyo travel and sightseeing has managed to attract and hold the attention of millions of tourists from all around the world. Not only known for its scientific wonders but Tokyo also has an equal variety of architectural master pieces- both modern and centuries old which are one of the most famous travel destinations worldwide. From luxurious hotels and world-class resorts to huge multi-storied shopping malls bustling with activity to green gardens and parks and magical castles and palaces; Tokyo is an ideal sightseeing location.

The temples and shrines of Tokyo boast a serene history of their own where the residents often visit to pay their highest regards to their gods. The Sensoji Temple is one such example which attracts many tourists from all over the world.

Tokyo sightseeing would be incomplete without visiting the famous imperial palace. With its lush green gardens and magnanimous architecture, the place speaks volumes of its centuries old history and traditions.

Apart from the historical landmarks and architectural wonders in Tokyo; there are also certain scientific and engineering wonders that are sure to take your breath away. One of these is the Tokyo tower which in actual is a good 10 meters higher than the world famous Eiffel tower. The height of the tower is 333m and weighs about 3,000 tons less than the Eiffel tower! This has been possible owing to the remarkable advancements in material and steel sciences.

Other attractions in the tower include a huge aquarium and a wax museum each of which are bound to hold your interest for many hours. Close to the Tokyo Tower is the famous Zojoji Temple which can be accessed easily.

Tokyo is all in all a true reflection of a unique marriage of science and traditions. No other place in the world holds such a strong contrast in its infrastructure from centuries old castles and palaces to modern technological wonders. In addition, owing to their festive nature, the Japanese celebrate a series of events and equally encourage others to take part. This creates a tourist friendly atmosphere that is aired by all worldwide.

Owing to rapid technological advancement and the need for more extensive infrastructures, Tokyo may not be considered as a very green city. However, thanks to the latest awareness programs the government has invested highly in a lot of parks and gardens which reflect the traditional Japanese flora to delicate French gardens. While visiting Tokyo, make sure you visit its ever famous gardens to experience this rich contrast of colors.

Tokyo travel means exploring all this diversity not only in fashion, technology, lifestyle and approach but also in its cuisines. The Tokyo hotels and resorts prepare mouth watering traditional Japanese dishes and delicacies for their tourists.

As Tokyo holds the distinction of being the largest city in Japan and its capital; the city boasts two airports one domestic and the other international. These have been specially designed to effectively manage the huge masses of tourists who are attracted to the breathtaking sites of the city every year. In addition the city boasts an efficient and well-managed transport system consisting of buses and trains which take the individual to locations inside and outside the city.

In order to cater to this large population of tourists from all over the world, Tokyo has a unique set of accommodations which cover a wide range of budgets. One can find luxurious five star hotels to simple three star hotels in Tokyo. In any case; Tokyo accommodations have truly made their mark by providing good value and services for your money.

Tokyo travel is another name for high quality experience and grandeur like no other. In addition you will find that Tokyo accommodations are spread all throughout the city not limiting themselves to a particular location or area. This provides tourists and travelers with the additional facility of living in an area they most prefer.

If you are traveling to Tokyo on a low budget, never opt for the grand and luxurious hotels. These hotels are extremely expensive and though their world-class services are worth their rates, they would surely prove disastrous for your budget planning. For others who have little reason to worry about their budgets; living in these luxurious hotels and resorts will prove to be an experience of a lifetime.

Also for those individuals who are traveling to Tokyo for the first time and are worried about their lingual skills-the hotels and living accommodations in Tokyo have a staff well-trained to understand the needs and requirements of many. Many of these hotels boast a multilingual staff so that they may interact well with their customers.

Considering all the above mentioned facilities and services provided to tourists in Tokyo, it is indeed an ideal tourist attraction site.

Owing to years of blooming tourism, Tokyo hotels and resorts provide good value for your money. In addition a large number of these hotels are located close to some of the most important and popular shopping complexes and malls and even bus and train stations. This means that once you’ve settled in your living accommodation in Tokyo you need not to worry about the travel arrangements. The city is mobile and provides numerous methods of fast and easy travel to even those who are new to the place.

Furthermore, as Tokyo boasts a host of attractive tourist sites and features; you will also find living accommodations close to these fantabulous sights. What could be better than your favorite site being just a short walk from you hotel?

From luxury retros to five star multi-facility resorts Tokyo has all the ingredients for a perfect holiday recipe.

Ideally, if you are a businessman traveling to Tokyo for a purpose other than sightseeing then it is recommended you rent a room in a hotel that is located somewhere close to the commercial areas. As a large number of commercial and business centers in Tokyo are linked together via an extensive network or trains; traveling from one location to another becomes a lot easier.

In addition if you are new to place then make sure you have done sufficient research regarding the major route maps and top hotels and major sites of the city. As Tokyo is large city, finding a location can take more than hours and the last thing you want is to waste your time on the streets. Make sure you have a list of all the major transport modes that is buses and trains along with their routes if you wish to reach a particular destination on time. These are easily available on dedicated websites on the World Wide Web. On the other hand if you find yourself bamboozled by the city’s bustling and thriving life then arranging for a transport facility from your hotel’s services is recommended. You will be charged a little extra but it will surely save you from a whole lot of trouble.

Koh Tao Accommodation

When it comes to living in Tokyo; you may either opt for the five-star hotels or the more traditional accommodations like the ryokan and minshuku; each of which are a true reflection of Japanese homes and inns.  One may choose any of these starting from exceptionally luxurious resorts to the more economical hotels depending on his/her budget.

Ofcourse the rates of these hotels and accommodations vary greatly depending on the quality of services and their rating. Generally, the rates are a tad higher in the tourist season as compared to the other months.

While choosing a place to stay in Tokyo, make sure you do a little research and make a comparison of the rates available. In addition making use of certain packages and deals which include travel accommodations may also be beneficial. Ideally the closer your living accommodation is to a shopping mall or centre; the more advantages it has. As the city is internally connected via an extensive network of trains and buses; the chances of you easily finding transportation at or near a major shopping mall or centre are quiet high.

Furthermore, if you have meticulously planned your Tokyo vacation and made a reservation beforehand then these hotels also provide pickup services form the airport as a part of their package. Online reservations are also possible to most of the major hotels and resorts. However, if your trip was not pre-planned then there is no reason to worry. Tokyo’s range of hotels and resorts are accessible from the airport via a number of routes and modes and thus finding an accommodation easily and well within your budget is not difficult.

What’s more is that a number of popular hotels and resorts reservation centers are available at the airports for the tourists, making the process a lot easier than expected!

Unlike most travel destinations, Tokyo boasts a serene and calm atmosphere owing mostly to its rich cultural heritage and the importance each and every individual pays to it. Whether you are visiting the place for the first time or have managed to witness its flawless perfection before too; you are never resist the lively activities and charm of the place.

The following lines are dedicated to some of the most famous Tokyo parks and castle which have managed to attract millions of tourists from all over the world.

The first in our list is the Edo castle in Tokyo with its roots buried deep in the early 17^th century. This castle boasts a unique architecture which often gives the appearance of a palace. The initial precursor, however, was built early in the 15^th century by Ooota Doukan. In addition to its breathtaking beauty the castle has held the attention of many travelers worldwide owing to its somewhat tragic history which threatened its complete destruction. The castle’s tower which was once considered as the tallest in Japan was sadly demolished. However, to this day this creative and historical structure stands true to its glory. Within its thick walls lies ancient history of Japan and its journey through all these years.

The Edo castle is a must-see if you are visiting Tokyo. Getting to the castle is no difficult task for it lies very close to the Tokyo station. Just a brief walk and you can glimpse one of the greatest wonders of architecture in all times.

Apart from its castles, Tokyo boasts a huge variety of parks and gardens with beauteous blooming lawns, lush trees and lively ponds. Even though the advancement in the city has lead to the creation of several concrete structures and little greenery; these parks make up for most of that loss by providing both tourists and residents a welcome escape from their busy lives.

Some of the best gardens and parks in Tokyo include the Shinjuku Gyoen, Yoyogi Koen, Ueno Koen and last but not the least the Imperial Palace East Gardens. Each of these gardens is famous for its own attributes and sites. However, cherry blossom is an event that is equally celebrated in all the parks. From French style gardens to western style parks for tourists to typical Japanese style gardens you will find a huge variety in Japan’s landscape.

Tokyo travel would be almost incomplete without visiting these beautiful sites and fantabulous locations. These sites truly make Tokyo the land of fantasies- of castles and rich green gardens.