Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital, blends the ultramodern with the traditional, featuring everything from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples. The grand Meiji Shinto Shrine is celebrated for its towering gate and surrounding forest, while the Imperial Palace rests peacefully amid expansive public gardens. The city’s many museums showcase a rich variety of exhibits, from classical art at the Tokyo National Museum to a reconstructed kabuki theater at the Edo-Tokyo Museum.

​

Tsukiji Market: Covering an area of roughly 500 by 820 feet, this maze of narrow alleys and old-fashioned shops preserves a glimpse of the once-famous Inner Market of Tsukiji. Although the bustling energy of the original market is now history, one corner of the Outer Market still brims with authentic Japanese character. About 300 shops and restaurants remain in Tsukiji’s Outer Market, continuing to serve locals and visitors alike.

​

Senso-ji: Located in Asakusa, this Buddhist temple is one of Tokyo’s most iconic and vibrant landmarks. Visitors first pass through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), the outer gate of Senso-ji and a well-known symbol of both Asakusa and Tokyo itself. From there, a 600-foot shopping street called Nakamise leads to the temple’s second gate, the Hozomon. Along this bustling street, vendors sell traditional souvenirs such as yukata and folding fans, as well as a variety of classic local snacks from the Asakusa area. The Nakamise shopping street boasts a history spanning several centuries.