As we return with a look at the most awesome and complex city in the world, here are some impessive facts to ponder about Tokyo.
With a metropolitan area that supports a population of over 35 million – the numbers fluctuate from one source to another – greater Tokyo has more people than Portugal, Ireland, New Zealand and Chile – combined.
Over 15% of family income in Tokyo is spent on rice.
Municipal officials estimate that for trips up to 50 minutes within Tokyo, a bicycle will beat out a car every time.
The most popular pizza in Tokyo? Squid.
With that, onward with our guide to the special wards that comprise the capital of Japan. Remember to consult the best hotel deals in the city.
The Japanese word for “north” is “kita” and as a result, the ward with the same name has that precise location in relation to the city proper. As a peripheral district, albeit one with a large population of over 300,000, the main attractions in Kita are park and recreational areas. Asukayama and Osika are the most popular parks in the city, although Nanushi-no-taki may provide the best escape from central Tokyo.
A hive of activity by day and night, Koto has much to offer the near half million people who call the city home, in addition to the waves of visitors who flock here every year. For nightlife, sports and culture, the district represents a perfect destination. It begins with the Japan Open, a major stop in professional tennis, held at Ariake Coliseum. Suzake Field is a legendary stadium in Japanese baseball. In addition, there are several major Shinto shrines to tour, as well as the iconic Tokyo International Exhibition Center.
Meguro is a wonderful district to discover where the wealthy live and frequent in Tokyo. The area of Kakinokizaka contains some of the most expensive real estate in Japan. No surprise then that foreign consulates dot the streets. Aside from wealth, Meguro has some fun attractions. The Museum of Art is one of the best in the country. Komaba Park features expansive gardens with an estate house that dates back to the 16th century. Visitors can experience authetic tea services and stroll the grounds. Also of interest is Ebisa Garden Place, a former brewery that now houses a prominent museum of photography.
Minato is a hub of corporate Japan and foreign government offices. Forty-nine nations have an embassy here, not to mention the headquarters of Sony, Mitsubishi, Honda, Fujitsu and Toshiba. Atago Shrine is a must for any visitor to Japan and still provides stellar views of Tokyo, despite the preponderance of skyscrapers. The National Art Center is a wonderful, modern museum built in 2007 that rivals the best in the world. For less cultural pursuits, Minato features the best nightlife and entertainment districts in Tokyo.
With almost 300,000 people in a small urban cluster of Tokyo, Nakano has some of the most popular department stores in the city. Although Sun Mall is ideal for shopaholics, manga and anime fanatics, other more noble attractions beckon in Nakano as well. Chief among them is the venerable Arai Yakushi shrine, a vital symbol of great importance in Japanese Buddhism.
With more agriculture and people – 700,000 at last census – than most wards in Tokyo, Nerima plays a critical role in the city economy. Without Nerima for one, there would be no cabbage or daikon at dinner, not to mention a comic book on the train ride home. The city is the famous birthplace of manga, a tale told at the Iwasaki Museum. Several large city parks can be found in Nerima for those who want a more leisurely pace.
In total area Ota is king of the hill in Tokyo. The special ward also has more than 650,000 people. Tokyo International Airport is within the district confines, as well as several Buddhist shrines. Ikegami Honmon-ji is a temple of supreme importance, with a history that dates back to the 12th century. Legend has it that the cremation of the founder of Nichiren Buddhism took place here in 1282.
With over 800,000 people, Setagaya is massive. This special ward of Tokyo could very well be a major metropolis in most nations around the world. Instead, it remains the most populous district in the city and indeed, Japan. For green space, you will not find much better than Kinuta Park, home of the famous cherry blossoms. Come in March if you want to photograph them in their glory. One fun attraction in Setagaya is the Hasegawa Machiko Art Museum. Hasegawa was the creator of the most famous comic strip in Japan from 1946 to 1974.
Check out the best deals on Tokyo hotels in every special ward in the prefecture.
Continue reading our final look at Tokyo’s districts.
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