Tokyo

Tokyo Tower is a communications and observation tower located in the city's Minato ward. Frequently appearing in film and television, it is an icon on the Tokyo skyline. Two observation decks afford visitors the chance to snap breathtaking pictures, while the tower’s lower levels host a number of restaurants, shops, and museums. Completed in 1958, Tokyo Tower’s lattice design was closely inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. When lit up after dark, Tokyo Tower makes for an impressive background in any photo.

Tokyo Disneyland was the first Disney amusement theme park built outside the United States. Opened in 1983, it has since been incorporated into the larger and expanded Tokyo Disney Resort, which includes an additional theme park called Tokyo DisneySea, and several hotels. Typical for Disney parks, there are seven “themed” areas containing various rides and entertainment offerings. Recently the park has sought in incorporate distinctly Japanese characteristics into classic Disney stories. Given its popularity, Tokyo Disneyland is a fun and exciting destination for people of all ages.

Uneo Park is a spacious public park in Tokyo’s Taito ward. First established in 1873, Uneo Park draws influence from Western parks popular at the time. Today visitors are free to wander the many paths and open spaces. There are estimated to be over 8,000 tree species in the park and the small bodies of water attract a wide variety of birds. A number of museums are located within Uneo Park including the Tokyo National Museum and the National Museum of Nature and Science. Uneo Park’s most famous attraction, however, is the spring Cherry Blossom Festival when people flock to admire the natural beauty on offer. Truly it is something to behold.

Famous for its many electronics shops, Akihabara is an area located in central Tokyo’s Chiyoda ward. Tourists flock here in search of bargains from top-shelf electronics manufacturers. More recently, Akihabara has emerged as the center of Japan’s vast anime and manga culture. Visitors today will notice an atmosphere catering to these tastes. Stores are filled with anime and manga icons, cosplayers line the sidewalks distributing advertisements for cafes and products. The result is a mecca for electronics-fascinated youth culture. Walking through Akihabara, it’s possible to imagine oneself as having entered some new digital reality.