Tokyo, Japan
• Tokyo was founded in the 12th century and became the capital of Japan in 1869. It was formerly known as Edo.
• In the 16th century, Tokugawa Ieyasu established the Tokugawa shogunate at Edo castle. This marked the beginning of the Edo period, a time of peace and stability in Japan that lasted until the 1860s. During this time, Edo grew into a prosperous city and a major economic and cultural center.
• In the 1860s, relations with the West, especially the U.S., led the Tokugawa shogunate to initiate modernization and Westernization efforts. This set the stage for the Meiji Restoration in 1868 which led to the fall of the shogunate and the rise of Emperor Meiji.
• Under Emperor Meiji, Japan underwent a period of fast modernization and industrialization. Tokyo became the new capital city of Japan and was rapidly transformed into a modern metropolis. The Meiji era saw many Western-style developments in Tokyo including railways, electricity, and architecture.
• In the early 20th century, Tokyo expanded into a major industrial and economic power. However, it was also damaged by natural disasters like the Great Kanto earthquake of 1923. By the mid-20th century, Tokyo had become a major global city.
• In recent decades, Tokyo has been a leader in technology,finance, and pop culture, hosting many skyscrapers, electronic companies, anime studios, and entertainment venues. It hosted the 1964 Summer Olympics and will host again in 2020.
• Tokyo is a fast-paced global metropolis but still retains many historical sites like Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji Temple, and Tsukiji Fish Market which showcase its rich history and culture.
Tokyo Imperial Palace: The primary residence of Japan’s Emperor. Explore the lavish architecture and huge palace grounds. Free to view and enter. Hours: 9 am-5 pm; Closed Mondays, Fridays Oct-May. Address: 111 Tokyo, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0002. Phone: 03-5208-3141 Website: www.kunaicho.go.jp
Shibuya Crossing: World famous scramble crossing with hundreds of pedestrians crossing at the same time. Cost: Free. Hours: 5 am-12 am. Address: Shibuya, Tokyo Phone: N/A
Senso-ji Temple: Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple complex. Features traditional architecture, shops, restaurants and cultural events. Cost: 200 yen. Hours: 6 am-sunset. Address: 2-3-1 Nakamise, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo. Phone: 03-3842-0181 Website:https://www.senso-ji.jp/
Meiji Shrine: Shinto shrine surrounded by a forest with hiking trails. Great for picnics, festivals and weddings. Cost: 200 yen. Hours: Daily from 4 am to 11 pm; Grounds open until 5 am. Address: 1-1 Yoyogi Kamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-3379-8361 Website: http://www.meijijingu.or.jp
Shibuya: Popular shopping, dining and entertainment district with huge department stores, fashion brands, movie theaters and nightlife. Cost: None. Hours: Nearly 24 hours. Address: Shibuya Station area, Tokyo Phone: N/A
The currency code for Japanese Yen is JPY. The currency of Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Some key denominations of Japanese Yen are:
Banknotes:
•1 Yen = 1 JPY
•5 Yen = 5 JPY
•10 Yen = 10 JPY
•50 Yen = 50 JPY
•100 Yen = 100 JPY
•500 Yen = 500 JPY
•1000 Yen = 1000 JPY
•5000 Yen = 5000 JPY
•10,000 Yen = 10,000 JPY
Other larger denominations also exist like 20,000 JPY and 50,000 JPY coins and notes. The Japanese Yen is subdivided into 100 sen. So for example, 315 Yen would be written as 3((15)) in Japanese. The Bank of Japan is responsible for issuing the Japanese Yen.
Coins: come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 Yen. Banknotes come in denominations of 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 Yen.
Tokyo has a humid subtropical climate, typical of its latitude and predominant wind patterns. Some key facts about the climate in Tokyo:
• Summers are hot and humid, with average high temperatures around 82 F or 28 C and high humidity. The summer rainy season is from June to July.
• Winters are mild but short, with average high temperatures around 45 F or 7 C. Temperature inversions sometimes trap cold air and increase air pollution.
• Snowfall is light, limited to a few centimeters. But in some winters, Tokyo gets hit by strong cold fronts bringing colder air and more significant snowfall.
• Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) have pleasant weather, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit. Rainfall is moderate.
• The city is in the path of typhoons, especially in September and October. Some typhoons bring heavy rain, flooding and high winds.
• Humidity is high year-round, ranging from 60-90%. This contributes to discomfort in the summers and threat of flooding.
• Tokyo averages around 6000 hours of sunshine per year. But it feels like less due to the high humidity and cloud cover.
• Air quality has improved in recent decades but still shows pollution peaks. Ozone and particulate matter can behealth issues at times.
• At night, temperatures typically remain above 50 F, even in winter. So the city enjoys a mild climate all year round.
Here are the major airports near Tokyo:
Haneda Airport (HND) Website: https://www.tokyo-haneda-airport.jp/en/
Train: From Tokyo Station: 30 min, 23 km. Fare: 1,570 yen. Keikyu Line. Metro: From Hamamatsucho Station: 15 min, 12 km. Fare: 450 yen. Keikyu Line and Tokyo Monorail.
Shuttle: Tokyo Airport Limousine: 30 min, 23 km. Fare: 2,300 yen. Website:
Car share: Zipcar: 15–25 min, 20 km. Fare starts at 4,320 yen.
Taxi: 30 min, 23 km. Fare: Around 8,000-12,000 yen.
Narita Airport (NRT) N‘EX Airport Narita: Website: https://www.narita-airport.jp/en/
Train: From Tokyo Station: 60–90 min, 86–120 km. Fare: 3,200-6,250 yen.
Narita Sightseeing Limousine Bus: 60-90 min, 86-120 km. Fare: 5,000-12,000 yen. Website: https://www.narita-airport.jp/en/access/bus.html
Taxi: 60-90 min, 86-120 km. Fare: Around 20,000-35,000 yen.
Here are the main types of transportation in Tokyo and some details on costs and links:
•Subway (Metro): Extensive rail network covering Tokyo metropolis. Fares start around $2 USD per ride. https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/subwaymap/
•Rail (JR Lines): Includes high-speed Shinkansen bullet trains and commuter rail. Fares start around $4 USD per ride. https://www.jreast.co.jp/
•Buses: Over 100 bus routes cover Tokyo. Fares start around $1.50 USD per ride. https://www.teito.jp/en/businfo/list.html
•Taxis: Metered taxis are readily available. Initial fare is around $3 USD, then $0.25 USD per minute. Look for taxis with the word 空車 (ku-sha), which means “available.” You can either get them at a taxi stand or flag them down in the street.
•Private Rental Cars: Daily rental cars start around $50-100 USD per day. Foreign licenses are valid for driving rentals in Japan for up to 6 months.
•Bicycle: Cycling is gaining popularity in Tokyo with bike rental programs. Daily rentals start under $20 USD. https://biketourjapan.com/bike-rental-in-tokyo-japan-road-bikes-e-bikes-and-more/
•Ferry: services operate between some areas like Odaiba and central Tokyo. Fares start around $5 USD. https://www.tokyowanferry.com/
Longer routes to Hokkaido: https://www.kinkai.co.jp/language/info/access/dock.html
Popular Day Trips From Tokyo:
**Hakone** A lovely town in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park featuring lakes, hot springs, and stunning mountain scenery. About 2 hours from Tokyo. Average Cost: $150. Address: 3605 Senkyoro, Odita, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa, Japan.
**Kamakura** Discover ancient Buddhist temples, Shogun residences, scenic natural parks and the Great Buddha of Kamakura. About 1.5 hours from Tokyo. Average Cost: $50. Address: 2–2–1 Engyoji, Kamakura 248-8558, Japan.
**Nikko** Nikko is famous for the grandiose Futarasan Shrine and Tōshō-gū Shrine, set against stunning mountain vistas. About 3 hours from Tokyo. Average cost: $100. Address: Nikko-shi, Tochigi–ken 321-1434, Japan.
**Atami** A popular seaside hot spring resort town with scenic beaches, mountain views of Mount Fuji, amusement parks and resort hotels. About 2 hours from Tokyo. Average Cost: $75. Address: Atami, Shizuoka, Japan.
**Disneyland Tokyo** Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea – magical places for Disney and kids‘ entertainment. About 1.5-2 hours from Tokyo. Average Cost: $50-100. Tokyo, Japan https://tokyodisneyresort.jp/
**Kamakura Great Buddha** Great Giant Buddha Statue and Museum. About 1 hour from Tokyo. Address: 4 Chome-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan.
