| If there's one city in Asia that comfortably | | | | the grounds on which it is built on is steeped in |
| straddles the rich history and culture of the region | | | | history. The site was where the Edo Castle once |
| and also its indelible role in shaping the future of | | | | stood. Edo castle was once considered to be the |
| civilization, it would have to be Tokyo, Japan. | | | | largest castle in the world. |
| Tokyo is a city that is quite comfortable in its | | | | The Imperial Palace is actually closed to the public |
| own unique skin. It adheres to its culture zealously | | | | for most of the year. It is only open on two days |
| but is not afraid to embrace the changes that are | | | | --- the January 2, the New Year's Holiday and the |
| happening within the global community. | | | | Emperor's birthday on December 23. Even if you |
| In order to experience Tokyo culture, you should | | | | don't get to visit on those two days, you can still |
| visit the various sights that help define the city. | | | | walk around the outskirts of the palace and visit |
| There are a number of landmarks and | | | | the wonderful gardens located beside it. From the |
| destinations that a person could visit that - taken | | | | gardens, you can get a great view of the famous |
| together - present a mosaic of what Tokyo is in | | | | double-barrelled bridge, one of the popular |
| the past, present and the future. | | | | landmarks of the castle. |
| If you're ever in Tokyo, these are five sights that | | | | Meiji Shrine |
| should be on your must-visit list. | | | | The Meiji Shrine is where Emperor Meiji and |
| Akihabara | | | | Empress Shoken are enshrined. These influential |
| Tokyo has become synonymous with cutting | | | | rulers are responsible for Japan ending its |
| edge technology. If you want to see what the | | | | isolationist stance from the rest of the world. The |
| electronics industry has to offer in terms of the | | | | shrine is considered the most opulent Shinto shrine |
| latest gadgets and electronic equipment in the | | | | in the country. It was built in 1920 but was largely |
| market today, then you should take a trip to the | | | | destroyed in World War II. It was eventually |
| Akihabara district. From big name shops to small | | | | reconstructed in 1958. |
| stalls, sellers will sell you all kinds of appliances and | | | | The shrine itself only occupies a portion of the 70 |
| interesting gadgets. The great thing about | | | | hectares of forest that comprises the whole |
| Akihabara is you get to see technology so new | | | | precinct. Even though the shrine has been |
| that you'll likely only see it in the mainstream | | | | reconstructed, it is considered the most authentic |
| public a couple of years down the line. It's like | | | | of all the post-war reconstructions. |
| shopping in the future. | | | | Aside from the shrine itself, visitors can enter and |
| Gokoku-ji | | | | stroll around the Meiji-jingu Gyoen, a very |
| The Gokoku-ji or Gokoku Temple is considered | | | | beautiful strolling garden. This garden was designed |
| an important cultural property in Japan. The | | | | by Emperor Meiji himself as a gift to the Empress. |
| Gokoku Temple is one of the last surviving Edo | | | | Kabuki-za (Kabuki Theater) |
| temples in the country and dates back to 1680 | | | | For a taste of traditional Japanese arts, few can |
| when it was built by the fifth Tokugawa shogun | | | | come close to this famous kabuki theater. Kabuki |
| for his mother. This destination provides relaxing | | | | performances are mesmerizing and almost |
| visit since it's typically not crowded by tourists. | | | | otherworldly. Even if you don't go to watch the |
| Kyokyo | | | | performances, it is still a good idea to go there |
| A visit to Tokyo will never be complete without a | | | | just to see the reconstructed building that still |
| tour of the Imperial Palace - the official and | | | | adheres to its original mix of Western and |
| permanent residence of the Japanese royal family. | | | | Japanese architecture. If you do decide to attend |
| The Imperial Palace, or Kyokyo, was completed in | | | | a performance, it is perfectly acceptable to bring |
| 1968. It is a more modern reconstruction of the | | | | food or drinks with you. To have the most unique |
| Meiji Imperial Palace that was destroyed in World | | | | cultural experience, buy traditional Japanese dishes |
| War II. Even though the Palace itself is fairly new, | | | | and drinks. |