CITY OF TOKYO

Tokyo is a busy, prosperous city. It was the center of culture during the Edo period and has been the capital of Japan since 1868. Twice during the twentieth century Tokyo was almost completely destroyed, first by the Great Tokyo Earthquake of 1923 and later by fire bombing during World War II. Rebuilding has resulted in a city that combines the historic with the ultramodern. At the center is the Imperial Palace, which is surrounded by moats and gardens. The city has many shrines and parks. Soaring multistory office blocks crowd either side of narrow streets. Along with museums and art galleries, you can find sports and entertainment centers, such as golf driving ranges, baseball batting cages, and noisy computer game halls.


TRAFFIC IN TOKYO

The Ginza, Tokyo's famous shopping district, with restaurants, bazaars, and stores displaying the best of the world's fashion.