Tokyo, Japan's largest city at the start of the 21st century Map of the Kanto region Tokyo was extensively developed following the move to the area of Tokugawa Ieyasu's first Shogunate Government in 1603. The town, which then centered on Edo Castle, was primarily constructed during the 70-year regeneration of Edo that followed and in the years after the demise of the 265-year reign of the Tokugawa Shogunate, as Japan's Meiji Restoration remodeled Japan along more modern lines. Tokyo became the nation's capital city after the Emperor moved east along the Tokaido road from Kyoto. With a current population of some 12 million, Tokyo is by far the largest city in 21st century Japan and one of the charms of Tokyo is to be found in the combination of the traditional and historical sites sitting side by side amidst the ultramodern urban landscape. To that end, there are many places in Tokyo with their own unique character: the Shitamachi (older and more traditional) districts in and around Asakusa and Ueno. The shopping zones of Ginza, Aoyama, Shinjuku and Shibuya and of course other well known areas for visitors to shop or eat till they drop such as Nihombashi, Akihabara, Odaiba, Harajuku, Roppongi and Ikebukuro. For visitors and inhabitants, Tokyo has something for everyone.

• To page top

Tori-no-ichi (Bird Market) - Otori Jinja Shrine, Taito-ku, Tokyo - November 5th (Wed), 17th (Mon), 29th (Sat), 2008 The Tori-no-ichi Market is a festival held at the Chokoku-ji and Otori shrines on the Japanese calendar's day of the Rooster during November. This annual event has been held continuously from the Edo era (1603-1868) and participants wish for good luck and the prosperity of business. The festival held in Asakusa is the largest, and the most enthusiastic Tori-no-ichi in Tokyo. Within the precinct stand over 200 stalls selling Kumade (a rake) with decorations of (faux) gold, silver or other treasures. Hoping to rake up the luck and happiness with the Kumade, Edokko or native born and bred locals of Tokyo enjoy this ritual. http://www.otorisama.or.jp/english.html

Mount Takao - Momiji Festival - Mount Takao, Hachioji City, Tokyo - November 1st (Sat)-30th (Sun), 2008 Mount Takao in autumn is usually covered in seasonally changing leaves of all shades and colors and in this period of celebrations for the famed momiji leaf, large numbers ranging in age from young to old gather to enjoy a variety of events, such as masu-zake (sake) drinking, monkey entertainment or street performances. See the red color of momiji leaves and really feel the Japanese autumn. http://www.hachioji-kankokyokai.or.jp/guide10.html (Japanese version only)

The 21st Tokyo International Film Festival - Roppongi Hills (Minato-ku), Bunkamura (Shibuya-ku), and other places in Tokyo - October 18th (Sat)-26th (Sun), 2008 There are 12 major international film festivals in the world, and The Tokyo International Film Festival is one of the biggest among them – it is also the only such festival officially authorized in Japan. This festival is held at Roppongi Hills in Roppongi, Shibuya and other areas of Tokyo. http://www.tiff-jp.net/en/

• To page top