The city of Tokyo is not only a political, but also a major cultural and scientific center of the country. It is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world with more than 13 million people. The modern capital of Japan over the past decades has become an international financial and economic center, and continues to develop.
The city begins its history with the construction of a fort in the 12th century. Several times it was subjected to severe destruction from powerful earthquakes; during the Second World War, most of it was destroyed by bombing. But by the middle of the last century, the capital of Japan was completely restored, industrial enterprises and scientific institutions began to work. Today, almost all large enterprises have been moved outside the city limits, leaving only science-intensive and high-tech industries.
Tokyo Attractions
The most famous landmark of the city is the Imperial Palace, the construction of which began in the 16th century. The emperor of Japan and his family still live in it today. The territory of the palace is decorated with a magnificent garden, arranged in the national style.
The capital of Japan is famous for its numerous religious complexes, there are 2953 Buddhist temples alone. One of the most famous is the Meiji Shinto Shrine, surrounded by a magnificent park.
Beautiful views of the city can be admired from the viewing platforms of the TV tower, in good weather you can see Mount Fuji - the symbol of Japan. The most popular tourist attractions are: Disneyland with water attractions, Japanese Disneyland, Tokyo Tama Zoo, Akihabara electronic city.
Ancient capitals of the country
Today, Tokyo is the capital of Japan, and there have been four in the history of the country. At first, the political centers of the Japanese state were Kamakura and Nara, then they became the city of Kyoto. Since 1896, this status has passed to Edo, as Tokyo used to be called.
The city of Nara is the only ancient capital of Japan that has managed to preserve its original appearance. The ancient monasteries located here allow you to see the shrines of early Buddhism. The most famous of them is Horyuji Monastery. The Todaiji temple complex houses a grandiose bronze Buddha statue.
Another former capital of the country - the city of Kamakura, located on the ocean coast, has become a resort center with numerous restaurants and hotels. It is decorated with two hundred temples. The main attraction of the ancient city is the majestic open-air bronze statue of Buddha, cast in the 13th century.
The city of Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, has now turned into an administrativethe center of the prefecture of the same name. In the 13th century it was known as a major cultural and religious center. He became famous for his skillful artisans who made porcelain and ceramic products, accessories for temples and tea ceremonies, silk products, high-quality paper and much more. The high reputation of goods from Kyoto continues to this day.
