With over 13 million people within the city limits alone, Tokyo is the core of the most populated urban area in the world, Tokyo Metropolis (which has a population of over 37 million people). This huge, wealthy, and fascinating metropolis has something for everyone: be it high-tech visions of the future, or nostalgic glimpses of old Japan. This series of images captured our first trip to Tokyo in 2015.
Sunset in Minato Area
Tokyo Cityscape from the highway.
Central Tokyo is defined by the JR Yamanote Line (see Get around). The center of Tokyo — the former area reserved for the Shogun and his samurai — lies within the loop, while the Edo-era downtown (shitamachi) is to the north and east. Sprawling around in all directions and blending in seamlessly is Yokohama, Kawasaki, and Chiba, outlying cities which have merged together into one sprawling urban jungle.
The Ginza district of Tokyo, literally "Silver Mint", is in the Chuo ward. It is considered the high fashion center of the city and contains many upscale shops and restaurants.
Old city area
Streetmarket in Tokyo
Akihabara, The electric town.
Senso-ji. Completed in 645, this temple, Tokyo's oldest, was built to honor Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
Over 500 years old, the city of Tokyo has come a long way from its modest beginnings as a fishing village named Edo. The city only truly began to grow when it became the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate in 1603. While the emperor ruled in name from Kyoto, the true power was concentrated in the hands of the Tokugawa shogun in Edo.
Rainbow Bridge, This suspension bridge crossing Tokyo Bay is colorfully illuminated at night using solar power.
Across the street
Apartment building
Every Japanese anime fan's dream, Gundam
A sunny Monday
Another raining day
Enter the Tokyo Disneyland
