The last two cities I highlighted were both in Europe, so this time around, let’s take a trip to the other end of the world, to Asia. Tokyo, Japan has time on its side, and has stood in a position of grandeur long enough to match any city. Originally named Edo, the town was the home of the Tokugawa clan, fated to rise to become the last Shogunate dynasy of Japan. The dynasy ruled for almost 300 years, and during that time, they made Edo the political and economic capital of Japan, shifting away from the ancestral Imperial Capitol of Kyoto. After the imperial restoration, the city was renamed to its current name, Tokyo.
After World War 2, Japan became a leading economic, cultural, and technological powerhouse. It became the beacon of democracy and capitalism in the Orient. Tokyo underwent rapid modernization and its population ballooned to an immense 35 million today, making it the world’s largest metropolitan area. Tokyo is so large that the government has split it up into over 30 districts, each considered a city in its own right. However, they have also managed to preserve their cultural heritage, and there are many places in the city where you can see the traditional buildings and landmarks of feudal Edo. This makes Tokyo a bridge between the Edo of the past and the Tokyo of the present. Essential landmarks of Tokyo are:
The Tokyo Imperial Palace
This palace is the seat of the Emperor of Japan. It was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo after the Meiji Restoration and the resultant strife. The emperor is essentially a figurehead, and has been for a millennia and a half. However, that does not mean the palace is anything to laugh at. It covers an expansive 3.41 square kilometres, and was valued at more than all the real estate in California at its peak. The palace serves as a picturesque representation of feudal Japanese architecture, as well as a look into Japanese gardening practices. They design their gardens in ways quite different from the European gardens we’re used to seeing. As the former administrative center of Japan from the Victorian era through to World War 2, the imperial palace is a top tourist destination.
The Sony Building
The Sony building is located in the heavily developed Ginza commercial district, which has the third highest rent in the world. Opened in 1966, the building is a prime example of postmodern architecture and design, and has not required external renovation or restoration in the fifty years since it was built. However, as nice as the exterior is, it’s the interior where all the cool toys are. The building’s bottom floors are designed as showrooms for the latest in Sony’s technology. From things as mundane as the latest Playstation, to truly innovative things such as televisions that can be viewed from any angle, the Sony building’s wonders show just how far we’ve come technologically…and how much further we can still go.
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
Located in Odaiba district, this museum is directly run by Japan’s Science and Technology agency. It is the home of Asimo, that robot in the Honda commercials, and also features a model maglev train, the levitating, 200 mph trains of the future. For those interested in science and technology, this place should definitely be on their list.
The Tokyo Skytree
There are two main towers in Tokyo: The Tokyo Tower, and the Tokyo Skytree. The Tokyo Tower is basically a replica of the Eiffel Tower, and Paris does it better, so let’s focus on the Skytree. The Skytree was publicly opened in May 2012, thus making it one of Tokyo’s newest landmarks. The tower stretches a massive 634 meters, making it the tallest tower in the world, and the second tallest building in the world. The base of the tower is like a tripod, then fuses into a cylinder around halfway up. The tower is also seismic shock-resistant, including a central reinforced concrete shaft. When lit up at night, the tower looks particularly beautiful, and the tower offers the best view of Tokyo anywhere.
Tokyo is one of the largest urban centers in the world, and if you like to look at new architecture mixed with old traditions, Tokyo is the place for you.
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