Tokyo - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

PagodaSwan · 11-12-2005, 11:23 AM

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is one of the largest cities of the world with a population of 12.29-million and the biggest of the 47 prefectures throughout Japan. Its long history of prosperity started with the establishment of the shogunate by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603. At that time, Tokyo was called Edo, which by the 18th century had grown to a huge city of over a million people. It is now Japan's center for political, economic, cultural, and various other activities as well as the origin for the dissemination of information.

Located geographically at about the center of the Japanese archipelago and in the southern part of the Kanto area, Tokyo shares borders with Chiba prefecture to the east along the Edogawa River, Yamanashi to the west along a mountain range, Kanagawa in the south along the Tamagawa River, and Saitama in the north. Being 2187 km² in area, the metropolis occupies only 0.6% of the national land, the third smallest of the 47 administrative divisions of the country.

As the land unfolds from east to west, there are hills, plateaus, and mountains scattered around the city. Small as it is, Tokyo's geographical features are rich in variety, comprising low lands of only four meters above the sea-level and mountainous areas of over 2000 meters. In addition, it must be noted that certain volcanic islands in the Pacific such as the Izu and Ogasawara Islands also are part of Tokyo. The administrative district includes 23 wards which are specially designated, 26 cities, five towns and eight villages.

PagodaSwan · 11-12-2005, 11:25 AM

The ward area is 621Km2 in area, where 8.29-million people live. Tokyo attracts tourists not only from abroad, but from all over the country as it provides many points of interest to visit, well-developed traffic networks, and facilities for business enterprises that are linked together. The Metropolitan Government Office which runs the city, Tokyo Station constructed in 1914 as the largest brick building in Japan, the Odaiba Marine Park commanding a wide ocean view are just a few examples of the sightseeing spots of this charming city full of history and tradition, that is continually generating new points of interest. Cultural facilities such as museums and art galleries are also abundant, making Tokyo, undoubtedly, one of the most advanced cities of the world.
The Tama area of 1160 Km2 is inhabited by about 4-million people. Blessed with abundant nature, it is located in a very convenient area, taking only about an hour or so for commuters to reach the city center by train. For this reason, there are quite a few residential areas in Tama that are developing into new towns with facilities encompassing educational, cultural, commercial, and entertainment spheres in addition to housing.

Okutama, in the northwest, is a popular vacationland, full of mountains, lakes, and valleys. It features natural tourist resources for hiking, camping, and viewing autumnal leaves and limestone caves.

The Izu islands lie southeast of the city in the Pacific Ocean, ranging in order from those closest to the Metropolitan Government Office: Oshima, Toshima, Niijima, Shikinejima, Kouzushima, Miyakejima, Mikurajima, Hachijojima, and Aogashima. Oshima island is 108 km away and Aogashima is 354 km away from the metropolitan office. Each island is unique in that it has its own character and all sorts of marine sports such as swimming, scuba diving, surfing, and fishing can be enjoyed. There are many places that offer scenic beauty, which are crowded with tourists during the summer.

Ogasawara Islands are about 1000 km away from Tokyo. They are made up of some 20 islands in the subtropical zone but only Chichijima and Hahajima are inhabited. Almost the whole area of the islands is included in the Ogasawara National Park, which is full of beautiful nature. You can visit the marine park as well. This is an area known for whale watching. Although the access to the islands is limited to ship, it is always highly popular among tourists.

PagodaSwan · 11-12-2005, 11:28 AM

Tokyo Skyline

PagodaSwan · 11-12-2005, 11:30 AM

A Tokyo temple