The Tokyo experience

Tokyo is like an ant farm. It looks chaotic and frantic, but in amid this frenzy is order, function and respect. Despite its size and density, Tokyo just works.

Tokyo is both ultra modern and deeply traditional all at once. As you look up, the skyscrapers highlight a futuristic, architecturally pleasing vignette. But the narrow streets and alleys teem with temples, shrines, tiny boutiques and age-old markets.

Modern art lives in the streets, in the fashions of Tokyo''s youth. The best place to catch a glimpse of these now famous fashion trends is Yoyogi Park in Harajuku.

Japan is also famous for its cherry blossoms, which are simply exquisite in the spring. The best place to marvel at their beauty is in Ueno Park. It is one of the city''s oldest, opened in 1873 and it is dotted with museums, temples and even a zoo.

Museums on offer here include the Tokyo National Museum, the National Science Museum, The Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art and the National Museum of Western Art in the Corbusier building.

Temple and statue wise, you have the statue of Meiji samurai, Takamori Saigo which dates back to 1898 and is one of Japan''s best known monuments. The Kiyomizo Kannon-do Temple was built way back in 1631 and is dedicated to Kannon, the Shino goddess of fertility.

Another worthwhile museum is the Mori Art Museum. While its collection of national art is second to none in the country, it''s the wonderful observatory that really can''t be missed: located at the top of this giant skyscraper, this boasts fantastic views of the city skyline.

Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa is Tokyo''s oldest. The incredible five-storey pagoda, topped off with an immense dedicatory shrine, is almost a millennium and a half old. The legend states that in 628 two brothers caught a statue of the goddess whilst they were fishing and even though they returned it to the river, it kept coming back to them. So the temple was built in her honour.

You might be put off by the idea of suspicious hygiene, but not only are the public baths clean, they furthermore offer you the chance to partake in an age-old tradition. The Doedo-Onsen-Monogatari is a spa complex on Odaiba Island in Tokyo Bay. Everything from the al-fresco footbath to the main saunas are piping hot, primarily due to the natural volcanic spring located under the site.

Because of its status as one of the world''s most stunning and captivating destinations, Tokyo will leave you wanting so much more, rather than wishing you were at home.

Article Source: http://www.casinoarticlessite.com

Caron Kristan is a travel expert and freelance writer. They recommend Octopus Travel for Tokyo hotels.

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