Bucket List: Tokyo

This metropolis of 13.5 million people that evolved from a small 12th century fishing village called Edo is the capital of Japan and believed to be one of the most expensive places in the world to visit.  It is categorized as an "Alpha+" city, one that is a primary location in the global economic network.  It ranks third in the Global Financial Centers index, behind New York City and London.

The city is divided into 23 wards, each with its own elected governor and council that are held accountable by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.  Numerous outlying islands also look to the city for their administration and economy.  A number of land reclamation and green space preservation projects are underway within the area as part of the effort to reduce the urban heat island phenomenon

To a fan of Japanese animation and culture Tokyo might as well be a mecca, as it hosts numerous theaters, museums, and studios for film and animation.  One might worry about being understood since few Japanese people outside of those employed in hotels speak English.  However every major transport hub and tourist attraction has English signs - including the tallest tower in the world, the Tokyo Skytree.

Official travel guide www.gotokyo.org