Edo and Tokyo
The center of Japan
In the 15th century, Edo was a small castle town surrounding a small castle. In the 17th century, Tokugawa Shogunate was established in Edo, which became the political center of Japan. After the Shogunate was overthrown in the 19th century, Edo was renamed "Tokyo" by Meiji Government and became the capital city of Japan.
A History of Japan
==> vol.2 Sumrai Age
==> vol.3 After Samurai
Tokyo continued to develop, notwithstanding the Great Kanto Earthquake ( A.D.1923 ) and War Damage in WWII. Now it is one of the biggest metropolises in the world. There are many historical sites in Tokyo while the subtropical islands almost 1,000 km away to the south belong to Tokyo.
Tokyo Metropolis
As above mentioned, Edo=Tokyo has been the center of Japan for more than 400 years. So there are many sites to visit and many things to see in Tokyo Metropolis, such as Imperial Palace, Hamarikyu Garden, Ueno Park, Tokyo National Museum, Skytree, Kaminari-mon Gate ( right ), Senso-ji Temple, Edo-Tokyo Museum, Odaiba and so on.
Kokyo, The Imperial Palace
Edo-jo ( castle ) was built in A.D.1457 by Dokan Ota, a samurai warrior. In A.D.1590 Ieyasu Tokugawa moved to Edo and established Tokugawa Shogunate in A.D.1603. He, his son and grandson enlarged and strengthened Edo castle ( the Head Office of their shogunate ).
In A.D.1868, Tokugawa Shogunate was overthrown while Edo was renamed "Tokyo" by Meiji government and Emperor Meiji moved to Tokyo from Kyoto. Then Edo castle became "Kokyo" ( The Imperial Palace - above ). Some parts of Kokyo ( the site of Edo-jo castle ) are open to the public and it is great fun walking in and around Kokyo.
Ueno
Ueno is very famous for Hanami ( Sakura viewing - right ). So many people go to Ueno to enjoy Sakura ( Cherry Blossoms ) viewing in spring.
In addition, there are famous temple, shrine and museums in Ueno Park. So, not only in spring but also in other seasons, it is worth visiting Ueno.
Daimyo Gardens
During Tokugawa Period, in Edo ( Tokyo now ), many Daimyo ( Feudal Lords ) owned and kept their residences, in the sites of which they built Daimyo Gardens, some of which remain now and are open to the public. It would be a fun to walk in the gardens.
Chichijima, Ogasawara Islands
The Ogasawara Islands ( or the Bonin Islands ) are located about 1,000 km south from Tokyo. Their climate is subtropical. The population is a few thousands. Mountains are covered with forests. Quiet and peaceful beaches are entertaining. Such islands belong to Tokyo Metropolis, the capital of Japan.
The Ogasawara Islands have never been a part of the continent. So many kinds of plants and animals of the islands are endemic. The islands are one of UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites. It is worth visiting Ogasawara, though it takes 24 hours to go to Chichijima, the main island of Ogasawara, from Tokyo by a liner ship, which runs once every 6 days. There is no airport in Ogasawara.
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