■Tokyo, the capital of Japan■
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is one of the largest cities of the world with a population of 12.64 million and is 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. 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. Cultural facilities such as museums and art galleries are also abundant, making Tokyo, undoubtedly, one of the most advanced cities of the world.
■Climate■
Tokyo, being in a temperate zone, has a comparatively moderate and comfortable climate throughout the year. In summer it is hot, humid, and is often hit by typhoons, while long dry spells of fine weather continue in winter. The rainy season lasts from late June until mid-July. During the season, it rains almost everyday and the humidity gets very high. When the rainy season is over, the real summer comes.
The meeting days are in autumn. Autumn in Tokyo is from September to November. In September, there are still hot days when the temperature rises above 30°C in the daytime. Sometimes typhoons hit Tokyo in October. But in general, the temperature and humidity gradually fall with more and more examples of pleasant weather known as "glorious autumnal days". From October onward, when the temperature starts falling in the morning and evening, a jacket will be necessary. However, a heavy coat will not be necessary and there are still quite a few days when shirtsleeves are still comfortable during the day. In November, something like a light wool sweater will be needed.
■Personal Belongings■
There are numerous convenience stores (Seven-Eleven, Mini-Stop, Lawson, Am-Pm, Three-F, Family-Mart, etc.) throughout Tokyo, which are open around the clock, and sell not only food and magazines, but also daily necessities such as underwear and toiletries. These stores are open all-year-round and are very useful for travellers, making Tokyo one of the most convenient and trouble-free cities for tourists. Supermarkets, larger in size than convenience stores, are open till 10 p.m. or so (some are even open all day long these days). Drugstores and department stores are open until 8 p.m. So, it is no exaggeration to say that with a passport and cash, everything necessary is easily procurable in Tokyo.
■Eating■
Tokyo offers a wide range of dining opportunities to satisfy every tastebud of its vast population. While there are many reasonable eateries available, prestigious restaurants of a variety of cuisines, both domestic and international, are also abundant where sophisticated food prepared by renowned chefs is served. All kinds of food for all budgets -- this is what best describes Tokyo's food culture and its excitement.
■Transportation■
Tokyo offers a variety of transportation means, from trains, buses, monorails to water buses and ships. You will likely use the trains most frequently to get around in Tokyo. There are many lines operated by JR (Japan Railway) East and other train companies. Each company sells various types of prepaid train cards, which are accepted by automatic ticket gates at the stations and allow you to get on/off and transfer the trains without buying a ticket from the ticketing machine.
Japan Rail Pass is a great choice to save your money if you plan to visit other regions in Japan besides Tokyo. It is a special discount train pass sold only to tourists from outside Japan and is good for Shinkansen (bullet trains) and other JR express and local trains.
Buses are also frequently operated in Tokyo, including local lines and special tour buses. From/to both Tokyo International Airport, Narita, and Tokyo Haneda Airport, direct express buses and airport limousines are operated from/to various locations both in and outside Tokyo, including major hotels. To ride on a local bus, you may purchase a prepaid bus card from a driver if you don't want to bother yourself searching for right coins.
■Accommodation■
There are many types of accommodation available in Tokyo, from hotels, ryokan (Japanese style inns) to youth hostels (YH). The grade of the hotels varies widely from luxury five-star hotels to economical business hotels, allowing tourists to choose one that fits their budget. Many major hotels are conveniently located for shopping and sightseeing and are easy to access from/to both Tokyo International Airport, Narita, and Haneda Airport by an airport limousine. Although it is better to make a reservation in advance of your trip, you will find a place to stay easily from a number of choices even after you arrive in Japan. Hotel reservation counters are available at both airports.
As for the youth hostels, nine locations are available in Tokyo. The youth hostels are popular worldwide among frequent tourists for their clean, comfortable rooms at reasonable charge.
