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Tokyo AttractionsSensoji Temple, Asakusa Tokyo's most revered Buddhist temple and a site of pilgrimage and tourism for many centuries, Sensoji Temple was founded in 628AD to enshrine a gold statuette of the Kannon Bodhisattva (the Goddess of Mercy). The temple and its five-storey pagoda are concrete reconstructions, but the temple precincts are nevertheless always bustling with worshippers. Smoke from the huge incense burner in front of the temple is said to have healing powers. The impressive Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) is famous for its enormous red paper lantern and fearsome guardian statues, and the temple approach is lined with shops selling traditional sweets and souvenirs. This area was the centre of Shitamachi (downtown) during the Edo period, and the streets, shops and restaurants surrounding the temple still preserve something of the flavour of old Edo. The great Sanja festival takes place annually in Asakusa on the third weekend in May. Over one hundred mikoshi (portable shrines) are paraded through the streets, accompanied by great celebration and huge crowds. 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku Tokyo Tocho (Tokyo Metropolitan Government Offices) Located in bustling Shinjuku, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Offices are notable both for their extraordinary architecture and for the splendid free observation decks on the 45th floor. Designed by Kenzo Tange, one of Japan's top architects, the monumental twin towers are said to be inspired by Notre Dame, but the imposing granite façade rather brings to mind scenes of Batman's Gotham City. The observation decks, one in each tower, are reached by high-speed elevator and give spectacular views over the city. It is said that on particularly fine days one can see Mount Fuji. 2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku Meiji-jingu (Meiji Shrine) One of Japan's finest examples of Shinto architecture, the atmospheric Meiji Shrine is tucked away in the centre of a dark, cool forest, an unexpected oasis in the centre of the city. Passing through a vast wooden torii gate, the visitor follows the wide gravel path through the forest and into the shrine precincts. Completed in 1920, the shrine honours the memory of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, under whose reign Japan rapidly modernised and reopened to the outside world. On weekends it is often possible to see a traditional wedding procession, and the precincts are one of the best places to witness the finery and festivities of New Year, Coming of Age Day (January 15), and the children's festival Shichi-Go-San (weekends around November 15). The Jingu Naien Garden in the shrine grounds is well worth visiting in June for the spectacular displays of irises. 1-1 Kamizono-cho, Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku Kyoko Higashi Gyoen (Imperial Palace East Garden): The Imperial Palace East Garden, on the site of the old Edo Castle of the shoguns, is the only part of the Imperial Palace that is regularly open to the public. Entered through the Otemon Gate, once the main entrance to the castle, it is a pleasant formal garden, surrounded by a section of the original moat and incorporating walls and foundations of the inner castle. Special features include a tea house, pond and waterfall. Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku Edo-Tokyo Hakubutsukan (Edo-Tokyo Museum) Housed in what looks like a colossal white spaceship, the Edo-Tokyo Museum is a wonderful place to get a feel for Tokyo's history and culture, from the Edo of the shoguns up to the post-war reconstruction. There are full-size models of period buildings and the Nihombashi 'Bridge of Japan', and engaging displays present the daily life and customs of the city's past. 1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku Ueno Koen (Ueno Park) Once the site of temples and nobles' mansions, Ueno Park is now Tokyo's premier cherry blossom viewing spot and home to several important museums and Tokyo Zoo. The park is dotted with historically interesting temples and shrines, including the Tokyo 'branch' of the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. The Tokyo National Museum houses treasures of Japanese art through the ages, while the National Museum of Western Art and the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum host important visiting exhibitions. Taito-ku, Tokyo Odaiba (Tokyo Teleport Town) A group of artificial islands in Tokyo Bay, Tokyo Teleport Town is billed to become Tokyo's 'Waterfront Town for the Twenty-First Century'. The focus of much futuristic development, the area incorporates prestigious business premises, parks, tourist attractions and spectacular modern architecture. The Fuji Television Center designed by Kenzo Tange, the Decks Tokyo Beach shopping and restaurant complex and the Tokyo International Exhibition Center (Tokyo Big Sight) are fast becoming Tokyo's new landmarks, and the ship-shaped Museum of Maritime Science has excellent displays and hands-on exhibits. The driverless monorail ride to and from the island, which gives superb views of the area, is an attraction in itself. Transport: Yurikamome monorail line from Shimbashi station.
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