Nicknamed â€the land of the rising sun’, Japan is certainly one of the most intriguing countries in the world, setting the supreme wealth and economic prowess of a westernised country against a culturally distinct eastern backdrop. Indeed, Japan has the world’s second largest economy by nominal GDP, helping to cement its position as one of the world’s major economic players. Moreover, Japan’s capital city †Tokyo †is one of the three world finance â€command centres’, along with New York and London. Tokyo is probably one of the most breathtaking cities in the world, and is of such a monumentally massive scale, it has often been referred to as a â€megactiy’. Indeed, if we take the entire greater Tokyo area into account, then it is the most populous metropolitan area in the world, with a staggering 35 million people living there. Literally translated as â€eastern capital’, Tokyo is a bustling metropolis with no shortage of things to do. However, Tokyo, like most major cities, is a great city to simply wander around soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the various â€downtowns’ and entertainment districts. Although Japan has a long and ancient history dating back thousands of years, two events in recent times have had a significant effect on Tokyo’s cityscape; the 1923 â€Great Kanto’ earthquake and the extensive firebombing of World War 2. Subsequently, Tokyo’s current urban landscape consists predominantly of contemporary architecture, including an impressive array of towers and skyscrapers that light up the night sky to create a stunning backdrop in which to enjoy some late night sushi or a Kirin beer. Tokyo Tower is the tallest self-supporting steel structure in the world, and affords great views over the city. With 2 observation decks †the highest of which is at 250 metres †it’s a great way of appreciating the sheer size of Tokyo. Then there is Tokyo National Museum (TNM), which is the oldest and largest museum in Japan. Established in 1892, TNM’s collection focuses on ancient Japanese art and is a good way of getting to grips with Japan’s rich cultural heritage. And on a clear day, it’s possible to see one of Japan’s greatest iconic symbols: Mount Fuji. Located just outside of Tokyo, Mount Fuji is actually a dormant volcano which last erupted in 1708. The most popular months to climb the mountain are July and August and the hike can take anywhere between 3 and 8 hours, depending on what route is taken and fitness levels. With around 5 million foreign visitors each year, hotels in Tokyo will always be in high demand. And, as one of the most breathtaking cities in the world, Japan’s capital truly is the king of all cities.
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