With Tokyo hosting the 2020 Olympics, all eyes are on how the city will handle the world’s largest sporting event. Tokyo is planning to build 22 Olympic venues from scratch. Here’s a closer look at major cultural sites – ranging from the traditional to modern – that already make up the city of over 13 million people.
Japan’s oldest temple was completed in the year 645. According to legend, the temple was built for Kannon, the goddess of Mercy. When approaching the temple, first enter through the outer gate, Kaminarimon (“Thunder Gate”), which is the symbol of Tokyo. Purchase traditional souvenirs at Nakamise, a shopping street of about 200 meters with 89 shops, leading to the temple’s second gate.
This nearly symmetrical volcano has inspired artists for centuries, and there’s no wonder why. At 3,776 meters, it is Japan’s highest mountain and snow-capped for several months per year. Visibility tends to be better during colder seasons than in the summer. However, the most popular period to climb Mt. Fuji is from July to August, when huts and facilities are operating.
Chances are you won’t see the Emperor of Japan, but at least you’ll be standing on the verdant site of the old Edo Castle. While the palace buildings and inner gardens are generally not open to the public, guided tours are offered in Japanese, with an English pamphlet and audio guide provided. Only on January 2 (New Year’s Greeting) and the current emperor’s birthday are visitors allowed to enter the inner palace grounds and see members of the Imperial Family.
If this monument reminds you of a certain lattice tower in Paris, there’s good reason why: It was inspired by the Eiffel Tower. But unlike its Parisian counterpart, Tokyo Tower also functions as a support structure for a broadcasting antenna. FootTown, a four-story building directly under the tower, where visitors can eat, shop, and visit museums, is also where you catch the elevators to the tower’s main observatory deck.