| Tokyo, literally translated means, Eastern Capital. | | | | most widely appreciated attractions. In Tokyo, these |
| Unlike the capitals of the American States, Tokyo | | | | beautiful trees bloom around late March and early |
| does not exist. The cities metropolis area consists of | | | | April. Typically, the trees blossom only for a couple |
| the 23 municipalities (wards), 26 cities, 5 towns, and 8 | | | | days and the Japanese celebrate these days with |
| villages with the municipalities at the center. Thirty | | | | cherry tree viewing parties. There are several very |
| Five million residents live in Tokyo making it the | | | | popular spots to view the tree such as Ueno Park, |
| world’s largest metropolitan area. | | | | Shinjuku Gyoen, and Sumida Park. |
| Railways are the dominant form of transportation | | | | Landscape gardens look like famous places in both |
| throughout Tokyo, forming a complex and often | | | | China and Japan and Koishikawa Korakuen is one such |
| times crowded network of rails. While traveling by rail | | | | garden. It is also the oldest landscape garden in Japan. |
| or subway are the main modes of transportation | | | | Other popular stops are the temples and shrines |
| within Tokyo buses, monorails, and trams also | | | | throughout Tokyo. Sengakuji is a small temple in |
| contribute to the public transportation. There are also | | | | Minato-ku, Tokyo, known for the 47 ronin buried in |
| taxis in cities and towns as well as long distance | | | | its graveyard. The story of the 47 ronin remains one |
| ferries, which serve the islands of Tokyo. | | | | of the most popular historical stories even today and |
| There are many attractions to draw sightseers of all | | | | festivals are held yearly to commemorate the their |
| types. The cherry blossom tree is Japan’s | | | | story. |
| unofficial national flower, and has become one of the | | | | |