Tokyo is the capital of Japan, and one of the world´s largest cities. With 12 million people in the city center and over 35 million in the greater Tokyo area, it is a huge, crowded, and expensive but also vibrant and exciting city.

Tokyo´s transit system is known for being extremely fast and efficient, though it can also be severely overcrowded at rush hour. Taxis are slightly more expensive but taking one makes more sense than renting a car and driving on the city´s congested streets.

First-time visitors to Tokyo may be overwhelmed. Though it is increasingly easy to communicate in English in the city, the sheer size and speed of it still make it a daunting place to visit. It´s best not to try to pack in too much, but rather to just take in the sights, sounds and pace of daily life. For a priceless view of the city, head to the observation decks of the Tokyo Tower or the World Trade Center Building.

Ride the Sky Bus Tokyo, an open-topped double-decker sightseeing bus, to cover a lot of ground in little time. Marvel at the blinding neon billboards in Shibuya and Shinjuku, which put those of New York´s Time Square to shame. See the crazy youthful fashions in the Harajuku district and ogle the thousands of varieties of fresh fish, and of course, stop for some sushi, at the Tsukiji Fish Market.

Spring makes lovely time for a visit to Tokyo, especially during the fleeting week when cherry blossoms bloom.

Links –
Metro - http://www.tokyometro.jp/global/en/index.html
Tower - http://www.tokyotower.co.jp/english/
World Trade Center - http://www.wtctokyo.or.jp/
Sky Bus - http://www.skybus.jp/English/index.html
Tsukiji Fish Market - http://www.tsukiji-market.or.jp/tukiji_e.htm