Japan has 47 prefectures, and Tokyo is considered one of them. Therefore, Tokyo is a prefecture rather than a city. Tokyo Prefecture is actually called Tokyo-to, which can be translated as Tokyo Metropolis. A prefecture in Japan is, in some sense, similar to a state in the USA. Is Tokyo technically a city? Technically Tokyo […]

Tokyo, by definition, is a prefecture/state only. There is no such a thing called Tokyo City, although its metropolitan nature makes it look like one. Tokyo prefecture itself comprises 23 wards, 26 cities, 1 commandery, 3 towns, and 1 village, non of them is called “Tokyo”. Is Tokyo a city or state in Japan? Japan […]

Distance facts Tokyo is 2,465.91 mi (3,968.50 km) north of the equator, so it is located in the northern hemisphere. How far is it from Tokyo to the South Pole? From Tokyo to the South Pole, it is 8,683.79 mi (13,975.20 km) in the north. Is Tokyo in the north or South? Tokyo Metropolis is […]

It is safe to travel to Japan as radiation levels in most parts, including Tokyo, are within the normal range of background radiation. Is Japan still leaking radiation? Japan plans to release treated radioactive water from Fukushima into the sea in 2 years.The accumulating water has been stored in tanks at the Fukushima Daiichi plant […]

Tokyo is legally classified as a to (都), which translates as “metropolis”, and is treated as one of the forty-seven prefectures of Japan. The metropolis is administered by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government as a whole. Is Tokyo a part of Japan? Tokyo, formerly (until 1868) Edo, city and capital of Tokyo to (metropolis) and of […]

Although it’s expensive, Tokyo is worth visiting at least once in your life, even if you are unable to live there long-term. I lived in Tokyo once in 2018 after traveling to more than 60 countries in 15 years and immediately fell in love with this dynamic and unique city. Is it worth it to […]

Japan may be a small island nation, but each of its areas boasts a unique culture and even the climate can differ quite vastly from one region to another.Tokyo and its metropolitan area make up Kantō, the center of Japan’s politics and economics since Tokyo became the country’s capital in 1869. Is Tokyo separate from […]

Tokyo Tops Condé Nast Traveler Survey This year Tokyo topped the list in both editions. In a clean sweep for Japan, Osaka and Kyoto made up the top three. In the small cities section, Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende was named number one, edging out Spain’s San Sebastian. Why Tokyo Japan is the best city? […]

What makes Tokyo so hot. Conditions are partly a result of Tokyo’s “heat island” phenomenon, in which heat accumulates and gets trapped in the center of the city, resulting in higher temperatures in urban areas. “You have a lot of emissions like air conditioners and also vehicles and so on,” Yokohari said. Why is Japan […]

In more rural areas you can certainly find such apartments, but in any city you should expect to pay 50,000 yen or more. The average rent for a studio apartment in Tokyo is about 90,000 yen!Cost of Living Expenses. Food ¥38,257 Other expenses ¥6,576 Excess entertainment expenses​ ¥12,934 Total expenditures ¥148,351 What is a good […]

The history of the city of Tokyo stretches back some 400 years. Originally named Edo, the city started to flourish after Tokugawa Ieyasu established the Tokugawa Shogunate here in 1603.Thus, Tokyo became the capital of Japan. During the Meiji era (1868-1912), Japan began its avid assimilation of Western civilization. Why is Tokyo so developed? Thus, […]

Tokyo can end up colder than other locations at similar latitudes because of the huge landmass that is China/Russia to the west. During the winter months, temperatures become much colder over land than over water. Why is Japan so cold? Some areas are colder because Siberian winds blow in from the Sea of Japan. On […]

Tokyo is a very large city made smaller, thanks to its excellent transportation system. Though sometimes crowded, the infrastructure does an excellent job of providing transport to the numerous inhabitants and travelers in the city. There are many modes of transportation, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Why do you love living in Tokyo? […]

After over two and a half centuries of rule under the Tokugawa shogunate, the last shogun resigned, marking the end of feudal rule in Japan. Emperor Meiji did not appoint a new military leader and instead moved his residence to Edo. Upon his arrival in 1868, the city was renamed Tokyo, meaning East Capital. Why […]

Tourists love Tokyo because they can enjoy both city life and natural landscapes. Visitors also love the delicious cuisine. Must-dos include shopping in Akihabara, visiting a cherry-blossom festival, seeing where the emperor lives at the Imperial Palace, and taking in the city’s skyline from a colorful Ferris wheel. What makes Tokyo so special? Tokyo is […]