Tokyo

Ryogoku Kokugikan (Ryogoku Kokugikan)

Tokyo's modern sumo stadium has a total area of 35,700 square meters. The January, May, and September national sumo tournaments are held here. The building also houses a sumo museum (Tel:[81-3] 3622-0366).

Senso-ji temple (Senso-ji)

The origins of the Senso-ji temple find their way back to 628, in the Asuka period when Buddhism was still young in Japan, The legend is that a figure of the boddhisattva Kanon was found by fishermen in the Sumida River, and the temple was built to commemorate this miraculous event and over the centuries has counted warriors as well and literary personages among the members of the parish. During the Edo period (1600-1868), it was a major Buddhist temple for the townsman culture of the shogun's capital. Today it remains a symbol of downtown Tokyo and is a favorite mecca for visitors.

Korakuen Garden (Koishikawa Korakuen)

The lord Tokugawa Yorifusa, the first lord of the Mito branch of the Tokugawa shogun family, started construction of this garden. It was completed by the second generation of this family, the renowned scholar-lord Tokugawa Mitsukuni (known also as Mito Komon). With a pond as its central feature, this is a fountain garden and a strolling garden, affording charming views from different perspectives. It remains today as one of the treasures of the Tokyo metropolis and has been designated a very important historical monument.

Tokyo Tower (Tokyo Tower)

With a height of 333 meters (13 meters taller than the Eifel Tower), this imposing structure is reputed to be the world's tallest iron tower. It was completed in 1958, and at its 30th anniversary, was embellished by spectacular nighttime illumination. It remains a major tourist attraction in the nation's capital. Observation platforms are at 150 meters and 250 meters.

Ueno Park (Ueno Onshi Koen)

With an area of 53.2 hectares, this is the foremost of Tokyo's municipal parks. Its hill was once the site of numerous temples, most of which were destroyed during the Meiji era (1868-1912). The mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu is located here, and the hill was a symbol of shogunate power for the people of Edo. Today it is the site of the Tokyo National Museum, the national Museum of Western Art, the Tokyo Municipal Museum, the Bunka Kaikan Hall, Ueno Zoo, and the like. The National University of Fine Art and Music is adjacent to the park, as is Shinobazu Pond, a landmark with much history. The park is Tokyo's most famous site for viewing cherry blossoms in spring.