A Tour of Cultural and Monumental Tokyo
Just like Bob Harris (Bill Murray) experienced in Lost in Translation, in Tokyo, you can go from feeling completely lost to never wanting to leave. This metropolis, considered the largest in the world and located in the southeast part of Honshu island, boasts numerous monuments and cultural areas that are definitely worth photographing. If you're looking for a unique getaway and want to experience Japanese culture firsthand, you must visit the Japanese capital.
From temples and buildings that succumb to the claws of Godzilla, to replicas of international monuments, here are five essential spots in Tokyo.
- Tokyo SkyTree
Tokyo SkyTree, standing at 634 meters tall, was created in 2012 to blend the contrasts of the Japanese capital: the traditions of Shitamachi (the old part of the city) merging with modern culture. This site is ranked as the highest communication tower in the world and is regarded as one of the country's most recognized monuments.
- Rainbow Bridge
Another little gift from the capital city, as its name suggests, is a tourist attraction that shines on its own 24 hours a day. This 798-meter long suspension bridge, built in 1993, connects the heart of the city with the artificial island of Odaiba.
- Maneki-neko, the Lucky Cat
Imado-jinja Shrine is famous for being the birthplace of the maneki-neko, a popular Japanese sculpture in the shape of a cat said to attract good luck. Here you can find a large version that's nearly 70 meters tall. Visitors pet it in search of fortune, money, and happiness.
- Manga Statues in the Streets
Manga culture is one of Tokyo's biggest attractions, and it's on the streets where you can enjoy this passionate influence. At Sakura-shinmachi Station, you'll find a bronze statue of the Sazae-san family, a well-known manga series.
- The Statue of Liberty
On Odaiba, a small artificial island located in Tokyo Bay, you'll find another must-see in the city. This is a replica of the Statue of Liberty, standing about 12.5 meters tall.