3. Where to go in Japan

There are two choices for a first time visitor. If you want to see the modern figure, you better go to Tokyo. If you want to feel historical atmosphere, your destination is Kyoto. However, you can find something old in Tokyo and new in Kyoto.

Tokyo:
It is the most famous place in Japan. It became Japan’s capital right after Tokugawa-era begun. Tokyo is a prefecture name not a city name. “Tokyo prefecture” contains 23 small cities, 26 cities and some towns & villages. The small cities make up the center of Tokyo like New York City for New York State. The population is over 10 million, about 10% of Japanese people, living in the 1400 sq. mile. You can guess how crowed Tokyo is.

Kyoto:
The city is the ex-capital of Japan until Tokugawa moved it to Tokyo called Edo at that time. During the period, Japanese emperors had been living there as a king and pope like figure. Like old cities in Europe, there are so many historical sites and buildings in the city reserved by the government and people. Even during WWII, the US avoided from bombing Kyoto, because of its historical value. When you visit the city, you can feel the air of samurai period through the old temples.