THE FASCINATION OF TOKYO

By Gal Yamin

Tokyo, the capital city of Japan and the most populous metropolitan area in the world, entices more than nine million tourists every year. Tourists are enthralled by Tokyo's mesmerizing culture and breath-taking landscape. Amenities are everywhere around this amazing city. If you decide to tour Tokyo, you must visit four main destinations: Tokyo National Museum, Takarazuka Theater, Odaiba and Shinjuku Gyoen.

 Tokyo National Museum is the oldest and the largest art museum in Japan which attracts thousands of tourists. The museum is located in the hub of the divine Ueno Park, surrounded by geysers and the Mori forest. The museum exhibits Japanese historical objects and original sculptures from ancient times. The museum tells the story of Japan throughout the years of prosperity and war, and exposes the tourists to a unique culture through its art. Tokyo National Museum constitutes the quintessential beauty of the Japanese culture.

Furthermore, tourists who are eager to quench their desire to the Japanese culture are recommended to visit Tokyo's Takarazuka Theater. The theater presents the Japanese customs through Kabuki and the famous Nou performances. Tourists to the theater gape at the beauty of the Asian picturesque construction and the amusing actors. The theater is located alongside the best Japanese restaurants, so after the entertainment you can indulge your love of Japanese food by dining at these amazingly decorated restaurants.

Moreover, tourists are profusely amazed by Odaiba. Odaiba is a large artificial island which attracts families to the largest amusement park in Asia; Daikanransha, and inspires others by the magnificent futuristic museum; Miraikan. At night you can walk across the colorful Rainbow Bridge that crosses the island, and take pictures of the astonishing waterfalls that flow to the ocean. Among other things, Odaiba offers the best night recreations for everyone. Every season begins in a fabulous procession of the local islanders. Tourists go sightseeing in Odaiba flocking to its magnetizing amenities.

  In addition, Shinjuku Gyoen which constitutes a pilgrimage is the perfect combination of old Japanese culture and the modernity of the Japanese technological innovations. Tourists find Shinjuku as the best spot to end the tour due to its serenity of nature on the background of the Emperor Showa's Palace. Admission to the palace is free. Shinjuku usually leaves its mark on tourists by its spectacular shrines. Likewise, the traditional Tsuji Market in Shinjuku's promenade is a nice place to have a great time, and you can also buy some souvenirs at bargain prices before the long flight back home.

In a nutshell, Tokyo's atmosphere is very welcoming and the Japanese population is known by its hospitality. However, by visiting these four enthralling spots, tourists get the best foretaste of the Japanese culture, history and its recreations. Tourists who yearn to be enchanted by Tokyo's magic never miss out on these four destinations. So get on the plane, and come to be captivated by Tokyo's fascination.