"Tokyo - Mind Boggling High-Tech Metropolis" Tokyo by vincentf

Tokyo Travel Guide: 3,920 reviews and 9,251 photos

Ginza district, Tokyo

This city is the most high-tech place I have ever visited. From space-age toilets to vending machines that sell hot dogs, french fries and beer. All the high tech wizardry comes from this city, Tokyo. Mobile phones sporting built-in cameras and GPS abound in this city. If you visit Shinjuku, Shibuya or Ikebukuro at night, it is a maze of people and flashing neon lights. You can feel the air of excitement. This picture is the main road, Chuo-dori that goes through the shopping district of Ginza. One of the most opulent districts in Tokyo.

It ceases to amaze me the popularity of this city with locals in Hong Kong. It is of no wonder. I've already visited this city 5 times: 2000 (1), 2001 (1), 2002 (2) and 2004 (1)!

Within Asia, this is the most visited city by me (excluding Hong Kong (of course) and Shenzhen (due to my travel passages). Every trip to Tokyo brings me more innovative and leading edge technology to bring back to Hong Kong...

I wonder what my next trip will have me in bewilderment?

Kiddyland, Harajuku

Kids will love Tokyo. There are so many amusement parks, arcades and toy shops that kids will never be bored of Tokyo. There are many toys that you have never seen in any other place in the world. Every food or drink product has its own cartoon character. Qoo and Natchan are just two of the popular drinks that has its own unique cartoon character that woos not only kids, but adults as well.

JR Yamanote Line

Taking public transport is your best bet in this sprawling metropolis. Trains are very easy to use and directional signs are written in both Japanese and English. The new trains on the Yamanote Line have LCD screens and commentary on the details of the rail line, stations, news, weather and financial reports! What sets the railway systems from the rest of the world is the catchy departure chimes for the trains at each individual station.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Leading edge technology at its best
Cons:Crowded streets and trains
In a nutshell:This place is a MUST for any first time visitor to Japan.

Last visit to Tokyo: May 2004
Intro Updated Jun 10, 2004
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Comments (7)

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high_d Aug 14, 2005 at 7:55 PM

Vincent, your Tokyo pages has inspired me to add it on my travel wish list...esp. the shopping tips ;o) will keep reading...Thanks:o)
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AyurinHiro Jun 15, 2004 at 10:01 AM

Hi,Vincent! I'm glad you enjoyed your stay in Tokyo,Yokohama... :-) I & my husband went up to VIctoria Peak last month and it is really a great scenic spot!
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nicolettart Jun 3, 2004 at 11:32 AM

I couldn't help peeking at your shopping tips! Great so far...I will return for more.
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Geisha_Girl Mar 24, 2004 at 12:19 PM

Tokyo is one of my favorite places to shop. Never paid attention to where I was going though. I just felt like the silver ball in one fantastic, giant Pachinko machine! Great tips on shopping in Harajuku!
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madamx Feb 18, 2004 at 7:46 AM

Nice Page! Now, you have me craving japanese curry :o)
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yeikloen May 13, 2003 at 11:38 AM

Your quote about tokyo is just so right.... its an amazing city, just love this place...!!!!
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yen_2 Mar 26, 2003 at 9:03 PM

Great Tokyo Page, brings back memories..now, missing it very much!