Tokyo (Edo), Japan

The old town of Edo (gate of the river) became the new capital during the Meiji Restoration (1868) when the Emperor moved away from Kyoto. Since then, the city grew to become a 12 mio giant where the lights never go out. I've never in my life seen so many people moving on the same place as in front of Shibuya station. As the Japanese culture focuses on politeness and good manners, you see a lot of smiling and no one gets ever offensive which makes travelling a very nice experience.

no lamps ! but sake barrels near Meiji Jingu

entry to Meiji Jingu in early morning

Between the busy Shinjuku and Shibuya neighbourhoods, the Yoyogi park is a zone of peace and calm that also houses the Meiji temple erected in 1920 :

wonderful gate to Meiji temple

temple servants at Meiji

learn Japanese

best wishes

But Tokyo is a ultra modern metropolis. There is a strange mix of technologically advanced, stylish buildings with older, rather functional constructions. At night, some streets are getting brighter and more colourful than any Las Vegas location. The most prestigious department stores can be found around Ginza.