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Whether you need to know local public holidays or highlights through the seasons, we hope you will find the facts gathered below useful tools for your travel planning. Please feel free to contact us if we can assist you further.

General information

Tokyo (originally "Edo") has been the capital of Japan since 1600 AD. After 250 years of isolation from the rest of the world, Tokyo began to open its doors in the late 19th century. Tokyo's current cityscape is the result of the rebuilding that occurred after extensive bombing during World War II destroyed much of the city. While old and new coexist harmoniously, Tokyo has come to symbolize the modern Japan, manifesting economic prosperity and worldly sophistication.

One of the most densely populated cities in the world, Tokyo has a population of 13 million, resulting in vast oceans of humanity on every corner. Organized in a uniquely Japanese fashion, the city's myriad rail systems and subways make travelling effortless and have created a series of town centres around the major rail stations. Despite its limited space for harmonious living, Tokyo is one of the cleanest and safest cities in the world.

Tokyo is on the eastern coast of Japan at the head of Tokyo Bay on the Pacific Ocean. Mount Fuji is 40 kilometres (25 miles) west of the city, rising 3,776 metres (12,388 feet).

Time zone

GMT +9 hours

Language(s) spoken

Japanese, some English

Electrical system

Local voltage is 100 volts AC. Adapters available; please request through the Concierge.

Shopping hours

10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Working hours

9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Time and distance to city centre

There are at least three main business districts, each approximately 20 minutes/10 kilometres/6 miles from the Hotel.

Time and distance to shopping

• Ginza shopping district: 30 minutes/6.5 kilometres/4 miles
• Shinjuku shopping district: 20 minutes/4.5 kilometres/2.8 miles
• Omotesando (also known as the Champs Elysées of Tokyo): 25 minutes/5 kilometres/3 miles

Time and distance to financial district

There are three major financial districts, each approximately 20 minutes/10 kilometres/6 miles from the Hotel.

View in–depth travel advice from Frommers.com

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Seasonal highlights

January

• New Year Congratulations: The inner grounds of the Imperial palace are open to the public on this day between 9:30 am and 3:00 pm. The Emperor appears with other members of the royal family to wave to well-wishers.
• New Year Sumo Tournament: Held at Kokugikan.
• Coming of Age Day: Held at Meiji Shrine and other shrines. People who have recently turned 20 years old, or who will in the coming year, dress up in kimonos and suits to attend ceremonies.

April

• Cherry Blossom Festival: Held at Ueno Park, Yasukuni Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen, Chidorigafuchi and many other parks.

April–May

• Golden Week: A holiday week.

July-August

• Fireworks displayed in Tokyo Bay, Edogawa River, Sumida River and more.

November

• Chrysanthemum exhibitions held at Shinjuku Gyoen, Jinday Botanical Garden and Yushima Shrine.
• Seven-Five-Three-Festival: Held at various shrines, where children aged three, five and seven years old wear kimonos and pray at the shrines for good luck.

November-December

• Toyota Cup: Held at Yokohama International Stadium

December

• Battledore Market (Hagoita ichi): Held at Sensoji Temple Asakusa. Hagoita are paddle-shaped bats and many temples hold markets to sell the bats, which are used in the New Year game of Hanetsuki (Japanese badminton). Sensoji Temple has Tokyo's largest market.
• Emperor's Birthday: One of only two days in the year when the inner palace grounds are opened to the public.