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Tokyo spent most of its history as an out-of-the-way backwater, but about 400 years ago the shogun (military ruler) built his castle here and the city has never looked back. Now a world-leader in business, education, finance, media, manufacturing and shipping, it’s managed to avoid the problems that plague cities elsewhere: poverty, homelessness, and crime are virtually unheard of. What’s left is a sprawling metropolis populated by literate, cosmopolitan, gourmet, gracious, hospitable and stylish denizens. Public transportation works like a dream, and people respect each other’s quiet and privacy. And you can forget that old saw about Tokyo being prohibitively expensive – while it’s possible to spend a fortune, you certainly don’t have to.
An exciting and enormous metropolis, Tokyo is equal parts Japanese history lesson, and glimpse into the future.
$313/nt+: Luxury Tokyo hotel w/rooftop restaurant & jazz bar The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
$223/nt+: Upscale Tokyo hotel nr Imperial Palace ANA InterContinental Tokyo
$218/nt+: 4-star Century Southern Tower Hotel Expedia
$285/nt+: 4-star Hilton Tokyo Expedia