| The
great majority of tourists begin their experience of Japan here in
Tokyo, the world's most populous metropolitan area. The
number of
things to see and do here is enormous. Here are two of the
most
famous tourist attractions and one lesser-known one. A visit to the neighborhood of Akihabara (pictured at left) will show you that Japan's reputation as a world leader in high-tech gadgetry is well-deserved. It is one of the world's largest shopping areas for electronic goods, as well as anime and manga. Tokyo Disneyland was the first Disney theme park to be built outside of the United States. It opened in 1983 and is now the center of a resort that incorporates two theme parks and several hotels. The park's theme and attractions are nearly identical to those of its American counterparts. Joy Hendry says that the Japanese see it as another foreign country theme park like the others, representing America. To see more pictures of the resort and read commentary on it, click here. For those looking for a theme park with a more Japanese flair, Sanrio Puroland is a great place to visit. This colorful indoor theme park is run by the Sanrio company and themed to the company's characters, including Hello Kitty ("Kitty-chan" to many of her Japanese fans). It is one of the most popular destinations in Japan, receiving more than 1 million visitors per year. Reading Connection Tokyo Disneyland is mentioned in the article "Foreign Country Theme Parks: A New Theme or an Old Japanese Pattern?" by Joy Hendry. Research Sanrio Puroland was the topic of a final paper in Fall 2005. The sources used for that paper are listed here. For More Information Tokyo Metropolitan Government Tokyo City Guide Tokyo Past and Present - from Web Japan Tokyo Disney Resort Web Site (In English) Sanrio Puroland Official Website Akihabara Official Website Washington Post article on Akihabara Back to Japan Back to Main |
 Akihabara at night. (Public domain image)  Tokyo Disneyland's Cinderella Castle. (Public domain image) |