Tokyo is a great showcase of Japanese culture and tradition. It houses numerous attractions and places of interest that are likely to amaze and please all travelers.

The Imperial Palace:Formerly called the Edo Castle, the Imperial Palace is one of the greatest attractions of Tokyo but is open only twice in a year. The Imperial Palace East Garden can be visited on specific days and time but the palace`s Music Room is opened only in April and October.

Meiji Shrine:Built in 1920, the Meiji Shrine was rebuilt after being destroyed in the war. It is one of the most popular Shinto places in the country that is visited by travelers and worshippers from around the world. The 180 acres Inner Garden is connected to the Outer Garden via an expressway.

Ueno Park:Located in the Ueno District, Ueno Park is one of the most popular spots in the inner-city. This 208 acres park is home to a zoo, an aquarium, temples, museums and shrines.

Tokyo National Museum:Tokyo National Museum is the largest one in the city. The main building houses twenty five exhibition galleries, with twenty of them being open for general public. A large number of treasures from the Asuka period to the present are displayed in the museum that includes Japanese/Chinese/ Korean pottery and ceramics, Buddhist sculptures and colored lacquerwork.

Tokyo plays host to a large number of travelers each year who visit the city for business and pleasure. A majority of luxury hotels in the city are concentrated in and around the main commercial and business districts. The best areas to stay in include:

Roppongi:For the partying lot, Roppongi is the best district to stay in. Hotel Okura, ranked amongst the top ten hotels in the world, provides the best in hospitality and luxury. The Roppongi Prince is an ideal accommodation option for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. For the budget conscious, Hotel Ibis makes for a good choice.

Ginza:Hotel Alcyone is a comfortable yet reasonably priced hotel in the Ginza district. The hotel is located near some really good entertainment avenues and has quite a gawdy interior that looks straight out of the 70s era. Tokyo Hotel Urashima is a reasonably priced accommodation option that is located bang in the middle of the Ginza shopping oasis. Located nearby is the Ginza Nikko Hotel, which is slightly more expensive but is much liked by even the most discerning guests.

Akasaka-mitsuke:Known for its rooftop garden and a museum, Hotel New Otani is a plush and modern accommodation option in the Akasaka-mitsuke area. The Asia Center of Japan offers cheap accommodation and comfortable rooms with or without bath. The in-house cafeteria is the best place to relish great food at an affordable price. The Toshi Center Hotel with excellent conference services and banquet halls is quite a favorite amongst the business travelers.

All travelers to Tokyo must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended duration of stay.

A visa is not required by the nationals of Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Australia, Estonia, Latvia, Hungary, Poland, Lithuania, Slovak Republic and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.

Nationals of Germany, Ireland, Austria and UK can get their 90 day stay extended by a further 90 days, making them eligible for a visa-free stay of up to 6 months.

Weather wise, the best time to visit Tokyo is the spring season. Experience a pleasant temperature and the beautiful views of blossoming fruits in April and May. Last week of March and first week of April is the time to watch Tokyo blossoms. It is highly recommended to visit Tokyo during the foliage season which begins from mid-November to early December.

Tokyo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summer time from June to August is usually hot and humid, whereas the winters are cold and freezing. Torrential rains can be experienced during autumn time from September to early November. April to May is the spring time when the weather is mild and pleasant.

Currency:Denoted by JPY, Yen is the official currency of Japan. Duty free shops and most large hotels accept traveler`s checks and a few foreign currencies. It is advisable to exchange your currency for Japanese Yen before entering Tokyo. Currencies can be exchanged at any of the airports or authorized foreign exchange banks.

Language:The official language of Japan is Japanese. Close to 99% population of the country speak Japanese as their first language. However, English too is commonly spoken now owing to a considerable number of US and British citizens staying in Tokyo.