Tokyo - Capital of Cool. Rob Goss

       An assortment of sashimi (slices of raw fish) served with freshly grated wasabi (for mixing with soy sauce as a dip) on decorative bamboo leaves.

       A sushi chef puts the final touches to a serving of mushi ebi (steamed shrimp sushi).

      CENTRAL TOKYO

       TOKYO’S CENTRAL DISTRICTS

      From the Edo era on, the land that was the site of Edo Castle and is now the location of the current Imperial Palace has effectively functioned as Tokyo’s central point. The areas that surround the palace merge traditional wealth and refinement with modern expressions of luxury. Ginza, home to high-end department stores, boutiques and restaurants, is the most obvious expression of central Tokyo’s modern luxurious side, while beyond the Imperial Palace itself historic elements are on show in places like Hamarikyu Garden and the Kabuki-za Theater. Connecting the capital with the rest of the country, Tokyo Station manages to combine both old and new, the station’s historic façade surrounded by the gleaming skyscrapers of a now rejuvenated business district.

TOKYO STATION AND MARUNOUCHI

      Tokyo Station was not the city’s first station, nor is it now the busiest or biggest, but at the grand old age of 100, revamped after an extensive five-year ¥50-billion renovation that has both modernized the station and reclaimed some of its historic features, there is no doubt that the station bearing the capital’s name is the most iconic eki in Japan.