Tokyo!

The official residence of the Emperor and Empress of Japan since Tokyo became the political and imperial capital in 1868. Located in what was once the inner section of Edo Castle, the seat of the Tokugawa shogun, this 1.15 square kilometer of prime real estate in central Tokyo is enclosed by walls and moats, making a glimpse of its residents impossible. Only on two occasions--January 2 (New Year) and December 23 (Emperor Heisei's birthday) do the Emperor and the Royal Family emerge and wave to the gathering crowd from behind bulletproof windows.

This branch of Takashimaya is the largest department store in Japan. Much brighter and more modern than the Nihonbashi branch, it feels more like a huge, classy shopping mall. Inside are three restaurant floors, a Sega amusement center, an Imax theater and the famous Tokyu Hands hardware store. With an annex building housing the Kinokuniya Bookstore as well as all the Japanese gift products you could ever need, it is not surprising that Takashimaya has become a favorite with foreigners and locals alike.

Constructed in 1958, Tokyo Tower soars 332 meters (1092 feet), 13 meters (42 feet) higher than the Eiffel Tower. There are two observatories from which to get panoramic views of Tokyo, and Mount Fuji on a clear day. The Main Observatory is 150 meters (492 feet) high, the Special Observatory, 250 meters (820 feet) high. The tower is lit by 164 floodlights: orange in winter, and incandescent white in summer. Inside the tower, you will also find the Tokyo Tower Wax Museum, the Mysterious Walking Zone and the Trick Art Gallery.

Walking through the big red-lanterned "Thunder Gate" (Kaminarimon), look beside you to see images of the Wind and Thunder gods staring down at you. You have just entered on to Nakamise Street where you will find large crowds of locals and out-of-towners alike browsing in the wide variety of stores and stalls leading up to Senso-Ji Temple. The rather large temple, devoted to the Kannon deity, is distinguished by the five-tiered pagoda on your left and Kannon Hall, where a small golden statue is located and revered by worshipers.

If looking for new thrills combined with technology sounds appealing, Joypolis has a variety of entertainment to offer kids, adults, and couples. Simulation games provide the majority of action where people can get behind the wheel of a full-sized rally car replica, go virtual hang gliding through an obstacle course, or go bobsledding at treacherous simulated speeds. After getting tired of the games, several rides and activities will keep the adrenaline pumping for extra hours. When exhaustion kicks in, take a food and rest break at the small food court within the facility. Famous celebrities have been known to grace the interior, so keep an eye out! 2 minutes from Odaiba Kaihin Koen Station. Admission is JPY 500 for adults and JPY 300 for children. - Erin Sanchez