Tokyo Facts: Quirky, Fun & Interesting

As the world’s most populous city, Tokyo has a long litany of other superlatives. Trillions of neon lights at night, a view of Mt. Fiji on a clear day, and a seemingly unlimited choice of cultural attractions, exclusive dining, and shopping draw millions of eager travelers each year. These 15 facts about Tokyo will have you packing for the crown jewel of the island country in East Asia.

Tokyo evolved from a small fishing village.

It’s hard to believe, but the huge city of Tokyo was once a small village named Edo founded in 1603. The population of Edo reached one million by the mid-18th century. In 1890, the name was changed to Tokyo which translates to “Eastern Capital” after it became the imperial capital of Japan.