Greater Tokyo

The 23 wards of Tokyo border four prefectures and a bay. The sheer size of the space in between those borders and the diversity of its institutions make it impossible to fit all of Tokyo's interesting sights into its neighborhoods. A number of historically and culturally important sights require a special trek off the Yamanote line. Yet no guide to Tokyo would be complete without them.

Central Tokyo is routinely described as a concrete haven that lacks greenery. Yet the Kasai Seaside Park offers numerous flora at the edge of Tokyo Bay. Tokyo has a few traditional areas remaining, but if the sport of sumo tickles your fancy, the most extensive collection of training stables is in the Ryogoku area. There are also theme parks, like the conventional Tokyo Disneyland and Sanrio Puroland, whose numerous kitsch attractions celebrate Japan's love for all that is cute. Creatures from the sea abound at the Shinagawa Aquarium and Sunshine International Aquarium. If land mammals are more to your liking, the Tama Zoo is a fine choice for kids.