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| Tokyo Tower is the lookalike of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and one of the most romantic things to do in Tokyo. There are two observation decks at the tower, so you can view the magnificent city illuminated at night. |
Dad promised to bring us to Tokyo, for the first time, though he is personally averse to this once imperialist nation. I started learning Japanese since I was 14, through the text materials and my favourite animation series, I had my very first experience of Japan.
We visited the country the subsequent year. The trip has fostered new understanding about Japan and had an important influence on my later acquisition of JLPT Level 1 qualification. I always think there is an affinity between me and Japan, and I could spend endless time delving into the Japanese culture.
In 1868 Emperor Meiji moved to Edo which was renamed Tokyo (Eastern Capital), and from that moment on all roads – political, cultural and financial – led here. In the 20th century, Tokyo twice suffered almost total destruction. First, the earthquake of 1923 and subsequent fire razed nearly all vestiges of old Edo, thus leaving no "monumental" core for a new building to harmonize with. By the late 1960s, Japan had risen from the ashes of World War II to achieve an astoundingly rapid and complete economic recovery.
The period of rapid economic growth between 1955 and 1961 paved the way for the "Golden Sixties", the second decade that is generally associated with the Japanese economic miracle. In the blink of an eye, Japan was catapulted into the world's second largest economy (after the United States) by the 1980s. New office buildings, cultural complexes and shopping centres are everywhere in Tokyo.
The heart of Asakusa is Sensoji (also know as the Asakusa Kannon temple).
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| Bathing in the smoke of the Sensoji incense burner is believed to bestow a year's good luck. |
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| Tokyo’s best-known district, Ginza is the acme of Tokyo chic. |
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Lake Ashinoko was formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after the volcano's last eruption 3000 years ago. Today, the lake with Mount Fuji in the background is the symbol of Hakone.
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