The history of the emergence and formation of Tokyo. Development and historical events in Tokyo.

• Hot tours to Japan

Tokyo - today's capital of Japan - was not always the main city of the country. For a long time, Edo (the former name of Tokyo) was a provincial fishing village, but in 1603 the military government of the Tokugawa Shogunate was founded and Tokugawa Ieyasu chose Edo as his capital. The rule of the shogunate lasted until 1868 and is remembered as the Edo period.

The convenient location of the city contributed to the growth in the number of immigrants from other parts of the country, and in the 18th century Edo became the largest city in the world. After the Meiji Restoration (1867), power passed into the hands of the emperor, who moved from Kyoto to Edo and established a residence in the castle, formerly owned by the Tokugawa shogun. In 1868, Edo received a new name - Tokyo, which means "eastern capital".

In the era of isolation of the country (when the Japanese could not leave its borders, and foreigners were forbidden to enter) in the period from 1637 to 1868. Edo was the center of national culture. And after the opening of the borders in Edo, a process of rapid modernization began. It was here that the first railways in Japan, stone houses, factories, trams and telephones appeared; gas and electricity were provided.

The rapid development of Tokyo was stopped in 1923 by a devastating earthquake that hit it (the Great Kanto Earthquake). Almost two-thirds of the city's buildings were destroyed immediately, the fires that broke out completed the destruction of the city, killing more than 143 thousand people. The second ordeal for Tokyo in the 20th century was the American bombing of World War II.

The reconstruction carried out after the war completely changed the look of the city, practically nothing remained of the old Edo. Skyscrapers made of glass and metal overshadowed the wooden buildings. Part of the atmosphere of the old can be felt if you turn inland from the busy streets into quiet neighborhoods, almost all of which have a small Shinto or Buddhist temple and an authentic market. The most traditional areas of Tokyo are Ueno and Asakusa.

Today's Tokyo consists of 23 districts, 27 adjoining cities, one county and 4 territorial units on islands lost in pacific ocean. The expansion of the metropolis occurred due to the absorption of nearby territories, each of which already had its own structure formed at that time. Therefore, in Greater Tokyo it is now difficult to single out a single center, Tokyo, rather, is a motley mosaic of areas that are closely pressed against each other - each with its own character and set of special features.

Previous photo 1/ 1 Next photo

Tokyo is an amazing modern metropolis that is hard to compare to any other in the world. The beginning of its history goes deep into the 12th century, when the small fishing village of Edo still existed on the site of Tokyo. Today, more than 13 million people live in the Japanese capital, and the number of tourists who want to see the sparkling neon lights streets, is growing every year.

Take a look at what events the history of Tokyo was full of on the way from a small old village to a densely populated modern metropolis:

Tokyo was originally called Edo, which means "mouth of the river". By the end of the 12th century, the village received its first fortifications in the form of moats and walls, within which a castle was built. Some estates, walls and ditches are still preserved in a close to original form.

Plan of the fortified village of Edo

By 1630, the population of Edo was already about 150,000 inhabitants.

In the 18th century, Edo becomes the capital of Japan. Already by 1721, the small fishing village had grown into the largest metropolis of the time, with more than 1 million inhabitants.

The city of Tokyo was established in 1889 and at that time was already the main cultural and commercial center of Japan.

Tokyo Street (1905)

During the development of the city's infrastructure, priority was given to railway communications, instead of major highways. This causes a high population density in places where railway stations and railway stations are located.

Opening of the Yurakucho railway station in Tokyo (1910)

At the beginning of the 20th century, a network of water channels was developed in Tokyo, through which, with the help of boats, it was possible to distribute goods to piers, warehouses, etc.

Canals of Tokyo (1910)

Continuing its growth, the population of Tokyo by 1920 reaches 3.7 million people.

Tokyo street in 1922

The history of Tokyo also knows major disasters, including the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 and the events of World War II.

Pictures of the bombing of Tokyo in 1945

Despite huge losses, the city gradually recovers over the next few decades. This is what one of the streets in Tokyo's theater district looked like in 1930.

The capital of Japan, surprisingly, is one of the youngest cities in the country - its foundation dates back to 1457. The completion of the small Edo Castle gave rise to the city, which in a few hundred years turned into Tokyo - a pulsating, like a vein, and never sleeping capital of the state. And, despite the fact that the city survived the strongest Kanto earthquake in 1923 with huge losses and World War II with almost the same losses, it survived, rebuilt and is now the largest capital in the world in terms of economic indicators. This is one of the fastest growing cities, while combining the features of antiquity and modernity. In the shadow of huge skyscrapers, you can see tiny houses miraculously preserved after destruction, and small narrow streets that do not even have names.

Today, Tokyo is a center of knowledge-intensive and high-tech enterprises, where most of Japan's electronic equipment is produced, and where many foreign organizations have offices. It is worth noting that the capital of Japan is one of the three world financial centers along with New York and London - one of the world's largest stock exchanges is located here.

Transport Tokyo

The Japanese capital is the country's largest transportation hub - several high-speed highways and three high-speed rail lines converge here, there is a subway and surface electric train network, as well as two international airports and a seaport.

The Tokyo subway system is the busiest in the world with about 3.174 billion people using its services every year. The Tokyo Metro has 13 lines and 274 stations. The minimum fare is approximately 160-170 yen, that is, about 65-70 rubles.

By the way, you can find out something interesting about the Tokyo subway here:

Attractions Tokyo

In a huge metropolis, where high technologies reign around the clock, and the dizzying pace of life does not let you take a breath, local residents sacredly honor national traditions and peculiarities. Tokyo is simultaneously famous for ancient monuments of oriental architecture and modern sights, unique creations of technical thought. For example, recently a new Tokyo Sky Tree TV tower was opened in the city - this poetic name means “Tokyo Sky Tree”. The 634 meter tall structure is the largest telecommunications tower in the world.

The most interesting of the "traditional" sights of Tokyo is, perhaps, the Imperial Palace - a whole complex of buildings and structures, the first buildings of which were laid back in the 16th century. This is the official residence of the rulers of Japan. Today, the apartments of the current emperor of the country Akihito and his relatives are located here.

Parks are a favorite vacation spot for Tokyo residents, among which Ueno Park, a kind of cultural Mecca of the Japanese capital, occupies a special place. Several major museums are located on the territory of the park complex, including the Tokyo National Museum, a concert hall, the largest city zoo and the main building of the Tokyo University of the Arts. By the way, the National Museum has collected about 90 thousand exhibits, including amazing specimens Japanese art, valuable archaeological finds, household items of the ancient inhabitants of Japan and much more.

A popular place for walking and shopping among locals and tourists is Ginza Street, like a giant shop window stretching for 1200 meters. Here are the most famous shops, shopping centers and popular restaurants. However, it is worth noting that shopping on Ginza is far from cheap.

It is one of the largest and most beautiful cities in the country, located in the eastern part of the mainland. History - there is a constant change of eras associated with certain Japanese rulers or emperors. Each of them played a role in the life of the city, which has gone from a small fishing village to a technologically advanced metropolis.

The following periods in the history of Tokyo are briefly distinguished:

• early life of a fishing village;
• since 1603 - the Edo period, the construction of a fort;
• since 1868 - the Meiji era, Tokyo as the "Eastern Capital";
• 1912–1926 - the Taisho era, the further heyday of the city;
• until 1989 - the Showa era (an ambiguous period, a time of ups and downs);
• currently in the Heisei era.

Stages of a long journey

Until the beginning of the Edo period, the history of Tokyo was like the stories of thousands of villages located along the banks of reservoirs. Quiet, calm life, fishing, processing and selling is the main pastime of local residents.

In the twelfth century begins new life settlements - the Edo period, associated with the coming to power of Tokugawa Ieyasu. One of the local warriors built a fort on the territory of the fishing village, until 1869 it was called Edo, after - Tokyo. In 1457, the construction of a castle with the same name began in these places, then the construction of city blocks. By 1721, Edo becomes the world record holder, the number of its inhabitants exceeded 1 million.

new period comes in the life of Tokyo - the Meiji era, the city castle becomes the Imperial Palace, and the city itself takes on the special status of the "Eastern Capital" of the state.

The same period is characterized by the intensification of ties with the West, the strong influence of the European economy and culture. Scientific and technological progress contributes to the development of Tokyo infrastructure, a telegraph appears, Railway, telephonization began, even national clothes began to be replaced by European dress.

In 1912, the Taisho era began, the city continues to develop, the number of educational institutions allowed girls to study. The tragedy occurred in 1923, as a result of strong earthquake the city suffered, the city blocks were significantly destroyed.

The twentieth century brought many events of various kinds, the beginning of the century is characterized by depressive moods, power coups. Second World War brought the bombing of the city, which destroyed almost all the wooden buildings in the city. From the second half of the 20th century, a new rise in the economy of Tokyo begins.

The population of the city of Tokyo is 12.5 million people. It is the capital of Japan and the center of the prefecture of the same name, which is located on the island of Honshu.

Tokyo capital of Japan

Tokyo is the capital of the Japanese state, its administrative, commercial and industrial center.

Tokyo on Japan map

City of Tokyo video. Very beautiful.

A Brief History of Tokyo

In the 15th century, the Edo fortress was built on the coast of Honshu. In 1590, the castle was captured by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the ancestor of the Tokugawa shogunate and Edo received the status of the capital of the shogunate, and Kyoto remained the imperial capital. In 1615, Ieyasu's troops defeated the Tokugawa enemies - the Toyotomi clan, and thanks to this, the Tokugawa clan ruled Japan for three hundred years. During the reign of the shogunate, Edo developed rapidly and in the 18th century became one of the largest cities in the world.

In the 19th century, the Meiji Restoration took place, as a result of which the shogunate was overthrown, and power again passed into the hands of the emperor. In 1869 Emperor Mutsuhito renamed Edo as Tokyo and made it the imperial capital. At the end of the 19th century, shipbuilding and industry began to develop actively, a railway was built between Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe and Osaka.

On September 1, 1923, an incredible earthquake struck Tokyo and nearby areas, killing 90,000 people.

Photo Tokyo, 1923

During the Second World War, the city was often subjected to devastating bombardments. An air attack on 8 March 1945 killed more than 80,000 people. After the surrender of Japan, the US occupied Tokyo. Several bases of the American army are still located here.

In the second half of the 20th century, Japan's economy began to develop rapidly, and in 1966 became the second largest in the world after America. This revival has been dubbed the "Japanese Economic Miracle". In 1964, the Summer Olympics were held in Tokyo.

Attractions Tokyo

Museum of Samurai Swords

Fans of cold steel weapons in Japan just need to visit this museum, which stores all kinds of weapons and armor of the samurai. The impressive collection includes katanas, wakizashi, tanto, tachi and many other deadly yet beautiful pieces.

Museum exhibits

Imperial Palace and Garden

In the center of Tokyo rises the castle of the Emperor of Japan, which was built in the 16th century.

The palace area is divided into two parts - western and eastern. In the western, in the Fukiage garden, there is the emperor's castle itself with private chambers, rooms for his relatives and employees. Visitors are not brought here. The bright East Garden of the Imperial Palace blooms in the east wing.

Photo imperial palace

Tokyo Tower

One of the main attractions is the Tokyo Tower. Residents call it Tokyo eiffel tower. For a long time it was the tallest tower in the world. It has two viewing platforms from which you can admire the beautiful panorama of the city and Tokyo Bay.

Photo tokyo tower

In 2003, the Roppongi Hills building complex was erected, which houses several floors of shops, offices of major companies, a Hyatt hotel, a television studio, a cinema, a concert venue and countless restaurants and eateries.

On the top floor there is an excellent observation deck, which offers a view of the whole of Tokyo.

Tea ceremony at Happoen Garden

If you have visited Japan, you should definitely visit the tea ceremony. It lasts about half an hour and is held on the mat or at the table.

Happoen Garden

Omote-sando and Harajuku Fashion Center

Residents proudly call Omote-sando Avenue the Tokyo Champs Elysees. Here are the branches of the most famous fashion and design companies. Young people love to walk around this beautiful area and spend their free time here.

Omote sando street

Meiji Shrine

Emperor Meiji made a huge contribution to the history and development of Japan. On the threshold of the 20th century, he was able to make a powerful world power out of a backward, closed Japan from the outside world. After the death of the emperor, the Japanese erected a beautiful temple in honor of the great reformer and his wife.

Photo of Meiji Shrine

Man-made island in Tokyo Bay Odaiba

You can book a cruise on the Sumidagawa River, which is crossed by 13 bridges with unique history. The last point of navigation will be the man-made island of Odaiba. Showrooms of such large companies as Panasonic and Toyota have been erected on the island. At night, it is especially beautiful here - you can admire Tokyo at night with countless lights and a beautiful attraction - the Rainbow Bridge.

Odaiba Island Photos

Ginza - the shopping center of Tokyo

This area is home to some of the best shopping and dining in Tokyo. The only downside is the very high prices.

Tsukiji Fish Market

Tsukiji is the largest fish and vegetable market in the Land of the Rising Sun, where auctions are held where tuna is sold. The price of one carcass can reach tens of thousands of dollars. At 6 o'clock in the morning, numerous sushi bars open near the market, where you can taste sushi from freshly caught fish.

tokyo fish market

Genre of the article - Cities of Japan