Stopover in Tokyo Japan - The Cultural side of Japan

Tokyo is Japan's capital and the country's largest city. Tokyo is also one of Japan's 47 prefectures but is called a metropolis rather than a prefecture.
The metropolis of Tokyo consists of 23 city wards, 26 cities, 5 towns and 8 villages, including the Izu and Ogasawara Islands (several small Pacific Islands in the south of Japan's main island Honshu)

In a city as enormous and complex as Tokyo the below mentioned districts are recommended as a means of introducing yourself to the diversity of its neighbourhoods and the richness of it's culture.

Shinjuku
This business and shopping district in the west of Tokyo is the ultimate overwhelming experience.  With streams of screaming neon exploding upwards over streets awash with waves of people, Shinjuku provides a cross section of the world at every glance.

Roppongi
Roppongi is Tokyo's active nexus of nightlife where the highest concentration of foreigners can be found any night after 6pm. It has also gained a name as a cultural center thanks to the presence of several art museums.

Shinagawa
Shinagawa continues to attract attention as a critical hub to major air and rail systems. With breathtaking views of the city and Tokyo Bay, bustling Shinagawa Station is located at the southern gateway to the Tokyo metropolis with immediate access to the Shinagawa Prince Hotel.

Ginza
The Ginza is Tokyo's most famous upmarket shopping, dining and entertainment district, featuring numerous department stores, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, night clubs and cafes.  It is where you can find the infamous $10 cups of coffee and where virtually every leading brand name in fashion and cosmetics has a presence.

Asakusa
Asakusa is festive and quaint temple town with an atmosphere of old Japan.    Nakamise Street is a pedestrian mall leading to Senso-ji Temple from the Kaminari-mon. Many small shops, which sell traditional Japanese items and food, line up on both sides of the street. If you are looking for souvenirs, this is a good place to shop.

Districts and suburbs:

Shinjuku - famous entertainment, shopping and business district.
Shibuya - busy district for younger generations, excellent clothes and department stores.
Roppongi - popular shopping and entertainment district.
Akihabara - 'electric city' shopping district for discount electronics.
Ginza - famous shopping and entertainment district.
Asakusa district - preserving the atmosphere of old Tokyo.
Odaiba - futuristic shopping and entertainment district.
Kanda - ski equipment shopping district
Marunouchi - business district around Tokyo Station.
Nihonbashi - shopping and business district north of Ginza.
Ikebukuro - one of Tokyo's multiple city centers.
Ameyoko - busy market street in Ueno.
Kappabashi - everything for restaurant owners.
Kamakura - A small city full of temples and historic treasures.

Temples and Shrines:

Sensoji Temple - large temple in the Asakusa area.
Meiji Shrine - dedicated to the deity of Emperor Meiji.
Sengakuji Temple - The 47 ronin are burried in this temple's graveyard.
Yasukuni Shrine - dedicated to Japan's war dead.
Zojoji Temple - Tokugawa family temple next to Tokyo Tower
Naritasan - popular temple, not far from Narita Airport.

Gardens and Parks:

Rikugien - beautiful Japanese style landscape garden.
Koishikawa Korakuen - beautiful Japanese style landscape garden.
Hama Rikyu - attractive Japanese garden alongside Tokyo Bay.
Kyu Shiba Rikyu - landscape garden not far from Hama Rikyu.
Palace East Gardens - The public gardens of the Imperial Palace.
Ueno Park - public park full of museums and other attractions.
Shinjuku Gyoen - spacious park featuring various garden styles.
Yoyogi Koen - spacious western style city park.
Mount Takao - wooded mountain near central Tokyo.

Other Attractions:

Imperial Palace - the Imperial Palace is located in the center of Tokyo.
Tsukiji Fish Market - one of the world's largest fish markets.
Tokyo Tower - 333 meter tall steel tower.
Ryogoku - center of the sumo world.
NHK Studiopark - take a look behind the scenes of NHK broadcasting.
Tokyo Dome - city Leisure complex around the Tokyo Dome stadium.
Shiodome - a set of spectacular skyscrapers.