Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family.

The population of the city is over 8 million people, with the total population of the prefecture exceeding 13 million. The prefecture is part of the world's most populous metropolitan area with 35 to 39 million people and the world's largest metropolitan economy.

A small fishing village named Edo in the late 12th century, Tokyo has grown to be one of the three "command centers" for the world economy, along with New York City and London. Tokyo was rated by the Economist Intelligence Unit as the most expensive city in the world for 14 years in a row ending in 2006. The Michelin Guide has awarded Tokyo by far the most Michelin stars of any city in the world. Popular Tokyo landmarks include Nishi-Shinjuku, Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge, Shibuya, National Diet Building, etc.