Tokyo Disneyland

Disneyland might not be the first thing that people think of when Tokyo is mentioned, but even so with an attendance of around 14million every year, there is clearly something there to see. With the unmistakeable icon of Cinderella's castle it is no surprise that so many people want to visit the Magic Kingdom. Ideal for children and adults who are still young at heart Disneyland is a great place to relax and become submerged in all your favourite aspects of everything relating to Disney.

So many people claim that Walt Disney is not for them, believing that it is for children or will be unbearably cheerful and colourful, but the theme parks offer such a variety of rides and sights that inspire the imagination and free the individual's sense of fun, that few people can avoid having a good time here. Once you are inside the gates the sense of fun is practically contagious and you will soon remember how much fun it was being a child. In total the park takes up 115acres of land and there are seven themed areas to visit. Fantasyland is home to Cinderella's castle and many of the Disney characters will be there to greet the young and older visitors. You will find yourself caught up in the familiar scenes from Disney films, bringing back memories of what life was like when you first watched that particular film.

Of course, Tokyo Disneyland's sister theme park, DisneySea, should not be forgotten. Depending on the type of ticket bought, many visitors can see both parks on the same trip. Not surprisingly, DisneySea has a nautical theme, with seven themed ports to explore. The Mermaid Lagoon, for example, is home to all things relating to The Little Mermaid and looks like King Titan's Palace. Just about everything that you would hope to see at a Disney theme park is there, but with an imaginative difference. Although Tokyo Disneyland is different to the other versions across the world there are similarities, but DisneySea offers something different and exciting. Both parks are located in Chiba, near Tokyo and are easily accessible.

Tokyo Cat Café

For the enthusiastic traveller Tokyo is full of exciting and different things to try and one of the most unusual and satisfying is a visit to the Cat Café. There are over 70 in the Tokyo area alone so it is not difficult to find one. Whichever one you choose the concept is the same. Enjoy a drink and some food in the comfort of a pet or 50.

Many people in Tokyo find that they cannot afford to keep a pet as the rent can increase if you own a cat or dog. Therefore this type of café is ideal for people who miss the company of animals and want an interactive experience, unlike in a zoo for example.

As you enter the café in most cases you will remove your shoes and place your belongings in a locker. You will then enter the café itself and be greeted by an array of different cats, all friendly and used to being petted. In most cases guests are not allowed to pick up the cats, but can stroke and pet them. Some even provide small bags of treats to give the cats.

One of the charming aspects of these cafes is that there is a book with each cats profile, describing their breed and age but also their personality and history. Guests pay by the hour and can also have food and drink just like in a normal café. Studies have shown that stroking animals can reduce stress levels and relax the individual, so combining this with a nice drink in a relaxing area is an ideal solution for many people. Naturally there can be accidents, but people understand this as many have had pets previously and will not be offended when they leave with the odd cat hair on their clothing.

Naturally, those who have allergies should steer clear of such a café, but for the majority of people the cat café's of Tokyo are a very popular and unusual destination. They can be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike and is certainly something to try if the opportunity arises. There have even been rumours of the concept emerging in the UK.

The Weight Loss Lifestyle

With so many people struggling with their weight and fighting the health problems that accompany obesity it is unusual to see a community that is not predominantly overweight. Yet, the majority of the population of Tokyo is remarkably slim in comparison to western society. For many American's and people from other nationalities where weight is an issue, walking around Tokyo is a great source of inspiration. When you look closely at the typical lifestyle of someone living in Tokyo, the reason behind this slim physique becomes apparent, although naturally there are exceptions.

One aspect of the Tokyo lifestyle that is a clear example of why obesity is not such an issue is the portion size. America is well known for the generous portion sizes, with oversized meals being bulked out with large side dishes such as chips or onion rings. In Tokyo the size of the plate alone is much smaller, so naturally the portions will also be smaller. In addition to smaller sizes, the content of each dish is much healthier, consisting of a much higher amount of vegetables and seafood dishes. If the food is both smaller in size and contains more healthy ingredients then it stands to reason that in general weight gain would not be so much of a problem.

In addition to this exercise is not a daily chore in Tokyo, but a way of life. School children walk to school and people cycle to the shop instead of driving. The exercise that many people in other countries have to plan into their day is simply part of the day for many Japanese people, resulting in a slimmer frame and less obesity in general.

Many people have found that when visiting Tokyo they naturally lost weight without even trying to or thinking about it. Whether they were walking around the city visiting sights or eating out every night, the everyday situations and lifestyle of the Japanese is far healthier and therefore can result in weight loss for people who come from a much more sedentary and gluttonous lifestyle. Therefore, looking at the lifestyle of the Japanese can be a great way to identify habits that are not supportive of a healthy body.

The Tokyo Skyline

While the countryside is a relaxing and revitalising environment, there is something inspiring and invigorating about the skyline of a busy city. It shows the work of some of the most inventive people in world and is a statement to the nature of that city. Finding a spot with a superb view and taking in the skyline of a city is a great way to see the beating heart of that country in action and this is certainly the case for Tokyo.

There are 47 buildings in Tokyo that make up the most impressive aspects of the skyline, standing at over 180 meters tall. The Tokyo Skytree is the tallest and newest building in Tokyo, built in 2012. It has three functions, as a broadcasting tower, restaurant and observation tower. It has a lattice structure and certainly makes up an interesting part of the skyline, especially at night.

The Tokyo Tower is the second tallest structure in Tokyo and is easily recognised by its similarities to the Eiffel Tower. The noticeable exception being that it is painted orange and white. It is also a communications and observation tower. The Midtown Tower is the third tallest building and has an interesting design and multiple uses. Aside from the various businesses that reside in the building there is also a medical centre and an exhibition space.

Tokyo City Hall is the fourth tallest building in Tokyo and probably one of the most well known on the skyline. It is the Metropolitan Government Building and has a very interesting structure that certainly stands out against the other buildings at nightime. Observing the skyline of a city isn't something that everyone gets to experience, but for those that get the opportunity to it is a memorable experience. The Tokyo Skytree restaurant might just be the perfect place to experience this view, although those with a fear of heights might want to give that option a miss. Wherever you choose to view it from, remember to put down the camera for a moment and really take in everything that Tokyo has to offer in that moment.