Tokyo is the capital and largest city in Japan. It has a population of 13 million, and a density of nearly 6000 per square kilometer. Tokyo literally means "Eastern Capital," and was named such when Emperor Meiji moved his residence from Kyoto (which means "Capital City") to Tokyo. Prior to this, Tokyo was known as Edo. The Tokugawa Shoguns, who ruled Japan from 1603 to 1858, had their seat of power in Edo, and it became one of the most important cities in Japan during this time. Much of Tokyo was destroyed during Allied bombings in World War II, including many important historical sites, but some of the most significant historical locations have been rebuilt. Tokyo is a great city that offers both Edo and Meiji sites to visit.
Sites in Tokyo covered by this blog:
For teachers the following main sites relate to the Grade 8 Social Studies Curriculum:
- Imperial Palace
- Edo-Tokyo Museum
- Meiji Shrine
- Nihonbashi (Bridge of Japan)
- Hamarikyu Gardens
- Kanda Myojin
- Holy Resurrection Cathedral
Other sites that relate to the Grade 8 Social Studies Curriculum:
View Tokyo Historical Places in a larger map
Are you a grade 8 student interested in a school trip to Japan? If so, please research the above sites of Tokyo and then answer the following survey. (Note: Be sure to click "Submit" in the survey window when you are finished) Once you are finished make a comment below letting us know all the juicy details about what information you used to make your decisions.
