Tokyo, Japan

Located in east-central Honshu at the head of Tokyo Bay, the Tokyo metropolis represents the world's largest metropolitan area. It serves as the seat of the Japanese government and boasts the world's highest gross domestic product for a city (well over a trillion dollars). It is also the world's most expensive city to live in.

Tokyo, originally known as Edo, was founded in the 12th century as a simple fishing village. By 1868, it had become the imperial capital of Japan. Today, it is the economic, cultural, recreational, administrative, and educational center of Japan. Tokyo is home to over 100 colleges and universities, including the University of Tokyo. It is a major world center of finance and manufacturing and is home to numerous multinational corporations. The Tokyo Stock Exchange is the world's second largest behind the New York Stock Exchange.