Known as Edo until 1868 , Tokyo has been shaped by a history of disasters . In the 80s , Japan 's bubble economy created unsustainable growth in Tokyo and property prices in the capital went through the roof . There 's a lo - lo feel to places like Shibuya , Shinjuku and Akihabara . There are still traces of traditional Tokyo , such as at the Meiji National Shrine .
Known as Edo until 1868 , Tokyo has been shaped by a history of disasters . There 's a lo - lo feel to places like Shibuya , Shinjuku and Akihabara . There are still traces of traditional Tokyo , such as at the Meiji National Shrine .