MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Tokyo, a symbol of Japanese economic success, is a sprawling megalopolis off the Pacific coast of Honshu island. According to the Columbus World City Guide, the city was founded in 1590 as Edo, the capital of the shoguns, the rulers of Japan and commanders of the Japanese army. Edo boasted a vibrant culture. Massive pleasure quarters, theatres and cherry blossoms were immortalized in the Japanese woodblock prints of the time. Following the fall of the shoguns in 1867, the city was renamed Tokyo and became the capital, heralding its place as the showpiece of the country. The spirit of the old Edo survives today in city-sized districts of karaoke, cinemas, shot bars and bathhouses. Traditional Kabuki theatre continues to thrive along with opera, ballet and symphonic performances. "There's a lot of sites to see and a lot of history," said Lance Cpl. Jonathan Chorle, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron tactical data network specialist. Chorle recently visited the city, touring the Imperial Palace and enjoying some Japanese cuisine. "I tried some Japanese blowfish," said Chorle. "There's definitely an element of risk to it, but it's a unique Japanese experience that I recommend everyone try." According to the Columbus World City Guide, the city is home to approximately 60,000 restaurants and the world's largest fish market. From bowls of steaming ramen noodles to slices of sashimi, chefs offer the freshest produce and presentation is elevated to an art form. Many foreigners may not be inclined towards delicacies so exotic to their western tastes, but they'll feel right at home in night club districts such as Roppongi, where bars and restaurants geared toward Americans and Europeans pack the streets. "There's a lot of western influence throughout Tokyo," said Yoko Seo, Station cultural adaptation specialist. "There are many places where you look at the buildings and streets and you cannot recognize it as Japan." Seo said Tokyo's wide mixture of people also makes it a center for fashion and marketing toward today's young people. "Fads always come and go throughout the city," she said. "By the time we start wearing it here in Iwakuni, they have already started something more exciting in Tokyo." Seo said despite modernization, many people still continue to live their lives in the traditional Japanese ways, giving the city a deeply historical flavor. "Wherever you go, you will see so many different kinds of people," Chorle said. "People are friendly and try to help you out as much as they can." Whatever the cultural tastes of the Tokyo bound traveler, a rich and diverse experience is guaranteed.