Tokyo is the capital of Japan and the political, economic and cultural center of the country. It has continued to develop since the Edo period and is now one of the world's largest metropolitan areas. It is home to bustling downtown areas such as Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ginza, as well as historical sites such as Asakusa and the Imperial Palace, and is visited by people from all over the world as a base for tourism, shopping and business. Landmarks such as Tokyo Tower and Skytree are also famous. With an advanced transportation infrastructure, it also functions as an economic and financial center, and is a city with international influence.