The sheer level of energy is the most striking aspect of Japan's capital city. Tokyo is a place where the urgent rhythms of consumer culture collide with the quieter moments that linger from older traditions. It's hectic madness leavened by the most Zenic of calms. Read the overview

Pictures

Inspiration

Points of interest

Tsukiji Central Fish Market

The Tsukiji Fish Market is one of the largest and busiest fish markets in the world and if you can hack the smell, the hustle and bustle is a sight to behold. Every aquatic creature is sold here: giant tunas, scallops, fish galore, sea cucumbers, poisonous blowfish - in fact if it swims and isn't wearing a wetsuit it's up for grabs. It's best before 10:00 .

This is no place for the amateur ichthyophage looking for one tuna steak for dinner - a barely concealed hysteria of commerce is the order of the day as motorised carts hoon down the aisles, workers scurry around with clipboards and cartons of seafood, chainsaws go to work on giant tuna, and the gutting, slicing, scaling and sectioning of fish carries on apace. A wander around the aisles (remembering that in any traffic situation the captains of commerce always have the right of way) is best topped off with breakfast at a sushi bar in one of the many alleyways running off the fishmarket.

Address

Tsukiji 5-2-1
Chuo-ku
(Tsukiji)

Contact

www.tsukiji-market.or.jp

Transport

underground rail Toei Ōedo Line to Tsukijishijō (exit A1) or Hibiya Line to Tsukiji (exit 1 or 2)

Ueno-Kōen (Ueno Park)

The area of Ueno was the Alamo of the last shogunate - the site of his futile last-ditch effort to prevent a takeover by the imperial army. The park is more than just the museums and temples with which it is well endowed; it's also famous as Tokyo's most popular site for hanami (blossom viewing).

Address

Taito-ku
(Ueno-Kōen)

Contact

tel info 03 3828 5644

Transport

underground rail JR Yamanote Line or Tokyo Metro Ginza or Hibiya Line to Ueno (Ueno Kōen exit)

Admission

free

Ghibli Museum

Peek inside the world of Studio Ghibli, with its hands-on exhibits, short screenings, gallery and healthy dose of whimsy. It's a showcase and playhouse for fans who fell in love with Miyazaki Hayao's Spirited Away or his other otherworldly anime gems. Even the museum's cartoony architecture almost makes the visitor feel like a character in some lovely animated world.

Visit the website for info on booking a ticket at least a month before your trip.