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Tokyo

Tokyo

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As Japan’s capital, Tokyo’s ballpark population hovers around 12 million people, meaning the public transport here, particularly its underground train system, is a tangle of dozens of lines. So to maximize your time and patience, it is important to tackle Tokyo systematically, one neighbourhood at a time, and to purchase a good, clear map of the city and its transportation system.

History hunters should begin in Old Tokyo in Taito where you’ll find the Asakusa Temples, the quirky shops in the Sendagi Markets and famous tempura eateries like Aoi Marushin. In Central Tokyo, shoppers will approve of the posh Shibuya neighborhood, packed as it is with luxury boutiques. All the super luxury hotels are concentrated in central Tokyo, most of them in the Shinjuku neighbourhood. Here you also find Tokyo’s interesting red light district, and hundreds of restaurants and shops.

Nakameguro is an up-and-coming fashion neighbourhood where young Japanese shop for vintage, attend gallery parties and sip designer drinks in stark white lounges.

Other memorable entertainments include Japan’s famous sumo wrestlers competing mainly in Sumida at Tokyo’s main arena; or a quiet saunter in the breathtaking Gardens of Hama Rikyu.

Travel Tips

  1. Giant hotels pierce Tokyo’s skyline and there are many to choose from. But if you’re in the mood for something more charming and closer to the ground, try to find a room in the hip neighbourhood of Nakameguro at the Claska Hotel. For a longer stay, this boutique hotel also rents affordable weekly residences.
  2. Consider breaking out from the city’s forest of towering glass buildings and booking a cruise down the Sumida River. Tokyo Cruise Ship Co runs a variety of excellent cruises out of many of the city’s main piers and points of ingress.
  3. Hidden down a small back street alley, Isen is as authentic and working class as restaurants get in Tokyo. You’ll find it within the giant shopping area of Ginza - and you might even smell its panko-breaded katsu, or fried pork cutlets, perfuming the streets.
  4. Tucked into the centre of a vast forest in Shinto, Tokyo, the Meiji-Jingū and Shintō shrines are magnificent cultural sites where you can tour the gardens completely surrounded by more than 170,000 trees. Late spring and early autumn are the best times to visit, and remember to bring snacks or a picnic.
  5. Tokyo’s shopping scene is saturated with big name brands like Gucci and Versace. For more unique pieces and accessories check out the vintage wears, bags and tops at Vase; or look for one-of-a-kind couture-cut leather jackets and wool trousers at Mansion of Owls.

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