Tokyo Destination Guide

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.