^{_{By Katie Silcox}}

Tokyo, Japan – an urban metropolis with an energy and enthusiasm to rival any of the world’s capital cities.

Japan’s biggest city, Tokyo has developed at an incredible rate. Spectacular skyscrapers and seemingly infinitive rows of neon lights dominate the landscape, while the city’s fast-pace proves the perfect playground for locals and tourists alike.

When to go

With its ever-active lifestyle, Tokyo is a fantastic place to visit at any time of year although it can get very hot and humid during July and August, and June is considered its ‘rainy season’.

Many tourists choose to visit during Hanami (the Cherry Blossom Season), which falls between the end of March and the beginning of April, or during the autumn season, which falls mid-November to early December. Both seasons offer unrivalled natural scenery – a great antidote to the hectic pace of the city.

Why Tokyo?

Cutting Edge Technology

Japan is often named as the world’s most innovative nation when it comes to technology, and Tokyo is at the heart of it all. Whether you’re looking for the latest news on the iPad, a robot that can teach schoolchildren maths, or the most up-to-date device for your mobile phone, then Tokyo can offer it all and more. Head to Akihabara to experience Tokyo’s famous electronic and entertainment stores.

Shopping & Fashion

Tokyoites love to shop, and wow, do they know how to do it. Harajuku and Shibuya offer fashionable shopping districts for the younger generation, while international designers such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Prada prefer the stylish prefecture of Ginza. Comparable to New York’s Fifth Avenue or London’s Knightsbridge, Ginza is the place to shop and be seen whilst in Tokyo. But with so much to buy, be sure to ask in store about international shipping – most will be happy to arrange it for you.

Food & Drink

You’ll never be caught short of a good meal in Tokyo, a city that boasts numerous Michelin Star restaurants including Restaurant L’osier and Joel Robuchon, both serving French cuisine. While you’ll find cuisine from around the world on offer here in Tokyo, why not take the opportunity to learn more about Japanese food and drink?  Michelin Star restaurants serving Japanese style dishes include Genvadana Hamadaya and Kanda.

Traditional Temples, Shrines and Gardens

Tokyo might be pushing the boundaries of 21st Century living,  but don’t be fooled into thinking that the city has forgotten its roots. Contrasting the high-octane lifestyle, scenic Japanese landscape gardens are dotted throughout the city along with shrines and temples. Perhaps the most famous temple is the Sensoji Temple at Asakusa; here you’ll discover the ambience of historical Tokyo, with two Buddhist shrines and a large Pagoda.

Getting There

A flight from the UK to Tokyo takes approximately 12 hours, and there are a variety of airlines to get you there in style. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Air Nippon fly direct from London’s Heathrow, and all offer a comfortable flight in Economy, Premium Economy, Business or First Class.

Local Customs

So many of Japan’s customs are alien to visiting westerners, with some more important than others to remember:

• Take off your shoes when entering someone’s home or a temple. You’ll find other places where you’re required to do this too, including some restaurants, public baths and museums.
• When in a bar, never pour your own drink – others will pour you a glass and then expect you to pour theirs.
• Bowing is commonplace throughout Japan, it’s perhaps easiest to think of it as a replacement for the handshake.
• Tipping is not expected. In some of the up-market bars and restaurants you may be able to tip if you so require, but anywhere else will usually refuse your money.
• Don’t try to eat as you walk – this is considered unacceptable in Japan.

Where to Stay

When it comes to accommodation in Tokyo, you really can take your pick. We’ve selected just some of the 5* hotels that the city has to offer:

Mandarin Oriental: Tokyo

In the heart of Tokyo’s business centre, the Mandarin Oriental has panoramic views over the city and is true to Tokyo’s form in giving guests some of the best technology on offer. Designed as a space for business and relaxation, the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is sure to impress.
http://www.mandarinoriental.com/tokyo/

Park Hyatt Tokyo

The setting for Sofia Coppola’s 2003 film, Lost in Translation, The Park Hyatt Tokyo occupies the top 14 floors of Shinjuku Park Tower, and is elevated enough to offer views over both Tokyo, and the city’s famous volcano, Mount Fuji. 
http://tokyo.park.hyatt.com/

Four Seasons at Marunouchi

Tokyo’s Four Seasons hotel is wonderfully set out within 7 hectares of Japanese garden, allowing you to truly relax despite being located minutes from Tokyo’s business and shopping areas. The hotel is inspired by Japanese and European design, and the service lives up to the Four Seasons name.
http://www.fourseasons.com/marunouchi/

Ritz Carlton Tokyo

Situated in Tokyo’s nightlife district, yet a place to escape the bustle of the city, the Ritz Carlton Tokyo boasts some eye-watering views over the city from 200 metres high! An on-site spa and restaurant allow guests to truly relax and unwind after a busy day.
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Tokyo/Default.htm

The Peninsula Tokyo

Located opposite the Imperial Palace, and just a short walk from the up market shopping area of Ginza, this excusive hotel offers some of the most spacious rooms and suite in Tokyo.
http://www.peninsula.com/Peninsula_Hotels/en/default.aspx#/Tokyo/en/

Where to be seen

New York Bar

This uber-stylish bar is situated on the 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt hotel, and is worth a visit whether you’re staying in the hotel not.  This bar is where Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson first met in Lost in Translation and will live up to expectations offering fine food and live jazz.

Kita Aoyama Salon

If you can find this bar then you deserve one of its cocktail. Perhaps Tokyo’s chicest bar, Kita Aoyama Salon is well hidden, sitting in a basement behind an unmarked door.  Open until 5AM, tracking this bar down is well worth the time. (Yamahazi Building, B1F, 2-7-18 Kita Aoyama, Minato-ku).

Womb

Often considered Tokyo’s best super-club, Womb attracts top worldwide DJ’s and is the place to visit if dancing ‘til dawn is what you’re looking for.  (2-16 Maruyama-cho, Shibuya).

Don’t Miss

Mount Fuji

If the twenty-four hour lifestyle of Tokyo proves just too hectic, why not enjoy a short break to Fuji-san, where, after a two-hour train journey, you can breathe in the air and take in spectacular views of Mount Fuji, Japan’s famous red volcano. Visitors are able to drive halfway up the volcano, and if you’re feeling brave – you can take an on-foot hike to the top.

Kamakura

A similarly relaxing day-trip is found in Kamakura. Here stands Tokyo’s biggest Buddha statue with temples, shrines, beaches and shops in the surrounding area.

Statue of Hachiko the dog

Yes, really. Hachiko was a dog who met his master from work at Shibuya station every day. Following his master’s death, poor Hachiko made the journey to the station daily for 11 years. Tokyoites were so touched by this that they erected a statue in Hachiko’s honour outside Shibuya station – look out for it!

Edo Tokyo Museum

Set up to showcase Tokyo’s history, the Edo Tokyo Museum takes visitors through the history and culture of Tokyo. A fantastic insight into what makes the city all it is today.
http://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/english/

_{^{Researched and written by Katie Silcox - a multimedia travel journalist, available for freelance work.
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