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Tokyo
Japan’s capital and centre of business and finance, Tokyo offers a surprising blend of futuristic cityscapes, historic sights and cultural entertainments. A vast conglomeration of districts, each boasts its own characteristic attractions. The Ginza is one of Asia’s shopping paradises. Prices are high but the selection and presentation are superb. Nearby is the Kabukiza Theatre and the Imperial Palace (closed to the public) with its impressive moat and East Garden (Higashi Gyoen). Tokyo Tower affords excellent views of the bay and the space age architecture on Rainbow Town (O-daiba), a reclaimed island. Early risers will enjoy touring the massive waterfront Tsukiji Fish Market. Roppongi and Akasaka, playgrounds for the nearby banking and governmental districts, offer vibrant nightlife of every kind, from geisha tea houses to discos. For youth culture, fashion and trendy dining, Shibuya and Harajuku are the places to see and be seen, while the forested oasis of the Meiji Shrine offers respite from the crowds. West Shinjuku is Tokyo’s high-rise metropolis with its ‘Gothem City’ skyscrapers and plazas. To the east, Shinjuku’s bustling shopping and neon-lit nightlife districts contrast strongly with the calm beauty of the neighbouring Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. For a taste of ‘Old Tokyo’, the downtown Shitamachi area is the place to head for, particularly in the summer when three enormous festivals attract vast crowds of revellers and spectators. The Asakusa-Kannon Temple is the area’s main tourist draw, a vibrant Buddhist complex approached via a colourful shopping lane. Across the river, Ryogoku is the location of the excellent Edo-Tokyo Museum and the renowned National Sumo Stadium. Ueno is famous for its large park containing several important art museums and cultural venues. Cheap eats and bargains galore are to be found at raucous Ameyoko Market.
EXCURSIONS: Narita, location of Tokyo International Airport, is an attractive old town with a large and impressive pilgrimage temple, Narita-san. Nearby Tokyo Disneyland is a major year-round attraction for Japanese and foreigners alike. Two hours’ north of Tokyo in Nikko, the extraordinary Toshogu Shrine complex is situated with the mausoleum of the founder of Japan’s Tokugawa Shogunate. The surrounding Nikko National Park offers mountain hot spring resorts and opportunities for hiking, fishing and boating. Pottery fans will enjoy the rural kiln town of Mashiko. The coastal town of Kamakura, one hour south of Tokyo, was the seat of Japan’s medieval feudal government and abounds in historic sights. Highlights include the giant bronze Great Buddha, colourful Hachimangu Shrine and picturesque Enoshima Island. The international port city of Yokohama, 30 minutes from Tokyo, has a vibrant Chinatown, harbour district and historic Sankei-en Garden. Japan’s highest mountain, Mount Fuji, may be climbed during the high summer. Located one hour and 30 minutes from Tokyo is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, a recreational paradise offering hot spring resorts, golf courses and facilities for fishing, camping, hiking, swimming and boating. At Hakone, cable cars carry visitors over volcanic landscapes of boiling mud, sightseeing boats ply scenic Lake Ashi and there is an Open Air Sculpture Museum, a Porsche Museum and several sights of historical interest.
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