Hyper-technological, chaotic but organised. This is Tokyo, a huge city of temples, shrines and imperial palaces rising amidst skyscrapers and bright neon signs. A city where you'll find young people resembling manga characters and businessmen with briefcases, traditional hotels with tatami floors and spa baths.
Book a flight to Tokyo to explore a city with a complex soul, perpetual contrasts between sacred and profane, madness and rigour. The dense railway network makes its way through amazing neighbourhoods, such as chaotic and modern Shinjuku, traditional and relaxing Asakusa with the Sensō-ji temple, lively, young and colourful Shibuya, Ginza - the fashion district, and Akihabara - the realm of electronics. Each is unique and well worth a visit, with a story of its own to relate. These are just some of the things you can do and see on a trip to Tokyo.
SENSO-JI TEMPLE AND ASAKUSA DISTRICT
The city's most important Buddhist temple, it is accessed through two gates: the first is the "door of thunder", which leads to the Nakamise Doori, a street lined with small shops. The second is the Hozomon gate, which provides direct access to the temple. It is located in the Asakusa district, a traditional neighbourhood where you can still breathe the atmosphere of the beginning of the century, with girls attired in kimonos and tourist rickshaws in the streets. A relaxing peaceful haven, far removed from the bustling chaos of the city.
MEIJI SHRINE and YOYOGI PARK
The Meji is the largest Shinto shrine, built in honour of the emperor and his wife Shōken. A place to meditate and relax both body and soul, immersed in an oasis of peace created by the surrounding park featuring about 400 different types of trees. This is the Yoyogi Park, which is enlivened on weekends by the colourful 1950's attire of cosplayers.
IMPERIAL PALACE
It is the official residence of the emperor and his family, which can only be visited twice a year, precisely on 2nd January and on 23rd December, the emperor's birthday. The palace is surrounded by magnificent gardens where you can admire the hanami, cherry blossom, in spring.
TSUKIJI FISH MARKET
It is the largest and most famous fish market in the world, where both locals and tourists make their way in a chaotic frenzy between stalls, selling, purchasing and even browsing with mere curiosity. It comprises an area reserved for wholesalers where fish is auctioned, and one dedicated to processing and retailing. The unique atmosphere makes it one of the most famous attractions in the whole city, especially in the early morning when there are tuna auctions. The area is also ideal to try the genuine Japanese sushi, as Tokyo's best restaurants are located here.
SHINJUKU
Shinjuku is Tokyo's most famous district. The city's town hall is based in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. With a multitude of giant screens, skyscrapers, shopping malls and colourful clubs, its station daily records a flow of thousands of people. You can also observe the busy crowds from the top of a scenic terrace that offers a view of Mount Fuji's peak on a clear day.
SHIBUYA
Shibuya is Tokyo's other most famous neighbourhood. With a large number of giant screens, restaurants and love hotels, it is famous for the many young people who get together dressed in cosplayer costumes, and for a junction: the Shibuya Crossing. The impressive junction is another of Tokyo's symbols for the stunning flow of pedestrians who cross it in an orderly and organised way.
AKIHABARA
This huge electronics district-supermarket presents Tokyo's most technological progress. You will find anything you seek in Akihabara's stores, from the latest gadgets of the IT giant to the most remarkable vintage items, such as the first PCs or mechanical robots of the '80s. The perfect place to pick up a unique souvenir.
You can book your flight to Tokyo at any time of the year, as the climate is mild even in winter. The best season to visit the city is definitely spring, the hanami period when cherry trees are in full bloom. Residents eagerly look forward to this moment. The best places to experience it are Ueno Onshi Park, which also organises theme parties, and the Shijuko-Gyoen National Garden.
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