Tokyo City Guide   Tokyo is a city where ancient blends with modern, tradition with innovation, and grit with luxe. In this sprawling metropolis of 35 million every neighbourhood has it own vibe and pace of life. There's so much t...

Tokyo City Guide

Tokyo is a city where ancient blends with modern, tradition with innovation, and grit with luxe. In this sprawling metropolis of 35 million every neighbourhood has it own vibe and pace of life. There's so much to see, do and experience that your options are practically limitless.

Finding the right Tokyo vacation apartment can be tricky in such a vast and diverse city, so we are here to help with attractive and reasonable offers. All of the districts have their own character and entertainment options and the best way to experience Tokyo is by exploring each neighbourhood on its own.

Tokyo's most diverse districts

More than 200 Michelin­starred restaurants make Tokyo the premier dining destination in the world. From upscale restaurants to compact, traditional bars seating only a few customers, the variety of culinary offers stuns the visitor. In Shinjuku, Harajuku and Roppongi you can sample food treats and discover many more delights.

The Shinjuku district sums up all the contrasts of the big city. Admire the five­star hotels of the skyscraper district or dive into the nightclubs of the red­light district, dine in one of the hundreds of tiny eateries lining the narrow alleys of Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho, or unwind in the tranquil gardens of Shinjuku Gyoen.

For an equally vibrant but far more relaxed experience, head to the Harajuku district. Bustling Takeshita street is the heart of this neighbourhood, which is a favourite of local teenagers drawn here by the fast food stalls and affordable boutiques. Older visitors can also find plenty to explore in the numerous malls, brand outlets and restaurants and nearby Yoyogi Park, one of the largest green areas in the city.

Trendy nightclubs, chilled­out bars, art galleries and countless specialist shops make Roppongi one of the most eclectic and dynamic areas of Tokyo. In this entertainment district, you can find culture, dining and nightlife experience all in one place without having to wander too far out.

Tokyo Shopping & Fashion

To make the most of the shopping, visit Shibuya where some of Japan's major brands compete for the attention of shoppers throughout dozens of department stores. The area is the hub of youth culture and fashion trends. The busy intersection in front of the Shibuya station, which is brightly lit by neon adverts, is also a landmark in it sown right.

While Shibuya defines fashion, Ginza is where the serious shopaholics head. All the main native and international brands have shops in the neighbourhood. Eclectic dining outlets and a vibrant nightlife make the district, even more, alluring. Ginza's main street is closed for traffic on weekends, making shopping a truly chilled­out affair.

Akihabara, also known as the electric town, is well known for its countless electronics retailers. You won't find apparel here, but if you need a shiny new phone, this is the place to browse. The area is also the centre of animé culture drawing fans from far and wide with its numerous animé and comic book shops, and with the quirky maid cafés.

Authentic Tokyo experiences

Some of Tokyo's most amusing districts only cater to tourists, so if you want to feel a more authentic side of the city, venture further out than the central neighbourhoods. Narita is rarely the first choice of travellers, but this quaint neighbourhood next to the international airport is laid­back and full of old­school charm. You can get a taste of a more traditional Japan, while exploring local produce, shopping and dining offers.

To the culturally­savvy traveller, Tokyo offers plenty of art, history and heritage. Start your stay in the city with a visit to the Imperial Palace Gardens, which are well guarded by deep moats and ancient walls. Wander the gardens and you find yourself in a tranquil world isolated

from the frenetic pace of the rest of the city. Even though no castle buildings have been preserved on­site you can find the remains of an ancient tower.

A more in­depth cultural experience awaits you at the Tokyo National Museum, which houses the richest collection of Japanese archaeological and cultural objects. The futuristic glass building of the National Art Centre offers a more diverse and contemporary art experience. The venue does not hold a permanent collection of its own but instead hosts only visiting exhibitions.

Finally, do not miss a chance to experience nature in the big city. Watching the cherry trees bloom in Shinjuku Gyoen is something of a ritual for locals and visitors alike. More than 400 trees turn pink in May in the English Garden gathering crowds of nature lovers from all over Tokyo and well beyond Japan. The park also has a French, a Japanese and a botanical garden.