Explore More UK - Spring 2021

CITY GUIDE
PHOTOS: © ISTOCK
Tokyo skyscrapers,
Electric, sprawling, everchanging,
Tokyo is a
fascinating city known
for its sleek skyscrapers,
pop-coloured
billboards, buzzing nightlife
scene and fast-paced lifestyle. On
the horizon, Mount Fuji looms,
reminding us that as futuristic as
Tokyo feels, it is steeped in history.
Visitors to Tokyo can still find a
taste of time gone by, and head to
its more sleepy neighbourhoods,
where bright lanterns hang from
wooden buildings, seeking to
preserve the culture and history of
the country’s feudal era. Amidst
the hustle and bustle of Tokyo,
tranquillity and stillness can be
found, too. The district of Asakusa
is home to the city’s oldest Buddhist
temple, Senso-Ji, and traditional
stalls along Nakamise street. Along
the Kanda River, the French
Quarter, Kagurazaka, is home to
cobbled streets and Zen paradise
gardens. In springtime, Shinjuku
Gyoen National Garden’s cherry
blossoms are a must-see.
Tokyo is a feast for all senses with its futuristic
ancient temples, and vibrant markets
Don’t miss
• For an authentic experience of
Tokyo, head to Tsukiji fish market.
Get there early and you will catch
all the action, and enjoy the full
experience with a sushi breakfast.
• For a historical tour of Tokyo,
head to Edo-Tokyo Museum and
discover how the 15th-century
village of Edo transformed to
become one of the largest cities
in the world.
• For panoramic views of the
city, make your way up the
Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Building, known as Tochi in
Japanese. On a clear day, you can
see as far as Mount Fuji from the
observation deck on the 45th floor.
• Tokyo is famed for its gaming, so
head to the arcades of Ikebukuro
and watch gamers in action at the
multi-story arcades.
Fast facts
• The cherry blossom is the national
symbol of Japan. In April, the trees
flower for a two-week spectacle,
known as Hanami.
• Tokyo has the world’s highest
volume of Michelin stars.
• The city is home to about 10 per
cent of Japan’s entire population.
If you include the greater Tokyo
metro area of Kanagawa, Saitama
and Chiba, the population amounts
to around 38 million people.
INSIDER TIPS
Sky high
Opened in 2012,
the Tokyo Skytree
broadcasting tower is
an iconic landmark, with
several observation decks
open to the public.
Row and relax
Several districts are
home to boating lakes,
moats and ponds where
visitors can rent rowing
boats by the half hour.
Glide off to find your
very own peaceful oasis.
Above: Tokyo
by night has
an electric
atmosphere
SPRING 2021 | VIKING.COM 23