It is a country where tradition meets cutting edge, where peace and quiet meets buzzing excitement. From tea ceremonies to capsule hotels, jaw-dropping temples to digitised toilets, there is simply no other country quite like Japan.
Its capital, Tokyo, is one of the world's great cities. Three million passengers flow through Shinjuku train station every day, and the "scramble" pedestrian crossing in Shibuya is a wonder of choreography. But beyond the hustle of the salarymen and office workers, you will discover a hospitality and attention to detail that makes Tokyo feel like a collection of charming villages.
Before you get started, remember to look up: Tokyo hides many of its secrets on the fifth or sixth floor. Start in Harajuku, where fashionista teenagers display what the rest of the world will be wearing in three years, then pop into Tokyu Hands to pick up the latest cute and hilarious Japanese toys and gadgets. (guardian.co.uk)
It is a country where tradition meets cutting edge, where peace and quiet meets buzzing excitement. From tea ceremonies to capsule hotels, jaw-dropping temples to digitised toilets, there is simply no other country quite like Japan.
Its capital, Tokyo, is one of the world's great cities. Three million passengers flow through Shinjuku train station every day, and the "scramble" pedestrian crossing in Shibuya is a wonder of choreography. But beyond the hustle of the salarymen and office workers, you will discover a hospitality and attention to detail that makes Tokyo feel like a collection of charming villages.
Before you get started, remember to look up: Tokyo hides many of its secrets on the fifth or sixth floor. Start in Harajuku, where fashionista teenagers display what the rest of the world will be wearing in three years, then pop into Tokyu Hands to pick up the latest cute and hilarious Japanese toys and gadgets. (guardian.co.uk)