citydeluxe

Tokyo is Japan’s capital and now the most populated metropolitan area in the world. On one hand Tokyo is an imperial capital and historical hub, nurturing the traditional arts of the Japanese culture; while on the other it is a modern cosmopolitan city replete with some of the most bizarre trends and creative subcultures on the planet.

Prior to 1868, Tokyo was known as Edo. A small castle town in the 16th century, Edo became Japan's political center in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu established his feudal government there. A few decades later, Edo had grown into one of the world's most populous cities. With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the emperor and capital moved from Kyoto to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo ("Eastern Capital"). Large parts of Tokyo were destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and in the air raids of 1945.

An island nation with a long history of isolationism, Japan’s culture has evolved on a very different tangent from its Asian neighbors – one that can be entirely incomprehensible to outsiders. From traditions like Noh theatre, Aikido and kimonos, to modern day manga, anime and street couture, the Japanese have made an art form of… well, making art forms. Contemporary culture is a hybrid of the old mixed with influences from Asia, Europe and North America, making for a unique, heady cocktail.

Tokyo is a city that trades in some of the most cutting-edge technology on the market, and it is often impossible to find an “in” as a foreigner. Esoteric, frustrating, bizarre and endlessly fascinating, Tokyo is the deluxe mysterious Oriental beauty.

Today, Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dining to its visitors. The city's history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa, and in many excellent museums, historic temples and gardens. Contrary to common perception, Tokyo also offers a number of attractive green spaces in the city center and within relatively short train rides at its outskirts.

Tokyo is the city for fine dining – when the local Michelin Guide book launched, the city won an astounding 192 stars, the most in the world. In recent years, the city’s also been a magnet for chefs from the opposite end of the globe, with the likes of Alain Ducasse, Gordon Ramsay and Joel Robuchon, all rushing to open restaurants there.

GO THERE FOR:

The Food – Japanese food culture has taken the world by storm. While sushi, sashimi and instant noodles may be the face of Japanese cuisine, this is but the proverbial tip of the gastronomic iceberg. From sophisticated traditional dishes extravagantly prepared with fresh vegetables and seafood, to unpretentious adaptations of foreign favourites like steak or curry, to the soup noodles and yakitori skewers of the working lunch, Tokyo’s eateries have something for every palate.

The History – Raised from a humble fishing village to a seat of power by the shoguns of the Edo period in the early 17th Century, Tokyo has been the hub of the nation’s politics, economy and culture for centuries. Amidst the gleaming hustle and bustle of the modern day metropolis you’ll find a wealth of temples and shrines, landscaped parks and museums that pay tribute to the city’s rich past. History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Edo Tokyo Museum, which covers the life of Tokyo between 1603 and 1867.

The Shopping – Luxury brands have been hoisting flagships stores around the fashionable Tokyo streets for decades and there’s no shortage of department stores either. But Tokyo is also full of highly specialised shops where enthusiasts of any number of hobbies and crafts can while away the hours. From traditional crafts and authentic kimonos to cutting-edge local fashion and kawaii kitsch, Tokyo is a shopper’s delight. 

DON’T MISS:

Kabuki – A form of traditional Japanese theatre, Kabuki’s high-energy dances and special effects make it a livelier experience than the more austere Noh theatre. Like Western theatre of old, only men can perform, wearing elaborate Kimonos and make-up in order to play female roles. They use exaggerated physical gestures and movements to express symbolic actions, and are accompanied by live music from the Shamisen, a traditional Japanese instrument. Shows generally run from 11:30am to 4pm, which may be a bit drawn out for the novice audience, so feel free to stand at the back and witness a single act before slipping out of the theatre.

Sumo – Often spoofed in the West, sumo, the national sport of Japan, is considered a dignified martial art with a prestigious history. Six sumo tournaments are held in a year, each lasting fifteen consecutive days, with three of them held in Tokyo. Tickets are difficult for foreigners to get a hold of, but if you manage to find some, this unique sport is one of the most exciting ways to learn about Japanese culture. Tournaments are held at the Kokugikan Sumo Hall in Sumida-ku in January, May and September.

Tea Ceremony – The world famous Japanese tea ceremony is the epitome of the nation’s obsession with making art forms out of daily rituals. Supremely elegant, this simple, yet highly prescribed, ritual is not merely about serving green tea but about the dedication and beauty contained within the entire experience. Each ceremony is held for small groups of people, traditionally attired in Kimonos, in Tatami rooms or Japanese style gardens. 

Japanese Kaiseki – The most elegant way of sampling fine Japanese cuisine, the Kaiseki course was created initially as an accompaniment to the tea ceremony, but has since developed into an art form of its own. The beauty of the meal lies in the painstaking attention to detail, from the precise pairing of the freshest ingredients, to the presentation of the garnish and the dishes used. It is typically served at Ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants). 

Onsen – A highly recommended overnight trip from Tokyo is a visit to an onsen, the famous Japanese hot springs. Onsens of both the indoor and al fresco variety are popular throughout Japanese society and are seen as the ultimate in relaxation. While public baths are often wonderfully serviced, some of the more up market inns boast private springs in their rooms, making for a truly decadent experience. Many ryokans (traditional inns) feature luxurious onsens set in areas of stunning natural beauty, and further enhance the experience with exquisite homemade cuisine.

Festivals – When summer hits, Japan shows its traditional colors with festivals called “matsuri” and splendid fireworks displays. From May to August, festivals such as the Sanja Matsuri, Tokyo Bay Fireworks Festival, Adachi Fireworks Festival, and matsuris command sizeable crowds every summer weekend. Stalls with food, drinks, and games crowd the streets of the matsuri or fireworks displays. The most impressive shows light up the city skies beautifully. Expect large crowds, closed traffic and packed train stations on the days around the festivals. For bay side fireworks, hiring a boat or cruise is a great way to enjoy the view away from the crowds. 

WHEN TO GO:

Tokyo has year-round appeal, with each season offering distinctly different experiences - from cherry blossoms in spring to snowy mountains and natural hot springs in the winter. Summer begins around June with a rainy season, but when this ends at the end of the month, much of the country is characterized by hot, humid days. Apart from the far northern part of the country, winter in Japan is not very severe and is usually tempered by sunshine and blue skies; autumn and spring also have very mild weather. Ideally, you should avoid travelling during the traditional holiday season – transportation and accommodation are always heavily booked over these periods, and many shops and businesses are closed.

BASICS:

Country Code: +81   City Code: 3
Currency: Yen (JPY)
Emergency Services: 119
Police: 110
Credit: Most local ATMs do not accept international cards. Citibank takes all cards and post offices take international cards, but only during office hours (9am-5pm).
Cellular: One of the best of easiest solutions is to rent a handset at the airport – it’s a lot harder to find a temporary cellphone in the city. SIM cards can be rented from Softbank Rental. We recommend advanced booking with airport terminal rental vendors ahead of time to avoid complications on the day.

GETTING AROUND:

From the Airport…
There are two airports in Tokyo: The International Narita Airport, which is located 60km outside of central Tokyo, and The Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport), which is located more centrally, 15km from central Tokyo. Airport Limousine: Stops at most of the main hotels in central Tokyo (90–110 minutes for Narita, 50-60 minutes for Haneda) and T-CAT (Tokyo City Air Terminal). Airport limousines also offer inter-airport transportation between Narita and Haneda. Train: From the Narita International Airport, take the NE’X (Narita Express) from Shinagawa, Shinjuku or Tokyo station, or take the Keisei Sky Liner from Ueno station. Both take roughly an hour to central Tokyo from the Narita Airport. From the Haneda Airport, the Tokyo Monorail and Keikyu Airport Line can transport you to central Tokyo in 40 minutes.

Taxi: If you arrive late at night, book a taxi with a driver who will hold your namecard on arrival, as Narita is a little inconvenient for flagging taxis. It takes about one hour to the city if the traffic is light.

Private Limousine: Enjoy the convenience of having a driver greet you at the airport and be free from the hassles of hauling you and your luggage alone into the city.

Around Town…

Public transport: Tokyo has a heavily intertwined network of trains, subways and bus lines – the most extensive in the world. A total of 101 passenger trains and subway lines currently serve the Tokyo area and astonishingly, the network is still expanding. Public transport is famous for being clean and punctual. In Tokyo, railways are the major means of passenger transportation, which can be quite inconvenient if travelling with children especially during rush hours. One-day passes are available. To minimise the hassle of a commute, invest in a SUICA or PASMO IC cards. These interchangeable cards allow you to quickly pass through ticket gates with a simple touch of the card. You can purchase and refill your balance at the ticket vending machines found at all train stations for JPY 500, or, if you’re flying in from the Narita International Airport and plan to take the Narita Express in to central Tokyo, pick up the Suica and N’EX package instead! Buses run around Tokyo as well and may be cheaper than trains but the latter is much faster and convenient. SUICAs and PASMOs can be used on buses too. Visit the English Jorudan website for an easy to use, English train route finder to help plan your Tokyo excursions. 

Taxi: Taxis are available for pick up from anywhere around Tokyo as they fill the streets of the metropolis. The easiest way to find them is to look near hotels, train stations and popular entertainment and shopping districts. Fares begin at JPY 710. Don’t be surprised when the passenger door swings open for you - they’re automated! Japanese taxi drivers have a fantastic work ethic so don’t worry about being taken on a roundabout route and being cheated.

Car rental: Japan’s roads are small and even with a GPS it’s difficult for visitors to drive through Tokyo’s congested and complicated streets. But when visiting rural Japan or taking trips outside of Tokyo where public transportation is more of a hassle than a convenience, driving is a great way to travel. Be sure to have an international driving permit from your embassy or national driving association with a Japanese translation handy. Be warned - Japan only recognises permits based on the Geneva Convention of 1949. Be sure to check with your local embassy to double check before getting behind the wheel...

Boat: When you’re surrounded by a jungle of sprawling skyscrapers, concrete and glass, it’s easy to forget that Tokyo is a bay side area. Within the bay and the Sumida River, take the Tokyo Cruise Ship and the Tokyo Mizube Line to Odaiba and Asakusa. The Ariake Ferry Terminal, Takeshiba Terminal and Harumi Terminal have ferries and cruise boats departing to destinations all over Japan.

Private Limousine: Limousines save you the frustration and hassle of getting on and off busy trains in the city. Especially on weekend afternoons, the main train lines and stations in major shopping districts turn into an agoraphobic’s nightmare, often having to push through crowds just to move forward.