Welcome to Tokyo 

Yoking past and future, Tokyo dazzles with its traditional culture and passion for everything new. 

You’ve Never Had Sushi Like This

Tokyo brims with astonishing cuisine. It out-Michelins every city in the world, and for good reason: Tokyoites take fresh ingredients, dining and service very seriously. Whether you’re inhaling a thick bowl of miso rāmen noodles, sinking your teeth into some creamy tuna from the Tsukiji Central Fish Market or splashing out with a multi-course kaiseki meal of seasonal delicacies, you’ll often be struck by the care that goes into the humble art of eating here.

Kampai!

The Japanese workaholic stereotype is very true, but stroll through a neon-lined row of Shinjuku yakitori joints on a Friday or any cherry grove in spring, and you’ll see that people take pleasure very seriously here. There is ever-flowing sake, deep respect for heartfelt karaoke, and constant curiosity about how outsiders view this archipelago at the end of the world. From picnics to shot bars, Tokyo’s nightlife is a drinker’s delight. Kampai! 

 

With Kids

In many ways, Tokyo is a parent’s dream: hyperclean, safe and with every mod-con. The downside is that many of the top attractions aren’t as appealing to younger ones. Older kids and teens, however, should get a kick out of Tokyo’s pop culture and neon streetscapes.

Ghibli Museum

This museum will please fans young and old of animator Miyazaki Hayao ( Ponyo, Spirited Away ). There’s a mini-theatre and a life-sized stuffed model of the cat bus from My Neighbor Totoro . Bonus: it’s part of a larger park

Trains

Japanese kids are crazy about trains, chances are yours will be too. A platform ticket to see the shinkansen (bullet train) come and go costs just ¥130. Another popular train-spotting location is the southern terrace at Shinjuku Station, which overlooks the multiple tracks that feed the world’s busiest train station.

Tokyo Nightlife

Behind the conservative public face of Tokyoites lurks a party animal extraordinaire. You only have to stumble over a salaryman collapsed from drink in the subway or walk into any screaming high-rise karaoke parlour to realise that this city is passionate about having fun after dark. Tokyo will rock you ‘til you drop in its clubs and live music houses, and drink you under the table in its bars and izakaya (Japanese pubs). Even its cafes can dazzle with everything from super-slick gems of design to proudly retro homages to barista culture. This city has something for everyone, and there’s enough of it to spend months or even years exploring