Globalista

Tokyo is a city of contradictions, of cloud-brushing skyscrapers and ancient shrines, grey-suited salarymen and rainbow-hued schoolgirls, heaving crossings and serene cherry blossom parks. A visit to this energetic metropolis, one of the most populated cities in the world, is likely to surprise, bewilder and enchant in equal measure. Throw into the mix some Lost In Translation-style jet lag, a complicated language barrier and confusing cultural signals and the end result may seem daunting for first-time visitors – which is where our guide comes in. Packed with plenty of info for return visitors too, it includes top restaurant recommendations divided into ‘safe bets’ and ‘for the fearless,’ how to do karaoke in style, where to find creative courses from ikebana flower arranging to samurai sword fighting and even some anti-blunder tips to help you make the most of your stay.

Chance upon an ancient shrine on a plant-filled lane in the shadow of a skyscraper. Examine rows of maritime creatures amid the bustle of the city’s pre-dawn fish market. Wander past red lanterns into a tiny drinking den and raise a sake toast with locals. So read on and discover, for Tokyo gets under your skin like nowhere else.

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"A hectic but exhilerating week in tokyo. Great place and as ever Globalista gets it completely right."

Matt Frei, BBC Washington correspondent
 

Globalista's Pick of the Press

15 August 2009 - The Independent - Access all areas: a bike tour
21 March 2009 - The Times - Tokyo: On the trail of Kuniyoshi
15 March 2009 - The New York Times - Still hip after blossoms fade in Tokyo
29 January 2009 - The Guardian - Tokyo's red alert
28 December 2008 - The New York Times - Koenji, a Tokyo neighborhood that's a lab for music
27 November 2008 - The Guardian - Tokyo's theme restaurants

See the full list of travel press articles for Tokyo.

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