Tokyo fascinates, inspires and energises yet it also has an
air of mystery. Depending on which street you turn down you can be propelled
into the future or be discovering long-established customs and unravelling
layers of centuries-old history. Here the past and the future collide
harmoniously.
This frenetic and sprawling metropolis has plenty of what
you would expect to see in a modern city, dazzling neon lights, skyscrapers,
cutting-edge technology, oh and the crowded trains. Tokyo also clings to
tradition. Slotted in amongst this futuristic world are ancient shrines,
old-fashioned houses and shops. It this extraordinary heady mix of the
common-place and the alien that makes Tokyo the most exciting place that I have
ever visited.
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| Shinkuku
©JNTO
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It is the most
densely-populated cities in the world, but it is astounding that
despite having a population of over 13 million it throbs to a rhythm of
efficiency. Pavements are spotless, street crime is said to be rare, and
we could only wish that our train service was as punctual.
Whatever you are in Japan’s sizzling capital city for, you will certainly be impressed
by the politeness of the people who are always willing to help you. If you
cannot find somebody who speaks English, you will be amazed how easy it is to
communicate with your hands when you get lost which, in my case, was
frequently.
The food here is sensational. You may have thought you have
had Japanese food at home but the quality here is no comparison so prepare your
taste buds for a culinary onslaught. Whether want a snack or want to visit one
of the many Michelin-starred restaurant or something in between you will be
spoilt for choice. There are plenty of places, especially at lunch time,
offering set menus which are tremendous value.
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| Cherry blossom
©
Y.Shimizu/© JNTO
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Tsukiji, the world’s largest fish market is the place to go
for lovers of seafood. If you go early in the morning you can see the tuna
auctions taking place. A good place to go if you are suffering from jet lag and
want to try a typical Japanese breakfast. It was the one and only time I felt
up to eating sushi for the first meal of the day.
Best to check with your concierge that Tsukiji is open to
the public before going. It is, reportedly, moving to a new site in the Toyosu
district at the end of 2016.
A lovely time of year to visit Tokyo is in the spring when
the cherry trees are in
full bloom. The blossom makes
the city look pretty especially if you take a walk in Shinjuku Gyoen, one of
the city’s largest parks. It provides a welcoming respite from the hectic
street life.
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Sensoji Temple
©Yasufumi Nishi/©JNTO |
After visiting Sensoji, known also as the Asakusa Kannon, a
Buddhist temple, founded in the seventh century, the oldest in Tokyo, I headed
off to try out the Metro system. The city has so many districts, which are like
miniature cities in their own right.
My first stop was Shibuya Station to walk across the
renowned intersection. This is some experience. All the traffic lights stop at
the same time and then the swarm begins
as all the immaculately-dressed pedestrians pour out from everywhere. For one terrifying moment I
thought I would be crushed but I walked with some extremely courteous locals
who took me under their wing and arrived at the other side in one piece.
(Shibuya Station is now under reconstruction so prepare for a little
pandemonium.)
Shopping is one activity you have to partake in while in
Tokyo. Each neighbourhood has its own identity. I just sampled a few. Shibuya
is crammed with trendy boutiques and department stores and is where a lot of
fashion trends are born. Shinjuku is chaotic but fun. If you only have time for
one make it Ginza where among all the high-end shops and stores are plenty of
lovely craft shops. When you see how beautifully purchases are packaged you
will not be able to resist temptation.
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Mount Fuji
©Yasufumi
Nishi/©JNTO
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A day out to Mount Fuji, Japan’s most legendry symbol and
highest peak has to be one of my highlights of the trip. This sacred snow-capped dormant volcano
rising majestically into the sky surrounded by so much natural beauty is a
marvel no picture can truly capture.
When somebody asks me where I would go back to if I was
given a ticket to anywhere, I instantly reply Tokyo. Its compelling
juxtaposition of yesterday and tomorrow makes it special.
By Daralyn Danns
Getting there
Japan Airlines. For information about flights and fares
visit www.jal.com
Stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo. Extemporary service at
this highly-regarded hotel. Rates start from JPY55, 999 per night on a
B&B basis (approx. GBP 350). For more information or to make a booking,
call +81 3 3270 88 00 or visit www.mandarinoriental.com/tokyo
