One quarter of all Japanese live in Tokyo or near vicinity and with a population of over 12 million inhabitants, Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world. With its huge skyscrapers, underpasses, overpasses and crowds of pedestrians, Tokyo may not seem the most attractive city on the surface, but the city has a vibrancy and charm all of its own. As the first stop on any visit to Japan, this is where the visitor first comes into contact with Japanese culture and one can witness that every element of Japanese culture is firmly rooted in tradition.

The country still has an Emperor who resides at the Imperial Palace set in extensive grounds on the former site of Edo Castle, the home of the Tokugawa shogunate. The Meiji Shrine, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the spirit of the Emperor Meiji (1852-1912) who reigned during Japan’s transformation from an isolated nation into a modern world power. The grounds are thickly wooded with beautiful mature trees and it is a peaceful haven in the centre of a bustling city. Asakusa Kannon Temple is the oldest Buddhist Temple in Tokyo and the street leading to the temple is lines with small stands selling snack foods, traditional gifts and souvenirs.

For a view of modern Tokyo head up the Tokyo Tower for a magnificent panorama of the city, or take a boat ride on the Sumida River. Ginza is the most famous shopping and entertainment district in Japan, containing the largest concentration of department stores, expensive boutiques, bars and restaurants.

Within easy reach of Tokyo are the towns of Nikko and Kamakura both of great historical interest and which it is possible to visit on a day trip.

Nikko town in the middle of the Nikko National Park has been a sacred site since the 8th century. It is now a Unesco World Heritage site and the main attraction is the Toshogu Shrine, begun in 1634 during the Tokugawa Shogunate and decorated in myriad colours and gold leaf. The national park contains numerous volcanic mountains, Lake Chuzenji and the Kegon Waterfall.
Kamakura was the ancient capital of Japan, between 1192 and 1333 when the military leader moved the capital from Kyoto to this town. The best way to explore Kamakura is on a walking tour and the city has 65 Buddhist temples and 19 Shinto shrines. These include the Great Buddha, a 10m bronze figure of a seated Buddha dating from the 13th centure, Hase Kannon Temple with fine views over the sea and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakura’s main Shinto shrine.