This metropolis is one of the world's best cities, showcasing a fascinating mix of cutting-edge design and traditional Japanese culture. Add to this an exciting culinary scene, unforgettable nightlife and superb shopping, and you'll see why Tokyo keeps people returning.
Shinjuku is the nocturnal Tokyo of your dreams. Picture the Kabuchiko area: a kaleidoscope of lights and billboards running up the futuristic buildings around you. Lift your head to spot a Godzilla statue or giant digital cat. Cosplay touts usher the buzzing crowds to restaurants, kabuki theatres and sky-high bars. In Nichome, revellers spill from gay clubs. While the quieter lantern-lit laneways of Golden Gai or Omoide Yokocho are a hodge-podge of cute izakaya (bars). Cocktails and wafts of barbecuing yakitori (chicken skewers) tempt you in where you'll rub shoulders with artists and actors.
Shopping is an art here. Even browsing is captivating. Each area has a specialty, whatever you're into. In Akihabara, satisfy otaku (fan) obsessions for anime, manga, electronics or old vinyl. Elegant Ginza houses artisanal washu paper, pottery and fashion labels. Head to Omotesandō for vintage Chanel and Gucci and to sit and take notes on the latest street fashion. Asakusa is all about traditional snacks and kitchenware – Japanese knives and wax display food. Next door in Kuramae, local crafts make cute souvenirs. Ueno boasts sneakers and Shinjuku has specialist camera gear.
From amusement parks and arcade games to manga and robots, Tokyo's pretty much a dream destination for kids (and youthful adults). Tokyo Disneyland is the big-ticket attraction, but Tokyo Dome City also has white-knuckle rides. The interactive digital teamLab Planets is a thrilling fantasy world. For futuristic and robotic wonders, drop by Miraikan; or the 19.7m tall RX-0 Unicorn Gundam 'performing' outside DiverCity mall. There is calmer fun at cafes with food themed on Harry Potter, Pokémon, Snoopy, Totoro or Pompompuri. The exclusive animations at Studio Ghibli Museum also delight kids.
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