Tokyo

Tokyo's oldest temple, founded in the seventh century, is reached through the giant red lantern of the Kaminarimon gate and the Nakamise shopping street, lined with stalls selling snacks and souvenirs. The surrounding Asakusa district keeps the feel of old Tokyo.

TipCome early in the morning or after dark, when the temple is lit up and the crowds are gone.

At 634 metres, the Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan, with two observation decks offering vast views across the city, and on clear winter days, to Mount Fuji. At its base, the Solamachi complex has shops, restaurants and an aquarium.

TipBook a timed ticket online, and go on a clear morning or at dusk.

One of the few areas of Tokyo to escape both the 1923 earthquake and the wartime bombing, Yanaka keeps the feel of the old city, with wooden houses, dozens of small temples, artisans' workshops and a quiet cemetery shaded by cherry trees. The Yanaka Ginza shopping street, at the bottom of the "sunset steps", is lined with snack stalls and family-run shops.

A large park with museums including the Tokyo National Museum, the country's largest collection of Japanese art and artefacts, plus a zoo, a pond full of lotus and, in spring, one of the city's most popular cherry blossom spots.

The centre of electronics, anime, manga and gaming culture, with multi-storey arcades, figure shops and themed cafés. Even if it's not your world, it's a fascinating glimpse of Japanese pop culture.

The wholesale fish market moved to Toyosu in 2018, but the outer market around it remains a lively warren of stalls selling fresh seafood, knives, tea and street food, from tamagoyaki omelettes to grilled scallops.

TipGo early, from about 7 am; many stalls close by early afternoon.

An immersive digital art museum in Toyosu where you walk barefoot through rooms of light, mirrors, water and floating flowers that respond to your movements. It's one of the most popular experiences in Tokyo for visitors of all ages.

TipTickets are sold for timed slots and sell out, especially at weekends; book ahead and wear clothes that can be rolled up above the knee.

Tokyo's most elegant shopping district is famous for its flagship stores and department stores, and on weekend afternoons its main street is closed to cars. A short walk away, the Imperial Palace stands behind moats and massive stone walls on the site of Edo Castle; its East Gardens, with the remains of the castle keep, are open to the public on most days.

TipThe East Gardens are usually closed on Mondays and Fridays; check before you go.

A district of skyscrapers, neon and nightlife around the world's busiest train station. Explore the tiny bars of Golden Gai and the lantern-lit yakitori alleys of Omoide Yokocho, then escape to Shinjuku Gyoen, one of the city's finest gardens. The free observation decks of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building give views to Mount Fuji on clear days.

A Shinto shrine to the Emperor Meiji, set in a forest of a hundred thousand trees planted by volunteers from across Japan, a few minutes from the bustle of Harajuku. The walk through the giant wooden torii gates is one of the most peaceful in the city.

Home to the famous scramble crossing, where up to thousands of people cross from every direction at once when the lights change. The Shibuya Sky observation deck, on top of the Shibuya Scramble Square tower, offers an open-air view over the city.

TipWatch the crossing from above, from the station's walkways or a café window, then walk it yourself.

A neighbourhood of vintage clothes shops, record stores, small theatres and cafés, popular with young Tokyoites. It's a good antidote to the big districts and an easy hop from Shibuya, and a good place to end a day.