Tokyo

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"Tokyo is simply breathtaking and there is something for everybody here. But what gets me most is the sheer volume of amazing restaurants and for a food obsessive like me that is the draw that pulls me back again and again.

Alastair Donnelly - Director



This is a truly overwhelming city, a vibrant hub of modern civilisation, a city constantly buzzing with activity; suited businessmen rush from one meeting to the next; immaculately turned out girls totter precariously on impossibly thick platform soles; kimono clad housewives fill the up-market department stores: And at every turn a barrage of different sights, sounds and aromas.

Welcome to Tokyo; Japan's largest city and it's capital since the Meiji restoration of 1868 returned real power to the Emperor.

Tokyo is a sensory bombardment and the wonderful abundance of street level detail means there is always something to keep the attention.

Tiny road-side stalls and shops sell everything from grilled chicken on sticks to high-tech electronics. Bars and restaurants are stacked up one on top of another, ablaze with neon as soon as dusk begins to fall. And everywhere people.

A tide of energy sweeps Tokyoites along, carrying them through the daily grind; from their apartments, onto the unbelievably crowded subway system, into the office and then back again. A visit to Tokyo is the chance to witness the Japanese success story up close.

The suburbs, however, are in grim contrast to the excitement of the central areas. Living space here is at a premium, and thus high-rise concrete apartment blocks built wherever a space could be found, even in between snaking overhead expressways, provide most people's homes. The skyline of grey stretches away as far as the eye can see and you certainly won't find much in the way of old buildings in Tokyo, although a few do remain.

Today's city is a truly modern phenomenon, which rose like a phoenix out of the ashes of the city reduced to rubble by the American air raids of WW2. There's plenty to do and see here and we'll help you to do just that.

Tokyo has some fine museums, a slightly depressing zoo, the Emperor's palace (although don't expect to be able to go inside), an Eiffel style tower, great shopping, traditional theatre, sumo (if you time your visit accordingly), and endless possibilities for night time entertainment.

We can guarantee that you won't have seen anything like this before!


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Products featuring Tokyo ...
Self Guided Adventure
Take a leap off the tourist track and discover the crisp mountain air and clear blue skies of Japan’s little known Alpine region, an area of outstanding natural beauty with walks and hikes for all abilities. Add to this stays in Tokyo, Kyoto and and you have a wonderfully varied journey to savour.

14 Nights: £2198
Self Guided Adventure
Following the path of the old Tokaido road, the Golden Route will take you from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo to Kyoto, ancient capital and true heart of Japanese history and culture. With the hot springs of Hakone also included, this Self-Guided Adventure is a perfect introductory taste of Japan.

9 Nights: £1471
Self Guided Adventure
Rural and remote, the island of Kyushu is a world away from the non-stop hive of activity of Japan’s eastern seaboard. From the laid-back historic port city of Nagasaki to the hot spring town of Beppu and the ancient forests of Yakushima Island, there are many treasures waiting to be discovered.

16 Nights: £2268
Inside Japan Tours - Silver at the British Travel Awards 2009
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