Tokyo is made up of many smaller areas accessible by train and subway and within these is a wealth of interesting sights. What you see and where you go will depend largely on your personal interests but we have come up with our ideal itinerary to help you scratch the surface of this fascinating city.
Begin your day with a visit to Meiji Jingu shrine in Harajuku, one of Tokyo's busiest sights but an oasis of calm in the early morning. From here wander through the shopping streets of Harajuku and head south to Shibuya for morning coffee and people watching at the Hachiko pedestrian crossing.
Heading into central Tokyo brings you to the Imperial Palace Plaza, the exquisite outer garden of the Empress Dowager's residence and Tokyo Tower. To the north you will find the atmospheric Asakusa Kannon Temple, Akihabara, and Ginza, Tokyo's famed shopping and entertainment district.
Several more unusual, yet rewarding, suggestions include visiting the interactive Sony Centre near Tokyo station, and the Ghibli Anime Museum to keep younger, or young at heart, visitors to Japan entertained (pre-booked reservation required).
Ueno's large park and many interesting museums, including the Tokyo National Museum and the small Shitamachi Museum make it the ideal area to while away an afternoon but for something a bit livelier then cross the Rainbow Bridge to Odaiba.
In the evening make your way to Roppongi Hills, Ginza or Tokyo Midtown for drinks, karaoke and some of the best food in the country — from cheap and cheerful yakitori to exquisite Michelin starred gourmet restaurants.