Tokyo

Founded in 645, Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest and most visited temple. The great Kaminarimon gate and its giant lantern lead into Nakamise street, lined with traditional stalls selling senbei and souvenirs. The five-story pagoda, lit up at night, is one of Japan's most iconic images.

Completed in 2012, Tokyo Skytree is Japan's tallest structure and the world's second-tallest. Its two observation decks, at 350m and 450m, offer a sweeping view over the entire Kanto region, reaching Mount Fuji on clear days. The Solamachi complex at its base holds shops, an aquarium and a planetarium.

Ueno Park brings together several of Japan's finest museums (the Tokyo National Museum, the science museum), a zoo and Shinobazu Pond, where you can paddle around in a swan-shaped boat. In spring, its 1,000 cherry trees in bloom make it one of the city's most popular hanami spots.

Akihabara ('Electric Town') is the world capital of otaku culture. Multi-floor electronics shops, figurine and manga stores, retro arcades and themed cafés (maid cafés) create a unique atmosphere, even more electric once night falls and the neon lights up.

The Imperial Palace occupies the site of the former Edo Castle, seat of shogunal power for over two centuries. The East Gardens (Higashi Gyoen) are free to enter and offer views of the original guard turrets, including Fushimi Yagura. Guided tours of the private inner gardens must be booked in advance.

Kabukicho, the heart of Shinjuku, is Japan's largest nightlife district: tiny bars, karaoke rooms, arcades and restaurants open until dawn under a flood of neon. Not far away, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building offers a free observation deck with a view over the entire megacity.

Opened in 1920, this Shinto shrine is surrounded by a lush forest planted with trees donated from across Japan. The great wooden torii gate at the entrance marks the passage from the everyday world to the sacred. The traditional Shinto weddings sometimes seen there on weekends add to the shrine's magic.

Harajuku is the epicenter of Tokyo's young, eccentric fashion scene. Takeshita Street, narrow and always packed, is crammed with kawaii fashion shops, crepe stands and photo booths. Just steps away, Omotesando avenue lines up luxury boutiques in a far more refined architectural setting.

Up to 3,000 people cross this intersection with every light change. Seen from the upper floors of Shibuya Sky or a Starbucks overlooking the scene, the crowd's organized ballet is mesmerizing. The surrounding district, with its shops and giant screens, is the heart of Tokyo's youth fashion scene.

Roppongi Hills is a modern urban complex blending offices, art galleries and upscale nightlife. The Mori Tower observation deck, on the 52nd floor, offers one of the best views over Tokyo, with Tokyo Tower in the foreground. The Mori Art Museum and the giant spider sculpture 'Maman' round out the visit.

Standing 333 meters tall, Tokyo Tower was for a long time Japan's tallest structure. Its two observation decks offer a 360° view over the city, with Mount Fuji visible on clear days. Lit differently for each season, it remains one of the capital's most photographed landmarks.

While the wholesale auction moved to Toyosu in 2018, Tsukiji's outer market remains a landmark of Tokyo's food scene. Stalls selling fish, shellfish, tamagoyaki omelets and the famous fresh tuna are best enjoyed on the go in an authentic market atmosphere, ideally early in the morning.

Odaiba is the futuristic district built on an artificial island in Tokyo Bay. The Rainbow Bridge lit up at night, the replica Statue of Liberty and the futuristic shopping malls make it an ideal spot for a scenic evening out, with Tokyo Tower visible in the distance.