Tokyo Hotels

Introduction to Tokyo
Tokyo is one of the world’s great megacities, a historic and futuristic metropolis sprawling inland from the Pacific Ocean and across the Kanto Plain. Neon-lit skyscrapers, tranquil Zen gardens, theme parks and Shinto shrines provide endless mystery and variety.

Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)

Official language: Japanese

Climate: Warm, temperate and rainy. Jul–Sep average 26C; Dec–Feb average 6C; highest rainfall Jun & Sep

Religion: Shinto and Buddhism

Getting around: subway; waterbus; train; metered taxi

From Narita International Airport: taxi to central Tokyo approx 60 minutes (75km); rail approx 50 minutes

Top things to see & do

Disney characters, baseball and Buddhist temples

• Tokyo Skytree – visit the observation deck of the 634m-high tower for 360° city views
• Sensō-ji Temple – explore the ancient, incense-filled Buddhist temple and its five-storey pagoda
• Tokyo Imperial Palace – tour the immaculate grounds of the former Edo Castle
• Tokyo National Museum – see huge collections of Japanese art, Buddhist statues and archaeological treasures
• Shinjuku Gyoen – wander meandering paths in this huge park with landscaped gardens and springtime cherry blossoms
• Meiji Jingu Stadium – join umbrella-waving fans of the Swallows baseball team at this buzzing sporting arena
• Tokyo Disney Resort – meet Mickey, ride a mountain train and watch a nighttime parade at the immense theme park

Where to shop

Tempura trays, vintage clothes and traditional crafts

• Chuo-dori – street in Ginza, near to Intercontinental The Strings Tokyo, with designer boutiques and luxury brands
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• Kappabashi – area specialising in kitchen supplies, including chopsticks, tempura trays and chef’s knives
• Akihabara – dubbed ‘Electric Town’, an area known for its many electronic stores
• Shimokitazawa – lively neighbourhood with vintage clothes stores that attract hip young shoppers
• Nakamise-dori – traditional shops near Sensō-ji temple with Japanese lacquerware and pottery

What to eat

Classic sushi and hearty chakonabe

• Teppanyaki – meat or fish cooked on a hot iron griddle at Teppanyaki Takumi in the InterContinental Tokyo Bay
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• Edomae tempura – seafood dipped in batter and fried in sesame oil
• Sushi and sashimi – a Japanese classic, as served in the Akasaka district and the minimalist Sushi Kenzan at ANA InterContinental Tokyo
• Chakonabe – a hearty stew of fish or chicken, popular with sumo wrestlers

Special events in Tokyo

Anime and cherry blossom celebrations

• Cherry blossoms (Mar-Apr) – city-wide Hanami festivals celebrating the blooms of these delicate pink flowers
• Tokyo International Film Festival (Oct-Nov) – new Japanese and Asian films at city-wide venues
• AnimeJapan (Mar) – parades, talks and activities celebrating the anime world
• Kanda Matsuri (May) – huge parade of portable shrines around the Kanda Myojin Shrine
• Ikegami Honmonji Oeshiki (Oct) – annual memorial marking the death of Nichiren, an iconic Buddhist figure