Japan, Tokyo and surroundings
A country full of contrasts
Japan is considered generally a place of longing and know-how to combine ancient tradition with urban modernity. Blossoming cherry trees, hiking in the Japanese Alps, countless historical sites and fantastic cuisine are just some of the reasons why the country fascinates tourists from all over the world. Despite the fast connections by «bullet train» several days are needed to explore the capital Tokyo alone, given its sheer size. In the following, we present some special features of the metropolitan area of this cosmopolitan city that you should not miss.
The capital Tokyo
Over 37 million people live in Tokyo with over 14 million living in the metropolitan region alone. The range of activities is correspondingly diverse. In particular, we recommend climbing the Tokyo Tower, the second-highest tower in Japan. Built in 1958 on the model of the Eiffel Tower, the tower entices visitors with a breathtaking view of the entire city – including an eSports park on the lower floors. A guided tour through the food and drink halls of the Outer Market provides insights into the colorful hustle and bustle of the local population. The market is also one of the best places to enjoy fresh seafood.
Eating in Tokyo
Japan, and Tokyo in particular, is also considered a mecca for culinary fans with its abundance of fantastic bars and restaurants. A must-visit is the Michelin restaurant Den, which was named Asia’s best restaurant in 2022. Here, traditional Kaiski cuisine, with a modern twist, meets warm hospitality in an inviting ambience. Returning guests are greeted with «okaerinasai», a saying used to greet family members when they return home.
Hotels in Tokio
For an authentic experience, we recommend staying in traditional Japanese hotels with futon beds, called ryokans, such as the Tokyo Inn Sakura – just a short walk from the Origami Museum, one of Tokyo’s many great museums – or the Ito Ryokan. Pure luxury, on the other hand, is offered by the upper floors of the Mandarin Oriental in the Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower. The hotel extends from the 30th floor upwards, offering a fantastic view over the city from every room.
Cherry blossom festivals
Cherry blossom time is a high point in the Japanese calendar and marks the beginning of spring. Accordingly, the people of Japan celebrate these days excitedly with countless festivals in parks, on riverbanks, mountainsides, gardens, temples and shrines that can last up to 14 days. Still one of Tokyo’s most popular places to admire the blossoms is Ueno Park with its more than 1,000 cherry trees. This year, the full blossom period is around 27 March 2023.
Excursions outside Tokyo
Although you could probably stay in Tokyo forever, some places outside the city limits should not be forgotten. Just a short drive from Tokyo, for example, is Lake Yamanaka. It is one of five lakes around Mount Fuij and is surrounded by numerous hiking trails. If you want to stay for the night and admire the fantastic scenery from the breakfast table, the Fuji Yamanakako Resort Hotel is a good choice.
Luxurious train ride through Japan
For a truly unique experience, travel on the luxurious Seven Stars Train on Kyushu, Japan’s third largest island. Over four days, you’ll chug at a leisurely pace through lush nature with its high-quality ingredients, healing onsen (hot springs) and invigorating power spots. At the same time, the railway tracks connect numerous sights of the seven sites to be explored. Inside the train, stylish luxury awaits with an exquisite blend of Japanese and Western traditions – including a lounge car, salon car and a traditional tearoom.
