A Tokyo travel guide – ancient temples, edgy fashions and culinary delights

Culture ancient and modern

Start your cultural tour of Tokyo at Senso-ji, a bright red Buddhist temple in Asakusa dedicated to Kannon, the deity of compassion. Across the River Sumida, explore Tokyo’s history from foundation to present day at the Edo-Tokyo Museum, featuring life-size models of the city’s old buildings. See Tokyo’s youth in full costume on Jingu Bridge outside Yoyogi Park on Sunday afternoons; from here, walk to the imposing Meiji Shrine. At Hotel Okura Tokyo, one of Tokyo’s stalwart hotels, watch the elegant ritual of a tea ceremony. Cool contemporary art is on display at the nearby Mori Art Museum.

Gadgets and garments

A Tokyo city break will leave you spoilt for shopping choices. Mitsukoshi and Takashimaya are Tokyo’s oldest department stores; visit their stately Nihonbashi locations for designer fashions and kimonos. Head to Isetan department store in Shinjuku for trendy clothing, or to the streets of Daikanyama for up-and-coming designers. Tech lovers should visit sci-fi Akihabara district for a world of electronic goods. Head to Tokyu Hands in Shibuya for clever knick-knacks and gadgets.