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Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo

An intoxicating blend of ancient and ultra-modern

Tokyo tailor-made holidays

Introduction

Japan's capital Tokyo is undoubtedly one of the world's great cities. Ever since Shogun Tokagawa established his government in Edo (later renamed Tokyo) to unify previously warring Samurai factions, the city has continued to flourish. Today Tokyo bustles with businessmen, kimono-clad women and fashionable teenagers, living among an explosion of neon nebulas, pulsating crowds and luxury boutiques. Dig below the surface, though, and you'll find the Japan of old: tranquil backstreets, wooden houses, neatly clipped bonsai, ancient temples and shrines.

Tokyo Imperial Palace

Tokyo's Imperial Palace is the spiritual heart of the city, home to Japan's revered Emperor. Although the palace is not accessible to the public, the surrounding gardens are full of interest, with many moats, pretty bridges and trees. Tickets for tours of the area around the palace itself can be booked in advance, but the gardens are open to all, free of charge. Within the gardens are remnants from Edo Castle, where samurai warriors lived from the 17th to 19th centuries. The museums are also worth a visit too. Of these, the Sannomaru-Shozu-kan (Museum of the Imperial Collections) and the National Museum of Modern Art are most notable.

Sensoji Temple

Sensoji is a Buddhist temple and Tokyo's living link to the Edo era. Also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, it's Tokyo's oldest shrine. Legend has it that two brothers fished a statue of the Goddess of Mercy - Kannon - from the Sumida River, and despite returning it to the river several times, it always returned to them. Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) opens to an ancient shopping street lined with stalls, leading to Hozoman Gate and the second tallest pagoda in Japan, while ahead lies the magnificent main hall with its sweeping gold roofs. Beside this visitors can be seen ‘bathing' in the smoke from an immense bronze incense burner, which is said to have healing properties.

Tokyo National Museum

If you only have time to visit one museum in Tokyo, make it this one. The Tokyo National Museum is the oldest and biggest in the country, housing the world's largest collection of Japanese art. Displays are rotated regularly, taken from 90,000 pieces that represent the full spectrum of Japanese art and craft, from theatrical costumes for Kabuki to elegant lacquerware and ukiyo-e woodblock prints.

 

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Top itineraries in Tokyo

Sensoji, Tokyo, Japan

Essential Japan

10-day tailor-made holiday from £4,390 pp incl. flights

Get a taste of all that this spectacular and multi-faceted country has to offer, with private tours of Tokyo, traditional ryokan stays, trips on Japan's 200mph bullet train and visits to world famous temples.

Mt Fuji, Japan

Best of Japan

14-day tailor-made holiday from £7,760 pp incl. flights

With a rail pass and a host of included tours and traditional ryokan stays, this is your chance to experience the best Japan has to offer as you explore the country's hi-tech cities, ancient temples and spectacular national parks.

Okinawa, Japan

Highlights of Japan & Okinawa

16-day tailor-made holiday from £8,165 pp incl. flights

Experience the best of Japan's culture and coast, with private tours, traditional ryokan stays, bullet train trips and even a stay on a pair of tropical island idylls.

Cherry Blossom, Mt Fuji

Japan's Blossom Season

11-day tailor-made rail holiday from £5,440 pp incl. flights

Between private, tailor-made tours, bullet-train trips and stays in historic hot-spring inns, see the best of Japan and its world-famous cherry blossom season.

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Top places to stay in Tokyo

Park Hyatt, Tokyo

Park Hyatt, Tokyo

Contemporary hotel

This ‘Lost in Translation’ centrepiece towers over Shinjuku’s contagious energy and makes for luxury stays in the city centre.

Palace Hotel, Tokyo

Palace Hotel, Tokyo

Contemporary hotel

This is modern luxury set on the moat-shores of an imperial dynasty in central Tokyo.

The Andaz Toranomon Hills, Tokyo

Andaz, Tokyo

Contemporary hotel

Stay in the Japanese capital’s second highest skyscraper, complete with boutique luxury rooms, rooftop bars and world-class spas.

The Gate Hotel at Kaminarimon, Tokyo

Gate Hotel Kaminarimon, Tokyo

Designer hotel

Stay in this Design Hotel’s boutique modernism, rubbing the gated shoulders of two of the city’s oldest sights.

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When to go to Tokyo

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Tokyo articles

Miyajima Torii, Miyajima Island, Japan

Japan through another lens

Our own Sales Manager, Hannah Busby recently travelled to Japan, and showed us a side of the country most people never get to see.

Meet our Tokyo experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0689

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0689 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ATOL & ABTOT protected