Tokyo is a more desirable destination than ever before. Its attractions include a clean, speedy and efficient transport system with station signs in English, a growing number of sophisticated five-star hotels and the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world.
And the city caters for all tastes – state of the art electronics in Akihabara for techno fiends, atmospheric temples and shrines for culture buffs, cutting-edge fashion towers for shoppers and 160,000 restaurants for foodies.
But the city's most memorable delights are less tangible. Getting lost - both physically and in translation – is the best way to get to grips with the multi-faceted city. And you might stumble across an ancient Shinto shrine tucked behind a gleaming skyscraper, or a chic local bar on a lantern-lit lane in the process.
Insider's tips
On arrival, avoid taxis and hop on the Narita Express (0081 50 2016 1603, www.jreast.co.jp/e/nex) to a central station such as Tokyo or Shinjuku, with tickets starting at Y2,940 (£13.10). Otherwise, Limousine Buses (0081 3 3665 7220, www.limousinebus.co.jp) take passengers directly to the front door of a number of major hotels and sights around the city from Y3,000
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