Tokyo + Northern Honshu
Tokyo may look intimidating at first glance, but the seemingly endless megalopolis is more like a number of small cities bumping up against each other. No matter what you’re hoping for—shopping, spas, a glimpse of old Edo, or just the freshest toro you’ve ever tasted—it’s out there somewhere.
Activities and Attractions:
Start with the high-rise, neon-lit, hyperkinetic Shinjuku neighborhood. It’s Tokyo’s nightlife hub. High-tech Akihabara is Tokyo’s electronics emporium, where you’ll find hot new cameras and gadgets before they become available at home. For luxury goods, head to Ginza, Tokyo’s most upscale district, or Roppongi Hills, a relatively new shopping and dining development.
For something completely different, visit Asakusa. It’s home to Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, and is one of the few neighborhoods in Tokyo where you can get a sense of what life was like before World War II.
One quintessential Japanese experience is a kaiseki meal. Dish after dish—typically grilled, steamed, and simmered foods as well as sashimi--will be ritually presented to you. You will never have experienced such harmony of flavor and texture, and it’s sure to be a highlight of your stay.
Outside of Tokyo, a whole different world awaits. Just an hour by train from downtown is Kamakura, Japan’s capital during the days of the shogun. You can still visit ancient temples and make a pilgrimage to a Buddha statue dating from 1252. Nearby Hakone has a beautiful open-air sculpture museum full of works by masters such as Rodin and Calder. For a vibe that’s 180 degrees different from frenetic Tokyo, relax at one of Hakone’s natural mineral hot springs, truly a Zen experience.
Insider Tip:
Traditional onsen (spas) are often segregated by gender—in which case bathing is usually done in the nude. If you’re not comfortable with that, pick a spa where men and women mix—when that’s the case, patrons always wear bathing suits.
-Exclusively for Perfect Escapes by Nicole Clausing |
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