Tokyo is a microcosm of every Japanese prefectural specialty. Within the heart of Tokyo is the Meiji Shrine, home to the most diverse planting of trees in Japan—almost 400 different species of trees donated from all over the country can be found here. It’s symbolic of the fact that almost everything we could want to find from across Japan, we can find in Tokyo. Tokyo is a mecca for the most amazing art galleries, the latest in technology and fashion. All the latest trends begin in Tokyo.
In addition to the largest constellation of Michelin starred restaurants, every regional specialty from green tea to rice to every kind of fruit and every brand of wagyu, all come to market in Tokyo.
Tokyo is also a land of contrasts. Visitors are often surprised to know that there so much opportunity for Urban Wellness Experiences; to reconnect with nature through mindful immersion in forests and green spaces. While the Meiji Shrine Forest combines spirituality and forest bathing, the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is home to extensive wooded areas, ponds, and quiet paths that create a tranquil atmosphere. Todoroki Ravine Park makes us feel like we've escaped Tokyo without actually leaving it.
Mt. Takao offers dense cedar forests, mountain air, and numerous trails for a more traditional forest bathing experience. We can be crossing the famous Shibuya scramble in the morning and practicing shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) among towering cedars on Mt. Takao in the afternoon. That juxtaposition perfectly illustrates how Tokyo is so dynamic.
Shimo-Kitazawa is a bohemian, eclectic neighborhood full of vintage shops and quirky cafes, also known as the "Curry District." Countless different styles of curry can be found here for the most die-hard curry enthusiasts who relish the rich gravy-like textures of Japanese curry and rice, along with the varied nuances of Indian and Thai curries.
Odaiba is a relatively newer area of Tokyo with wow-factor, including the renowned teamLab art installation. There is no immersive art experience in the world that can compare. Nearby is the Miraikan, Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, an interactive playground for the brain, where we can explore space, robotics and artificial intelligence. The neighboring district, Toyoso, is renowned for the largest fish market in the world, as well as the Toyosu Manyo Club which is a 24-hour, 9-floor onsen complex featuring open-air hot spring baths transported from Hakone, and skyline rooftop foot baths with 360-degree views of the Tokyo Bay skyline.
Post-onsen, we have to check out Tokyo’s Beer Garden Scene. The Forest Beer Garden near Meiji Shrine is one of the largest and most famous, and features a massive, lush outdoor space with barbecue courses and all-you-can-drink menus. In contrast, the Matsuya Ginza Utsukushikunaru Beer Garden, is located on the rooftop of the Matsuya department store in Ginza, and offers a sophisticated "Meat Paradise" menu with two hours of free-flowing drinks.
Not to be out-done, Japan produces some of the best whisky in the world, and so Tokyo has a huge whisky scene, including the Tokyo Whisky Library, which is a multi-level bar with over 1,000 varieties of whisky from around the globe, as well as unique in-house infusions that amaze us all.
Tokyo is pulsing with innovation, and we can feel it. Every neighborhood needs to be explored, and there is always more to discover—the latest in anime tourism, the latest in food culture—it’s a city that attracts the best in the culinary arts that simply amaze travelers again and again, and there is such care and respect for all the little details with confectionary and packaging, and technological comforts that we just don’t find anywhere else.
Tokyo is also one of the safest cities in the world. It is safe in general, but it is also safe for LGBTQ+ travelers. It is safe and accessible for travelers with mobility issues and medical needs. There has been so much investment in making visits to temples and shrines more accessible, as well as galleries and attractions, that can see that quintessential Japanese spirit of hospitality, omotenashi, in action.
Tokyo is a place where Old Meets New. While constantly evolving and innovating, it maintains traditions. Anime originated in the Edo period, but now, every child wants to visit the Akihabara district of Tokyo, also known as Electric Town, and Anime City. This is the global centre for otaku culture with multi-story shops and vintage goods. It’s an anime lover’s paradise.
Just outside Tokyo’s vast megalopolis of high-rises that stretch for miles is an abundance of nature for easy getaways—from islands in the sea to lush forests, farms and villages in the mountains. Okutama is one area where Tokyoites retreat for forest therapy, wasabi farming, farm-to-table cuisine, and craft beer. “Oku” means beyond, and “Tama” refers to the spirit of the waters that spring up from the mountains and the Gods. This is a haven for hiking, cycling, kayaking, canyoning, white water rafting, caving, birding, and photography.
Local culinary specialties include grilled deer and onions; steamed boar in a miso-based broth with shirataki, tofu and Korean cabbage; and green tea noodles chock full of boiled chestnuts. Imagine waking up by the pristine waters to a breakfast of grilled salmon, beautiful Japanese eggs, persimmon salad, yoghurt with yuzu jam and chestnut steamed rice, and then going on a quiet hike up the mountain.
Tokyo has an extraordinary ability to surprise us, not because it is larger, brighter or faster than anywhere else, but because it is a land of extreme contrasts to embrace every interest. embraces seemingly impossible contrasts with effortless grace. Within one day we can move from the base of neon skyscrapers to towering ancient cedars, from immersive digital art to forest bathing. Tokyo is the gateway to Japan and a living reflection of the nation, where every prefecture, every season, every flavour, and every tradition finds its place, and rewards curiosity at every turn.