Tokyo

Take a deep breath and launch yourself on the enormity of Tokyo – a megacity in every sense of the world, with 35 million inhabitants in the greater metropolis. Despite its super-urban feel and summer humidity, it’s a city of many hidden gems; a royal heritage, myriad parks and gardens and a whole string of national museums and festivals.

Must See:
If you’re lucky enough to be in Tokyo on the Emperor’s birthday, then a rare glimpse of the Imperial Palace – in lush, wooded grounds roughly the size of Central Park – is an absolute must.

Must eat at:
Maisen in Shibuya-ku is famous for its regional food – especially tonkatsu, which you can choose in shrimp, pork or delicious black pig varieties. There’s even a window where you can collect the take-away variant, complete with dipping sauce.

Must be there for:
Golden Week – in late April and Early May – is a veritable Festival of Festivals, with not one but three to choose from; namely Green Day, Constitution Day and Childrens Day. Any one of these is a major event in its own right.

Well-travelled facts:
· The name Tokyo literally means ‘eastern capital’
· Greater Tokyo is the most populous urban area in the world.

Visa:
British citizens travelling to Japan for business or pleasure do not ordinarily need a visa for stays of up to six months. As restrictions apply, for full information, visit http://www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp/en/visa/visa-uk_irl.html