Where to go in Tokyo

Mito

The capital of Ibaraki Prefecture, Mito is home to the lauded Japanese garden Kairaku-en, set near Senba Lake and considered to be one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. It's most famous for the thousands of plum trees that bloom in its grounds during spring, when crowds gather in their droves.

Odawara

Today, tourists see Odawara mainly as the access point to Hakone National Park, but the city was formerly one of the most powerful in Japan, with its castle holding key strategic value in the 16th century.

Ushiku Dai-butsu

At 120m tall Ushiku Dai-Butsu is the world's third tallest statue. Step inside to explore the room of Infinite Light and Infinite Life, or experience the World of Gratitude and Thankfulness that is the second floor.

Mount Takao

Considered a sacred mountain, Mount Takao - or Takaosan - has been at the centre of mountain worship for more than 1,000 years.

Kamakura

An hour and a world away from Tokyo lies Kamakura, briefly capital of Japan in the 12th century. Today it is a sleepy and charming coastal town, surrounded by hills. This natural physical barrier has preserved the atmospheric character of Kamakura, which is full of centuries-old temples and shrines…

Nikko

Considered a place of beauty and loaded with spiritual significance, Nikko provides Tokyoites with a calming antidote to busy city life.

Tokyo

Japan's capital Tokyo is 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.