We started our trip with a visit to Meiji Jingu. Enveloped by 70 hectares of forest in the heart of Tokyo, the city’s most famous shrine offers an enclave of serenity within the bustling metropolis. We got there early to beat the crowds and experience true tranquillity as we learned about Japan’s Shinto customs and tradition.

With modernity never too far away, we then strolled to nearby Harajuku. Considered one of the quirkier places to visit in Tokyo and the birthplace of Kawaii (cute) culture, this district has plenty to offer. We spent our time searching for gems amongst the many vintage clothing stores, before tantalising our tastebuds on a trip down Takeshita Street, sampling as many of the viral sweet spots as our teeth would allow! 

Shibuya was up next on our itinerary, arriving just in time to watch the district light up as the sun went down. We made sure to stop and witness the chaos of the Shibuya pedestrian crossing, said to be the world’s busiest. Suspense brewed as we waited for the man to go green before the synchronised chaos of thousands crossing ensued – a phenomenon you really cannot miss! The remainder of our evening was spent enjoying the abundance of malls and department stores that cater to every shopper.

This was our chance to experience all Shinjuku had to offer. We started our day by taking in the breathtaking (free of charge!) views over the city from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, before descending back to ground level. We kept an eye out for the famous Godzilla head towering over the district from Hotel Gracery’s roof terrace – and sure enough he turned out to be closer than we thought! 

We spent the afternoon exploring the multitude of shopping options Shinjuku boasts, stopping at Don Quijote, a large chain known for its wide range of products (you can find just about everything!), discounted rates and atmosphere like no other. Having built up an appetite after a full day of touring Shinjuku, dinner was a personal highlight of mine!

We ate at Kushiage Shinjuku Tatsukichi, a small restaurant specialising in kushiage (deep fried skewers). This was a true culinary delight as our personal chef produced fresh, hot skewers one by one, instructing us on what best to pair them with each time. The meal continued until we told the chef to stop, with our bill being tallied by the number of skewers we’d had - I managed 24! A very reasonable price for a high-quality experience.

Sufficiently nourished, we took a short walk to Golden Gai where we spent our evening, meandering the collection of narrow, unassuming alleyways brimming with nightlife. Whether you decide to pick a place and settle in for the night or would rather dip in and out of several unique izakayas (pubs) like we did, you’ll be sure to enjoy a great night in an area where Showa era (1926-89) charm survives amidst Japan’s rapid modernisation.

We began our final day in Tokyo with an early start at the Tsujiki Outer Market, where the city’s food culture comes to life. Although the famous wholesale fish market has moved elsewhere, the outer market remains a lively maze of narrow lanes packed with specialist food stalls, traditional shops and casual eateries. I ate copious amounts of sushi as well as some delicious baby octopus! Aim to arrive early to avoid disappointment as many stalls start selling out in the early afternoon.

A short wander from the market took us to Ginza, the capital’s premier luxury shopping district. Wide boulevards, striking architecture and flagship stores define this elegant neighbourhood, where global luxury brands sit alongside long-established Japanese retailers. Ginza’s calm sophistication provided a fitting contrast to the neon buzz of previous days and a stylish end to our stay in Tokyo.

While Tokyo in its own right has plenty to offer, thanks to Japan’s high speed rail network, there is a variety of excursions and day trips available, departing right from the heart of the city.

The Monkey Park near Shibu Onsen was a favourite of mine and a fantastic place to spot wildlife, namely the Japanese macaque (snow monkey). During the colder months (December-March), the macaques spend their days relaxing at the bottom of the mountains, enjoying the warmth of natural hot springs before making their way back up at dusk.

Fuji Hakone National Park offers the best access to one of Japan’s truly unmistakable icons – Mount Fuji. Activities range from climbing the mountain itself in summer to riding the Hakone Ropeway, boasting panoramic views over Fuji as well as the Owakudani volcanic valley.