It would take a lifetime to get to know every facet of Tokyo, a city so large that it spreads as far as the eye can see. But look closely and you will find a metropolis of exceptional charm and breathtaking efficiency. The Japanese capital is a fascinating tangle of opposites: the latest technology and traditional arts; crowded stations and quiet backstreets; concrete highways and green parks. Yet it all works like a dream.

For the visitor, Tokyo’s sheer scale can feel overwhelming: there is no obvious centre and few essential landmarks. Where to start? The trick is to take to the streets and let the city reveal itself. Pick a neighbourhood and explore it, preferably on foot. Behind the glossiest buildings, you’ll discover family-run restaurants, small shops and local shrines.

Tokyo is rich in culture and there’s an array of museums, theatres and bookshops. Public transport makes every corner accessible. Hop on a boat, sit in a park or take in the view from the highest skyscrapers. In the summer, communities gather for lively matsuri (festivals) – a reminder that Tokyo is a city of neighbourhoods, each with its own history and identity.

^{TAP HERE TO SAVE MONOCLE’S MAP OF TOKYO TO YOUR DEVICE}

DISCOVER THE BEST OF TOKYO

Hotels

Bars and restaurants

Retail

Culture

Neighbourhoods