Tokyo City Add-on ski resort guide

Spend a few days in Tokyo as part of your ski trip to Japan.

Tokyo is the most exciting metropolis in Asia where wide traditions from centuries past combine with modern buildings and exciting urban culture. It is easy to get around with a fantastic transport system so you can see the sights and some excellent restaurants.

Originally a fishing village called Edo, the settlement became the Shogunate's centre of power in 1590 with the Shitamachi (low city) of merchants and artists serving the upper claases in the Yamanote (high area) on the hills to the west. It was renamed Tokyo in 1868 and became the capital of Japan and is now a modern, exciting and energising city.

The transport system is very efficient and easy to use. The Yamanote JR line circles the city whilst the underground/subway lines cross the centre. The Shinkansen lines then connect Tokyo with the rest of the country.

Start in Central Tokyo where the Imperial Palace stands today and you can visit the East Gardens and see the famous doubles arched stone bridge. The Ginza district is the best place for shopping where traditional crafts mix with galleries, department stores and the ultra modern Sony showroom. A visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market is a unique experience with a maze of tiny stalls, each crammed with fish. On a clear day go to the Tokyo Tower for amazing views and then stroll in the Shiba Park. There are many things to do including a boat trip on the Sumida river or experience a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony where green tea is prepared and sampled, at the Nakajima teahouse in the Hama Detached Palace Garden. If you want to see the flashing lights of Tokyo the go to the Akihabara Electronics District where you can buy any electronic device.

If you want to get further afield then maybe visit Western Tokyo and the the Meiji Shrine and the Harajuku area which is the centre of Japanese fashion and worth looking around. For nightlife then the Roppongi district is the area for clubs, bars and music.

The famous Ueno Park is in the north of the city with the landmark pagoda,, the Tosho-gu Shrine and the famous Metropolitan Art Museum.

One night in a Japanese city in included in the price of your holiday but we would recommend taking time and spending a few days in Tokyo. Speak to our Custom made team by calling 0871 971 0579.