If you've got yourself some spare time whilst in Tokyo, why not escape to some Yokohama. Here you could visit the iconic Rainbow wheel, a huge shopping mall and a waterfront park. 'Escaping' from Tokyo, you will be delighted by the (marginal) increase in space and sense of openness as a breeze blows over the water. Get a train from numerous stations across Tokyo, including key stations such as Shinjuku.

www.welcome.city.yokohama.jp/eng/tourism/

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Watch a sumo tournament if you are visiting Tokyo in January, May or September. These are held at the impressive Kokugikan stadium, which seats over 13,000 spectators. Obtaining tickets is much more straightforward now thanks to the Internet - booking ahead is advisable, although sometimes there are a few tickets available on the day. A really impressive option is to book a Masu-seki, which is a boxed area for four people close to the ring itself. These cost ten times the amount charged for ordinary seats, but you are - quite literally - in the centre of the action. Take a train or taxi to Kokugikan (nearest underground is Kuramae). Stop en route and buy a bento box to eat whilst you’re there - much better than the food sold on site. Although the wrestling starts at 10am, aim to arrive in the early afternoon. The most important bouts take place between 4pm and 6pm, and there is a special closing ritual to cleanse the ring after these matches have finished, which is worth seeing.

Kuramea Kokugikan 2-1-9, Kuramae, Taito-Ku
Nearest underground - Kuramae
www.sumo.or.jp/eng

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

It is not so well known that Tokyo shelters geisha communities that are as old as their Kyoto counterparts. The streets behind Asakusa temple provide a glimpse of the 'flower and willow world’ and offer possibly the best chance you’ll get in this sprawling metropolis of spotting one of these elusive, enigmatic creatures.
Head down the nameless side streets that lead off the touristy Nakamise dori at Asakusa temple to discover high-class kimono parlours and discreet booths selling slender hand-painted bamboo fans, delicate tortoiseshell hair ornamentations, 10-inch-high ‘geta’ sandals and the white face make-up for which geisha are famed.

With a bit of luck you’ll also see a hooded rickshaw and black-clad puller with his distinctive wide brimmed hat and split-toed tabi shoes transporting one of these ethereal women to a nearby theatre or discreet teahouse. Squint your eyes and it looks like a scene from the 17th century.

Take the Ginza or Toei Asakusa subway lines - alight Asakusa station. If you feel like being more romantic take a boat-trip from Hinode Pier or the Hamu Rikyu gardens along the Sumida river alighting at Azumabashi bridge.

For more information about Tokyo's geisha district see www.asakusa-e.com

Asakusa Information centre (2-18-9 Kaminarimon) has English speaking staff 10-8pm daily)

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

One of the highest buildings in the skyscraper district of Shinjuku, where you can see views of Tokyo and the area around it, including Mount Fuji (only on clear days in late winter/early spring). The plus point is that this is one of the only things you can do in Tokyo for free. The viewing area opens about 10am and closes about 10pm.

www.metro.tokyo.jp/ENGLISH/TMG/outline.htm

The nearest train station is Tocho mae.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends