Autumn Foliage in Japan
Collette Black Friday Sale
Oceania Black Friday
Circle Japan with Nebuta & Summer Festivals
Hokkaido Spring Flowers
Priding itself on renewal and regeneration, Tokyo is ever-changing and forever striving towards a future it’s constantly recreating. Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo from the heights of the main observatory on Tokyo Tower; modelled on Paris’ Eiffel Tower – it actually surpasses the height of its model by 13 metres. Visit Asakusa Kannon Temple, the oldest and most popular Buddhist temple in Tokyo, built in the 7th century. From the temple, stroll through the 250 metre long Nakamise Shopping District, one of the oldest shopping districts in Japan and perfect for souvenirs.
In the centre of Tokyo you will find the Imperial Palace. Located on the former site of Edo Castle, it is the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family and is a large park surrounded by moats and massive stone walls. It’s a popular spot in Tokyo to view the beautiful cherry blossoms that come out every year in early April. Take a relaxing boat trip down the Sumida River; travelling under the city’s many bridges you’ll discover Tokyo from a different perspective. For a unique experience, watch a traditional sumo wrestling tournament or cross one of the world’s busiest intersections in front of Shibuya Station; walk amongst literally hundreds of people while giant video screens and neon signs flash above.
Visit the Tsukiji Markets early in the morning for the well-known seafood markets and tuna auction. As well as selling meat, vegetables and flowers, it’s the 2,000 or so tonne of seafood that attract the crowds. In metropolitan Tokyo, you’ll find the magnificent Kamakura Daibutsu or Great Buddha of Kamakura. Sitting majestically at a height of over 13 metres, the bronze statue of Amida Buddha was cast in 1252 and has survived the typhoons and tidal waves which destroyed the temple buildings that once housed it. For fans of anime, visit the Tokyo Anime Centre or for the world’s largest collection of Japanese art, spend some time in the Tokyo National Museum featuring samurai swords, ancient pottery, elegant kimonos and scrolls, Buddha statues and masks dating from 607. For shopping, you can’t go past the shopping areas of Ginza and Shinjuku and for families; Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are a must.