Neon-bathed Tokyo lies on Honshu, the largest island in Japan. Each year, millions of travellers take cheap flights to Tokyo - one of the 47 prefectures of Japan, the seat of government and home to the Imperial Family. Japan's capital city is home to 12 million residents, making it one of the world's most densely populated cities, but it is still very clean and very safe.
To get a feel for the bustling city, visit the Tsujiki fish market at dawn. You'll see freshly caught fish, destined, perhaps, to lie delectably on a little slab of rice. For a bird's eye view of the city, ascend the observatory of the Tokyo Tower. On a clear day, you can see as far as Mount Fuji and Mount Tsukuba. And for great shopping, head to Akihabara (or Electric Town), the best place for electronic, computer, anime and otaku items or Ginza if your pockets are a bit deeper.
In Harajuku, marvel at the colour, invention and level of detail in teenagers' dress. After you've spotted a punk, a French maid, several anime characters and a few dozen Hello Kitty accessories, walk through the wooded grounds to Meiji shrine for a moment of contemplation.
