Must-See Japan (2020 Edition): The complete insider's guide to seeing the best of Japan in one trip

It can be a little awkward to visit, but the easiest way from Tokyo is to take the shinkansen to Shiroishizao (109 minutes, 10,350 yen) and get a taxi (20 minutes, 4000 yen, can take a bit longer in winter on icy roads) to the fox village. The friendly tourist information office at the station can help with calling a taxi.

Just five minutes walk from Hase station is Hasedera (Hase Temple), one of the many popular temples in Kamakura. This one is famous for its eleven-headed, 9.1 metre high wooden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The grounds also contain pretty gardens and a small museum, and there a good views over Kamakura city. Entry is 300

Just a little north is the National Art Centre, a magnificent venue which hosts a range of temporary exhibitions.

To the west is Roppongi Hills, a stylish complex of office and residential spaces, shops and restaurants, and the Mori Art Museum and Tokyo

The impressive Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is Kamakura’s most important shrine, and it has a long, wide

If looking to take a break, head to Itsuki Garden. Located in the grounds of a private residence, hikers would often get lost when walking the

Koen Dori, a pleasantly wide and popular shopping street which leads all the way to Yoyogi Park, one of Tokyo’s largest and most spacious green areas. The park is good fun to wander around (particularly at weekends) when 50s style rockers congregate for dance-offs, and it is a great spot for people watching.

Getting there – It’s easy to travel from Tokyo to the Fuji Five Lakes region; a train to Kawaguchiko station takes about 2 hours from Shinjuku station (4110 yen). Note that you must change to the Fujikyu railway line at Otsuki, so your JR Pass won’t be valid for the later section of the journey. Use (◙ www.hyperdia.com) to check train times and con

Fans of the 2003 movie Lost In Translation should head to Karaoke-Kan in Shibuya (₸150-0042, 30-8 Utagawacho), it’s the karaoke bar which Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson visit.

Just west of Kamakura is Enoshima, a pleasant, touristy island with a few shrines, parks, caves and an observation tower.