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

The Hamarikyu Gardens are a somewhat hidden gem close to Ginza, peaceful and pretty parkland in the heart of the city with seawater ponds and a wonderful teahouse serving macha (green tea).

Ryogoku (両国) This historic part of Tokyo is the home of sumo wrestling and has a few other attractions to make it worth a visit.

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

Kawagoe (川越) Only 30 minutes from Tokyo by train, Kawagoe is a nice getaway if you are looking for a taste of traditional small-town

Kabukiza Theatre to catch a performance of this traditional theatre where language

Another historic, but less well-known area is the Yanaka district just north of Ueno Park. The old shitamachi atmosphere from Tokyo of yesteryear still survives here; the streets are full of rustic charm, busy locals and a whole variety of shops and trades. There are now very few places in Tokyo quite like it, and its well off the usual tourist tra

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.

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