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

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

Akihabara (秋葉原) ** Known by otaku (diehard fans) throughout the world, Akihabara is the anime, videogame and cosplay capital of Japan.

Next door to Sanjusangendo is Yogen-in, one of Kyoto’s most historically important temples but little visited by tourists.

Nikko National Park, an area full of scenic mountains, lakes, hot springs, wild monkeys and which is crisscrossed by numerous hiking trails. The town itself has

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.

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.

Arashiyama (嵐山) ** Nestled on the western edges of Kyoto, Arashiyama is a picturesque district

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

Nara (奈良) ** As the first permanent capital of Japan in 710, Nara is a city of historical and political significance which defies its small and compact size.