Quirky bars, foodie fun and real-life Mario Kart make the Japanese capital one for the bucket list, says Lifestyle Editor Catherine Bennion-Pedley.
Scoff sea urchin
A morning stroll around Tsukiji fish market is a must. Spy the huge new catches being prepared, and munch rolled omelettes on sticks (AKA tamagoyaki) and juicy barbecued scallops at the pint-sized stalls.
Later, feast on fresh sushi and be sure to try the sweet, pâté-like sea urchin. Finish with strawberry-custard mochi balls (which look like Pac-Men) and work it all off with a walk around the lake at nearby Hamarikyu Gardens, entry £1.60.
Be a big kid
Have incredible fun dressed as Super Mario or your fave animated character, go-karting through the centre of Tokyo and waving to the crowds.
Yes, really! Just be sure to get an international driving permit, £5.50, at the Post Office before you leave the UK.
Tours cost from £52 for two hours (Maricar.com).
Meanwhile, the canal-side neighbourhood of Ebisu feels a world away from all the neon billboards.
Grab a curry, from £5, and a fantastic garlic shrimp baguette, £6, at Bombay Bazar (Bombaybazar.jp), then sip oolong tea cocktails and play table tennis with locals at secret bar Nakame Takkyu Lounge – designed like a student common room (Mfs11.com).
Drink up at Golden Gai
Tokyo has nearly 200 tiny themed bars in the narrow alleys of Golden Gai.
One minute you’ll feel like you’re in a Bali beach bar, the next a decadent den.
Don’t be afraid to try any door with an English sign. We loved the spicy home-made gin at Albatross, £5.30 (Alba-s.com), the plum wine at Yadokai and the jazz vibe at If.
Shochu, a vodka-like Japanese spirit, is nice with just a splash of water – trust us! Then soak it all up at Rokkasan, cooking your own fish and meat feast, from £8 a dish (Rokkasen.co.jp).
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