iStock International
Tokyo spent most of its history as an out-of-the-way backwater, but about 400 years ago the shogun (military ruler) built his castle here and the city has never looked back. Now a world-leader in business, education, finance, media, manufacturing and shipping, it’s managed to avoid the problems that plague cities elsewhere: poverty, homelessness, and crime are virtually unheard of. What’s left is a sprawling metropolis populated by literate, cosmopolitan, gourmet, gracious, hospitable and stylish denizens. Public transportation works like a dream, and people respect each other’s quiet and privacy. And you can forget that old saw about Tokyo being prohibitively expensive – while it’s possible to spend a fortune, you certainly don’t have to.
An exciting and enormous metropolis, Tokyo is equal parts Japanese history lesson, and glimpse into the future.
$105/nt+: Centrally-located hotel nr Tokyo Tower Travelocity
$187+: Luxe Tokyo hotel in city center w/spa ANA Intercontinental Tokyo
$248/nt+: 4-star Hilton Tokyo Expedia
$410/nt+: 5-star Conrad Tokyo Expedia
$999+: 9-city Asia airpass– choose 2 (round-trip) Qantas Vacations
$549+: Cheap flights to Delhi & more (one-way) Virgin Atlantic
