The modern metropolis

Fifty-two stories above the ground, in Tokyo’s Park Hyatt, you can make out the inspiration for Ridley Scott’s 1980s film Blade Runner. The tops of skyscrapers are dotted with red lights and for a moment you can read the Tokyo story all at once – something of an overwhelming experience. Of course, the same experience can be had for free. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku is open everyday except for Monday and if it is particularity pleasant in Tokyo, you’ll be able to see all the way out to Mount Fuji.

Back on the ground, you’ll find that Tokyo is a city with many contradictions. If you look back, there is uniformity – a rush of people and a maze of shopping complexes, but look closer and you’ll find that everything is meticulously built up upon the smallest of scales. Take for instance the food hall of the shopping centre Isetan in Shinjuku. Uniformed retailers stand perfectly attendant all across the floor but watch as someone makes a purchase; their food is individually wrapped in packaging that makes Christmas Day in the UK look rudimentary.

It is an understatement to say that retail is a large part of Japanese culture. In the same food hall there is a ‘designer fruit’ section which features products such as square watermelons. Isetan is worth a visit if only to observe other people shopping.

For a less commercial look at Tokyo pay a visit to one of the many parks dotted around the city. Ueno, for instance, showcases each of the four seasons – it is a slice of the Japanese countryside without the need to travel. Amongst dry autumn leaves you can make out the skyscrapers that shoot out of the ground not too far in the distance. In the middle of the park, hire a paddle boat and watch the afternoon pass at a pace completely contradictory to city surrounding you.

Ueno is also famous for the many museums within its boundaries. The Tokyo National Museum is a look into Japan’s past where you can find both swords and Samurai outfits. Across the park is the National Museum of Western Art, a testament to Japanese fascination with Western culture. The gallery often houses some of Europe’s best painters and is extremely popular with the Japanese. This museum is comparable to the best in Europe and it would be a missed opportunity not to see it.

For an insight into what the people of Tokyo do for entertainment on the weekend, visit Odaiba, the artificial island in the middle of Tokyo bay. The best way to get there is by the Yurikamome Monorail, which departs from Shimbashi station on the mainland. The carriage takes you across a bridge with great views of the river on both sides. Once on the island, you’ll get a taste of Japanese style futurism, which is as interesting as it sounds. The Fuji television building is notable for the huge dome half sunk at its centre. For a bit of fun, check out Little Hong Kong in the Decks entertainment complex where you’ll find a playful interpretation of the island state.

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the city is that the people work almost obsessively at their tasks. Watch for instance as the train conductor counts to the second the time that their train is due to depart. This sense of obsession lies at Tokyo’s very core and within it you’ll be able to capture a true Tokyo moment.