Harajuku

Photo: Reuters/

This district has been the centre of Japanese street fashion in modern times, where youth dress up in over-the-top eclectic styles on Sunday to show off what they fancy best.

Mirroring characters from cosplay to their favourite idols, the participants display a bewildering array of looks. Dress up and join in this fun unplanned fashion show outside the Harajuku station exit.

If you need a respite from the madness, stroll into the forested Meiji Shrine - which houses imperial treasures, a short distance away. Or head for Omotesando, where upscale boutiques promote another kind of culture that Tokyoites also relish - window shopping.

Kabuki-za

Photo: The Japan Times

Founded in the late 19th century, this theatre is a landmark in the upmarket shopping district of Ginza. Catch a traditional Japanese song-and-dance drama presented by all-male actors in a modern theatre setting today after refurbishments.

For a closer look at the gorgeous costumes used in famous dramas as well as props and musical instruments, pop into the Kabukiza Gallery.

The Kabuki-za has kabuki-themed souvenir shops, a rooftop garden and a shrine, which is open to the public.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons/John W

Also known as the Kōkyo Higashi Gyoen, it is part of the inner palace area but is open to the public. The lovely garden is the former site of Edo Castle's innermost rings of defence, but none of the main buildings remain today, except for moats, walls, entrance gates, guardhouses and some ruins.

A picturesque woodland with a pond and teahouse makes a perfect postcard photo.In the garden too is the Museum of Imperial Collections, which displays thousands of artworks owned by the imperial family.

As the number of visitors is limited at any one time, it hardly feels crowded. It is an ideal escape from the maddening crowds at Tokyo station not far away.