To the discerned traveller, Japan will stand out as a destination that seemingly exists in the past, present and future. Especially in Tokyo, ancient shrines and pagodas are part of the same cityscape as contemporary buildings rising to dazzling heights across the city’s skyline. You’ll also find small family-run restaurants standing shoulder to shoulder with ones operated entirely by robots, and hi-tec gaming arcades and virtual reality enclaves at a stone’s throw away from gardens and parks that allow you cut off from technology and connect with nature.
All of this is to say that no matter how many adjectives you have at your disposal, Tokyo is an enigma, an all-consuming experience that cannot possibly be defined in words. Whether you are here for two days, two weeks, two months or even two years, one can be ambitious enough to try and uncover the essence of this place and still not scratch the surface. This is simply because there is so much to see and do, and in this case, intention and a sense of unbridled curiosity matter way more than the time you have at hand.
If 48 hours is all you can spare in Tokyo before you move on to another place in Japan or elsewhere, let Discova be your guide in exploring its distinctive neighbourhoods that will mesmerise you with their historical, cultural, fashionable, quirky and even retro offerings.
On the first day, we check out key landmarks which hark back to ancient times and enjoy the dynamic city which Tokyo has evolved into. The first stop on this four-hour excursion is Asakusa, a historic entertainment district, which is now home to charming shops and restaurants, and the oldest temple in the city, Sensoji.
