Tokyo

Tokyo is Japan's capital and the largest metropolitan area in the world, a city of distinct neighborhoods spread around Tokyo Bay. It works less like one city than dozens of small ones stitched together by trains, each district with its own character, from electronics town to temple quarter. Most Japan trips begin here.

The famous sights live up to their billing. Shibuya Crossing sends pedestrians across in every direction at once, while Senso-ji temple in Asakusa greets you with an enormous red lantern and a market street of snack stalls. Meiji Shrine hides inside a genuine forest, and Shinjuku's towers give you the city from above.

The Yamanote Line loops past most districts you will want, so a hotel near any of its stations works well. Spring brings hanami crowds to Ueno Park and the Meguro River in late March and early April. Most travelers give Tokyo three or four days before riding the shinkansen toward Kyoto.