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Tokyo is a busy, vibrant city of concrete and skyscrapers.

When you need to get away from it all, go to Ueno Park. Ueno Park is one of the oldest public parks in all of Japan, and today it’s the most popular.

It’s an oasis of nature, with over 8,000 trees. If you happen to be in Tokyo during the cherry blossom season in spring, Ueno Park is the ideal place to see the flowers.

Even if you can’t make it for the short cherry blossom season, you can still admire the lotus blossoms on Shinobazu Pond.

Nature is one of the main reasons to visit the park, but a number of other attractions and facilities also can be found in Ueno Park. Ueno Zoo is located in the park. This is Japan’s oldest and most famous zoo.

You’ll also find some of Tokyo’s best museums in Ueno Park, like the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, and the National Museum of Nature and Science.

Even the Tokyo National Museum, the oldest and largest in Japan, is located in Ueno Park.

But aside from museums, there are many other cultural attractions — like Toshogu shrine, which dates back to 1651.

Ueno Park is one of the most beautiful and relaxing places to enjoy Tokyo’s culture.

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Shinto shrines hold a special importance in Japanese culture, and there are many of them in Tokyo.

One of the most important Shinto shrines is Meiji Shrine. Having been built in 1920, this is not the oldest Shinto shrine in Japan. It does not derive its importance from age, but from the spirits it is dedicated to.

Meiji Shrine honors the beloved Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

The shrine’s entrance gates, called torii, are the largest in Japan. It’s a good thing they’re so big, because a million people come through these torii on New Year’s Day alone.

When you enter or exit through a torii, remember to bow to show respect.

It’s a good idea to research all the etiquette you should follow when visiting Shinto shrines. Inside the shrine, you can make a wish, buy charms for good luck or health, and enjoy the tranquility and beautiful scenery.

The forest on the grounds of the Meiji Shrine was planted specifically for this shrine. The shrine buildings are all built of Japanese cypress wood.

You’ll also want to spend time in the Gardens. In the summer, over a hundred species of iris bloom.

The Meiji Shrine is a place of beauty and peace, as well as unity for Tokyo and all of Japan — it’s definitely something every visitor to Tokyo should experience.

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Tokyo is a modern city, but it keeps a strong connection to its past.

Many of Tokyo’s biggest attractions are significant to Japan’s culture and long history. There’s no better example of this than the Great Buddha of Kamakura.

After having stood for centuries, the Great Buddha has deservedly become one of Japan’s most iconic images.

To see the Great Buddha, you’ll have to pay a visit to the Kotoku-in Temple in Kamakura, which is actually just outside of Tokyo proper.

Once you’re there, it’s hard to miss the bronze statue standing about 40 feet tall.

Though it technically is only the second largest of Japan’s Buddha statues, it is widely regarded as the best.

The Kamakura Buddha’s expression is deeply peaceful in a way many find inspirational. In the background is the woodland of Kamakura, which can be seen clearly because the Buddha is not kept indoors.

The Great Buddha is hollow, so for a few yen you can go inside to get a look at how the statue is put together to be so sturdy.

The Great Buddha has weathered the elements in the open air since the late 15th century. It has seen damage, but is still as awe-inspiring as ever.

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If you think sushi is all there is to Japanese food, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. That said, there’s plenty of world-class sushi to be found in Tokyo.

Kyubey’s sushi has been attracting the famous and wealthy since 1936. But don’t worry–there’s also plenty of good food for visitors without deep pockets.

Gonpachi serves sushi and small plates at very affordable prices. The dishes aren’t strictly traditional, but they’re creative and delicious.

Another popular Japanese dish is soba, buckwheat noodles served with broth. Go to Kanda Yabu Soba to try soba that has been bringing in customers since 1880.

Authentic ramen is also a must for any visit to Tokyo. Shinatatsu is a reliable choice. It also offers a variety of other dishes at low prices.

Another Japanese favorite is unagi, or eel. At Izuei you can try your unagi prepared in different ways, but it will always be perfectly cooked and seasoned.

There are also plenty of options for international cuisine in Tokyo. If you’re craving Chinese food, go to Din Tai Fung for dim sum.

If you just can’t get by without a steak, splurge on a meal at New York Grill. The prices are high, but the food is worth it. So is the view from the restaurant’s location on the 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt hotel.

No matter what you want to taste or what you can spend Tokyo is a great city for dining out.

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Renting a car in Tokyo is expensive and the heavy traffic and and confusing city layout are enough to stress out any driver.

Tokyo’s public transportation is used widely by locals, and visitors should take advantage of it too.

The subway is the fastest and easiest way to get around. It also covers most of the city and is one of the cheapest modes of transport.

Since there’s more than one system, it can be a little confusing, but maps and signs always have English translations.

The bus system covers even more ground than the subway, but it can be even more confusing for visitors. If you can’t read Japanese, you’re out of luck as far as reading maps and signs on the buses. Buses are also one of the slower ways to get around.

Unless a bus is the only way to reach your destination, it’s best to stick to the metro.

Taxis are another option, but they probably shouldn’t be your first choice. They’re very expensive, and they’re not the quickest way to get around either.

If you only want to explore a neighborhood, it’s usually best to just go on foot.

Walking in Tokyo is very safe as long as you pay attention to traffic. Sometimes it’s even the fastest way to get to your destination, depending on traffic and subway routes.

But as long as you plan ahead and bring a map, you’ll be fine no matter how you choose to get around in Tokyo.

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Unfortunately, Tokyo is always expensive, but some seasons are worse than others.

Summer sees the most visitors, so prices will be at their highest.

Tokyo summers are sweltering as well, so if you don’t like heat, it’s best to visit in a different season.

On the other hand, winter can be quite cold but it doesn’t freeze often and snow is uncommon.

Since there’s plenty to do indoors in Tokyo, the winter isn’t a bad time to visit.

If you do choose to visit during the winter, just keep in mind that most restaurants, shops and museums will be closed for the days surrounding the New Year.

The Golden Week holidays in early May should also be avoided for the same reason.

But if you visit earlier in the spring, you may have a chance of seeing the cherry blossoms bloom.

This is a very popular time to visit, so you may need to book in advance. The cherry blossom season doesn’t last long, so research exactly when it’s predicted to happen to make sure you don’t miss it.

Tokyo’s fall foliage is also stunning and the fall lasts longer in Tokyo than many other places. It will also be less crowded, as the summer tourists will have cleared out.

Spring and fall both have mild weather. They may be the most pleasant times to visit Tokyo, but it’s easy to enjoy the city year-round.

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Visiting one of Tokyo’s museums is a great way to get acquainted with the city’s history and culture.

The Tokyo National Museum is a good place to start.

It’s Japan’s oldest museum and has one of the world’s best collections of Japanese art and antiques, as well as archeological objects from ancient Japan.

The Nezu Museum also has an excellent collection of Japanese art. This is where you can see some of the best Japanese paintings, sculptures, calligraphy, ceramics, and much more.

You can learn more about the history of Tokyo in particular at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. See what Tokyo looked like as far back as 1590 and and at various other significant times in its history.

But not all of Tokyo’s museums focus on the past. For contemporary art, visit the Mori Art Museum. There’s always something new and current on exhibition.

The National Art Center is another museum that focuses on being a venue for contemporary art from around the world.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum also boasts a collection of modern Japanese art, but it’s also always hosting temporary exhibits, whether for local or international artists.

Tokyo is an international city, so you’re not limited to Japanese art. The National Museum of Western Art is home to Japan’s best collection of works by European artists. This is the place to go for Monet paintings and Rodin sculptures.

Visit Tokyo’s museums to see the city’s connection with the world and its strong sense of self.

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Tokyo is packed with things to do and see.

Many of Tokyo’s biggest attractions are historic and religious.

You can visit the Kotoku-in Temple the to see the Great Buddha of Kamakura. Having stood for centuries, the Great Buddha is one of Japan’s most iconic images.

Another of Tokyo’s most popular destinations is the Sensoji Temple. Founded in the year 645, this temple has been around longer than any other in Tokyo.

Nearby is one of Tokyo’s most famous Shinto shrines, the Asakusa Shrine. Another one of the most important Shinto shrines is Meiji Shrine, which honors the Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

Tokyo is also home to plenty of modern buildings with awe-inspiring architecture.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is one of the more interesting skyscrapers. On a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji from the observation deck.

Tokyo Tower, modeled after the Eiffel Tower, doesn’t offer the best view in town anymore, but it has been an important landmark since 1958.

Sushi lovers should pay a visit to Tsukiji Fish Market. This is the largest wholesale seafood market in the world, and the restaurants in the market serve the freshest sushi you’ll ever eat.

Get away from the bustling city in Ueno Park, one of the oldest public parks in Japan. A number of attractions and facilities can be found in the park, including Ueno Zoo.

Tokyo can be overwhelming, so come with a plan and give yourself time to appreciate the places you visit.

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Tokyo is a vast city where long history and cutting-edge modernity coexist.

Get acquainted with the history in one of the old parts of the city. The Ueno neighborhood has less of a modern feel than most of Tokyo. It’s also where you’ll find some of Tokyo’s best museums.

Nearby, Asakusa is home to the largest Buddhist temple in Tokyo.

For the modern side of Tokyo, visit Shinjuku to get your fill of skyscrapers, shopping, and entertainment.

And for some specialty shopping, you may want to head to other districts.

Akihabara is nicknamed “Electric Town” for a reason–from videogames to computers to cameras, there’s nothing related to technology you can’t find there.

If you’re more interested in clothes, Shibuya and Harajuku are the neighborhoods for you, and not just because of the great shopping opportunities. In these two districts you can watch teenagers flaunt a variety of fashions, making for some of the best people-watching in Tokyo.

But if you’re only interested in high fashion, Ginza is for you. This is where you’ll find stores for all the most prestigious fashion labels.

For pure entertainment, visit Tokyo’s artificial island, Odaiba. Or if you’re looking for a vibrant nightlife, Roppongi is the neighborhood for you.

In a city as large and diverse as Tokyo, everybody can find a neighborhood that appeals to them.