Travel information and city guides for those visiting Japan - includes recommended hotels in Japan and tips on what to see in Tokyo and Kyoto. From the hustle, bustle and constant shuffle of energetic Tokyo, to the laidback Zen of Kyoto’s ancient temples, explore the twin delights of Japan’s most vibrant cities.

The first thing you notice on arrival in Japan, apart from, of course, the bustling number of people and the neon signs, is, oddly, the number of vending machines. Vending machines are everywhere: there are twenty machines to every person in Japan, and they pop up in the most unlikely of places, such as half way along a deserted trail in the mountains.

Japan City Guide: Tokyo Travel Information

Having won the hearts and minds of many sceptics following its starring role in the cult movie Lost In Translation, Tokyo, viewed by many as nothing but a claustrophobic centre for business, is fast becoming the cultural heartbeat of Asia.

And, in a country where the majority of the population live to work (over 50% don’t take their full holiday entitlement each year), the phrase ‘lunch is for wimps’ has never been more apt than in Tokyo. As well as the ubiquitous vending machines there are also hundreds of konbini`s (convenience stores), which sell all types of food to time-pressed office workers, including, next to the checkouts, a nice bubbling pot of squid tentacles!

A good place to start for any first-time visitor looking to get the full hit of modern Japanese culture is Shinjuku, which is the equivalent of London’s Oxford Street by day, and the Soho of Tokyo by night. And if you thought central London was busy, be prepared for something altogether busier: Shinjuku is the busiest train station in the world with more than a million people a day travelling through it and the surrounding streets are a kaleidoscope of colours, sounds and people, all racing one another to get to their desks and work the longest hours!

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Near by Shibuya is the iconic location you will recognise from TV, with big screens and a massive, constantly crowded, pedestrian crossing. There are also a lot of shops in this area and a highlight for any gadget fan must be Akihabara electronics town. It has to be one of the loudest streets on Earth, with nine storey shops stocked full of electronics.

For a great view of the city I would recommend the Metropolitan Government Building in the skyscraper district, Shinjuku. It is free to go to the top and in the day it is possible to see Mount Fuji in the distance and, at night a sea of lights stretching into the distance forever. More off the beaten track destinations include the Park Hyatt hotel in Shinjuku, where they filmed Lost In Translation. But be warned two drinks in the bar is likely to set you back as much as £50, but on the plus side the bar does offer some great night-time views of the city. There is a good temple in Yoyogi Park in Harajuku, which is also worth a visit, so too is the Imperial Palace, although you can only look at the outside, as entrance to the building is not permitted.

As regular visitors will be able to confirm, Tokyo, despite its size, is one of the safest cities on Earth. Day or night you can wander the streets and feel completely at ease, although, as a tourist, I would always recommend caution. The Tokyo subway is a mystery ride unless you read kanji, but all the main stations do have signs in English. If you do happen to get lost, which is highly likely, the Japanese are extremely enthusiastic about offering assistance – you will honestly be swamped by strangers wanting to speak English to you.

Japan City Guide: Kyoto Travel Information

A four hour train ride from Tokyo is the much smaller city of Kyoto. It was once Japan’s capital and the Emperor’s residence for over a thousand years (794 – 1868), before Tokyo became the capital. Today Kyoto is the seventh largest city in Japan, and also my favourite Japanese city. But I am slightly biased: on arrival at my hotel in Kyoto, the beautiful Japanese receptionist happened to say that she thought I was, and I quote, “more handsome than Tom Cruise, who is too short!” Have I mentioned that Japanese women have the best taste in men, too?

Although on first impressions Kyoto can look like an ugly city, after familiarisation, the city embraces you with its own unique charm. There are hundreds of temples in Kyoto, many of which sit side by side with modern office blocks. One of the most amazing temples to visit is Fushimi-inari Taisha, which has thousands of red gates going up through the mountains. It is possible to go trekking up to the top of the mountain. Other great places to visit include Chion-in Temple, which has the largest wooden gate in Japan, and the third largest bell (size is important). It is also where they filmed the Last Samurai.

There a lot of steps to climb, though. Zen lovers will not want to miss Ryoan-ji, the world famous Zen garden, although when I visited there was construction work being done – lots of clattering and banging – not very Zen-like at all! Sanjusan-gendo is another great temple and has 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Aside from the numerous temples, which are all worth a visit, Kyoto Tower has some spectacular views. And, for a peek at a traditional Japanese way of life, visit Gion district at night. Gion is the old geisha area, and if you are lucky it is still possible to see maiko (trainee geishas) walking around (pictured).

From the pulsating cities, ancient temples and superb natural scenery, whatever you do and wherever you go, a visit to Japan will leave you eager to return again and again!

Japan Travel Essentials

Japan Rail Pass: www.japanrailpass.net

Recommended Hotels in Japan

Tokyo Hotels: Shiba Park Hotel is a clean and tidy hotel in a superb central location right by Tokyo Tower. Prices from £70/night. Visit: www.shibaparkhotel.com

Kyoto Hotels: Westin Miyako Hotel in the north of the city is a superb hotel with exceptional views over the city and mountains. The ‘heavenly beds’ are just that, too. Prices from £90/night. Visit: www.westin.com/kyoto