Home & Away with Robert Walshe
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Holiday Hotspot – Tokyo Japan
TOKYO is an amazing mix of modern living and old-fashioned customs, high-tech gadgets and cartoon mascots. There are traces of old Japan scattered among the skyscrapers, high end shopping malls and noodle shops. In four days I got to sample it all! One of cities major tourist attractions is the Imperial Palace. The complex, which includes the beautiful grounds, is surrounded by 17th century walls and a moat. Sensoji, the city’s old-
■ Shangri-la Tokyo
est Buddhist temple, is one of the most atmospheric places to explore Tokyo’s past located in the former pleasure playground of Asakusa – once a major geisha area. The following morning rise before 5am to register for entry to the famous tuna auction at Tsukiji Fish Market. Tucking into the freshest sushi breakfast possible in one of the restaurants on the fringes of the market is also a highlight.
One landmark that’s impossible to miss is Tokyo Sky tree – the world’s tallest freestanding broadcast tower, while those keen to tap into futuristic Tokyo should head to Akihabara or Electric Town – due to the quantity of electrics stores, alongside crowds of Japanese technogeeks. If you are curious about Japanese sub-cultures be sure to visit stores specialising in “manga” comics and “anime” cartoons – as well as its famous cafes, where girls dressed up in cartoon-like maid outfits serve tea and sing to visitors. The huge shopping centre of Ginza is also home to high end shops and stores. Luxury five star hoteliers Shangri-La located at nearby Tokyo train station occupies Marunuochi Tower's top eleven floors. The hotel is compact, with 202 rooms on the top floors offering views of the palace and skyline. Expect impec-
For our best deals call 0044 28 9038 1111 or visit www.mooneyhotelgroup.com cable service, spacious suites , Asian interior designs complete with 2.000 artworks and chandeliers all creating a resort like feel, high above the city chaos. Shangri-La is a stone’s throw from the Imperial Palace, the historic Nihonbashi district and the financial centre. The rooms here feel brand new - ideal for travellers looking for a sense of calm in the heart of this global me■ Tokyo Skyline at Sunset tropolis. Best rates www.shangri-la.com Turkish airlines offer super connections from Dublin to com Inside Japan tailor your Tokyo via Istanbul. travel and cultural experiOn long-haul flights, first, ences to suit all interests business & economy class and budgets. All itineraries utilise the passenger's feast on authentic Turkish and international super-efficient public transdishes and the "in flight" ex- port network, including the perience leaves other carri- magnificent Bullet train. For those who would prefer a ers trailing far behind. The new business lounge fully organised itinerary they for passengers connecting offer a 9 night ‘Golden Route’ at Istanbul to Tokyo will self guided trip covering the leave you breathless and for Tokyo Metropolis, the hot me is the finest of its kind springs and mountains of in the world. For best fares Hakone national park in the visit www.turkishairlines. foothills of Mt Fuji and the cul-
tural capital of Kyoto from £1210pp including accommodation/breakfast/dinner, transport between destinations, meet and greet airport transfers & private guiding. www.insidejapantours.com Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio Network and Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe.com