Holiday rentals and lettings in Tokyo

Conjugating the past and the future, Tokyo bedazzles with its traditional culture and passion for all that is new. As you would expect from such a huge city, there is a wide range of lettings to choose from, and the main consideration is whether you want to stay in the central area of the city close to the sights or further out in the suburbs to get a taste of real local living. Look out for the lettings next to the city’s two main parks to the north of the centre in Chiyoda and Shinjuku.

Japanese Zen philosophy is inspired by simplicity and naturalness, which is reflected in its living spaces, minimalist and harmonious interiors. Most lettings in Tokyo are in flats, which, in fine Japanese style, tend to be small but beautifully appointed and wonderfully cosy.

Tokyo is a massive urban area which you can consider as several different towns brought together, each with their own special character. Colourful Akihabara, in the east of the city, is Tokyo's gadget town, chock-a-block full of local electric stores, technologists, anime lovers and retro arcades. Harajuku is the city’s chic capital, where subculture fashion meets big brand moda, creating a rich tapestry of state-of-the art stylee.

Asakusa is Tokyo’s historical neighbourhood, with narrow lanes full of delightful shops and the city’s most famous temple, Sensoji. Ginza is Tokyo's Haute Couture Centre, a veritable shopping mecca dominated by huge department stores such as Mitsukoshi and Matsuya, and every conceivable brand that you can think of, both global and local. The list goes on, Tokyo has enough to satiate even the most hardened of traveller for weeks!

Tokyo is without doubt one of the very most exciting cities on Earth, with a legendary nightlife scene. Start up at a traditional, no-frills tachinomi stand bar, then dine at a cosy Izakaya, the Japanese equivalent of the Irish pub. Fuelled up, continue the adventure at one of the hundreds of whimsical hole-in-the-wall rock or hip hop clubs across the city, or take part in Japan’s favourite pastime at a karaoke bar. Not finished yet? Go dancing until the sun comes up to the beats of world-famous DJs in one of the city’s megaclubs.

It is a very special experience to visit a Japanese temple, and a journey into the truly exotic. Senso-ji is the largest and oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo and one of the city’s key attractions. It boasts a five-story pagoda, trails of incense and huge eaves that will take you back to the Tokyo of yesteryear. Another must-see is Meiji Jingu Shrine, nestled right in the heart of Tokyo. Surrounded by a forest, it offers a breather from the epic madness of the big city just outside its borders.

The Edo-Tokyo Museum traces the fascinating 400-year history of the city through architectural models, replicas, and original maps. The exhibition delves into touchstone literature, historic red-light districts, traditional homes, the evolution of the lives of the ruling class, and more.

In a suburban stretch of Shinjuku, a bright white 5-storeyed building stands out from the rest. This hugely popular art gallery is dedicated to the works of Yayoi Kusama, with outsized, cutting-edge art pieces.

Tsukiji Fish Market is the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world. It handles more than 400 different types of shellfish, from cheap seaweed to the most expensive caviar, and from small sardines to 300 kg tuna fish. Worked up an appetite? It is surrounded by myriad sushi restaurants!

The Tokyo Skytree is the world’s tallest tower at 630 metres. Take a lift to the observation decks at the top: Tembo Deck and Tembo Gallery for 360-degree views of the city. Its base is so big it houses a large shopping complex and an aquarium.

Fancy kicking back in an authentic Japanese garden? Don't miss the Shinjuku Gyoen, a blend of traditional, French and English-style gardens, all accessible for a modest entrance fee. Situated slap-bang in the centre of Tokyo, you will be submerged in the zen-like atmosphere only Japanese people can cultivate.