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Holiday Hotspot – Four Seasons Tokyo - www.fourseasons.com

Tokyo is an amazing mix of modern living and old-fash-ioned customs, high-tech gadgets and cartoon mas-cots.

There are traces of old

Japan scattered among the sky-scrapers, high end shopping malls and noodle shops. In four days I got to sample it all! one of cit-ies major tourist attractions is the Imperial Palace. The complex, which includes the beautiful grounds, is sur-

rounded by 17th century walls and a moat.

Sensoji, the city’s oldest Buddhist temple, is one of the most atmos-pheric places to explore Tokyo’s past located in the former pleas-ure playground of Asakusa – once a major geisha area.

The following morning rise be-fore 5am to regis-ter for entry to the famous tuna auc-tion 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 broad-cast 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 Japa-nese techno-geeks.

If you are curious about Japanese sub-cultures be sure to visit stores specialis-ing 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.

Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at nearby Marunouchi is a quiet, luxurious haven of

just 57 spacious guest rooms and suites, of-fering the ultimate in service, privacy, and exclusivity, with a well-trained staff that goes out of their way to make guests feel welcome.

Thanks to this land-mark skyscraper location and floor-to-ceiling windows, every room has a view, but the very best accommoda-tions are those that overlook the city’s main train station — and the sleek and shiny shinkansens (bullet trains).

Despite its bustling loca-tion, the hotel is protected from the outside world with triple-glazed glass and an ultra-contemporary de-sign that employs natural woods and soothing color schemes.

The hotel also houses Ekki Bar & Grill, a contemporary American restaurant that of-fers a fine dining experience – with many signature appe-tizers and main courses – to be enjoyed while taking in stunning views of the city.

For best rates www.fourseasons.com Turk-ish airlines offer super con-nections from Dublin to Tokyo via Istanbul. on long-haul flights, first, business & economy class passenger’s feast on authentic Turkish and international dishes and the “in flight” experience leaves other carriers trailing far behind.

The new business lounge for passengers connecting at Istanbul to Tokyo will leave you breathless and for me is the finest of its kind in the world.

For best fares visit www.turkishairlines.com Inside Japan tailor your travel and cultural experiences to suit all interests and budgets. Most of the itineraries uti-lise the super-efficient public transport network, including the magnificent bullet train. For Itinerary ideas visit 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

n Four Seasons Tokyo Superior Room