Jump on a flight to Tokyo, the city that combines fast-paced modern life with ancient traditions. Eccentric youth fashions rule in Harajuku and art is cutting-edge in Roppongi. Sushi and sake are first-class in Ginza and Ebisu.

Things to do

Travel to Tokyo's past in 19th-century Yanaka, where streets are atmospheric with history. Yoyogi Park is the place to watch young Tokyoites dressed to impress. Sumo wrestlers compete at the Ryogoku Kokugihan and local and international artists showcase innovative artworks at the Mori Art Museum.

Shopping

A Tokyo city break is heaven for shopaholics. Upmarket Ginza has sophisticated boutiques, Shibuya unique Japanese clothing and gadgets. A visit to Tsukiji Fish Market, where sushi-auctions are fierce, is a must.

Restaurants

Ceremony and manners are important in the traditional Japanese dining-rooms of Nishi-Azabu – worth the airline tickets to Tokyo on their own. There's fresh sushi in Ginza, Italian in Shirokanedai, and hip little noodle bars in Ebisu.

Nightlife

A mix of modern and traditional, a Tokyo flight guarantees fun after dark. Minami-Aoyama has sleek lounge bars, and skyscraper hotel bars provide bird's-eye Tokyo views. Many foreign visitors head to Roppongi district's late-night clubs to mix with Tokyoites looking for English-speaking friends. Kabuki-za delivers traditional Japanese theatre in beautiful costumes.

When to go

KLM has frequent flights to Tokyo. Book your airline tickets to Tokyo to coincide with cherry blossom season in March, sumo tournaments in January, May and September, or art festival Design Festa in May and December.