Visit Tokyo and Okinawa for a perfect taste of Japan

Did you know that the English word rickshaw actually comes from the Japanese word ‘jinrikisha’ (human-powered-vehicle)? And there’s no better place to try one out than one of Tokyo’s traditional districts. Rickshaw runners ply their trade in the streets of Asakusa. On most tours, you’ll be able to take in both the old town scenery, including Sensoji Temple and views of the Sumida river, with the Tokyo Skytree looming in the background, but the rickshaw runners might be able to take a detour if you ask nicely.

You haven’t experienced a Japanese crowd go wild until you’ve visited the Ryogoku Kokugikan during one of the grand tournaments. Held in January, May and September, the sumo tournaments run for 15 days. Be sure to go watch the sumo wrestlers clashing in person if you are lucky enough to be in Tokyo during the tournament. There is also the Sumo Museum in the Ryokogu Kokugikan, where you can explore a wide range of materials relating to the history of Japan’s national sport. When you finish watching the tournament, why not try chanko-nabe, a typical sumo wrestler's meal? The hearty stew will give you a vivid sense of the wrestlers' power source.

Shibuya is the centre of youth culture in Tokyo, and that energy is concentrated around the famed Shibuya crossing. Meet your friends at the Hachiko statue, the city’s main meeting spot, and cross the hexagon zebra to find yourself in a fashion shopping extravaganza. Further towards Yoyogi Park, hipsters hang out in record stores and minimalist coffee shops, while art galleries line the back streets of Harajuku and Omotesando. At night, the area comes alive even more, as people wind down from work at one of the many bars, clubs and izakaya in the area. Getting bored here is not an option.

The sakura (cherry blossom) season is a big thing for Japanese people and the season lasts from the end of March until early to mid April in Tokyo. One of Tokyo’s most eye-catching flower spots is a 3.8-kilometre stretch of the Meguro River, near Nakameguro Station, where the canal is flanked on both sides by cherry blossom trees that are illuminated with red-pink lanterns from dusk. Food vendors set up shop along the footpaths while the blossoms are there – grab a glass of sakura-inspired bubbly and go for an evening stroll alongside other hanami enthusiasts.

The grand mountain can be a bit shy, but your best bet to see it in all its glory is to head above street level – way above. Many skyscrapers in Tokyo offer unimpeded views of Mount Fuji from their observation decks. Both the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories and the Bunkyo Civic Center are free, and show Fuji-san beyond the concrete jungle. To really grasp Tokyo’s size, with Mount Fuji as the cherry on the cake, head to the Tokyo Skytree, while Tokyo Tower has the mountain set between the tangle of tall buildings.

An easy day trip favoured by many locals, Mount Takao is just an hour away from central Tokyo by train, and makes for a beautiful hike in any season. In spring, flowers line the hills; in summer, the trees provide much-needed respite from the sweltering heat; in autumn, the verdant trees burst into shades of red and gold so vivid they seem almost unreal; and in winter, the clear air gives you stellar views of Mount Fuji from the top. Whatever you do, take the main trail up or down: it’s lined with stalls selling all kinds of local delicacies, plus Yakuoin, a pretty temple.