On A Cultural High In Tokyo
Everything from the kitschy to the transcendental co-exists happily in Japan's capital
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Helmi Yusof
TOKYO IS A CITY OF TRIBES where nine million people carve out their own utopian societies side by side. Whether they're immersed in the obsessive otaku culture of manga, or steeped in the spiritual traditions of Shintoism and Buddhism, the world's largest megalopolis has spaces for everyone. The coming months are a good time to visit, particularly in November when autumn leaves turn red and gold. To sample Tokyo's contrasting cultures in a short time, here are three places we recommend.
SPIRITUAL CUISINE
If you're looking for a contemplative experience, take a 50-minute train ride from the city centre to Mount Takao. Still undiscovered by tourists, the place is beloved by locals not just for its ancient Shinto and Buddhist temples, but also its verdant flora and fauna, which boasts over 1,600 types of plants and 5,000 species of insects.
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