Tokyo City Town Guide Tokyo is like a vast cocktail shaker containing an intoxicating mixture of high-tech creations and gadgets right alongside temples and traditional-style houses. The warren-like intermingling of its districts gives this Japanese mega-city a far more human feel than might be expected. Behind the brave new world of the 21st century, the 'Capital of the East' hasn't devoured the Japan of tradition, a source of great pleasure to visitors wishing to discover more of this fascinating city. Five ideas for discovering another side to the city -  Travel back in time to the Edo era at the Edo-Tokyo Museum, which features reconstructions of samurai houses and the shops of former times. -  Sample a dish of eel (unagi), either grilled or on a bed of rice, one of Japan's healthiest and most famous dishes - try, for example, Nodaiwa. -  Spend the early part of the day at the Tsukij Fish Market, the world's largest, then savour the freshest sashimi in town. -  Let your mind float free as you contemplate the beauty of Kiyosumi Teien, one of Tokyo's most beautiful ornamental gardens. -  Shop for ceramics, kimonos and lacquered tableware in one of the flea markets held in the courtyards of some of Tokyo's temples (!) - Hanazono Jinja Flea Market or Togo Jinja, for example. Time difference Tokyo is nine hours ahead of GMT. To call Tokyo Dial the international code followed by 81 for Japan, then 3 for Tokyo and the 7 to 9 digits of the person you are calling. Climate Tokyo is in a subtropical zone. It shares the same latitude as Algiers, for example, and has a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Average temperatures by season: - Spring: 10° C - Summer: 25° C - Autumn: 15° C - Winter: 2° C Holidays - 1 January: New Year - 11 February: Foundation Day - 21 March: Ancestor Day - 29 April: Anniversary of the former emperor Showa - 3 May: Constitution Day - 24 September: Autumn equinox - 23 November: Labor Day - 23 December: National Day Getting around Public transport is essential in this megapolis. Tokyo's various subway systems (public and private) are still the fastest way to get around. The price of a ticket varies with the distance travelled and each system issues its own tickets. Several pass cards offer better deals than single tickets.The JR is a circular train line that connects Tokyo's main neighbourhoods. Use taxis only for short distances. Despite all the transport options, people walk a lot in Tokyo and it is essential that you cross within the pedestrian cross-walks. Forget about travelling by bus or car. Tokyo Tourism Office Tokyo International Forum B1Fl., 3-5-1 Marounuchi, Chiyoda-Ku, Japan Tel: (international n° +81) 3 32 01 33 31 Tokyo on the Web http://www.insite-tokyo.com http://www.pandemic.com/tokyo/ See our Cultural calendar Back