Vacation Rentals in Tokyo

Conjugating the past and the future, Tokyo bedazzles with its traditional culture and passion for all that is new. As you would expect from such a huge city, there is a wide range of rentals to choose from, and the main consideration is whether you want to stay in the central area of the city close to the sights or further out in the suburbs to get a taste of real local living. Look out for the rentals next to the city’s two main parks to the north of the center in Chiyoda and Shinjuku.

Japanese Zen philosophy is inspired by simplicity and naturalness, which is reflected in its living spaces, minimalist and harmonious interiors. Most rentals in Tokyo are in flats, which, in fine Japanese style, tend to be small but beautifully appointed and wonderfully cozy.

Tokyo is a massive urban area which you can consider as several different towns brought together, each with their own special character. colorful Akihabara, in the east of the city, is Tokyo's gadget town, chock-a-block full of local electric stores, technologists, anime lovers and retro arcades. Harajuku is the city’s chic capital, where subculture fashion meets big brand moda, creating a rich tapestry of state-of-the art stylee.

Asakusa is Tokyo’s historical neighborhood, with narrow lanes full of delightful shops and the city’s most famous temple, Sensoji. Ginza is Tokyo's Haute Couture center, a veritable shopping mecca dominated by huge department stores such as Mitsukoshi and Matsuya, and every conceivable brand that you can think of, both global and local. The list goes on, Tokyo has enough to satiate even the most hardened of traveller for weeks!

Tokyo is without doubt one of the very most exciting cities on Earth, with a legendary nightlife scene. Start up at a traditional, no-frills tachinomi stand bar, then dine at a cozy Izakaya, the Japanese equivalent of the Irish pub. Fuelled up, continue the adventure at one of the hundreds of whimsical hole-in-the-wall rock or hip hop clubs across the city, or take part in Japan’s favorite pastime at a karaoke bar. Not finished yet? Go dancing until the sun comes up to the beats of world-famous DJs in one of the city’s megaclubs.

It is a very special experience to visit a Japanese temple, and a journey into the truly exotic. Senso-ji is the largest and oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo and one of the city’s key attractions. It boasts a five-story pagoda, trails of incense and huge eaves that will take you back to the Tokyo of yesteryear. Another must-see is Meiji Jingu Shrine, nestled right in the heart of Tokyo. Surrounded by a forest, it offers a breather from the epic madness of the big city just outside its borders.

The Edo-Tokyo Museum traces the fascinating 400-year history of the city through architectural models, replicas, and original maps. The exhibition delves into touchstone literature, historic red-light districts, traditional homes, the evolution of the lives of the ruling class, and more.

In a suburban stretch of Shinjuku, a bright white 5-storeyed building stands out from the rest. This hugely popular art gallery is dedicated to the works of Yayoi Kusama, with outsized, cutting-edge art pieces.

Tsukiji Fish Market is the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world. It handles more than 400 different types of shellfish, from cheap seaweed to the most expensive caviar, and from small sardines to 300 kg tuna fish. Worked up an appetite? It is surrounded by myriad sushi restaurants!

The Tokyo Skytree is the world’s tallest tower at 630 meters. Take a elevator to the observation decks at the top: Tembo Deck and Tembo Gallery for 360-degree views of the city. Its base is so big it houses a large shopping complex and an aquarium.

Fancy kicking back in an authentic Japanese garden? Don't miss the Shinjuku Gyoen, a blend of traditional, French and English-style gardens, all accessible for a modest entrance fee. Situated slap-bang in the center of Tokyo, you will be submerged in the zen-like atmosphere only Japanese people can cultivate.

The sun doesn’t set on Tokyo, Japan’s centuries-old capital which has beguiled travelers since time immemorial. Come for the ancient temples, cherry blossom-laden avenues, neon lit skyscrapers, and rich cultural traditions. A matrix of ancient towns and a pulsating central business district, Tokyo effortlessly straddles the old with the new. Vacation rentals are well-equipped with the latest amenities (you’re in Japan remember!), and they cater to all tastes and budgets. Explore the Land of the Rising Sun with a Holidu vacation rental.

The city is spread out and each district has its own personality however a super-efficient transportation system lets visitors get around with ease. For a traditional Japanese sojourn, stay in one of the vacation rentals in Asakusa – you’ll have easy access to the Senso-ji shrine particularly by night. Cosmopolitan Roppongi and Shinjuku are a good base for those looking for proximity to Japan's iconic karaoke and izakaya bars, dance and strip clubs. Vacation rentals around Tokyo Station are ideal for those pressed on time – Narita Airport is easily accessible and you can walk to Ginza district, the Imperial Palace, and other attractions.

Topping the list is Japan's oldest temple, Senso-ji (also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple). The highlight at this sacred Buddhist complex is the five-storied pagoda, a photographer's delight along with the heady incense trails, prayer offerings, and fervent worshipers. The Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park is spread over five buildings that hold over 100,000 artifacts - kimonos, woodblocks, lacquer ware, paintings, and more. Tokyo's Samurai Museum meanwhile pays homage to the 700 year-old aristocratic Japanese warrior caste through riveting artifacts - guns, swords, arms, etc. Take the guided tour and make sure to dress in a Samurai costume for pictures!

Quite similar to Spanish tapas bars and Irish bars where locals congregate for post-work drinks, Tokyo's smoke-filled izakayas (local pubs) are a must for a truly authentic experience. Drink chilled draft beer, delicious sake (fermented Japanese rice wine), and sample some succulent yakitori (marinated meats on skewers) while here. Equally exciting are the conveyor belt sushi places (kaiten-zushi) where generous portions of sushi are served at affordable rates. Then there's sashimi which is simply sushi minus the rice - raw clams, salmon or sea urchin anyone? The less adventurous can try tempura which comprises battered and deep-fried seafood, meat or veggies.

Once dusk falls, Tokyo’s streets transform into a light show with all those billboards, neon lights, and incense smoke! Head to Shibuya for its tidy selection of nightclubs, bars and pubs - don’t miss the intriguing Hyakkendana drinking street while here. Roppongi and Golden Gai in Shinjuku are popular with foreign visitors. Shed those inhibitions at a local karaoke bar and experience Japan’s iconic gaming culture at the sprawling game arcades in Akihabara. Fancy some quiet time on the Kyunaka River? The canoe rides won’t disappoint as you glide through the tranquil dark waters taking in the city lights from afar.

New Year (shogatsu) celebrations are taken seriously as locals clean their residences, give thanks and visit shrines between January 1st and 3rd. Spring brings in the much-awaited Tokyo Cherry Blossom Festival, when visitors throng the Japanese capital from the world over. Outdoor parties and picnics unravel under the mystical cherry blossoms(sakura). March also features the 2-day Furusato Food Festival where delicacies from all over Japan are served. The country’s biggest rock festival Summer Sonic has roped in biggies like Radiohead in the past and concert tickets sell out in no time. The year closes with pretty light decorations and installations, particularly by the riverside.

The observation deck perched atop Japan’s tallest structure at 634m gives visitors an idea of how sprawling the megalopolis of Tokyo is! High-speed elevators and the glass floor add to the experience. Modeled after the Eiffel Tower, Tokyo Tower is resplendent by night with its colored lighting. You’ll be forgiven for thinking you were in Paris!

This entertainment district on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay hosts some intriguing structures such as the ultra-futuristic Fuji TV Building whose centerpiece is a gigantic silver sphere visible from afar. Another unique structure is the Museum of Maritime Science which resembles a luxury cruise liner! The Rainbow Bridge which connects Odaibo to Tokyo is beautifully lit by night.

This fun theme park in the Fuji Five Lakes Region boasts heart-stopping rides such as Takabisha – be warned it’s one of the world’s steepest coaster plunges. Super Scary Labyrinth of Fear meanwhile is touted as one of the world’s scariest (and longest!) haunted places. Try both when in Tokyo!

For high-street shopping, head to the glamorous Ginza district which boasts some of the world’s most high-end boutiques, chic restaurants, art galleries and nightclubs too. Shopping aside, Ginza is a photographer and architecture lover’s paradise – look out for the beautiful DeBeers building.

Take to the skies on your last night in Tokyo and peek down at this magnificent energy-infused megalopolis. It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that’ll stay forever etched in your memories.