Tuesday, 24 May 2011 09:53
Exploration is the only way to discover a different culture
People planning solo holidays in Tokyo should be sure to explore how "ordinary people" live in this thriving tourist metropolis.
Susie Grimshaw, the arts production manager for the Guardian Group, said that the "secret ingredient" to any holiday is trying to catch a glimpse of residents' lives.
She wrote in the Guardian newspaper how the traditional tourism routes are great ways to look around a country, but those looking for more can explore further.
"When you're on a short trip, it's easy to get a feel for a place's history and culture by sampling the museums, galleries, religious buildings and ruins; buy the guidebook and off you go," she said.
"And, yes, Tokyo's Shinto temples are fascinating, but what about glimpsing a genuine slice of life, seeing how ordinary people live?"
Travellers on solo holidays in Japan could travel on the country's famous bullet train, or trek near the fabulous Mount Fuji.