Forget all your preconceptions about Tokyo being a concrete city filled with nothing but robots and schoolgirls dressed as French maids. Japan is often portrayed as a mysterious country juxtaposed with futuristic technology and deep rooted medieval traditions. However, not many tourists go beyond sushi with actually- raw fish when they try to experience real Japanese culture. So, leave your plans of exploring the metallic metropolis at the entrance (with your shoes) and immerse yourself in the softer, cultural, more Zen side of Tokyo.

Stay at a Ryokan

Thinking of staying at a Capsule Hotel? There’s a reason those places were made for desperate business men who missed the last train home to get some shut eye. A Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn. Think delicate sliding paper doors, tatami floors and your own cotton kimono to swan around in. You can truly imagine being on set of your own samurai movie.  For the extra wow factor most Ryokans provide traditional Japanese cuisine for breakfast and dinner. A delicious array of delicate dishes: grilled fish, marinated vegetables and a big bowl of white sticky rice all presented with precision and beauty in mind. You will be blown away at how food can really look like art. Staying in a Ryokan is an un-missable experience into Japanese tradition and culture. Plenty of photo opportunities for your Facebook friends to envy.

Kimi Ryokan in Ikebukuro has trained English speaking staff with single rooms from £25 a night.

Visit an Onsen

‘Onsen’ means hot springs in Japanese, but the term is used to mean the bathing facilities and inns around the hot springs. As Japan is a volcanically active country, it has thousands of onsens and Tokyo boasts the most spectacular. Many onsens have different themed baths- lemon baths, salt water baths and seaweed baths offer various treatments for users. Salt water spring baths are meant to provide a cure for backache. Many onsens have their own natural waterfalls and the baths situated outside are surrounded by Japanese shrubbery, including willow-y bamboo trees and a haze of blue, purple and pink exotic flowers. Enjoy a soak in the relaxing hot beautiful natural atmosphere; and enjoy the company of your friends and maybe even share a bottle of hot sake together!

Kuastsu Onsen in Gunma is the most popular hot spring in Japan with prices from £50 for a day pass.

 Go to the Tsukiji Fish Market

Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo is the biggest seafood market in the whole world and is always a ‘must’ for tourists travelling to Japan. Bidding starts at 5:20am so be prepared to wake up very early to get there in time, but, it is worth the experience. Watch your back for speeding golf carts loaded with tuna- the express way to deliver fish! Your eyes will lock on creatures of the sea you will never have thought of in your wildest imagination- the market boasts 400 different types of seafood from cheap seaweed to the most expensive caviar. Although bidding can only be done by licensed bidders, the sight of the many kinds of fresh fish and other seafood and the busy, lively and excited atmosphere is one unmatched with anywhere in the world. Don’t forget to buy some fish from the citizens’ outer market for the freshest taste in the world!

Visit the Tsukiji Fish Market's website to plan your journey around the different food stalls.

Meiji Jingu

Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the divine souls of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Located in the middle of a dense forest, you could not feel further away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo city life. This is where you will get a real sense of traditional Japanese culture, unlike any other. The serene and peaceful atmosphere of the shrine is part and parcel of the Shinto way of life and you will be amazed at the simplicity in the beautiful temples and gardens that make the best of nature. The shrine holds many traditional Japanese ceremonies, but the most coveted sight at the shrine is the Spring Grand Festival which is held from April 29 to May 3 which is in honour of the deities. This includes Noh performances (ancient Japanese theatre), Bugaku (ceremonial dance and music) Yabusame (horseback archery) and Budo (martial arts display). You will be pulled into the world of ancient Japan and learn about the ancient roots of Japanese culture that sadly has vanished outside of temple ceremonies. For a taste of authentic spiritual Japanese life, Meiji Jingu should be on anybody’s ‘must visit’ list. Please remember to bow before you enter the Temple through the gates and wash your hands and mouth at the ceremonial font near the entrance.

Meiji Jingu is free to visit and is well taking a couple of hours to go around all the sites.

So there it is, the other side of Tokyo, for those seeking history and a sense of adventure. One more tip, always accept the tissues and fans you are given in the street. Japanese companies advertise by handing out packs of tissues and paper fans with their company logo and details on them, but it is also a hidden treasure for tourists not use to the humid climate. You will find yourself looking out for these free samples when you least expect it, so always graciously accept them!