Tokyo, the world’s most populous area and Japan’s capital, is an eclectic mash-up of modern design and old fashioned traditions. From swanky shopping to serene gardens, it’s never a dull moment in the neon city.

Set your alarm bright and early to check out the Tsukiji Fish Market, the world’s busiest and largest market of its kind. The popular live tuna auctions begin at 5 a.m. and no visit is complete without a sushi breakfast at one of the counters near the wholesale fruit and vegetable market. If you’re looking for excellent city views, move on to the Mori Tower for the 52nd-floor observation deck or stroll the famous intersection outside Shibuya Station.

In late March and early April, cherry blossom season begins. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the lawns of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, where you can walk all the gardens and peer out the second-story windows of the Taiwan Pavilion. Equally lovely is the Hama-rikyu, which features a 300year-old pine, a peony field, and a saltwater moat.