No visit to Tokyo should go without touring Asakusa. Start your tour at the Kaminari-mon, Thunder God Gate which serves as an entryway to grounds of Sensoji Temple and is perhaps the busiest area in Asakusa. Past the gate, you'll follow Nakamise-dori, a long passageway lined up with food stalls and artisan and souvenir shops which leads to another, equally spectacular inner gate as well as the five-story pagoda Goju-no-to on its left. Finally, you'll arrive to the Main Hall. Don't forget to look up because it's ceiling is spectacular. Once you've toured the shrine, you can go souvenir shopping at the market that surrounds the sacred grounds, or visit one of the oldest amusement parks Hanayashiki. Alternatively, proceed to the Sumida-gawa River bank to have a glimpse of Asakusa's impressive skyline, especially Tokyo SkyTree. The Sumida River Terrace, with its open-air cafes and street performances, could be a relaxing spot for a leisurely walk while taking in the view of the river and the city’s skyline. You can also take a river cruise, that will take you all the way to Hamarikyu Gardens or Odaiba.

If you browse Nakamise-Dori and Asakusa's side streets there are a lot of food stalls that offer local sweets and snacks. Asakusa is also known for its tempura restaurants. Stop by Sansada where you can enjoy a hearty and delicious lunch while sitting on tatami floors. Tempura batter was crispy and light, and the accompanying side dishes were also very tasty.

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in local culture is to wear the traditional Japanese attire. It is very common in Japan to dress up in yukata (summer kimono) and walk around the city to take some photos. The Kimono Gallery, a luxurious rental salon in Ginza, offers stunning array of attires for women and men. Their service is impeccable and the ambiance is very nice, with beautiful set-up for an indoor photoshoot. You can pick your own pattern of yukata or kimono and accessories, get your hair styled to match your outfits and head out to explore the neighborhood.

Ginza is one of the most affluent neighborhoods of Tokyo, with wide array of luxurious shopping and restaurants. If you're walking with your yukata, you might want to visit the Kabuki-za Theatre which boasts with impressive historic architecture, or walk to the Imperial Palace. For a beautiful indoor space, head to the landscape garden atop swanky Ginza Six department store, or an impressive Tsutaya bookstore located on its top floor.

For a pleasant afternoon by the waterfront, head to Odaiba Marine Park which offers beautiful views of its sandy beach and the city that lies beyond, as well as a very relaxing atmosphere coupled with loads of entertainment for the entire family. For a nice tour of the Tokyo Bay, you can hop on Yurikamome water bus. Afterwards, head into the numerous shopping centers to have fun at the arcades, museums and shops. Odaiba is also a perfect place to settle down for dinner and then take a stroll for some night views.

For a dinner with unmatched views in Tokyo, grab a table at Ablaze Barbeque Terrace. The delicious menu featuring a variety of meats and vegetables, romantic and enjoyable atmosphere make it a perfect spot to end the day.

No visit to Odaiba can go without stopping by the Statue of Liberty. Set against Tokyo Bay and Rainbow Bridge, it truly affords stunning views and is particularly impressive when lit up at night matching the illuminated Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower.

Villa Fontaine Shiodome offers comfortable and spacious accommodations that are equipped with all the necessary amenities. Hotel staff is very friendly and ready to accommodate your needs. The hotel is conveniently located next to the metro station which will connect you to any part of the city.

For domestic travel, Haneda Airport is a very convenient and comfortable airport which provides multiple daily flights all over Japan. ANA is a very reliable choice for domestic flights as their service is outstanding service both before and after boarding the flight. Check in process for domestic flights at Haneda Airport are very quick and smooth and the ANA aircraft is very comfortable making the flight go by seamlessly.

LUNCH at Aogi: This riverside mom-and-pop restaurants makes you feel like you're visiting the local's home. The spot is located on the banks of Niyodogawa River and offers stunning views from its wooden terrace. They have plenty of delectable options cooked with the freshest local ingredients.

Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku Island offers abundance of water activities, and rafting is one of the most fun ways to enjoy the beauty of local rivers. A variety of rafting tours are offered along the scenic Yoshino River, centering to all levels, from beginner rafting to a full-on day excursions for families or group of friends.

Other activities
The Paper Museum: for a unique experience and a doze of local culture,visit Ino-cho Paper Musuem where you will be able to learn about the history of traditional Japanese Tosa Washi paper as well as partake in nagashizuki papermaking workshop to make your own washi paper.

Kochi Castle: No visit to Kochi city will be complete without a visit to its iconic Kochi Castle which is the only castle in Japan featuring all of its original Edo period architecture in the main citadel. The observation deck on the top floor affords spectacular views of the entire Kochi City, while the grounds of the castle have a pleasant landscape for a leasurely walk.

Chikurin-ji Temple: Being one of the 88 tmeples on Shikoku Island set up by Kobo Daishi, a revered Buddhist monk, Chikurin-ji Temple is a sacred pillgrimage site and the main temple in Kochi Prefecture. It is home to a five-story pagoda and a tranquil Japanese garden. After visiting the temple, you can enjoy the beauty of the famous Makino Botanical Garden or take in the panoramic views from Kenritsu Godaisan Observation Deck.

To dine just like the locals do, head to Hirome Market. It is not the food market in the conventional scene, but rather a collection of small restaurants serving a slew of local fare. The atmosphere here is buzzy and the food is simply outstanding. Don't leave without trying some of the local specialties like katsuo (bonito) served as sashimi or slightly seared (katsuo-no-tataki). Continue your night at Tosa Shu Bar where you can sample some of the best sake that Kochi Prefecture is known for.

Conveniently located just a few minutes away from the central Kochi Train Station, Hotel Takasago is a great choice for your trip to Kochi. They offer both traditional and western-style rooms that are very well-maintained, comfortable and fully equipped with necessary amenities. You can relax at the onsen after a full day of exploring, and enjoy a delicious traditional breakfast the next morning.

To fully appreciate the abundant nature of Kochi prefecture, take a scenic ride on the winding road along the Shimanto River. You will pass the lush forests, quaint villages and moss-covered temples along the way. On clear sunny days, the Shimanto River will impress you with its azure water color. It is said to be the last remaining clear stream in Japan and flows along the most beautiful valley.

After a few hours of cycling take a well-deserved break at Shaenjiri, which is a small Japanese restaurant run by the local ladies. They cook up a storm every day offering mouthwatering home-cooked dishes all prepared with the produced sourced from their farms.

For a different perspective of the Shimanto River and an exciting experience, take a canoe tour down the river. Canoeing in the open air offers unforgettable memories as you come so close to the clear water, beautiful mountains and birds singing in the forest.

To fully appreciate the abundant nature of Kochi prefecture, rent a bicycle at the Egawasaki Station and take a scenic ride on the winding road along the Shimanto River. You will pass the lush forests, quaint villages and moss-covered temples along the way. On clear sunny days, the Shimanto River will impress you with its azure water color. It is said to be the last remaining clear stream in Japan and flows along the most beautiful valley.

Settle in one of the local izakaya restaurants around Tosa-Irino Station to try more of the local food. This area prides itself with the freshest seafood and katsuo is of course a prime dish to order in every spot you go.

Nest West Garden Tosa is located close to the station, and offers serene atmosphere paired with panoramic views of the sea from its rooms. They have western style and traditional tatami rooms, both of which are very comfortable. They have Japanese baths for male and female guests and provide traditional Japanese as well as western-style breakfast in the morning. The hotel staff is very friendly and accommodating, and can provide transportation to and from the train station when reserved in advance.

Stroll through the historic Taisho-Machi Market, which is located in fishermen's district of Kure. The market is a small mazeof arcades and outdoor stalls selling seafood, locally farmed vegetables and and fruit, and souvenirs, as well as the inviting restaurants serving the freshly cooked local dishes. Katsuo (bonito) is the most popular fish which the fisherman still catch individually with the fish rods, not the fish net. Local fishermen believe that fishnet is damaging the fish and thus affecting the quality of bonito, which they want to avoid. This is arguably one of the best places to taste katsuo sashimi on Shikoku Island and all of Japan.

The fisherman's town of Nakatosa provides an insight into the rustic lifestyle of Kochi with its atmospheric streets and authentic atmosphere of a fishing town. It is interesting to learn about the local fishing culture and unique pole-and-line fishing method. One of the few local spots worth visiting is Nishioka Shuzo sake brewery which is housed within the oldest sake brewery building in the prefecture dating back to the Edo period.

Don't leave Kochi without visiting Tosa Select Shop Tencosu to pick up some souvenirs to take home. The shop has a large assortment of omiyage (specialty edible souvenirs) and different crafts from all parts of Kochi Prefecture.

Japan is a country of great contrasts and this tour shows very well how easy it is to enjoy city life, and then transport yourself into the tranquil and rustic atmosphere that is only about an hour and a half flight away. Visiting Kochi Prefecture will provide an experience of a lifetime: the friendliest and most welcoming locals, myriads of outdoor activities and cultural experiences, the most delicious food and gorgeous nature will make you plan a return trip the minute you leave.