Gazing across Tokyo's sweeping forest of twinkling high-rises is every bit as electrifying as the vertical verve of Manhattan. It's a city that seemingly never sleeps and never stops working.
The 1958-vintage Tokyo Tower remains a beloved tourist icon, symbolising the city's post-war rebirth and design inspired by the Eiffel Tower.
Five years ago, the Tokyo Sky Tree opened its lofty observation deck to the world, billing itself as the world's "tallest free-standing tower" at 634 metres. It's another great spot to watch the sun set behind Mt. Fuji.
Surrounded by canyons of commerce and high-density living, the high-powered business district of Marunouchi is proudly home to the Imperial Palace.
Home to Emperor Akhito and family, I enjoyed a stroll through the palace's east garden and its exquisitely twisted pine trees, which feels a world away from the big-city bustle.
The moat and stone walls date back to the original Edo Castle, which was the world's largest fortress in its heyday.