As world cities go, Japan’s capital is exceptionally captivating in its magnitude and manifold points of interest. As the planet’s most populous metropolis, Tokyo offers world-class dining, endless shopping, a myriad of attractions, and dozens of landmarks. While Shibuya Crossing flickers with foot traffic and large video screens to showcase the city’s modern buzz, Tokyo’s many green spaces provide a serene contrast, especially at Shinjuku Gyo-en National Garden, a 144-acre park overflowing with verdant lawns, flowers, and over 1,500 cherry trees.

A trove of museums provide travelers windows into Japanese history, art, architecture, food, and culture. Explore the collection of scale models of historic Tokyo in the Edo Tokyo Museum and enjoy the unique trappings of the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, celebrating Japan’s national dish. Sushi bars, theme parks, cutting-edge fashion boutiques, and more await in this multifarious megalopolis, providing a perfect homebase and lots of options for your Tokyo rental.

While there’s never a bad time to visit Tokyo, an ideal time to visit is in the early spring or the fall. The climate is more temperate during the equinoxes, as opposed to the middle of summer, which can be hot and humid — as high as 88 degrees Fahrenheit. The colorful red and orange foliage peaks in mid November and offers a serene atmosphere in autumn, when many visitors flock to Ueno-koen Park and Yoyogi-koen Park. In the spring, bright reds are replaced with lush pinks when the cherry blossom trees come to life. Blooming season is from mid-late March through early-mid April, though make sure that you check the specific year’s predictions for the exact location you are traveling to prior to your trip to ensure you visit within the best timeframe.

Oedo Antique Market

Explore Japan’s largest outdoor antique market, the Oedo Antique Market, which takes place twice a month in the courtyard of the Tokyo International Forum in the central Tokyo area of Marunouchi. A wide spectrum of vintage clothing, home goods, ceramics, and other odds and ends create an intriguing gathering spot for those looking for a truly unique shopping experience.

Senso-Ji

Experience Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, the Senso-Ji, located in Asakusa. Seno-Ji occupies the site of the original temple which was established in 645 AD, nearly 1,400 years ago. Between the Kaminarimon (or “Thunder Gate”) and the five-story pagoda within the complex, the majesty of traditional Japanese architecture is on full display. The vicinity of the site maintains the atmosphere of the temple grounds, featuring shops and eateries offering traditional cuisine.

Tokyo Skytree

Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo from atop the glass-walled observation deck of the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Tokyo and second tallest in the world at 2,080 feet. Combining neo-futurist and traditional design elements, the structure is also magnificent to view from the ground as well. At night, LEDs light up the outer latticework of the tower to create an unforgettable visual experience.