Two cities south of Tokyo are well worth making time for on any visit to Japan. Yokohama, the country's second largest metropolis, is just a 20-minute train journey from the capital and packs considerable appeal with its bayside location, eclectic architecture,
microbreweries and tasty cuisine. From 4 August to 5 November 2017, the Yokohoma Triennale (yokohamatriennale.jp) will add creative contemporary art projects to the mix.
Alternatively, you could be strolling between venerable temples and shrines in the verdant hills surrounding Kamakura, Japan's first feudal capital. Less than an hour from Tokyo, this classy seaside town is known for its surfing scene, but also offers a tempting selection of relaxed cafes and restaurants and an iconic giant statue of Buddha.