Tranquil Tokyo

← Back

Thu, 28 Oct 04

In the buzzing metropolis of Tokyo, it's often hard to find a moment's peace and experience some of the 'zen' that the Far Eastern country of Japan is so renowned for.

Nevertheless, a look behind the flashing lights of the capital city's karaoke bars, noisy Pachinko parlours (a popular game involving ball bearings) and abundant arcades will reveal some of the most heavenly havens of tranquility to be found the world over.

The gardens at Shinjuku Gyoen right at the centre of the city's largest business and entertainment district, should be the first port of call for any visitor looking to experience the quieter side of Japanese life.

Arguably the most beautiful of Tokyo's parks, Shinjuku Gyoen epitomises the antithesis between peace and productivity that underlies most of Japanese society, as beautifully cultivated zen gardens with tranquil lakes and a traditional temple structure laze against a backdrop of sky-scrapers.

Inside the austere temple of Meiji jingu, astride the Olympic Park and Harajuku - the home to the weird and wonderful of Japanese teenage fashion - it is difficult to remember that you are at the heart of one of the world's busiest cities.

But for those taking off to the Far East this summer, or indeed any of the world's great metropolises, experts are advising that Travel Insurance will be a global imperative.

With weather experts predicting a cold winter and 2004 seeing a rise in flu viruses across both holiday destinations and in the UK itself, taking out some sort of Travel Insurance is seen as crucial.

Trip cancellation coverage is seen as the best way to protect investment in holidays.

© 1998-2005 DeHavilland Information Services plc. All rights reserved.

Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. This can be checked on the FSA Register by visiting its web site at www.fsa.gov.uk/register.
Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited. Company No: 856706 registered in England at Shurdington Road, Cheltenham Spa, Gloucestershire GL51 4UE.