Tokyo is a city of superlatives. The population of the metro area around this Japanese metropolis is an astounding 37 million people, making it the largest on the planet. It has the world’s tallest tower, the Tokyo Skytree. Shinjuku Station is the world’s busiest train station. Showa Memorial Park is the largest of its kind in an urban area.

But there’s no need to be intimidated by this Godzilla-sized city. Tokyo is a wonder of the world and everyone should see and experience it at least once. It’s unique, uber-technically advanced, and just … different. (In a very good and fun way.) Each neighborhood has its own distinct vibe, as if you just wandered into a different village.

There are extravagant spectacles in Tokyo but the beauty of this megalopolis is that there’s wonder, fascination, and in intrigue in even the smallest details—from the flurry of pedestrians crossing a busy intersection to the way some subcultures of teenagers dress to the types of an animal that might qualify as “sushi” to the never-in-your-wildest-dreams” items for sale in a vending machine.

And besides that, there are the big-ticket items too: the world-class museums, the singular shopping scene, and some of the best restaurants in the world (and not just for Japanese cuisine, either). This is a city of superlatives—too many to even count.

Aman Tokyo is a luxury urban retreat with 84 suites and signature suites, occupying the upper floors of Otemachi Tower in central Tokyo near the Imperial Palace Gardens and Tokyo Station. The property blends contemporary architecture with traditional Japanese design, using wood, stone, washi paper, shoji screens, and deep furo soaking tubs throughout its spacious accommodations.

Dining includes Arva for seasonal southern Italian cuisine, Musashi by Aman for Edomae-style omakase sushi, La Pâtisserie for house-made breads and pastries, The Café by Aman for teas and sweets, and The Lounge by Aman for all-day dining, afternoon tea, and cocktails. Additional facilities include the 2,500 m² Aman Spa with onsen-style baths, steam rooms, a 30-meter indoor pool, a fitness center, and dedicated yoga and Pilates studios.

In the year 794 Kyoto was chosen as the imperial seat by Emperor Kanmu. And with that, this historic city began life as the most charming big city in Japan. The city was designed and built up along Chinese feng shui models. And Japanese emperors would then rule from here for the next eleven centuries until the mid 19th century.

Considered the cultural capital of Japan, this city of 1.5 million denizens is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Kyoto landscape is sprinkled with ancient Buddhist temples, centuries-old Shinto shrines, plus-sized places, and impressive imperial villas.

There’s a lot to see and do in Kyoto. In fact, it’s been estimated that 20 percent of Japan’s national treasures exist within the city’s boundaries. There are dozens of museums and an estimated 2,000 Buddhist and shinto places of worship.

It’s also a great culinary center. Since it’s an inland city, far from the sea, as well as a center for Buddhist study, the cuisine of Kyoto evolved into one that is very vegetable forward and friendly.

HOSHINOYA Kyoto is a refined riverside retreat set along the Oi River in Oku Arashiyama, designed to evoke the elegance of Kyoto’s Heian-period nobility. The resort offers 25 guest pavilions with gorge views, seasonal scenery, traditional craftsmanship, modern comforts, free wifi, and interiors shaped by preserved architecture, Arai wood-restoration techniques, Kyo Karakami paper, and custom tatami sofas.

Guests can enjoy Japanese dining, in-room breakfast, a café and lounge, spa and massage treatments, the Floating Tea Room, the Hidden Garden, private boat arrivals, houseboat excursions, incense workshops, Zen meditation, morning stretching, and seasonal experiences that highlight the changing beauty of Rankyo Gorge.