Tokyo is easily one of the most exciting cities you can ever visit and even though it is ever changing dramatically, there is a romantic attractiveness about its chaos. That frenzy and its ability to stay ahead of times compared to other developed cities are just a few of its travellers draw cards. Of course there is also the food, fashion and just about anything quirky and cute.

Tokyo is as much a traditional and cultural city as it is a vibrant and buzzing metropolis. One would be forgiven to associate Tokyo only with bright neon lights and kawaii fashion as these are often what you would see in your friends’ holiday snaps but parklands, shrines, museums offer travellers who wish to seek an alternative side to Tokyo.

Meiji Shrine is the Shinto shrine that was constructed in 1915 to commemorate Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. The shrine is located within an evergreen forest that consists of over three hundred species and a pleasure ten-minute walk from the torii entrance. There are reflections of rich history and culture in this tourist attraction and if you are lucky, you will come across traditional wedding ceremonies.

Clothes shopping in Tokyo is an activity that I am happy to give up food for (yes, I would rather much eat clothes and this is a big call considering I love food just as much). The selection is endless – from on-trend high street to Japan-available-only high fashion lines like Burberry Black and Blue labels to the iridescent and kawaii Harajuku craziness – and it is near impossible to return home empty-handed. The Japanese are also renown for random gadgets and products (sometimes ingenuous, sometimes puzzling) that you never knew existed which will somehow find its way into your luggage so my tip is pack light when you are travelling there.

Here are 5 shopping destinations that is a must visit:

1) Dover Street Market – a six-storey, avant-garde concept store that carries progressive labels like Raf Simons, Rick Owens, Comme Des Garçons.
2) Opening Ceremony – the American outlet that resembles a pop-art space carrying Band Of Outsiders, Kenzo, Opening Ceremony
3) District United – located on the trendy Cat Street and stocking Raf Simons, Dries Van Noten, En Route
4) RagTag –  for high fashion lovers who wouldn’t mind pre-loved finds from Thom Browne, Dior Homme, Martin Maison Margiela
5) Bookmarc – the specialty store by Marc Jacobs stocking books on art, music and culture and assorted accessories