Think Tokyo and the first things that come to your mind would be the crowds of people, glass skyscrapers, shiny LED lights, vending machines, just to name a few. To say that it’s as energetic just as another metropolis would be an understatement. With all the hustle and bustle, this city of 13 million has a harmonious side as well, and that strikes a beautiful balance which helps its populace relax and unwind. It was my second trip to the ‘land of the rising sun’ and this time I was here not for sightseeing, shopping or restaurant hopping. I was in Tokyo for relaxing.

My first stop is the Imperial Palace. Situated right in the center of the city it is still home to the Emperor and Empress of Japan. The Palace and the massive surrounding gardens are to Tokyo what Central Park is to NYC. I decided to take a stroll in the East Gardens which are a 5-minute walk from the Otemachi station. The short walk is actually a transition — concrete, glass, and tarmac make way for a beautiful setting of perfectly trimmed trees, bonsai gardens, bridges and little lakes reflecting the blue sky above. Nestled in these massive manicured gardens are the remnants of the Edo castle which was built way back in 1486. All that remains now are the samurai guard houses, entrance gates, and moats. I was also impressed by the Museum of Imperial collection which has close to 9,500 pieces of art and craft that have been passed through generations of the Imperial family.

Spread across 210,000 square meters there is no shortage of quaint and scenic spots in the garden, I picked a bench by a lake and across the horizon was a glass skyscraper reflecting the soft orange glow of the setting sun reminding me that I was in the middle of Tokyo city.  I can only imagine how beautiful the garden would in the Cherry Blossom season, perhaps that is something worth coming for the third time.

All the walking had me a bit tired so I decided to head back to the hotel. I was staying at the Aman Tokyo which is just a short walk away from the Imperial Palace. The hotel is my natural suggestion as it offers everything — a central location, well-appointed luxurious rooms, views of the Imperial Palace, and impeccable service. After the long walk, I decided to wash away the lethargy with a traditional Japanese onsen style bath followed by a dip in the temperature controlled pool. Located on the 35th floor the pool offers a stellar view of the Tokyo skyline from its floor to ceiling glass windows.

The options for a delicious meal in Tokyo are endless, after the walking and swimming, I decided not to venture out and settled into the hotel’s restaurant on the 33rd floor. Like all the other areas of the hotel, it offers mind-blowing views of the city. ‘Restaurant by Aman’ serves European inspired food with seasonal Japanese ingredients. I decided to go for some soba noodles and a club sandwich with shiitake mushrooms, a hearty meal later I spent some time at the hotel’s library and then called it a night.

Early next morning I headed to the Asakusa temple. The one thing I absolutely love about Tokyo is its subway system — spread across nine lines and a staggering 180 stops the entire system operates like clockwork and connects the majority of the city including the shrine. Passing through the thunder gate a wooden structure with a massive red bell I entered the Sensoji temple.

Being the oldest it is the most visited temple in Tokyo but in spite of the crowds, one experiences a sense of calmness.

It felt as if I had travelled back in time to an ancient Japanese era. The temple is known to bring luck for almost anything, so like everyone else, I too lit an incense stick and bowed my head in front of the main hall of the temple. Interestingly, the trick is to cover yourself with the incense smoke from the cauldron.

Legend says that the part of the body which gets covered with smoke will get better. Like the others, I too patted smoke on my head with hopes of becoming smarter. Also popular are the scores of fortune tellers and the ‘Nakamise-dori’ a long path that is lined with souvenir stores that sell everything from kimonos to chopsticks and fans to Japanese sweets.

Undoubtedly, Tokyo grows on you. The metropolis is like multiple cities melded in one; it sublimely bridges the gap between the old and the new. It’s lively as well as tranquil, all that is preserved and all that continues to grow. You just can never get enough of Tokyo.