subject: Tokyo For A Totally Different Vacation Experience [print this page] Your destination belongs to one of the oldest civilizations in the world and yet, Tokyo straddles the centuries old ways and its own modern vibe with spectacular results. To see its efforts and progress, book cheap airfares to Tokyo and head out to the Tokyo National Museum. Here, you can see traditional Japanese art in its best forms. Or try the National Museum of Western Art, for other world experiences.
Historically, the country's performing arts - Kabuki and Noh - are widely appreciated and still hold their own alongside modern forms. You can catch these acts in one of the many theaters in the city. Not to be left behind, modern Japanese music can be heard and seen in the clubs and arenas like the Nippon Budokan. Depending on what you are in the mood for, make your US Airways flight reservations and enjoy a gala time.
If you are here in the last Saturday of July, you can watch the sky light up and rain light with the gigantic fireworks display over the Sumida River at the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival. This is not just a festival but also a competition between rival groups for the best fireworks display in all sizes, shapes and colors.
Many of the festivals take place in the most popular shrines of the city, like that the Asakusa Shrine, where the elaborate and exquisite floats, traditional music and dance will mesmerize you for sure. You can enjoy traditional Japanese drums, whistles and flutes. Or you can catch the one at the Hie Shrine. Flights to Tokyo are in short supply in spring as scores of people arrive to admire and fall in love with the delicate cherry blossoms in bloom. Enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival and make a picnic out of it at the Inokashira and Ueno parks or the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Do find out what the best fares are and celebrate the 17th century old, biennial Kanda Festivals.
Food is very much part of the culture and you will find more Michelin star hotels here, than even in the French capital. You can choose the perennial favorite Sushi or old fashioned Japanese dishes. In this part of the world, airfares need not include entertainment because you can run but you cannot hide from the national pastime of Sumo wrestling. You can catch any of the three wrestling tournaments held each year or walk into the Tokyo Dome to watch some international level baseball. Cheap flights to Tokyo will also let you appreciate the competitive spirit of the nation, apparent in the number of international sports events the city has hosted in a variety of sports ranging from the traditional karate, gymnastics and judo to the incongruous rugby and tennis, all of which make for great viewing and hours of pleasure.
The tradition of literally rebuilding lives is visible in the many fine examples of modern architecture one can see in the city. You cannot miss the Tokyo Tower and the Tokyo Skytree as your US Airways flight brings you into the city. You may also enjoy the Rainbow Bridge, the Asahi Beer Hall and the Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower.
