This is certainly more than dunking a Rich Tea in a cup of builders! A full-on Sado tea ceremony involves a very formal order of progression, including how and when to pass the cup, rotate it, sip, and eat the accompanying traditional sweets so you will need to pay attention! The whole process is not really about drinking tea, but is about aesthetics, how preparing a bowl of tea is from the heart. The host of the tea ceremony always considers the guests with every movement and gesture. Even the placement of the utensils used in the ceremony is considered from the guests point of view. While it’s typically seen as more of a Kyoto thing, there are still many places where you can experience a tea ceremony in Tokyo, such as Komaba Warakuan two stops west of Shibuya Station, and Chazen in Ginza.

Visiting castles in Britain is something most of us have experienced – learning what it was like to be a knight in the Middle Ages is a classic weekend pastime – and in Japan you can go a step further and actually dress as a samurai warrior! While you can see castle walls at the Tokyo Imperial Palace, if you want to see a castle keep, the nearest to Tokyo is in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture. While there, you can pay to wander the grounds (but not enter the keep) in some fairly satisfying samurai armour. Ninja and princess options are also available for really expressive travelling rugby fan.

If you want to bring out your inner Dave Grohl of Jimi Hendrix then look no further than your chance to play a shamisen. It is a three-stringed instrument played with a plectrum called a bachi. Once every month, Arts Council Tokyo runs three free shamisen workshops on a single day at the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Centre right across the street from Senso-ji’s Kaminarimon gate. Check the schedule and just show up for a truly unique experience!

Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Tokyo’s oldest temple. In a city full of temples, the Sensoji Temple is one not to be missed! After passing the famous entrance gate, Kaminarimon and its large red lantern, you’ll reach Nakamise Dori – the oldest shopping street in Japan! Browse the traditional Japanese craft items as you make your way to the Temple’s main hall. And once inside don’t forget to look up! The incredible paintings on the ceiling are a sight to behold. This site is also home to the 5-storied pagoda which stands an incredible 53 metres tall. There aren’t many of these in Japan so don’t forget your camera!

The Robot Restaurant is a crazy, wacky way to see Tokyo in all its glory. Head to this over-the-top spot in Shinjuku to see live ‘robot’ shows intermixed with traditional Japanese culture like festival dances and taiko drumming, with plenty of neon sprinkled on top. It’s basically the craziest floor show you can possibly imagine - and tons of fun! It’s like being served dinner by C3P0.