Tokyo is the largest metropolitan area in the world. It retained a lot of its cultural identity with deep and visible roots in its history and traditions. It also acquired Western influences. Some of its neighborhoods feel like a vision from the future, with ever taller, sleeker structures. Others evoke the past with wooden buildings and glowing lanterns. Every corner hints at possible discoveries. 

In this episode:

•  Dave Hackerson takes us through Tokyo's origins as Edo village . He explains what's behind  Japan's relationship with the outside world and the role religion plays in everyday life. He also shares his personal favorite hidden gem in the city - Sawanoi nihonshu brewery (http://www.sawanoi-sake.com/en). Dave's blog: https://akiruno-life.hatenablog.jp/entry/2018/03/04/223608
• Is Tokyo really the riskiest city in the world?
• Bathhouses culture in Japan - onsen versus sento
• Toshimaen Niwa no Yu onsen ( http://www.niwanoyu.jp/niwa/)
• We visit Golden Gai and the Pearl bar. We speak to Pearl's owner Natsuko. More about Natsuko and the Pearl: Instagram handle: Pearl7253, The Pearl: Shinjuku Golden Gai, 3rd street, 2nd floor
•  A special guest - Little Meg - one of the most prominent food personalities on Instagram in Asia - shares her insights into Japanese cuisine and food really worth trying in Japan. Little Meg talks about tradition vs. innovation in Japanese cuisine and explains the concepts of kaiseki and omakase. Little Meg's Instagram handle: little_meg_siu_meg

· Follow us on Instagram: @travelzoom_podcast

· Subscribe to TravelZoom and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen

Interested in collaborating with us? Email: [email protected]