Tokyo

TOP TIP There is a five per cent sales tax levied on all goods sold in Tokyo, but you can get instant tax refunds on purchases of more than 10,000 yen [HK$621] at some of the bigger shops and department stores, including Takashimaya, Isetan and Mitsukoshi. Ask at the information booth for the tax refund counter (usually located on the top floors), hand over your passport and receipts and the clerk should give you your cash back immediately.

Some of the fancier boutiques in Ginza, such as Cartier and Mikimoto (the cultured pearl giant), don't charge sales tax if customers produce a foreign passport at the time of purchase.

Tourists often find the elaborate subway and train system, with more than 100 stops, daunting. First-timers should acclimatise themselves on the circular JR (Japan Railway) Yamanote Line which has stops in the most popular districts - Shibuya and Shinjuku for shopping; Harajuku for trend watchers; Ginza for great restaurants, and Shinagawa for beautiful parks. The line is highlighted in bright green on the subway and train maps, which you can pick up at any hotel.

I would recommend the Daikanyama area (between Shibuya and Ebisu) for fashion shopping. The really cool APC flagship is located there, divided into three stores (women: 11-9 Sarugakucho; men: 25-2 Sarugakucho; jeans, accessories and music: 27-3 Sarugakucho) and there are also funky second-hand stores, the best being Hollywood Ranch Market (28-17 Sarugakucho) and Dep't (30-3 Sarugakucho).

Other good shopping areas are Jiyugaoka (40 minutes from central Tokyo by JR) for home accessories and Shimokitazawa filled with shops selling clothing, craft goods and accessories.

If you're a fan of architect Philippe Starck, or find yourself in the Asakusa area, head for the Asahi Beer headquarters on the Sumidagawa River. This striking black building with a huge gold flame perched upon the flat roof is like nothing you've ever seen before. Round off the visit by sampling an Asahi beer at the bar on the top floor.