The area surrounding Tokyo Skytree represents a modern counterpart to the traditional atmosphere of nearby Asakusa. While the 634-metre tower itself draws visitors with its two observation decks, the district at its base functions as a comprehensive destination. The Tokyo Solamachi complex houses over 300 shops and restaurants, the Sumida Aquarium, and a planetarium. This riverside part of Sumida Ward has been reshaped by the tower's development, creating a commercial hub with plazas and green spaces that offer dramatic perspectives of the structure itself.

Acquaint yourself with mysterious and rather exotic remedies collected in this authentic museum housed inside a traditional mansion right on the commercial Hefang street. Explore herbs and roots and see stuffed animals (some - a sight not for the faint of heart) used in traditional healing.

About 80 km from Hangzhou city and just an easy hour bus ride away, Wu Zhen is a town where time passes without notice. More and more tourists have discovered the time-worn cobbled stone streets, crow-stepped gable, wooden doors and long, narrow alleys of Wu Zhen. Still, the life of the locals seem undisturbed. They still keep to their traditional customs, like drinking Sanbai Wine, making traditional maltose and sipping morning tea until 9.30 am, the same leisurely and pleasing way their great grandfathers did. With the newly created Wu Zhen International Theater Festival, the town shows also a touch of modern culture.