Tokyo: home to more than six million vending machines and a blizzard of retail options from designer fashion to dog toupees. Start the day with a fresh sushi breakfast and end it with the evening weather report for news on the sakura zensen (cherry blossom front). The Tokyo Encounter guide gives you twice the city in half the time.

This pared-down number is ideal for quick trips - it's less accommodation, more neighbourhood highlights and the best of local knowledge.

• Full-colour pull-out map and detailed neighbourhood maps
• Interviews with locals reveal Tokyo's secrets
• Money-saving tips for the world¿s most expensive city
• Expert tips on the best places to buy anime and manga