Wander the neighbourhoods, from old-town to electric-town

Tokyo is really a collection of distinct villages, and exploring them on foot is the best free thing to do. Drift through the retro lanes and traditional shops of Yanaka and old-town Asakusa, geek out in the electronics and anime wonderland of Akihabara, browse the trend-setting boutiques of Harajuku, and find quiet in the gardens of the Imperial Palace. Each neighbourhood has its own character, and the joy is simply in the wandering. We'll map out a few walking routes that string together the most rewarding districts.