Tokyo, by ear.

The story of Senso-ji begins some 1,400 years ago. Legend says two fishermen brothers pulled a tiny statue of Kannon from the Miyato River, today's Sumida, and enshrined it here. The temple grew into a center of faith for the people of Edo, its gates lined with theaters and entertainment. Tokyo's oldest temple remains, as ever, a place of both prayer and play.

Meiji Jingu was founded in 1920 to honor Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Its forest is man-made: some 100,000 donated trees were planted on once-barren land, designed to mature into a natural woodland over a century. Deep quiet sits right beside youthful Harajuku.

Start with the broth in front of you: tonkotsu, shoyu, miso, or shio. Ramen came from Chinese noodles and evolved in Japan's postwar street stalls. Slurping isn't rude here — it's the sound of enjoying it. Eat it hot, and don't hold back.

Sushi began as fermented preserved fish. Edo-style nigiri was the fast version: fresh fish on vinegared rice. Ginger resets your palate; dip the fish side, not the rice. At the counter, chatting with the chef is part of the meal.

teamLab Planets opened in Toyosu in 2018 as an immersive digital art space. Visitors remove their shoes and walk through works of water and light, not just viewing art but becoming part of it. A new kind of museum.

Tokyo Skytree opened in 2012 as a broadcasting tower, built to carry digital signals across the region. Its height, 634 meters, was chosen to read as Musashi, the area's old provincial name, a new emblem for the old downtown of Sumida.

Shibuya grew from a land of rivers and valleys into a hub of railways and youth culture. In the 1930s the tale of the loyal dog Hachiko captured hearts, making the station front a symbol of meeting up. Today it is known for the world's busiest crossing.

Tsukiji Market served as Tokyo's kitchen for over 80 years from 1935. In 2018 the fish market moved to Toyosu, but Tsukiji's outer market still bustles, welcoming food lovers from around the world.