If there's one city in Asia that comfortably straddles the rich history and culture of the region and also its indelible role in shaping the future of civilization, it would have to be Tokyo, Japan.
  Tokyo is a city that is quite comfortable in its own unique skin.
It adheres to its culture zealously but is not afraid to embrace the changes that are happening within the global community.
In order to experience Tokyo culture, you should visit the various sights that help define the city.
There are a number of landmarks and destinations that a person could visit that - taken together - present a mosaic of what Tokyo is in the past, present and the future.
  If you're ever in Tokyo, these are five sights that should be on your must-visit list.
Akihabara  Tokyo has become synonymous with cutting edge technology.
  If you want to see what the electronics industry has to offer in terms of the latest gadgets and electronic equipment in the market today, then you should take a trip to the Akihabara district.
From big name shops to small stalls, sellers will sell you all kinds of appliances and interesting gadgets.
The great thing about Akihabara is you get to see technology so new that you'll likely only see it in the mainstream public a couple of years down the line.
It's like shopping in the future.
  Gokoku-ji  The Gokoku-ji or Gokoku Temple is considered an important cultural property in Japan.
The Gokoku Temple is one of the last surviving Edo temples in the country and dates back to 1680 when it was built by the fifth Tokugawa shogun for his mother.
This destination provides relaxing visit since it's typically not crowded by tourists.
  Kyokyo  A visit to Tokyo will never be complete without a tour of the Imperial Palace - the official and permanent residence of the Japanese royal family.
The Imperial Palace, or Kyokyo, was completed in 1968.
It is a more modern reconstruction of the Meiji Imperial Palace that was destroyed in World War II.
Even though the Palace itself is fairly new, the grounds on which it is built on is steeped in history.
The site was where the Edo Castle once stood.
Edo castle was once considered to be the largest castle in the world.
  The Imperial Palace is actually closed to the public for most of the year.
It is only open on two days - the January 2, the New Year's Holiday and the Emperor's birthday on December 23.
Even if you don't get to visit on those two days, you can still walk around the outskirts of the palace and visit the wonderful gardens located beside it.
From the gardens, you can get a great view of the famous double-barrelled bridge, one of the popular landmarks of the castle.
  Meiji Shrine  The Meiji Shrine is where Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken are enshrined.
These influential rulers are responsible for Japan ending its isolationist stance from the rest of the world.
The shrine is considered the most opulent Shinto shrine in the country.
It was built in 1920 but was largely destroyed in World War II.
It was eventually reconstructed in 1958.
  The shrine itself only occupies a portion of the 70 hectares of forest that comprises the whole precinct.
Even though the shrine has been reconstructed, it is considered the most authentic of all the post-war reconstructions.
Aside from the shrine itself, visitors can enter and stroll around the Meiji-jingu Gyoen, a very beautiful strolling garden.
This garden was designed by Emperor Meiji himself as a gift to the Empress.
  Kabuki-za (Kabuki Theater)  For a taste of traditional Japanese arts, few can come close to this famous kabuki theater.
Kabuki performances are mesmerizing and almost otherworldly.
Even if you don't go to watch the performances, it is still a good idea to go there just to see the reconstructed building that still adheres to its original mix of Western and Japanese architecture.
If you do decide to attend a performance, it is perfectly acceptable to bring food or drinks with you.
To have the most unique cultural experience, buy traditional Japanese dishes and drinks.